Fake music - Definition and Overview

Fake music is a type of condensed musical notation which can be easier to sightread than conventional sheet music. It is used predominantly but not exclusively by jazz musicians.

In a sheet of fake music (often known as a leadsheet or chart) generally only one staff is used and only the melody line is fully notated. (A pianist reading from a leadsheet must refer to the chord symbols printed above the staff to construct a left-hand sequence and provide harmonic accompaniment). The chord symbols also provide a structure for an ensemble to improvise upon. In addition to chord symbols, a leadsheet may contain additional symbols to indicate rhythmic devices (known as hits or kicks) that an ensemble might be required to play in unison.

Collections of fake music are known as fakebooks, the most famous of which is called The Real Book.