Finale Forum

Hi, I'm fairly new to finale and use it mostly to write out Jazz Lead Sheets and Horn Section Charts.

Is there a way for finale to redo the accidentals in a score not by the "classically correct" rules, but in a way that makes it easily readable? If I write a horn chart and then extract/transpose the parts, the automatically created accidentials are either only flats or only sharps depending on the key. This results in lots of double-flats/sharps and completely unreadable charts. Going through them by hand is extremely annoying and time-consuming.

How are you transposing? We may need to see an example.

Sorry for not replying sooner. I transpose using either the "Transpose" feature or by changing the key signature. I attached 3 Files of a Lead Sheet for an exercise. It was originally in F Major I transposed it to C# Major. I got the most readable result by first transposing it down chromatically (there's an extra file for that in the attachments to show that at this point, it's unreadable) and then changing the key signature while holding the pitches enharmonically. This method is needlessly complicated though. Also, with this method chordsymbols don't get transposed.

For the transposition of chords (if you used "Transpose"), select the region and use Utilities -> Change -> Chords -> Transpose.

Thanks. But then I have to do three things and always keep track of the intervals/key signatures. So I'm still hoping that there's another way

Another example. This time the transposition is done automatically, since it's a Bb Part. How is this a readable score? One thing that would help is changing the key signature from C# minor to Db minor (would make reading the accidentals easier), but guess what, Finale does not have "D flat minor" in the key signature tool.

I guess I'm not seeing a problem in the posted example. Anyway, you can have the score in C# minor, but the Bb part in Eb minor if you want. Is that what you're getting at?

Zuill

Misemao wrote:… Finale does not have "D flat minor" in the key signature tool …

Actually yes, Finale does have “D flat minor” in the Key Signature Tool.
To get there, choose Nonstandard… in the pop up menu (neither Major Key nor Minor Key, nor Keyless).
Then click “Next” twice, to get to Linear Key Format 2.

zuill wrote:I guess I'm not seeing a problem in the posted example. Anyway, you can have the score in C# minor, but the Bb part in Eb minor if you want. Is that what you're getting at?

Zuill

I can? I did not know that. How do I do that?

Misemao wrote:

zuill wrote:I guess I'm not seeing a problem in the posted example. Anyway, you can have the score in C# minor, but the Bb part in Eb minor if you want. Is that what you're getting at?

Zuill

I can? I did not know that. How do I do that?

Use a custom staff style that sets the staff transposition to A# transposition instead of Bb transposition.

See the attached Finale document.

That's not the way I did it, but that works.

Zuill