Minor
keys
SongWriter defaults to a major key system,
where the scale that begins on C has no sharps or flats. In such a key
system, C is considered by SongWriter to be scale degree zero of the scale
with no sharps or flats (C major). You can, however, tell SongWriter that
you’re working in a minor key, where the scale that begins on C has three
flats (for example), and in the scale with no sharps or flats (A minor),
C is not the root.
If you follow the instructions below, you’ll
notice a significant change in SongWriter’s behavior. If you’re transcribing
music using HyperScribe, you’ll discover that accidentals are transcribed
with greater accuracy. In A minor, for example, the note between G and
A will be notated as a G (instead of an A, as it would be called in C major).
- Click
the Key Signature tool ; then double-click the
measure where the minor key is to begin. The Key Signatures dialog
box appears.
- From
the drop-down
list next to the scroll bar, choose Minor Key.
- Use
the scroll bar at the top of the window to set the minor key signature
you want. If you want to select A minor, leave the default key
signature (no sharps or flats).
- Specify
the range of measures you want to be affected by the key change.
- Specify
the transposition effect. The three choices are: Transpose
Notes, in which any existing music will be transposed to the new
key; Hold Notes to Original Pitches,
Chromatically, which holds each note at its original absolute pitch, maintaining
the original spelling of the note, (for example, a G in
the key of E will remain a G in the key of E), or Enharmonically, in which the shelling of the accidentals
is adjusted where necessary (for example a G becomes an
A in the key of E); Hold
Notes to Same Staff Lines (Modally),
in which each existing note remains on its original line or space, but
no new accidentals appear.
If you select Transpose Notes, choose either
Up or Down from the drop-down list to specify the direction in
which you want the music transposed.
- Click
OK (or press enter).