Tablature with Speedy Entry

You can use the Speedy Entry Tool to enter fret numbers into a TAB staff using your computer keyboard or an external MIDI device. For information on creating and working with TAB staves, see Tablature.

To enter fret numbers into a TAB staff using MIDI

Entering fret numbers with an external MIDI device is just as easy as entering standard notation. Do the following to prepare Speedy Entry for tablature entry.

If you are using a MIDI guitar, make sure each string is assigned to a unique channel. See Tablature MIDI Channels dialog box.

  1. Choose the Speedy Entry Tool  image\Speedy_Entry_Tool.gif.
  2. From the Speedy Menu, check Use MIDI Device for Input. Finale is now ready for input with a MIDI device.
  3. From the Speedy Menu, uncheck Edit TAB as Standard Notation. With this option unchecked, Finale will display fret numbers as you enter them.
  4. Click a measure to activate the editing frame and enter as you would normally. Fret numbers appear in the staff instead of notes. Finale calculates the appropriate string and fret number automatically. See To enter music in step time using MIDI for details on entry with a MIDI device.

To enter and edit tablature with Speedy Entry

You can also use the Speedy Entry Tool with your computer keyboard to manually enter and edit fret numbers.

  1. Click the Speedy Entry Tool  image\Speedy_Entry_Tool.gif. The Speedy Menu appears.
  2. Make sure no checkmark appears beside Use MIDI Device for Input in the Speedy Menu. Otherwise, choose the command to make the checkmark disappear.
  3. From the Speedy Menu, uncheck Edit TAB as Standard Notation. With this option unchecked, Finale will display fret numbers as you enter them.
  4. Click the first measure in which notes are to appear. The editing frame appears.
  5. Use the arrow keys to place the cursor on the desired string. Press a number key (corresponding to a rhythmic value) to create a fret number. The fret number will always be “0” when first entered.
  6. Press the + (plus) key to specify the fret number. Each time you press the plus key, the fret number increases by one. Press the - (minus) key to decrease the number by one. Note that you can also enter and edit tablature with the Selection and Simple Entry Tools. See Tablature for details.

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