Pickup Measure (Anacrusis)

• Oct 30, 2021 - 23:37

Hi, I'm trying to create a pickup measure at the beginning of my score. It's a 6/8 measure. There are two unneeded eighth rests at the top. I highlight them and hit "command/delete" on my Mac. That does remove the rests nicely, but the notes in the measure jump down an octave. Am I doing something wrong, or is that a bug?

Thanks, Tommy


Comments

1] I would leave the rests in place. A pickup measure generally isn't more than half the time signature measure length. If you insists on changing it then right-click, Bar Properties and change the length.

2] When you post and no one has answered and you want to add something, don't post again - edit your original post.

3] i was about to say "Read the Handbook" but I just clicked on the link to that to check and, currently, it leads to a YouTube video extolling the virtues of the latest MuseScore.

In reply to by underquark

Thanks, Underquark!

1) True, might be better left as is. However, once I find something I can’t make work, I get doggedly determined to find the answer to the problem! I’ll try the bar properties solution.

2) I thought that was what I did. Or, “added” to the post?

3) The online handbook is where I found the “command/delete” solution, which has been working fine in other instances. Just can’t figure out why in this case removing the rests is changing the readout of the notes by an octave. Strange…..seems like a bug…..I was hoping someone else could reproduce the result with the attached file……

Anyway, I appreciate your reply!

In reply to by Bristol Stomper

Two ways:

1) When creating a new file using the New Score Wizard, the wiz will give you the option of creating an anacrusis measure (it's in the panel where you set the number of measures, etc.)
2) otherwise. you can right click on the measure, select "Measure Properties," and then set the "Actual duration" to whatever value you need--in your case, 4/8.

In reply to by wfazekas1

" Just can’t figure out why in this case removing the rests is changing the readout of the notes by an octave. Strange…..seems like a bug…..I was hoping someone else could reproduce the result with the attached file……"

Your file is of MusicXML origin.
For some reason (could you attach the XML file itself?), the last instrument is wrongly defined, according to MuseScore.
To fix this, just go to the Staff/Part Properties, "Change Instrument" (for a Bass always), and you'll see that the rests removal is now correct. 1Pickup Measure (Anacrusis) problem.mscz

Having said that, personally, I will leave at least one rest (quarter rest) for a better understanding of the pickup measure.
1bisPickup Measure (Anacrusis) problem.mscz

Actually, u just need to put some rests and get the specific spaces that you need and highlight the range of rests and select "Remove Selected Range"

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