[Harp-L] Finale note pad - making DIY harp tabs

[philharpn@xxxxxxx]

     Finale NotePad is a FREE notation program for PC and Mac that will allow you to build a lead sheet and  do-it-yourself harp tabs. Like so many of today's software programs it allows the playback of the notation.    
    
    
    
    
    So even if you aren't a great sight-reader (can play notes as fast as you can read lyrics out loud) you can still enter the notes with your mouse, hit the space bar to play the notes back and play along with them on your harp.   
    
    
    
    
    It's important to note that the main credential of this program is that it is free. And even if you had to pay for it, it's a pretty good basic program.
           
      
      
      
The program requires you to make up a password before you can download the Note Pad program, but that is the only requirement.     
      
      
      
      
The online NotePad 2012 user manual offers Four categories: What's New, Tutorials and Reference to help you through the process. Under HELP drop down menu.     
      
      
      
      
For those of you who are tired of finding faulty tab on the Internet, you can make your own. Just enter the notation from a fake book or melody line from sheet music, plus the key signature (sharps # or flats b). Plus time signature: 4/4, 3/4 or 2/2 etc. There are four palettes for rests, notes, etc.     
      
      
      
      
Chances are if you're starting out from notation you're more likely to create accurate tab.     
      
      
      
      
When you get the melody notes of your tune entered, go to the <harptabs.com> website and look down the left side of the page for tab rules. Download or print out or both the diatonic or chromatic tab ruler in your harmonica. This will tell you where on the harmonica to play any given note in a given key. You don't have to know that a key signature with one sharp (#) is the key of G, you just have to be smart enough to match up the key signature (flats or sharps) on the tab ruler with that on your music.      
      
      
      
      
See the  "harptabs" website.
      
      
      
      
So after you get the notes entered, hit the space bar. If your cursor is at the first bar, the song will play. If you have your cursor at the end of the song you might get the last bar played over and over again -- or nothing. Plus you lose a point. Move the cursor back to the first bar and THEN hit the space bar (or drop down menu).     
      
      
      
      
This will give you a rough idea is you entered the notes right. This is the chief value of the midi playback.     
      
      
      
      
At this point you can find the lyric tool on the main palette and use the lyric position (below the notes to write the numbers: 3 for 3 draw and 3+ for 3 blow on diatonic. For chromatic for 3 blow lever 3b+ or 3d+ or whatever system. Can't find a tool or palette, check the drop down menu HELP to find Table of Contents, Tutorials, Keyboard Shortcuts.     
      
      
      
      
And regardless of what harp you use: chrome or blues, you could also make a chart showing the notes layout on your own harp. Or whatever key you need.      
      
      
      
      
If you don't like the midi keyboard, you could set it up to play a trumpet sound -- but if you choose trumpet be sure to tell the program to select trumpet in C so you get the concert pitch. Otherwise, you get the Bb pitch which is two half-steps lower than the sheet music (because when you play a low C on a trumpet, it sounds as a Bb because the Bb trumpet is a transposing instrument. The trumpet in C is not, when you play a C you sound a C on the trumpet in C.      
      
      
      
      
Phil     
      
ps I started out using this program a few weeks ago and decided to upgrade to a paid version called Finale SongWriter ($50) which offers a few more features.