NinSheetMusic Forums

But this idea occurred to me and I thought it wouldn't hurt to post it.

Articles about the software make up a ton of questions, so those are definitely needed right now. General instruction FAQs can be posted here too, but that would seem more appropriate in the 'Music' board, unless it's condensed to a single post and linked.

How to open sheets from NSM (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg62082#msg62082) by Ruto
Finale Notepad 2008 (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg66121#msg66121) by Ruto
Adding Metronome Markings (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg76362#msg76362) by Ruto
Number Lock Shortcuts (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg104753#msg104753) by Brassman 388
Is [Something] in Finale [Version] (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg128033#msg128033) by Ruto
What Should Your Sheet Look Like? (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=481.msg6779#msg6779) by G-Han
Submission Guide (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=6421.0) by The Deku Trombonist
Guide to Making Replacement Arrangements (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=6238.msg245491#msg245491) by Olimar12345
Articulation Information (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg322716#msg322716) by Olimar12345
All Tempo Markings and Expressions for Notepad Users (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=8093.0) by Th3Gavst3r
General Arranging Tips and Tricks (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=8035.0) by Tobbeh99
Help with choosing the correct accidentals when transcribing music (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg350370#msg350370) by Olimar12345
The Arranging Checklist (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=9069.0) by Sebastian
Nearly All Special Formatting - Copy-Pastable Notation for NotePad Users (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=9000.0) by Lkjhgfdsa_77
More help with choosing the correct accidentals when transcribing music (http://forum.ninsheetmusic.org/index.php?topic=2223.msg369516#msg369516) by Altissimo

Ideas:
How to read sheets
How to transcribe songs
How to use Finale Allegro/Reader/2011 etc
Differences between each version
List of terms in sheet music, or available in each software

etc.

These disappeared D:

File Info Tutorial (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C
Keyboard Shortcuts for Finale Programs (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C
Creating a PDF (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C
Pizzicatos in Finale Notepad (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C
Aligning Layers (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C
Retranscribing (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C
Filter (//http://) by Shadoninja gone :C

[close]

Not a bad idea. While I'm fourteen and am pretty good at the piano, I don't have any desire for tutorials...
But on YouTube all the comments ever say is "tutorial, please!"

So, this may help... no one can guarantee it though.

It would definitely help with a lot of the questions we get here...  Especially "How do I download the sheets?!"

Quote from: SlowPokemon on July 15, 2010, 06:52:25 PMNot a bad idea. While I'm fourteen and am pretty good at the piano, I don't have any desire for tutorials...
But on YouTube all the comments ever say is "tutorial, please!"

So, this may help... no one can guarantee it though.

Haha, I gotcha. But when I mean tutorials, it isn't just something like "step by step: how to play Linebeck's theme", though you can completely do it if you want to. I mean, more general music ones, like this (http://cnx.org/content/m10668/latest/) or "How do I practice piano" (lol). Or even simpler is Nintendude's idea: How to download the sheets, aka the "Idiot-proof guide series".

When writing a instruction guide like the first, citations would be needed or possibly just you saying "X years of piano lessons". Posting notes from a music theory class could be done too.

I'm going to come up with a sample guide, "How to do I open these sheets" in the next time I post...with pictures! :D

How to Open Sheets from NSM

NSM's sheets are written exclusively with the MakeMusic series of music software.  These sheets can only be read using the program software, or with a free program called Finale Reader (http://www.finalemusic.com/Reader/default.aspx)

Downloading Finale Reader

Go to Finale Reader's main site  HERE  (http://www.finalemusic.com/Reader/default.aspx)

You should see this:

(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi662.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu347%2Fdeku_nut%2Ffinreader1.jpg%3Ft%3D1279247918&hash=60900c59e8ec77e159f0b5c0522bdf757f615301)

1) On the right side, select your OS, Mac or Windows. You should see a page prompting you to register. Follow their instructions to get an account on their site.

2) You should finally be able to see the download window. For Windows, click to start the download. The filename for the Windows version is called FinReaderWin, should you forget where it downloaded to. The filename for Mac is [...]

3) When it's complete, Windows users should find the .exe file and install the program. When you open the file, Windows will ask if you want to open the file. Open it, then click "Next" to begin.

4) Agree to their terms; the next window asks you to pick the install location. The default is fine. Then you have to pick the Start Menu location, again the default setting should be okay. Finale will then install in your system. [Mac instructions are ...]

5) Congratulations! You can now read sheets from NSM or open any .mus file.


Related links:
[link]Using Finale Reader
[link]Finale Allegro
[link]Finale Notepad

(Hmm..need more pictures)

This is a really good idea! I'd be willing to help if you want.

With the above guide, of course I know it's a sample, but I think this a point that should be brought up if these tutorials take off. You state in the first step that you need to choose an operating system, but in step 3 you say you must click to open the .exe file. Macs don't run .exe files, so in this case we'd need to write a separate step for Mac users.

Above was an example, but as a possible rule to go by before any tutorial is published it should be tested with other operating systems or versions of Finale for compatibility.

But like I said, I hope this takes off and I'd be more than willing to pitch in. ;D

I'd definitely help with beginner stuff :D

And this brings the topic up of: should there be fingerings on the sheets? It could be (https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninsheetm.us%2Fimages%2Fzip.gif&hash=5cd62a3c3c42faf69d122b64156c4897c654c2de)(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninsheetm.us%2Fimages%2Fmidi.gif&hash=d746d4d75c475f66be19e141eaaefa6fb739c5d8) LAB (Labeled) FIN (Fingered)

What do you think? This would be a great way for people that don't know whether to do it "this way or that" and I'd be more than happy to do this.

Quote from: WiiMan96 on July 16, 2010, 04:22:17 AMThis is a really good idea! I'd be willing to help if you want.

With the above guide, of course I know it's a sample, but I think this a point that should be brought up if these tutorials take off. You state in the first step that you need to choose an operating system, but in step 3 you say you must click to open the .exe file. Macs don't run .exe files, so in this case we'd need to write a separate step for Mac users.

Above was an example, but as a possible rule to go by before any tutorial is published it should be tested with other operating systems or versions of Finale for compatibility.

But like I said, I hope this takes off and I'd be more than willing to pitch in. ;D

Thanks! You should let me know if the Windows instructions differ from Mac's. I actually don't know too much about them  :). I'll be updating the sample guide with some more detail on installing the program. If any issues come up with an existing guide, etc, it should be possible for someone to submit a description of it, and have it added on the guide. I only have Windows and Vista at home for I can only test it for those systems unfortunately.

Quote from: universe-X on July 16, 2010, 10:53:22 AMI'd definitely help with beginner stuff :D

And this brings the topic up of: should there be fingerings on the sheets? It could be (https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninsheetm.us%2Fimages%2Fzip.gif&hash=5cd62a3c3c42faf69d122b64156c4897c654c2de)(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninsheetm.us%2Fimages%2Fmidi.gif&hash=d746d4d75c475f66be19e141eaaefa6fb739c5d8) LAB (Labeled) FIN (Fingered)

What do you think? This would be a great way for people that don't know whether to do it "this way or that" and I'd be more than happy to do this.

This is really interesting!  There are 1300+ sheets on the website, and while I think it will be hard to it for all of them, maybe you can do it for the "popular" or some requested sheets so you don't have as much work  ;D

Yeah, it will definitely take some time. Especially since I don't think there's a label command in Finale. But fingering, I'm definitely up for.

And I bet you thought it was interesting only because of the made up pictures I made ;P

I'm not good with this sort of stuff, as to designing and making and what not, but I definitely believe it belongs on the site. Maybe put it in the help section? Otherwise, Tutorials kinda sounds misleading as a tab. It would give the impression SlowPokemon mentioned.
Anyways, yes. I approve. Wonder if JaMaHa or a site editor would add it in...

Quote from: pumpy_heart on July 16, 2010, 10:18:45 PMWonder if JaMaHa or a site editor would add it in...

Well, you can stop wondering if a "site editor" would add it in because that's pretty much JaMaHa. :P

Haha I was hoping there might be another... Oh well. Doubt he'll be around enough for an update like this.
Maybe if all the tutorials were put together, he could when he had time/returned.

Quote from: universe-X on July 16, 2010, 08:00:50 PMEspecially since I don't think there's a label command in Finale.

There's a lyrics tool, should we explore on that?

Quote from: Ruto on July 15, 2010, 07:23:49 PMHaha, I gotcha. But when I mean tutorials, it isn't just something like "step by step: how to play Linebeck's theme", though you can completely do it if you want to. I mean, more general music ones, like this (http://cnx.org/content/m10668/latest/) or "How do I practice piano" (lol). Or even simpler is Nintendude's idea: How to download the sheets, aka the "Idiot-proof guide series".

When writing a instruction guide like the first, citations would be needed or possibly just you saying "X years of piano lessons". Posting notes from a music theory class could be done too.

I'm going to come up with a sample guide, "How to do I open these sheets" in the next time I post...with pictures! :D

(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn208%2Fshadoninja%2FNinsheetmusicfordummies-1.png&hash=473943d0140c81108c69e15343e93b65e73d3e40)

Quote from: universe-X on July 16, 2010, 08:00:50 PMEspecially since I don't think there's a label command in Finale.

the closest thing would be the text tool.

Quote from: Shadoninja on July 17, 2010, 04:20:06 AM(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn208%2Fshadoninja%2FNinsheetmusicfordummies-1.png&hash=473943d0140c81108c69e15343e93b65e73d3e40)

awwwww nice. Anyway I changed the title to avoid confusion. So I'll have some more time later today to get all the screencaps needed to complete the Windows/Reader guide. If you guys have time, you can get started on anything you'd think would be useful and create a sample post too =D

Quote from: Dude on July 16, 2010, 10:56:44 PMThere's a lyrics tool, should we explore on that?

Labels. As in label notes that might get a little high. For example... (http://www.herbalcell.com/free-sheet-music/super-mario-galaxy) scroll down, and click on the -

Ah. I see.

Well apparently he uses this (http://www.notation.com/DownloadComposerTrial.php) to make his sheets.

Well, I kinda see now what you were getting at with the lyrics. But can it change from white text to black text on one page? (I don't experiment too much with Finale).

It's possible to do those fingering things with the lyric tool. When using the lyric tool, type a number to a note. Then click and hold one of the far right arrow in a box that should appear on the left side of the sheet or staff. Raise the arrow to the desired position and you're done. As far as I know, this works in Printmusic 2009 and Finale 2008, someone else needs to try this on other versions.

Hoped this helped.

I don't think arrows are necessary. Just type the number(s) over the notes/chords and you're done.

But then the numbers stay with the notes when they move sideways on the page. Especially when the text tool won't assign it to the note and not the page. Believe me when I say this because I had to do something similar for my music theory project.

If all else fails, use a different software or just pictures :D

Hey great idea : D

I'd definitely watch these videos if they were made. Go for it.

So you'd like to begin submitting music to the site.  MUS files can be created by the MakeMusic software line, but you don't want to buy the product or waste a free trial. But it's possible to create MUS files using a free program. So what? So

Finale NotePad 2008 (http://www.finalemusic.com/store/download.aspx?id=392) *sparkles*

The page will prompt you to log in before allowing you to go to the download page. That might add a few minutes to your time.

Source: http://www.ninsheetm.us/smf/index.php?topic=1409.0 DO NOT CLICK


So what's the catch?

Finale Notepad is obviously way more limited than any of the software you can purchase. Why? I think what it lacks can be so annoying that it can convince you to buy their product (marketing). Here is a basic list of what Notepad can and can't do:

CAN

General

• Create MUS files
• Open MIDI files and display notes

Specific

• Add measures
• Has keyboard, chorus, strings,woodwind, brass, plucked strings and percussion instruments available
• Has preset time and key signatures
• Simple note entry: whole, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second and their rests available; notes can be dotted, can insert naturals/flats/sharps, create ties and tuplets
• Add slurs, glissandos, crescendos, decrescendos and lines
• Type texts and lyrics
• Add articulations: only 25 are available. You will find fff, ff, f, mf, mp, p, pp, ppp here as well, in Allegro, they are under the "expressions" button.

CAN'T

General

• Open files created by Allegro/purchased product. It's not Reader after all.

Specific

• Delete specific measures, though you can select and delete the entire sheet's measures---wtfbbq, if this is a joke, it's not funny
• Create different time signatures other than preset 2/2, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, C, 3/8, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8.
• Use 8va/8vb/15va/15vb---this really limits what you can write, huh?
• Enter grace notes
• Change your key signature in the middle of the piece. You are only allowed one key signature per file/piece.
• Assign a tempo to expressions/text

In short, if you're hard at work on a new piece, don't be surprised if you go "ZOMG, they don't have it"


If reading this made you prefer the pen(cil) and paper first, here are some blank sheets for your convenience.
Blank piano (http://www.take-a-piano-sheet-music-break.com/support-files/bsm_pno_solo.pdf)
With clefs (http://www.blanksheetmusic.net/staff_paper.asp?fId=60997)

-Cheers,
Ruto

If you catch any mistakes, tell me. Or if you have something to add.

[link] Finale Allegro
[link] (http://www.ninsheetm.us/smf/index.php?topic=2223.msg62082#msg62082)Finale Reader

Quote from: Ruto on August 06, 2010, 09:32:53 PMDelete measures---wtfbbq, if this is a joke, it's not funny

Actually, you can. Just use the mass mover tool and push the delete key.

EDIT: Oh shit, bump, sorry.

There's no mass mover tool, only a selection XD

It lets you delete all your measures but not one specifically? That seems odd -__-

Edit: Edit time.

Oh, sorry. I forgot the exact name. :P

and if delete doesn't work, it would be backspace.

Yup, tried both delete and backspace. It lets you select parts of a measure and delete the notes in it, but not the actual measure.

Let's say I won't count on NotePad to write something for piano. Right now I am just using it for midis if I don't want to change tabs in Allegro  :D

Copyright is important because you have to give credit to the people who own the rights to the song.

I use the Copyright section for the site's link but that's because I have the full version and in the full version, the copyright space is multi-line.

Perhaps you could highlight the directions in italics eg Text -> Inserts -> Description (or bold or whatever you want really). And Capitalisation helps to make it stand out a bit more.
Perhaps some more spacing between steps, numbered steps or similar stuff could improve it a bit more.

Great job!  :D

Yep!! Exactly the type of thing that should go on here XD

Adding a Metronome Mark.

Let's say you forgot to include it when you created a file. Or you haven't decided then, and now you want one!

• Click on the Expressions tool. (https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi662.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu347%2Fdeku_nut%2Fexpression.jpg%3Ft%3D1288384544&hash=222ed18c89d97587eec5818d8196cab60a74e527)
• Select Create
• Click Text on the menu bar, then font, and from the list of fonts, select Maestro, size 24
  (https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi662.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu347%2Fdeku_nut%2Ftext.jpg%3Ft%3D1288384861&hash=c85438722fcefbcba072de8da0998b6efe262b20)
• Click OK
• Now you notice the font listed in the Text Expression Designer window is in Maestro, 24 pt (or preferred size). type a lowercase q in the text box and a quarter note should appear. To enter the equal sign, =, hold down ALT and type in 0200 on your keypad. When the equal sign appears, type in the rest of the metronome marking you want.
  DT brought this up and it's probably a good idea if you don't have a keypad...Use the EngraverTextT font and you can enter the equal sign and numbers normally. I can't type in the note symbols with Engraver in Allegro for the life of me though. Alternatively, you can change the font to anything after the note's been entered, and everything you type on the right of the note will be normal. Don't hit left or you'll have to change it from Maestro again.
  
  Ta-dahh
  
  (https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi662.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu347%2Fdeku_nut%2Fmetronome.jpg%3Ft%3D1288384347&hash=704233130410f9b6c6fe5250815252a410287d6f)
  
  While you're here, why not assign a tempo? It can be done on the next tab. A description, such as Allegro, can be added in the second, smaller text box on the window.

Other notes:

Typing certain letters in the Maestro font will give you different note symbols.
w=whole note
h=half note
q=quarter note
qk=dotted quarter note
e=eighth note
x=sixteenth note

If you have the "EngraverTextT" font (or any of the EngraverText fonts should work I think), you're better off using it instead of Maestro because you don't need the Alt-code for the "=" sign and the numbers don't look subscript.

I can't use alt codes on my laptop because of the lack of numpad and numpad usb thing.

Quote from: DekuTrombonist on October 29, 2010, 09:25:53 PMIf you have the "EngraverTextT" font (or any of the EngraverText fonts should work I think), you're better off using it instead of Maestro because you don't need the Alt-code for the "=" sign and the numbers don't look subscript.

Do you know if that font has any note keys for consistency's sake? I started looking at the Engraver fonts, and so far I saw everything but the note symbols. But changing the font (any font) after you use Maestro to enter in the note should be fine too...as long as the font looks all right together.

Quote from: Shadoninja on October 29, 2010, 09:26:50 PMI can't use alt codes on my laptop because of the lack of numpad and numpad usb thing.

Crap! Yeah, my laptop has the keypad so I forgot >.<. It seems the only way around that would be to change fonts part way or get a keypad.

I just looked it up, and the Engraver fonts don't come with Allegro. But, you can change fonts mid-way. For Example: select Maestro font, input the note you want, go back to font menu, pick a different font eg Times New Roman, and continue typing as normal. Changing font only changes the writing to the right of the cursor, it doesn't change everything if that makes sense.

Oh crap, you just wrote what I just typed up :P Perhaps you could include this in the guide?

Yeah, EngraverText has notes in it. I just checked. w=whole, h=half, q=quarter, e=eighth, x=sixteenth

Edit: woops, make that e=eighth

The Engraver fonts are in Allegro, but they all seem to be the same, except for the last Engraver "extras" font. They have H, T, etc, though. The numbers look a bit subscript-y still...maybe the solution would be to shrink the font when entering the numbers.

Also I updated the FAQ post.

In allegro, it's also possible to take the pre-existing Adagio Crotchet = 40 expression and modify that to fit your needs. it's even easier in finale 2011 because there's a drop down box with the text font, music font, and number font. plus there's another box where you can insert a note.

Quote from: Shadoninja on January 26, 2011, 04:17:22 AMIn allegro, it's also possible to take the pre-existing Adagio Crotchet = 40 expression and modify that to fit your needs. it's even easier in finale 2011 because there's a drop down box with the text font, music font, and number font. plus there's another box where you can insert a note.

=win

So much for using the manual Finale includes xD

Alright, so my sheet layout is odd, I have the title, game, composed by, arranged by.

That's all organized, but the actual first staff is like 6 inches too low, anybody know how to move that in Finale 2011?

most likely you would use the page layout tool.

Ah. Thanks. Still learning the little things.

Looks good. maybe create a "[url] thing with a link to PDFCreator. so people can click it if they read this.

good idea. I tried to write the instructions to be as general as possible with nothing too specifically for pdfcreator. that way if people are having problems with pdfcreator and have to use something else, they can still get a good idea of what to do with a different program.

My method was to save the Mus, and then open PDFCreator, and drag the MUS file into the program.

Quote from: Shadoninja on June 22, 2011, 03:49:08 PM

Ctrl+Up/Down Arrow

Move between notes in a chord

Didn't know that one. Thank you so much for the list! :D

no problem. It's probably missing a few things but those are the ones I know of.

You're forgetting the number lock shortcuts, too.

1 sixty-fourth note
2 thirty-second note
3 sixteenth note
4 eighth note
5 quarter note
6 half note
7 whole note
8 double whole note
9 triplet
0 rest of selected duration

+ sharp
- flat
/ tie
. dot (half duration)

(Note: the sharps and flats act differently in number lock. If you were to press it again, they would add on the the changed note. Making a sharp a double sharp and so on.)

---

Also the "ctrl" key also moves between measures

Ctrl/+ Zoom in
Ctrl/- Zoom out
Ctrl/e Switches between scroll view to page view

P Courtesy note
L Flips note
H Hides note
/ De-attaches/attaches previous note's stem

Shift/+ double sharp
Shift/- double flat

well my laptop doesn't have a numpad and I can't add what I don't know :P. I'll add those to the list though.

I added a bit more.

I vote that this thread be stickied and/or be moved to the help board.

^Agreed xD

Even I'm not sure why this thread is here...

I agree. Honestly, I think this should be up there with the other bold titles under the "Help!" section.

Just a quick reference for what you can use/enter in each version.

Full window for Finale Notepad 08, including the simple entry palette
(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi42.tinypic.com%2F2iacx09.jpg&hash=34c39ca3c9a808fb8f64b7eb6bc45674ea632816)

Full window for Finale Allegro 07
(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.tinypic.com%2F4j5ouh.jpg&hash=5633885d1c177ab69a8e15e1000d1ccfeea148a6)

Full window for Finale 2011
(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi41.tinypic.com%2Fvq0bo0.jpg&hash=10a4d17c5553e0e37abc0dc2bc145f60b117dcc9)

Simple entry window for Allegro and Finale 2011
(https://www.ninsheetmusic.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi42.tinypic.com%2Fvi2o0z.jpg&hash=912990cca03e82864e512024fe4c7fc7e2f44228)

OMG THANK YOU!

Quote from: Olimar12345 on January 23, 2012, 07:39:58 PMOMG THANK YOU!

you're welcome :)

So I'm assuming this works the same way then if I wanted only the notes with no articulation?

And do you know how to copy a layers into different layer of different measures? (Ex/ copy layer 1 of measure 13 into layer 2 of measure 16)

Quote from: spitllama on February 09, 2012, 05:09:34 PMSo I'm assuming this works the same way then if I wanted only the notes with no articulation?

And do you know how to copy a layers into different layer of different measures? (Ex/ copy layer 1 of measure 13 into layer 2 of measure 16)

yes, you would instead only check "notes and rests"

yes, you first must only show the active layer either by going to "Document-> Show Active Layer Only (Shift+Alt+S)" or the Show Active Layer Only button in the View Tool. Switch to the layer you want to copy if you haven't already and then paste it into the target measure. Remember to turn off the Show Active Layer Only option.

Great thank you

Erm, having some trouble with layers. I'm using an accidental to naturalize a note in layer 1, but layer 2 doesn't know I made that change. Now I'm trying to have layer 2 of that same measure show an accidental (which reverts the note back to the same as the key signature), but Finale won't allow it since the key signature is already applying to it. But the reader of the music won't know any better.

Quote from: spitllama on February 15, 2012, 07:26:34 PMErm, having some trouble with layers. I'm using an accidental to naturalize a note in layer 1, but layer 2 doesn't know I made that change. Now I'm trying to have layer 2 of that same measure show an accidental (which reverts the note back to the same as the key signature), but Finale won't allow it since the key signature is already applying to it. But the reader of the music won't know any better.

I have developed a graphical approach to solving this problem. If your version of Finale has "Special Tools", then simply use the "Accidental Mover Tool" and move the undesired second accidental in the same exact place on the page as the first desired accidental. Make sense?

Quote from: spitllama on February 15, 2012, 07:26:34 PMErm, having some trouble with layers. I'm using an accidental to naturalize a note in layer 1, but layer 2 doesn't know I made that change. Now I'm trying to have layer 2 of that same measure show an accidental (which reverts the note back to the same as the key signature), but Finale won't allow it since the key signature is already applying to it. But the reader of the music won't know any better.

Highlight it and press "p" to make it a courtesy accidental. You can press it again if you don't want to use brackets.

Yah when I googled that's what I found too, but it's not seeming to do it. I'm not sure if it has something to do with being a chord instead of a single note.

Quote from: spitllama on February 15, 2012, 07:46:02 PMYah when I googled that's what I found too, but it's not seeming to do it. I'm not sure if it has something to do with being a chord instead of a single note.

:\ the courtesy note should work. hmm could I take a look at it?

Dangit I always miss that "highlighting" actually means double-clicking the note, not just clicking it once to highlight it. That's what I did wrong. Thanks Shado.

how do you make a pdf file on notepad 2011 ???

Quote from: porygons on March 29, 2012, 05:07:37 PMhow do you make a pdf file on notepad 2011 ???

As long as you're able to print, you can follow this (http://www.ninsheetm.us/smf/index.php?topic=2223.msg102555#msg102555) guide.

If you're unable to print, might I suggest you download Notepad 2012 (http://www.finalemusic.com/NotePad/Default.aspx)? It's free and you will be able to print hence you can create a PDF with PDFCreator.

I'm thinking of doing another of these but I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. There are three topics i'd like to do:
How to Dropbox like a boss
A guide to arrangement threads and submissions
And an introduction to finale script.

Which one would everyone like to see first?

Given that I don't know what a "script" is, I say that one. Second is the Dropbox one.

I used to use MediaFire, but Dropbox is SOOO convenient, even if you don't know how to use it prof lol

just draaag the file to your dropbox folder, and there you go! Oh, and you have to get the URL of course.

Very helpful. Thanks Shado.

Quote from: Shadoninja on December 29, 2012, 12:58:18 AMUnderstanding Note Value Terms
What's a crotchet? Is that some kind of tennis term? Don't worry, this list will clarify both American and British terms.

American		British
Double Whole Note		Breve
Whole Note		Semibreve
Half Note		Minum
Quarter Note		Crotchet
Eighth Note		Quaver
Sixteenth Note		Semiquaver
Thirty-second Note		Demsemiquaver
Sixty-fourth Note		Hemidemisemiquaver

Oh those British terms... "crotchet" sounds like a brand of sports-groin guards. Quaver sounds like a brand name for a nausea-reducing medicine. Minum sounds like Minun (http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Minun_(Pok%C3%A9mon)). Breve is the only one that sounds remotely musical, but the images (more properly, sounds) conjured by that are even more disturbing...
Maybe it's because I'm too used to our American terms. :P

hemidemisemi
fun.

Thanks for helping me with the pdf thing I havent been on here in a while

Not sure if it's been posted in this thread yet.
And well, I'm busy with a lot of art related things and this is 5 pages long.... Anyway...

www.musictheory.net
Teach yourself to read sheet music!!! Already know that shit?
Teach yourself to recognize notes by ear!!! you say you can do that too?
Well there's also music theory lessons like chord progression if you're trying to make something original? Oh, you know that also...
Maybe you know someone who doesn't know these things. Show them the site.

This seems cool!  I might try it out sometime when I'm not super busy!

I'm really surprised no one has noticed that I deleted all my stuff yet.

I'm not sure how often people use this topic...

Quote from: Shadoninja on February 10, 2015, 12:14:52 PMI'm really surprised no one has noticed that I deleted all my stuff yet.

Well I did.. :(

EDIT: In this thread... Oh my..

I noticed, and cried a little on the inside. There aren't many other guides left here.

Quote from: Deku Trombonist on February 10, 2015, 03:47:40 PMI noticed, and cried a little on the inside. There aren't many other guides left here.

I'd love to make a guide!
.....if we need one.....

I saved them all somewhere but I can't find them. I would totally make more but I have to consider whether expending such effort is worth my time.

I recall a plan to make the NSM Resources a more prominent feature on the site.

I don't know if I ever said that publicly. I guess I did now.

Quote from: Jamaha on February 11, 2015, 09:11:37 AMI recall a plan to make the NSM Resources a more prominent feature on the site.

I don't know if I ever said that publicly. I guess I did now.

Need any help?

Shado: Obviously it's up yo you, but we'd love it if you did. And as Jamaha said, there are plans to put these guides on the site in the Help section, which is due for an overhaul.

Really the most important thing is I gotta feel like people care about what I write about. If no one cares about anything I have to say, what's the point.

It's honestly not worth it to get worked up over petty things like that though, if you enjoy helping out and making a notable contribution to the site then do it for that reason, not because you're fishing for compliments.  That's never something that can be assured.

if he WAS fishing for compliments I'd let him catch me hook line and sinker

I'm not "fishing for compliments". When I said I have to feel like people care about what I say, I didn't just mean that in terms of writing guides, I mean that in terms of the forums as a whole. If I don't feel important and people are just going to ignore me, there is zero point wasting my time here. I left the forums before for that exact reason.

Quote from: Shadoninja on March 05, 2015, 12:24:53 PMIf I don't feel important and people are just going to ignore me, there is zero point wasting my time here. I left the forums before for that exact reason.

:o
I liked you.......and missed you.

Um... Would people be interested in engraving/Finale tips? Part of my job is literally to write how-to articles for Finale's blog. (http://www.finalemusic.com/blog/author/pflom/)

I can write an article with some general, VERY BASIC engraving tips about how most contemporary music *should* look. I've actually been meaning to do this for a long time so I can organize my own personal rules, so this might be a good project for me to try.

Also - and I don't mean to brag - I can write anything about any topic in Finale if needed. Where should I start?

So I'm bringing the NSM resources back to life. I'm doing some brainstorming right now. Does anyone have any tutorial or guide ideas?
Since we have a lot of new arrangers, I thought it'd be a good idea to make a bunch of tutorials guides for a variety of things.

Quote from: SlowPokemon on July 15, 2010, 06:52:25 PMNot a bad idea. While I'm fourteen and am pretty good at the piano, I don't have any desire for tutorials...
But on YouTube all the comments ever say is "tutorial, please!"

So, this may help... no one can guarantee it though.

Holy shit Slow used to be 14

Anyways, would anyone mind if I make video versions of all these tutorials and upload them to YouTube? I have some free time I can lend to NSM :^)

Quote from: mariolegofan on November 24, 2015, 04:53:38 PMSo I'm bringing the NSM resources back to life. I'm doing some brainstorming right now. Does anyone have any tutorial or guide ideas?
Since we have a lot of new arrangers, I thought it'd be a good idea to make a bunch of tutorials guides for a variety of things.

I used to have a basic theory topic for this kind of thing. It's been a long time though. I'd have to dig it up again but basically it focused on common issues such as bad rhythm grouping, wrong keys, enharmonic spellings, etc. Maybe an idea would be to have something solely for common problems.

I love that too^

WHAT THE HECK!?!?! I TRIED TO CLICK ON THE TUTORIAL FOR METRONOME MARKINGS AND MY COMPUTER SPAZZED OUT, SAYING THAT IT HAD MALWARE ON THAT PAGE!!! IT TOLD ME TO CONTACT SOMEONE HELPDESK FOR WINDOWS, BUT I COULDN'T WAIT AND SO I HAD TO SHUT DOWN MY PC, WHICH COULD HAVE WIPED MY FILES AND OS CLEAN!!!!! WHOEVER POSTED THAT LINK EMBEDDED A CORRUPTED URL!!!!

Oh we changed our URL about a year ago and old links how redirect you to ninsheetm.us, whoever owns that now. Not a very good place.

We probably need to start over with a new topic :P But not before we get organized.

Whoever owns it apparently puts malware on their site...  >:(

I changed all of the links to the new url, but I can't guarantee they'll all work.

Actually don't click on anything yet

Okay, so the bad links in the op have been removed/updated. Unfortunately, all of Shadoninja's tutorials were deleted, so those links don't work.

Thank you for that! I nearly had a heart attack when that d-box appeared on my screen that said something about Malware...

Posting this before it gets lost in the submissions archive:

Quote from: Olimar12345 on November 13, 2015, 04:50:35 PMArticulations are named accordingly. To articulate something is to add clarity or to make something clear. They specify how to play a specific note or passage. Articulations tell us three things: 1) How to start the note. 2) The weight of the note. 3) (sometimes) The end of the note.

With this said, articulations have NOTHING to do with note lengths or dynamics. For example, a quarter note will last twice as long as an eighth note. A quarter note with the staccato marking does not equal an eighth note. Those are two different things that are written two different ways that mean two different things. If you want a shorter note, use a shorter note value. If you want a louder/softer note, use a dynamic mark.

Below are the specific jobs for articulations.

Staccatissimo - a very light weight note with a lifted release (also described as detached).
Staccato - a light weight note with a slightly lifted release (also described as detached).
Tenuto - a defined start, weighted note with no lift, touches the following note or rest.
Accent - a firm start, heavy weighted note with no lift, touches the following note or rest.
Marcato - a very hard start, heavier weight than an accent, sometimes played with a slightly lifted release.

Remember that the release of the note does not directly correlate to the note's length. Like I said:

Quote from: Olimar12345 on November 13, 2015, 04:50:35 PMA quarter note with the staccato marking does not equal an eighth note.

---

Quote from: Tobbeh99 on November 13, 2015, 12:49:00 PMAlso be aware of the differences between slur and tenuto. A slur is a phrase, often legato, while tenuto is an articulation.

While slurs, ties, and phrase markings might all use the same symbol, they are all different. A slur is not the same as a phrase marking. A slur is an indication to play the included notes smoothly or legato, while a phrase mark is used to display or highlight a phrase. phrase marks are usually over a considerably longer amount of material than slurs.

Dug this old thing I said up and thought it would fit well in this thread:

The order goes as follows. 

To determine the correct spelling of an accidental, first ask:

1) Is it part of the chord? Does it function harmonically? If, for example, you've transcribed the notes E Ab B, you might want to reconsider that Ab, as E G# B spells out an E major triad. This also applies to what key you're in. If you are in Db Major, chances are you will be using more Gb's over F#'s. This will be the way to go the majority of the time.

If the harmony is irrelevant:

2) Apply the accidental according to the direction it travels towards the next note. This is usually more prevalent in chromatic passages.
Sub-rule: if you are planing or writing in harmony with a consistent interval, keep that interval preserved. If two or more voices are traveling in parallel motion, the interval in which they begin at should remain consistent throughout the passage.

If all else fails:

3) Make it as easy as possible to read. However, you will MOST LIKELY never get to this point. If you think you have, ask someone for a second opinion. This is only for the extreme cases and I doubt something like this would occur in a video game tune.

More accidental help from Altissimo:

Quote from: Altissimo on March 19, 2017, 10:54:13 AMAs a general rule if you have a chromatic lower or upper neighbor note (defined as a pattern like A-B-A or A-G-A, where B/G is the neighbor note; basically a three-note pattern where the notes on the outside are the same and the note in the middle is related to it by step), then you're going to want it to be written as, for instance, A-Bb-A or A-G#-A instead of A-A#-A or A-Ab-A.
this can also apply to situations where there's just a chromatic half step but the first note of the neighbor figure isn't present. it's something you see a lot with grace notes - stuff like C#-D where C# is the grace note. basically, it's a safe bet that chromatic half steps that don't go in a linear direction are probably named with 2 different note names, as in the neighbor figures above and the C#-D mentioned earlier.

examples from my own arrangements: Fun Land (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2775), measure 9 and also 25, Hamour (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2504) measure 6 and 26, Spat's Theme (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2486) most instances of E-natural, Aquarium (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/3485) most chromatics in the piece

sometimes, looking at chords helps. most chords can be stacked into groups of 3rds. so, for instance, in m. 3, we have Gb in the bass and a Bb against Db dyad in the RH. Bb has to be Bb because that's in the key signature and it's not a chromatic pitch. So, our options for how to write the Db and Gb are:
Bb, Gb, Db
Bb, F#, Db
Bb, F#, C#
Bb, Gb, C#

only one of these allows a verticality that stacks into 3rds, and that's the first one: Bb, Gb, Db stacks to Gb, Bb, Db which is a series of thirds

examples: Hamour (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2504), the first half of m. 7 implies a chord using D, A, C, and either F# and Gb, and only F# allows this to stack into thirds (D F# A C), Sunny Peak (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2697) m. 16, E# allows a third with G# as opposed to a 2nd with Fnat, Credits (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/3308) m. 3, the first beat's A-C#-E is a stack of thirds as opposed to A-Db-E

in minor keys, you'll see the pitch one half step below tonic represented often. Make sure this does not have the same letter name as tonic. in A minor you'll often see G# and it is G# and not A-flat. in C# minor you'll often see B# and it is B# and not Cnat even though Cnat is a nicer "note".
also it's common to see the sixth scale degree raised in minor but this isn't as common as raised 7th.

examples: Go Ham Rangers (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/3034), all F#s are F# and not Gb and Eb is raised to Enat, Moonlight, (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2862) it is in C# minor and so B# is the raised 7th as opposed to Cnat, Spat's Theme (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2486) is in Bb minor and so the raised 7th is Anat

in general if you're moving in a linear direction up with chromatics, use sharps or naturals (naturals if you need them to cancel out a flat key sig). if you're moving down, use flats or naturals (naturals if you need them to cancel out a sharp key sig).

examples: Fun Land (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2775), measure 15, Condor's Wings, (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/3033) Harmony's Theme (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/2843), measure 7

To clarify:

Quote from: Altissimo on March 19, 2017, 10:54:13 AMsometimes, looking at chords helps. most chords can be stacked into groups of 3rds. so, for instance, in m. 3, we have Gb in the bass and a Bb against Db dyad in the RH. Bb has to be Bb because that's in the key signature and it's not a chromatic pitch. So, our options for how to write the Db and Gb are:
Bb, Gb, Db
Bb, F#, Db
Bb, F#, C#
Bb, Gb, C#

only one of these allows a verticality that stacks into 3rds, and that's the first one: Bb, Gb, Db stacks to Gb, Bb, Db which is a series of thirds

ok so Bb-Db-F# is technically also a series of 3rds but you (generally - there are exceptions, such as certain fully-diminished 7th chords and certain augmented 6ths (http://www.ninsheetmusic.org/download/pdf/3450)) don't usually want to mix sharps and flats in a single sonority, so here Gb is the appropriate note.

another general rule: Series-of-thirds will have their members related by either a minor 3rd (3 half steps and a difference of 3 note names: ex Bb-Db) or a major third (4 half steps and a difference of 3 note names: ex Gb-Bb). this is how you can tell Db-F# is probably not the 3rd you want, since it's an augmented third (5 half steps) as opposed to Gb which would form a major third under Bb