Multiple Accidentals
I'm looking for support on the matter of adding multiple accidentals to single notes (e.g. simulating triple-flats, etc.)
I noticed in previous posts from a few years ago that a few people mentioned dragging accidentals from the palette to place next to already existing accidentals. But whenever I do this, the accidental I'm dragging wants to be connected to a note and will replace the accidental already there.
I'm currently exploring quartal triad chords where each stack in the chord is separated by 4-6 semitones (or intervals of diminished, perfect and augmented fourths). If the 2nd and 3rd notes in the stack are both diminished 4th intervals, I'm going to need to use a triple-flat on the 3rd note for proper representation of the harmony.
Comments
Easiest way to add a triple flat is press "Z" to display the Symbols palette, search for "triple", click the symbol. Same for any other unusual accidentals like this, which probably already exist. Or if you need to compose your own for whatever reason (type "flat" and you'll see dozens of variations already!), still use the symbols from here rather than the "regular" accidentals.
Playback won't be affected, but you can adjust that using the Inspector (or add to the line you want it sound but use "Fix to line" to force onto the line you want it to appear).
In reply to Easiest way to add a triple… by Marc Sabatella
Very helpful, thank you! I didn't realise there were extra accidental symbols in the Symbols palette. I'm still getting used to the Inspector, but I quickly achieved the playback issue by fixing the note to the correct line.
I suppose clicking on the note, going to the Inspector panel and setting the Tuning parameter to -300.00 will give the correct playback effect for any triple-flat? Just asking because I'm neither very familiar with the Inspector panel nor measurements in cents (which I believe is what the Tuning parameter is measured in). So -300.00 cents is the same as 3 semitones below which is the effect of a triple-flat? In any case, having tested this, it seems to sound like a triple-flat, so I've probably answered my own questions.
In reply to Very helpful, thank you! I… by Erisceres
You did indeed :-). Although FWIW, personally I'd have picked the other approach probably, because somehow fiddling with tuning feels weird.
In reply to Easiest way to add a triple… by Marc Sabatella
Hi Marc. I've found this thread after encountering a similar problem. I'm writing up an advanced tonal theory using Musescore, and I need to have a flat and a natural both added to a note, but using the version of those symbols with the directional arrows. The flat needs to have an upwards arrow, and the natural a downwards arrow. This is because it's not signifying a single note, but rather a note which can either end up as a B natural, or a B flat, in the theory -- the arrows signify that the note is subject to change depending on the context.
So, I can't use the natural flat symbol, as this doesn't contain the arrows. Surely there could be some kind of option to allow for multiple accidental symbols to be used? Maybe a toggle on-off switch? Alternatively, is it not possible for me to create an edited version of the natural flat symbol, and add it into the palette?
Thanks in advance,
David
EDIT: have added an image showing what I'm hoping can be easier to achieve. As you can see, the only work around I can find is to add the same note in a hidden voice.
In reply to Hi Marc. I've found this… by davidwebermusic
Add the natural as normal from the accidentals palette (this will be the one applied during playback as well). Then have the note selected, open the master palette (Z), on the left column click on "symbols" and in the search filter type "quarter-t" or just "flat" and click on the quarter-tone flat symbol.
Then use the inspector to change the X-offset of that symbol to around -2.5sp
In reply to Hi Marc. I've found this… by davidwebermusic
You should be able to add those from the Symbols palette (press "Z" to display). You can add as many symbols to a note as you like.
EDIT: oops, somehow missed the previous response :-)
In reply to You should be able to add… by Marc Sabatella
Hi both, many thanks. I must apologies, I thought I'd tried this option, but I did the brain-dead thing of pressing 'Z' and then selecting 'accidentals' in the Master Palette...