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A fake book is a collection of lead sheets containing the essential information needed to perform a song, including the melody, chord symbols and often the lyrics.
What is a fake book?
Fake books are designed to help musicians perform songs without a fully written arrangement. Instead of providing every note, they present the melody and chord symbols, allowing performers to create their own accompaniment and interpretation.
One of the best-known examples is The Real Book, a widely used collection of jazz standards. Today, fake books are available for many different musical styles.
How is a fake book used in piano playing?
Fake books are invaluable for piano players who accompany singers or perform in bands. The left hand typically provides chord voicings and accompaniment patterns, while the right hand plays the melody or adds fills and improvisation.
Learning to play from a fake book develops chord knowledge, improvisation skills and the ability to create musical arrangements in real time.