Changing the default 5-line drumset

• Aug 22, 2013 - 03:20

I was wondering whether changes to the default 5-line drumset offered by MuseScore could be beneficial.

Although the 5-line drumset isn't limited to notating standard drum kits, it could perhaps be considered the default.

Drum notation isn't properly standardised, but different systems have been used for notating them - including the French and American, I think (could someone post a little about them?). Some seem to use downstem for notes hit by foot and upstem for those hit by hand, whilst others (see 'Key To Percussion Notation' from one, but note that the transcription excerpt is from another) seem to use downstem for skinned drums (e.g. bass, toms and snare) and upstem for anything else (e.g. cymbals). Each are on different voices.

Compared to percussion, I would say that more standardisation has been established for drum staves, possibly because there's significantly less sounds in the latter - partly also for presentational and playing reasons (see the multiple percussion staves - one player per stave?). Therefore, I think I would only apply this to the standard drum kit.


Comments

* Where does "Key To Percussion Notation.pdf" come from?

* For percussion, one player per staff is indeed a good assumption.

* Talking about drumset only. As you said, there is not really a standard for drumset.

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