The spelling of "fake book" is fairly straightforward, phonetically speaking. The "f" sound is represented by the letter "f," while the "a" sound in both words is represented by the letter "a." The "k" sound in "fake" is represented by the letter "k," while the "b" sound in "book" is represented by the letter "b." When pronouncing the word, it is important to emphasize the "ay" sound in "fake" and the "oo" sound at the end of "book." The IPA transcription for "fake book" is /feɪk bʊk/.
A fake book is a musical reference tool widely used in jazz, popular, and improvisational music. It serves as a condensed collection of lead sheets, containing the melody, chords, and often simplified arrangements of songs. Fake books are typically used by musicians, such as pianists, guitarists, and vocalists, to quickly learn and perform songs during jam sessions, gigs, or rehearsals.
The term "fake" in fake book does not imply any deceit or fraudulent intention. Instead, it originated from the early 20th century practice of printing these books with the original tunes and melodies being "faked" or fabricated, due to copyright concerns. As a result, these collections often feature alternative chord progressions and simplified arrangements that may differ from the composer's original creation.
The format of a fake book often includes the melody written in standard notation, accompanied by chord symbols placed above the corresponding sections of the song. Musicians can use these chord symbols as a guide to improvise and embellish the harmony while staying within the framework of the song. Additionally, the books may include lyrics, additional instructions for playing, and sometimes a brief introduction or background of the tune.
Fake books have become essential tools for jazz and contemporary musicians since they provide a convenient and portable way to access a vast repertoire of songs. However, it's important to note that proper musical knowledge and skill are required to effectively utilize a fake book, as they serve as a reference rather than complete sheet music.
The word "fake book" originates from the world of jazz music. The term refers to a type of musical publication that contains lead sheets or chord charts for a wide range of songs. These lead sheets typically present the melody, chord changes, and lyrics of the song, providing a basic outline for musicians to play from. The term "fake" in this context is derived from the slang meaning of "faking it", which suggests improvising or playing something without necessarily knowing the exact notes. Thus, a fake book allows musicians to "fake it" by using the provided chord symbols and basic melody to create their own interpretation of the song.