How to enter stacked piano chords?

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larryq22
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Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 2:16 pm
Finale Version: Songwriter 2012 PC

Post by larryq22 » Mon Sep 30, 2013 12:01 am

Finale SW 2012. Windows 7. Please excuse the basic-ness of this question. How does one enter a stack of notes on the same beat of music, such as for a piano piece? I've entered the melody line but am stuck when trying to add notes beneath the existing notes. I've tried layers but can only enter the 2nd layer on the same beat; the 3rd layer doesn't line up with the others. I'm sure it's easy but not for me, evidently :cry:
Songwriter 2012 for PC


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miker
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Post by miker » Mon Sep 30, 2013 4:24 am

If you want a chord with all notes of the same duration, for example, CEGC of quarter notes, enter the first note, C. Then, stack notes above it by tapping the number row key for the desired interval. So it would be C, 3, 3, 4. Shift + Number gives you the interval below. Entering the next letter note will shift you to the next beat.

If I misunderstand what you want, please post a picture of what you need to do.
Finale 27 | SmartScorePro 64
Mac OS 13.2.1 Ventura
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larryq22
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 2:16 pm
Finale Version: Songwriter 2012 PC

Post by larryq22 » Tue Oct 01, 2013 2:04 am

This is what I needed. Thanks. What about entering an "upper voice" where the notes aren't the same duration? For example, in a 4/4 piece: the top line of the piano part has a stack of 2 whole notes for the lower sostenuto voices; the top voice has melodic eighth notes. Do I add the top line as a separate layer?
Songwriter 2012 for PC

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miker
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Post by miker » Tue Oct 01, 2013 2:09 pm

Correct. And remember that you have four layers available, although two are generally enough.

Try to use layer one for the upper notes, and layer two for the lower. They already have the stem directions correctly assigned.
Finale 27 | SmartScorePro 64
Mac OS 13.2.1 Ventura
Copyist for Barbershop Harmony Society

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