Short chart notes that still make sense
Keep chart notes brief enough to read and specific enough to use.
A reminder such as “watch ending” is easy to write and hard to act on. Name the place and the change: “final chorus: repeat twice; watch leader for last hit.” Use the band’s actual plan, and update it when rehearsal changes the ending.
For an unfamiliar song, mark the section order, any shortened bars, and the drum entrances first. Add a fill or cymbal reminder only where you need it. Put the mark beside the relevant passage if you have a chart, or use clear section names on a separate sheet.
Test the notes by playing with the recording and glancing up regularly. If a mark makes you pause to decode it, rewrite it. There is no ideal word limit; a few extra words are worthwhile when they prevent confusion about a repeat or stop.