fake book
C1Specialized, professional (Music), informal
Definition
Meaning
A type of musical reference book used by jazz and popular musicians, containing only chord progressions and lyrics, not full sheet music.
1) In a non-musical context, it can refer to a counterfeit or falsified book (e.g., a forged first edition). 2) Informally, it can refer to a superficial guide or deceptive reference material in any field.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary, established meaning is musical. The other meanings are metaphorical extensions or literal interpretations of the two component words.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates in and is almost exclusively associated with American jazz culture. In British musical contexts, it is understood but less commonly used; musicians might say 'busker's book', 'chord book', or simply refer to the specific series (e.g., 'Real Book').
Connotations
In US musical slang, it implies a practical, working musician's tool, sometimes of dubious copyright legality. In the UK, the non-musical meaning (a counterfeit book) might be the more immediate interpretation.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, particularly in music education and performance circles.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[musician] + play from + a fake book[song] + is in + the fake booklook up + [chord progression] + in + a fake bookVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He knows so many standards, he's like a walking fake book.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology or ethnomusicology when discussing jazz practice and pedagogy.
Everyday
Rare. Would only be understood by musicians or in the literal sense of a forged book.
Technical
Core terminology in jazz and commercial music performance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We'll have to fake book our way through the gig if the music doesn't arrive.
- He's good at faking book arrangements on the spot.
American English
- The trio was fake-booking the entire set, relying on memory and chord charts.
adverb
British English
- They played the tune fake-book style, with just a bassist and pianist.
American English
- The band went fake-book on the last set, taking requests.
adjective
British English
- The fake-book tradition is central to jazz education.
- He had a fake-book version of the symphony, which was hilarious.
American English
- She learned from a fake-book method rather than classical etudes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The pianist used a fake book to remember the chords.
- Most jazz standards can be found in the famous 'Real Book', which is a type of fake book.
- Accused of using unauthorized transcriptions, many early fake books operated in a legal grey area, yet they were indispensable for learning the repertoire.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A book with 'fake' or simplified music—just the skeleton (chords) so you can 'fake' knowing the full arrangement.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A CONTAINER (the book) / SIMPLIFICATION IS FAKERY
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'фальшивая книга' in musical contexts; this would imply a forgery. Use 'сборник аккордов' or 'джазовая тетрадь аккордов'. The term 'фейк-бук' is a known borrowing among musicians.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean any instruction manual. Confusing it with 'fake news' or 'faking a book' (reading a book you haven't read).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'fake book' in its original context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, many were published without securing copyright for the musical compositions inside, making them 'illegal.' The famous 'Real Book' was originally such a publication. Today, legally licensed fake books are widely available.
Yes, informally among musicians. To 'fake book' something means to perform it using only a basic chord chart or from memory in the style of using a fake book.
Sheet music provides the complete, notated part for a single piece (melody, harmony, sometimes full arrangement). A fake book provides only the essential chord symbols and melody line for hundreds of songs in a compact format, requiring the musician to improvise the arrangement.
Almost never. The tradition and necessity are specific to jazz, pop, and commercial music, where improvisation and interpretation based on a harmonic framework are key skills.