|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
I am transcribing a piano part for a song I recently wrote. I am using GuitarPro 6 to "git-r-done" (I am a guitar hack). Does the highlighted section work, or is it too confusing?  The left hand is straight forward, but the right is playing a "C" chord that also contains the melody for the measure. The up stems are the melody and the down stems are accompaniment / harmony. Is there a better way of notating this? Title edited for clarification.
Last edited by RobbMiller; 02/25/12 10:44 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
Hi RobbMiller,
The only thing I would do is change the first dotted crotchet E to a crotchet. Unless you had the pedal on, the dotted E couldn't be still held down when you had to play the quaver E with the stem up. The effect will be the same, the decay from the notes in that middle register is long enough to cover it.
All the best.
Edited for additional thought.
The second dotted crotchet C should more accurately written as a quaver tied to a crotchet. This would make the notation correct for 4/4 time as the beats are clear and more easier to count.
Last edited by yjoh; 02/25/12 06:04 PM.
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
This is not a composition question, strictly speaking it is a transcription issue.
The Bass Clef part looks fine.
In the Treble Clef, the first beat has a three-note chord, but the highest note is not dotted like the lower two. Place a dot after the G to go along with the dots after the C and E.
Following that C triad is a G and here we have a rhythm notation problem. Since the first half of the beat is dotted, which means that it takes half again its duration value, that second note cannot be an 8th note as written. Change that to be a sixteenth by adding the little extra bar at its top.
So the first beat you should now have a dotted eight followed by a sixteenth note. That is, I'm hoping you are not sincerely asking someone to play the duration of the C and E notes with the dot while playing two straight 8's above at the same time. That would be a strange situation.
From here on it is impossible to predict what you are trying to say rhythmically, as it could go in one of two different directions.
Right now, the alto line, the Cs, do not have four complete beats shown for them. Either an 8th rest is missing, or there is more attempt at syncopation here than what you want to hear. I'd vote for the second case as being what would be easiest on any musician to play, pianist, guitarist or otherwise.
I'm thinking that the most likely scenario would be to change that single dotted C that is under the G, to the same configuration as the G notes above it. 8th note tied to a dotted quarter.
That would mean you would have to change the last C to an 8th note.
But you may want to hear something else, can't tell.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
Yjoh and Mac, Thanks for your input. I revised the measure based on your input.  Hopefully I didn't make matters worse. The two transcriptions sound almost identical played via MIDI. As this is aimed a 4th year student player, I am trying to be a clear as possible with my limited knowledge of piano. @Mac: I changed the title of the thread from composition to transcription -- thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Treble part is lacking an 8th beat. Measure must have four full beats incorporated to be 4/4 time.
You could simply insert an 8th Rest between the dotted figure and the last two 8th notes, but again, I am not sure what it is you want to hear.
For student level, I'd likely lose the dots and place a full Quarter Rest between them.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
Hi all, Thank goodness Mac was able to help with this. After I submitted my last post I was wiped out with a migraine and couldn't get back to offer a better solution than the one I gave (which was not altogether accurate anyway) While I was laid up I came up with this instead, which should be well within a 4th year students ability. I've just done away with any voicing issues but as Mac has said it may not be the effect you're after. [image]http://  [/image] I'm still not too good at adding images to my posts but at least it's there. All the best. 
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
This version is the easiest to read also. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
Yjoh,
I am sorry you were not feeling well.
I cannot see the image you posted. It appears as a black rectangle that states the image no longer exists. I would love to see your solution.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
Hi RobbMiller, I can see the image in the post and Ray can as well I think so I don't know what has happened. I am posting a better suggestion (3rd time lucky!) so it's probably better if the previous one hasn't shown up for you. I'm in between students at the moment so a quick post and then I wont be able to check back until later this evening. I hope this image is ok. All the best and thanks for the well wishes. [image]http://  [/image]
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
If the image hasn't shown for you again the notes in order are as follows:
C chord(CEG) as quavers, G quaver, E quaver, C and G quavers tied to C and G crotchets then C quaver, E quaver.
Hope it's not too confusing, I'm so glad we have staves to write on.
Must go. Will check in later.
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
Thanks Yjoh! That is perfect.
I am still unsure why the eighth tied to the quarter (quaver tied to crochet) is better than the dotted quarter. But I am quite sure you understand piano students much better than I.
Thanks,
Robb
FYI: The second image is fine, but the first is still as described.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850 |
What Yjoh posted last is how I would have expected to see it.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
..But I am quite sure you understand piano students much better than I...
Well, it is not piano specific.
Proper notation is proper notation, regardless of instrument.
*Always check each measure carefully to make sure that the number of beats per bar does not get violated or truncated.
*Use of dotted notes is primarily reserved for syncopation but bear in mind that the majority of music is not syncopated.
*Whenever a figure is in doubt, do not trust MIDI softwares to notate a recorded line properly. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Sometimes you can look at published musics to study a bit of the rules in these situations.
That last example posted is good and is an "easy read" - If it sounds like what you want, go with it.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
Hi everyone,
So glad to have been of help. I'm not sure that I understand piano students any better than anyone else, I suppose I've always liked theory and I'm dealing with it all the time.
As Mac said proper notation is proper notation. Looking through scores and even working through some graded theory books would you help a lot.
The "theoretical" reason for the quaver tied to the crotchet has to do with one of the the "rules" of grouping quavers.
That is: in 4/4 time when quavers are involved,the middle 2nd and 3rd beats can't be joined.
eg. you can't have a crotchet followed by 4 quavers all joined together and then another crotchet. The 4 quavers should be separated in to 2 groups.
(As a by the way the stem on the C and G in the bass staff should really go down, this is all to do with the middle line. Theory rules again. So many of them!)
A good little book that might be of some help is Alfred's "Essential Dictionary of Music Notation". I've found it to be really useful.
This has been an interesting exercise,keeps the old grey matter working. LOL
All the best
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
Thanks again for the assistance. The rough score went home with the three young pianist today. I hope they find it easy enough to smile.
Thanks also for the book recommendation. It has found its way to my Amazon cart.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
Hi Robb,
Glad to have helped. The missing image is my mistake I'm afraid. I thought once you had added an image to a post it was permanently there. When I posted the last image, I deleted the other one as it wasn't needed. I must be careful not to delete any images I post from now on. Oh well, live and learn!
All the best
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,508
Posts805,807
Members40,139
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean