Top Fake Books for Piano: A Comprehensive Guide

Piano players looking to improve their playing and gain a deeper understanding of music can benefit greatly from using fake books. These invaluable resources provide lead sheets with melody lines, lyrics, and chord symbols, allowing for extensive exploration of various genres. Below, we explore a range of popular fake books, provide tips for choosing the right one, and highlight the potential benefits of using these resources.

Popular Fake Books for Piano

The Real Book

Genre: Jazz
Description: A classic collection of jazz standards featuring lead sheets for hundreds of songs. Widely used by jazz musicians, it is known for its staple status in the genre.

The New Real Book

Genre: Jazz
Description: This modern version of the original Real Book offers clearer notation and a broader selection of contemporary tunes. Ideal for those who appreciate both classics and modern compositions.

The Fake Book for Piano

Genre: Various
Description: A versatile collection including a wide range of popular songs across genres such as pop, rock, and standards. It is perfect for diverse performance settings and various skill levels.

The Ultimate Fake Book

Genre: Various
Description: With over 1500 songs from various genres including pop, rock, jazz, and country, this comprehensive book is easy to read and provides extensive material for learning and performance.

The Great American Songbook

Genre: Standards
Description: A collection of classic American songs focusing on standards from the early to mid-20th century. Perfect for both vocal and instrumental performance and great for historic appreciation.

The Hal Leonard Fake Book

Genre: Various
Description: Features a wide range of songs with simple lead sheets, making it accessible for pianists of all skill levels. Ideal for those who want a user-friendly approach to learning music.

The Jazz Fake Book

Genre: Jazz
Description: A collection of jazz standards and popular tunes arranged for easy playing, perfect for jam sessions and provide a typical jazz experience.

The Disney Fake Book

Genre: Movie/Children's
Description: Includes popular Disney songs, making it great for family performances or teaching young pianists. Specializes in music from beloved animated films.

Choosing the Right Fake Book

Consider Your Genre: Whether you prefer jazz, pop, or children's music, choose a fake book that aligns with your musical taste and genre focus. Skill Level: Some books are more suited for beginners while others may require advanced playing skills. Tailor your choice to your current skill level and goals. Portability: For live performances or group settings, choose a book that is easy to transport. Lightweight and well-organized editions are ideal.

Benefits of Using Fake Books

Using fake books can greatly enhance your piano-playing experience. They allow for improvisation and personal expression while playing familiar tunes. Pianists can learn new songs quickly, understand chord progressions, and develop a broader repertoire.

Conclusion

With a wide range of fake books available, pianists can easily find the perfect resource to help them improve their playing and deepen their musical knowledge. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore new styles or an experienced musician seeking challenging material, there is a fake book out there that will suit your needs.