Inputting notes into multiple voices

By default, notes are input into the first up-stem voice, as indicated by the symbol of an up-stem quarter note beside the caret. You can input notes directly into other voices during step input, and switch between voices as often as you want.

You can also input notes into a new voice on a staff with existing notes. Once you have created a voice somewhere on a staff, you can input notes into that voice anywhere else on the same staff.

Procedure

  1. In Write mode, start note input.
  2. Position the caret on the staff on which you want to input multiple voices, at the rhythmic position where you want the multiple voices to start.
  3. Create a new voice in any of the following ways:

    • Press Shift-V.

    • Choose Write > Create Voice.

    When a new voice is added, a + sign appears beside the symbol of a quarter note beside the caret. The quarter note symbol indicates the stem direction, and the number beside the quarter note indicates the voice number if applicable.

    Figure: Caret when adding the first down-stem voice

    Figure: Caret when adding the second up-stem voice
  4. Optional: Repeat step 3 as many times as you require.

    For example, on a staff containing no notes, creating one new voice allows you to input notes into the first down-stem voice, but you can also create another new voice immediately if you want to input notes into the second up-stem voice on the staff.

  5. Input the notes you want.
  6. Optional: Switch between voices in any of the following ways:

    • Press V.

    • Choose Write > Next Voice.

  7. Press Esc or Return to stop note input.

Result

Notes are input into new voices, as indicated by the caret symbol.

Note

If you are inputting notes into a new voice on a staff that already contains notes in another voice, the stem directions of existing notes at the same rhythmic position change automatically as necessary.

The quarter note symbol beside the caret changes to indicate which voice is currently selected. Any notes input are input into the voice indicated by this symbol.

You can switch between voices as often as you like.

Note

If you have three or more voices on a single staff, you must cycle through all the voices in a set order. For example, if you have two up-stem voices and two down-stem voices, the order is: first up-stem voice, first down-stem voice, second down-stem voice, second up-stem voice.

Example

Figure: Caret when inputting notes into the first up-stem voice

Figure: Caret when inputting notes into the first down-stem voice

Figure: Caret when inputting notes into a new, second up-stem voice