Transcribing

[Paul Howells]

I'm having a go at transcribing a tune and would be grateful for any advice on how best to go about this.

I can figure out which note I'm hearing, the tricky bit is deciding where (which string and which fret) to play it.

I am possibly making life harder than I need to by starting out with part of a Joaquin Murphey melody which is likely to be C6 or similar while I'm on E9. But didn't the, er, older members on here start out by transcribing from vinyl records of early country or western swing? Whereas I surely have it easy with my new fangled computer that can chop, loop and slow down the bits I want to focus on.

Well folks, what tips do you have for me?

cheers

Paul

[James Crowbear]

finding the right position (the one the guy's playin' in) is the hard part
you have to try different positions & find the ones that logically fit the best together
a basic rule in that : a steeler plays what usually falls into place & under the fingers using positions that fit & flow easy
complicating the game is to be avoided - find the stuff that falls into place logically & linearly
you have to pay close attention whether the notes are picked, slid or if it's a pedal expression - (that's a task in itself)
(in the case of joaquin, at the time i doubt he was using pedals)
also, listen to hear if open strings are used
transcribing from C6 to E9 can be done of course, but the positions, register & pedals will be different
so that will be another ball game & you will be on your own
write the tablatures
as the wise Chinaman Confusion said : " Rotsa Ruck !

[Paul Howells]

Thanks James!
I'm listening out for sliding and pedal clues, although I agree its unlikely I will hear any pedals (unless its a late recording, which I don't think this is).

I will hunt for his copedent (possibly GACEGACE ?) and look for clusters of notes that line up at the same bar (or perhaps slanted?) position, and then try and find an equivalent on E9. I'm hoping that having a few pedals and levers will help me match most of his chords & intervals, I just hope they don't end up being too far apart.

Does anybody have any clues about Joaquin’s playing style that might help me?

cheers
Paul