Editing Accompaniment (section)

==Notation and improvisation==
The accompaniment instrumentalists and/or singers can be provided with a fully notated accompaniment part written or printed on [[sheet music]]. This is the norm in [[Classical music]] and in most large ensemble writing (e.g., [[orchestra]], [[pit orchestra]], [[choir]]). In [[popular music]] and [[traditional music]], the accompaniment instrumentalists often [[Music improvisation|improvise]] their accompaniment, either based on a [[lead sheet]] or chord chart which indicates the [[chord (music)|chord]]s used in the [[song]] or piece (e.g., C Major, d minor, G7, or [[Nashville Number System|Nashville Numbers]] or Roman numerals, such as I, ii, V7, etc.) or by "[[playing by ear]]". To achieve a stylistic correct sound the accompaniment pattern should remind or imitate the original version using similar rhythms and patterns.

Chord-playing musicians (e.g., those playing [[guitar]], [[piano]], [[Hammond organ]], etc.) can improvise chords, [[fill (music)|"fill-in" melodic lines]] and solos from the chord chart. It is rare for chords to be fully written out in music notation in pop and traditional music. Some guitarists, bassists and other stringed instrumentalists read accompaniment parts using [[tabulature]] (or "tab"), a notation system which shows the musician where on the instrument to play the notes. Drummers can play accompaniment by following the lead sheet, a sheet music part in music notation, or by playing by ear.

In pop and traditional music, bass players, which may be [[upright bass]] or [[electric bass]], or another instrument, such as [[bass synth]], depending on the style of music, are usually expected to be able to improvise a [[bassline]] from a chord chart or learn the song from a recording. In some cases, an [[arranger]] or [[composer]] may give a bassist a bass part that is fully written out in [[music notation]]. In. some arranged music parts, there is a mix of written-out accompaniment and improvisation. For example, in a [[big band]] bass part, the introduction and melody ("head") to a tune may have a fully notated bassline, but then for the improvised solos, the arranger may just write out chord symbols (e.g., Bb G7/c min F7), with the expectation that the bassist improvise her own [[walking bass]] part.