|
Top Previous Next |
By default, if no explicit current duration is selected, TablEdit automatically assigns notes entered a logical duration in relation to the beginning and end of the measure as well as to the preceding and following notes. For example, if you enter a note at the very first position in a measure (assuming 4/4 time for the sake of this example), it will automatically be displayed as a whole note. If you then move the cursor manually to a position equivalent to an 1/8th note further on along the same string (four places tot he right of the original note), TablEdit will automatically change first note into an 1/8th note and assign the same value to the second note. If you then move the cursor to the beginning of the next measure (and the "Automatic rests" function is turned on in {File}{Preferences...}>Display) TablEdit will enter a 1/4 rest and a 1/2 rest to fill out the first measure. If you delete a note, TablEdit adjusts the duration of the remaining notes according to the same logic. If, on the other hand, a note duration has been selected manually, deleting notes will have no effect on the remaining notes (although if the "Automatic rests" function is active the space will be filled by a rest). If it's a question of simply entering a tablature or score rapidly, we recommend that you activate this option even if you have to adjust the note values afterwards. Whole note...1/64th note These menu items set the current duration value. A note being entered into either the tablature or the stave is automatically assigned this value. If the cursor is located on a previously entered note and a value other than that already assigned to it is selected the value of the note is changed. Unlike the "Automatic duration" feature described above, manual selection of note durations allows the cursor to be moved forward by the exact value currently assigned by pressing [Tab]. There are certain limitations on the types of notes that can be entered:
Although the American system of nomenclature (e.g. 1/8th note, 1/16th note, etc.) is used consequently throughout this manual, different systems are used in Great Britain and France. A table of equivalents is provided by clicking here. Dotted Adds a dotted value to the current duration. That is to say that the duration of the note is extended by 50% of its indicated value. After placing the cursor on the appropriate location, this property can be assigned to the note (either before or after entry) by one of several methods. You can select this item in the menu, click on the "dotted note" button in the "Notes" palette or press [Ctrl]+[. (decimal point)]. Triplet Assigns a triplet value to the currently selected note duration. This function can also be toggled on/off by clicking on the "triplet" button in the "Notes" palette or by pressing [Ctrl]+[Shift]+[3]. Insert the notes you want to tie together in the tablature and, with the last note highlighted, select this item from the menu, click on the "tied note" button in the "Notes" palette or press [L]. The effect is to link the two (or more) notes together with a legato marking. The tied note is not sounded again but, rather, serves to extend the duration of the original note. Also termed "Appoggiatura", these are notes of no definite duration indicating "run-up" notes in the form of an effect. The TablEdit grace note (represented by a small, crossed note just before the main note) is a 1/32th note which is played just before the main note. You can, of course, enter such notes directly in TablEdit but you should use this special function which is not only more convenient but also produces more legible tabs and avoids duration errors. The cursor must be positioned directly on a previously entered note for the dialog to appear. The dialog can be opened either by selecting this item from the menu, clicking on the "grace note" button in the "Notes" palette or pressing [Alt]+[G]. Enter the position (fret) at which the effect is to begin in the editable field at the top of the dialog and then select the effect to be used from the list. There are three types of grace notes available to you:
TablEdit also offers you four complex effects:
Selecting the "Symbol" check box causes a grace note symbol to be displayed above the notation. It should be noted that if the grace note occupies the same position as the principal note it will not be displayed but that its tie will remain visible. This can be of use for notating hammered or slid notes with no distinct point of origin. Grace note management It sometimes happens that a grace note superimposes itself on an alteration symbol. In order to remedy the situation, place the cursor exactly 1/64th note interval after the grace note and press [W]. This command inserts an offset marker allowing the position of the grace note symbol to be adjusted using [>] or [<] keys. But that's not all! After having selected the offset marker, you can perform the following actions:
Referred to as "velocity" in MIDI terms, this feature allows fine control over the relative volume of the notes of a tablature. This item opens the "Special effects" dialog, allowing you to apply the special effects necessary to make your tablatures come "alive". This opens the "Pick strokes & Fingerings" dialog, giving you complete control over the entry and placement of fingering indicators. A limited set of these instructions can also be accessed from the "Hand" palette. This allows you to alter the normal note on a given fret as would be done with a string pull device. It can also be seen as an temporary change of tuning. The function was originally intended for use in tablatures for Pedal Steel Guitar but it's also excellent for simulating de-tuning in the course of a piece or the effect of pressing on a vibrato arm.
|