Start a lead sheet with the melody you want everyone to follow. Write its notes and rhythms on a staff, place chord symbols above the beat where each harmony changes, and label the sections your band will call out at rehearsal.
If you’re deciding what belongs on the page, see what a lead sheet includes.
Sketch four bars
Try this original phrase in C major and 4/4. Each named note lasts one beat unless marked as a half note. Write the notes on a treble staff and use the last column to place the chord symbols.
| Bar | Melody | Chord placement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E, G, A, G | C on beat 1 |
| 2 | F, E, D, C | F on beat 1 |
| 3 | D, F, B, A | Dm on beat 1, G7 on beat 3 |
| 4 | G, E, C (half note) | C on beat 1 |
The third bar is the one to check with a partner. The accompanist should switch to G7 under B on beat three. If they change on the next bar, move the symbol so it aligns clearly with B.
Mark the route through the song
Label the sections in the order the band plays them. If a second verse shares the melody and harmony, reuse the same section with a clear repeat instruction. Give a changed ending its own label or ending bracket. Include a count-in or pickup if it affects the first entrance.
Run a first-read test
Give the page to someone who hasn’t heard the recording. Ask them to count in, play through the form and point to any bar where they had to guess. Fix those spots before adding extra detail. If the group only needs harmony, rhythmic cues and section labels, a chord chart may fit the job.