Detail 01
Fake book format
Each song is melody line, lyrics, and chord symbols only. You supply the voicings, rhythm, and arrangement.
Product detailSKU #1279141555782
Hal LeonardFake Book Of The World's Favorite Songs 4th Edition - Over 735 Songs
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A 735-song lead-sheet collection covering standards, folk, and pop. For gigging musicians and jam players who need a broad chord-and-melody reference.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Wedding and restaurant gigs where requests span decades
- Sit-in jam sessions needing one book for many tunes
- Practicing sight-reading melody lines and chord changes
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players wanting full piano arrangements with written left-hand parts
- Anyone needing lyrics-plus-tab guitar songbook formatting
- Readers who can't yet read melody notation and chord symbols
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Over 735 songs
Volume comes at the cost of depth. Each tune gets roughly one page, not a full transcription.
Detail 03
4th Edition
The song list has been revised across editions, so contents differ from earlier printings of the same title.
Detail 04
"World's Favorite Songs" scope
Broad general-repertoire mix rather than a single genre. Good coverage, but no deep dive into any one style.
Detail 05
Single-key notation
Songs are printed in one key each. Transposing for a singer's range is on you.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Fake books require reading notation and interpreting chord symbols on the fly
- 02Check the song index before buying to confirm the tunes you need
- 03One physical volume of this size is heavy on a music stand
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What instrument is this for?
Any instrument that reads treble melody and chord symbols: piano, guitar, horns, voice. It is not instrument-specific, which is why arrangements are left to the player.
02Does it include guitar tab?
No. Fake books use standard melody notation with chord symbols above the staff. You read the chord names and choose your own voicings.
03Is this the same as a Real Book?
Same concept, different repertoire. Real Books focus on jazz standards. This one covers general popular and traditional songs across many styles.
04Are full lyrics included?
Lyrics run under the melody line in fake book format, typically the main verses and chorus rather than every repeat.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Over 735 Songs
