CLOSED - how to mark "as written" starting and ending range

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Gordon Malone Edited March 09, 2022 18:13

Hello,

This is an arranging question. I have a bass part where some sections should be marked "as written" and others where it is player's discretion on playing the written part or play the changes. The sections could be 1-2 measures or 6-8 measures for example.

The question is mostly how to mark the end of an "as written" section. A quick way would be to remove the chords from the "as written" section then resume chords at the end of the section. I seen this done in many charts. I would like to keep the chords in place as context for less experienced players but don't want to end up with a bunch of directives that clutter the score and part.

Suggestions and examples welcomed. Thanks!

8 comments

Date Votes

MIKE HALLORAN Posted January 26, 2022 21:34

I'm not understanding the dilemma. It's easy to add Text to your score and leave the chord symbols in place.

Is there something that we don't understand? If so, please elaborate and fill in the missing details.

Gordon Malone Posted January 26, 2022 22:51

There is no problem with Finale. I know how to add text, technique markings, etc. What I'm asking is for clear or best practice ways to mark "as written" sections.

For example, an "as written" section starts at measure 25 and runs for 2 measures. I would put "as written" at measure 25. What would be the most clear way to show the end of the "as written" section at measure 27? Again, trying to make it clear to the player without cluttering the page. "End as written" perhaps, but I have never seen that on a chart. Open to suggestions or examples. Thanks.

MIKE ROSEN Posted March 09, 2022 19:05

How about freely and in time?

Gordon Malone Posted March 09, 2022 19:42

Everything is in time and when an "as written" section occurs it's also in time. The problem is how to indicate the end of an as written section without cluttering the chart.

I can make it obvious by removing the chords where "as written" should be and leaving chords in other places. That's been the most common method I've seen. I think that's what I will do. It would force someone that doesn't read notes very well to work on that skill. It did for me years ago!

Example attached.

William Ballard Edited March 10, 2022 23:25

How about slash notation when the bass player makes up their own notes, and actual notation when specified. You would need some text for the "As written, 2d time". I know that the resolution for slash notation (the smallest time value that a measure can be split between notes and slashes) is at least the 1/8th note. I've never used less that a 1/4-note.

Gordon Malone Posted March 10, 2022 23:39

I've seen it done as you describe but I'm wanting to make it player's choice on the written line or play changes. I've seen a variation in bass player reading abilities where some can read notes well but not changes and vise versa so I want the player to have the option.

I'm going to leave the written line then where it should be "as written" remove the chords. I have performance notes on the score for the director as well

MIKE HALLORAN Posted March 11, 2022 00:51

How about slash notation when the bass player makes up their own notes, and actual notation when specified. You would need some text for the "As written, 2d time".

As a retired bassist… If you're going to micromanage the player like that, just write it out—chord symbols only the first time and add the slash the second.

We're quite used to the opposite way where the notes are defined the first time through and we get to ignore the slash on subsequent repeats. Changing to the opposite will already get "What the…" from anyone who sees it. Trying to do both on the same line… please don't.

Gordon Malone Posted March 11, 2022 14:47

I'm not trying to micromanage anything, Mike.

I'm a bass player, too. I play in a combo at a local community college for enjoyment and have done so for about 20 yrs. I do writing and arranging for the group. On occasion a second bass player new to jazz will be part of the group. Some of them can read notes but not chords and vise versa, some of them not much of either. I'm only trying to give them tools to improve their playing.

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