writing rhythm/note length in notation

Jherrera · #1 05-08-2005, 08:36 PM

Often when I'm write a line I can tell its in 4/4 or 6/8 or whatever but when I get to writing it down on manuscript paper i cant tell hoiw long each note it, i have trouble counting especially when it's a dotted quarter note or some other strange bulljazz going on. Anybody know of any tricks to help me figure out each notes symbol. I wish there was software that would lsiten to it and transcribe it and is free. Seems like any software you need is $999.99 so NO ONE can get it.

JimK · #2 05-09-2005, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jherrera

I wish there was software that would lsiten to it and transcribe it and is free. Seems like any software you need is $999.99 so NO ONE can get it.

C'mon. The whole thing about transcribing is 'the process' AND your effort(blood, sweat, & tears).

My suggestion is to break it down Beat by Beat.
I try to think in 1/16th note subdivisions(1e&a2e&a3e&a4e&a, etc).
Example: A busy figure may be l-e&_2e-a3e&-4e_-l
Try to "Hear it"...then "Count it". Slow it down mentally(or with a machine).

Suppose you hear two(2) notes on Beat 1.
Are they even in length...like two 1/8th notes?(1e&a = 1_&_)
Is the 1st one longer...maybe indicating a dotted 1/8th note? (1e&a = 1__a)

Is the 1st note 'quick with a 'longer' 2nd note? (1e&a = 1e__)

Some 1/16th note combinations which are used-
1e&a
1_&a (NOT a Triplet)
1e&_ (NOT a Triplet)
1e_a

These are 'basic' rhythmic figures which occur a lot.
If you're trying a somewhat busy, staccato line...sure, the notes may be 'choked'(you may use many 1/16th notes + 1/16th note RESTS...then again, you can simply indicate the line is being played 'Staccato'. A "." is placed under each note that is played staccato).
A simple method to depict 'swung' notes is to use 1/8th notes and indicate thay are to be played in a Swing style.

Hopefully, someone else will chime in with triplets & rests.
Gotta go!

Jherrera · #3 05-09-2005, 10:24 AM

I'm new to this whole notation thing, teaching myself theory in away with whatever I can get. Seeing as my favorite composer is Frank Zappa, I have a lot of work to do. Thank you very much it was quite helpful and I'm now one step closer to wrting stuff on paper that sounds cool when played.

**Pacman** · #4 05-09-2005, 11:59 AM

Not technique related. Moved to General Instruction.

JimK · #5 05-09-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jherrera

Seeing as my favorite composer is Frank Zappa, I have a lot of work to do.

On second thought...plunk down the grand for the software.

Bassist4Life · #6 05-09-2005, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jherrera

Often when I'm write a line I can tell its in 4/4 or 6/8 or whatever but when I get to writing it down on manuscript paper i cant tell hoiw long each note it, i have trouble counting especially when it's a dotted quarter note or some other strange bulljazz going on. Anybody know of any tricks to help me figure out each notes symbol. I wish there was software that would lsiten to it and transcribe it and is free. Seems like any software you need is $999.99 so NO ONE can get it.

Jherrera,
Transcribing/notating tunes is a skill that takes a lot of time and practice. Of course, it does come easier for some people, but that's life. Playing by ear is one skill and notating is another skill. A lot of people are able to play by ear, but not everyone can notate what they hear. The notation end of things takes a strong background in music theory and music reading. I would take a college/community music theory course if you don't have a strong background in these areas. Learning theory and notation through a private instructor could cost you a small fortune. IMO, software shouldn't be used to do transcriptions. Even if I had software that cost 1 million dollars, I would question its accuracy when all was said and done. People get paid BIG BUCKS to transcribe music. I believe that way back in the day, Steve Vai transcribed Frank Zappa's music and made good money. Good luck on your transcriptions. Stick with it and don't give up.

Joe

PS. IMO, headphones makes transcribing easier.

Sandman1278 · #7 05-09-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jherrera

Seems like any software you need is $999.99 so NO ONE can get it.

a free alternative is http://www.power-tab.net/downloads.php#d1
it will only transcribe timings for midi files, although you can write out the tablature for any other music and it will create midi files for you, as well as write sheet music, this program also has alot of other great features, I use it mainly to jot down any song ideas i have and then get to hear them bak on a midi version of any instrument i desire.

Bubba Love · #8 05-09-2005, 06:11 PM

The way I do it is to tap with my finger, bringing it down for the on beat, and up for the off beat. Hum the melody to yourself and slow it right down while doing the tapping thing, then you'll actually be able to visualise where the notes start and end in relation to the on and off beats.

JimK · #9 05-09-2005, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassist4Life

I believe that way back in the day, Steve Vai transcribed Frank Zappa's music and made good money. Good luck on your transcriptions.

You're correct...Vai also did some transcribing for Guitar Player mag(back in the '70s/early '80s).
A guy around the corner from me(a guitarist) once wrote a letter to Vai because he found one of Vai's Guitar Player transcriptions to be incorrect. IIRC, my friend said Vai told him to get a life.