Detail 01
Fake book format
Melody line, chords and lyrics only. You supply the voicings, rhythm and arrangement yourself.
Product detailSKU #1274034471024
Hal LeonardUltimate Fake Book #1
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Large single-volume fake book of lead sheets — melody, lyrics and chord symbols. For gigging players who need broad repertoire coverage on one music stand.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Piano and guitar players taking requests at restaurant gigs
- Jam sessions where everyone needs the same chord chart
- Students building sight-reading and chord-voicing fluency
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who read tab only and not standard notation
- Anyone wanting full note-for-note arrangements or solos
- Guitarists wanting written fingerings rather than 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
Standard notation, not tab
You need to read the treble staff. Chord symbols above it carry the harmony.
Detail 03
Ultimate series volume
Built for breadth over depth — many songs at one page each rather than a few detailed arrangements.
Detail 04
Fifty-five dollars
Priced as a reference library, not a single-artist book. Cost per song is low given the page count.
Detail 05
Large single volume
Thick and heavy. It will dominate a music stand and can be awkward to keep open at a page.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reading standard notation is required — chord symbols alone won't get you through
- 02No audio, backing tracks, or play-along material
- 03Heavy binding; a stand with a deep lip or clips helps
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What is a fake book?
A collection of lead sheets — melody, lyrics and chord symbols on a single page per song. You build the arrangement yourself while playing.
02Can guitar players use it?
Yes. Chord symbols work on any instrument. You'll need to read the melody in standard notation, since there's no tab.
03Is there more than one volume?
This is volume one of the Ultimate Fake Book series. Other volumes exist separately and cover different repertoire.
04Does it show piano accompaniment?
No. You get melody, lyrics and chord symbols. The left-hand part and voicings are up to you.
