Keep it neat and symmetrical
3 to 4 barlines per line and make sure the barlines match vertically down the page
Account for all the beats in the bar:
One chord in the bar e.g. I D I
Two chord changes a bar eg. I D G I
If the chord changes on the 2nd or fourth beat of the bar, use a forward-stroke to indicate holding the previous chord an extra beat e.g. I D / G F# I or I A D / / I
Sing through your chart to find out its form (e.g., how many verses, choruses etc)
Look for the signposts:
II Double bar lines indicate the beginning or end of a section
II: - having two dots means repeat. Look for the other matching bookend to see how large a section has to be repeated e.g. :II
The sign reference point
D.S. Go back to the sign
D.S al Coda Go back to the sign then on the last run through, go straight to the Coda the section of the song thats ONLY sung at the end. Often written separately
First time and second and third time endings 1. Or 2
.. is written above the melody.
Indicate Sections with a big letter and box around it e.g. A, B C
What we are trying to do is compact the chart down from a five or six pager to a one or two pager so find all the sections you can and see how many times they are repeated (use exactly the same chords!)