21 Preparing Master Rhythm Charts

A master rhythm chart is one designed for song arrangements for all the rhythm section players to play from (duh!). Once again, the charts come in different flavors, but a properly written one has at least the following: chords, main rhythms, important licks, dynamics, and instructions for tempo. They may also include lyrical cues.

Traditional master rhythm charts are written on two or three staves (or as many as needed in different parts of the song). Because it is much easier to go from two to three to four writing on score paper, I tend to pick one and make it work. In this case, I use three staves. In Figure 21.1, you can see the individual parts that you are going to assemble. In most cases, you would simply do one from scratch, but for demonstration purposes, you will work with this.