![]() I rather transcribe what I feel is the soloist’s intention instead of what you hear when the solo is slowed down to 20% of the original tempo. If you slow a solo down too much you start hearing a lot of unintentional notes. I don’t slow anything down more than 50%. All those solos are a joy to listen to and they contain a ton of language that can be learned through studying them.ĭO: Is there any equipment you’d recommend to aid musicians transcribing solos?ĬM: I use ‘ Transcribe‘ but any program that can slow down a solo and loop sections of a solo will do. Michael Brecker’s solo on Confirmation and Pools, Stan Getz’s solo on Seven Steps To Heaven, Sonny Stitt’s solo on Tour De Force, Dexter Gordon’s solo on Red Cross. I will list the solos that I have transcribed that I really enjoy. Transcribing has also helped with my confidence when it comes to learning music by ear, which I think is one of the best things you can do.ĭO: Can you name a few of your favorite all-time saxophone solos?ĬM: All-time favorite solos…too many to mention. Reading through a lot of the solos has helped my phrasing and sound quite a bit. Having to notate the solos has helped my reading. But I feel it’s better to spend 2 or 3 hours on a solo and spread it out over a few days.ĭO: How has your extensive transcription impacted your playing?ĬM: The most obvious benefit is that I hear a lot better! I also recognize certain phrases instantly because they are used by so many jazz saxophonists. If I’m really on a roll I can do a solo a day, spending up to 6 to 8 hours on a particular solo. Also I wanted to learn how to play some of the things I heard played by my favorite saxophonists.ĭO: During your most prolific periods, how many solos will you crank out in a week?ĬM: I only transcribe 4 or 5 days a week. Mainly it was the development of my ears and the ability to hear better. The Interviewĭoron Orenstein: What is it that caused you to transcribe as much as you do?.Ĭharles McNeal: I started transcribing because I felt there were holes in my development as a jazz musician that transcribing could help with. As you’d imagine, Charles has a lot to say about his craft, so if you are a transcriber yourself, or if you’re still on the fence about whether to become one, you’ll want to read ahead. ![]()
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