Pronunciation: [lˈiːd ʃˈiːt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "lead sheet" may seem confusing due to its homophony with the word "led" as in the past tense of "lead." However, it is spelled as "lɛd ʃiːt," with a short "e" sound instead of the long "e" sound in "led." The word refers to a type of musical notation used by jazz and popular music composers. The name comes from the use of lead plates or sheets for pressing the notes onto paper.
A lead sheet is a written musical notation that provides a skeletal outline of a song, typically consisting of the melody, lyrics, and chord symbols. It serves as a guide for musicians, allowing them to improvise or arrange their performance based on the given framework.
At its core, a lead sheet provides the lead or main vocal line, representing the melody of the song. It presents the essential musical information needed to perform the piece accurately. Simultaneously, accompanying chord symbols are provided above the melody to indicate the harmonies to be played by other musicians in a band or ensemble setting. These chord symbols are represented by letters or symbols, such as C, G7, or E♭m, providing guidance for the harmonic structure of the song.
Although lead sheets do not provide specific arrangements or accompaniment patterns, they serve as a flexible blueprint for musicians to interpret, embellish, and personalize the song according to their own style and needs. Musicians commonly use lead sheets in jazz, pop, and contemporary music genres, where improvisation, interpretation, and collaboration are highly valued.
In addition to the melody and chord symbols, lead sheets may also include lyrics, written above the music. Often, they also indicate the structure of the song by using section labels, such as AABA or verse-chorus. The combination of melody, chords, lyrics, and structural information makes a lead sheet a versatile and essential tool for both artists and performers.
The word "lead sheet" is often used to refer to a type of musical notation, specifically a simplified score that provides the basic melody, chords, and lyrics of a song.
The term "lead" in this context does not derive from the metal lead, but rather from the verb "to lead", meaning to guide or direct. In music, the lead instrument or vocalist takes the prominent or guiding role, leading the other musicians or singers. Therefore, the "lead sheet" provides the essential information for the "lead" musician or vocalist to follow and guide the performance.
The word "sheet" simply refers to the physical piece of paper or document on which the notation is written.
Overall, the etymology of "lead sheet" derives from the concept of leading or guiding the performance, and the material it is written on.
