Convert music from any key signature into a suitable dulcimer key
By Melanie Johnston
One very useful tool in TablEdit is the transpose feature. Let’s say you have found a tune in a hymnal or other book but it is in the key of G (one sharp in the key signature) and you want it to be in the key of D (two sharps in the key signature). Here’s what to do:
- Set up your blank score as usual – DAD tuning, applicable time signature, etc. Set the key signature to the one in the original piece. In this case, set the key signature to G (one sharp).
- Important: before you start to enter the music, be sure you have the clef set to standard clef. (This is found in the Score/Instrument dialogue box.)
- Enter the melody line of the music (using the standard clef, the note value palette, and the enter key). Things will work best if you enter only the melody, then go back after transposing and add chords if desired.
Once the melody is entered, you are ready to transpose. First figure out how many half steps from G to D. You can either go up 7 half steps or down 5 half steps.
Try each and decide your preference. Go to Score/Transpose. In the Intervals box, enter 7 to go up 7 half steps or -5 to go down. Make sure the applicable measures are set correctly then click Apply/OK.
Your score will now be in the key of D. TablEdit will have changed the key signature to 2 sharps and automatically adjusted the tablature. At this point you can add filler notes, chords, etc. to your score as desired.
Johnston, of Asheville, North Carolina, has played and taught mountain dulcimer since 2001. She regularly teaches TablEdit at dulcimer festivals and wrote “TablEdit, a Manual for Mountain Dulcimer Arrangers.” She hopes these tips help arrangers get maximum benefit from using this software.
