Notation Software Options

David DeLoach · Post by **David DeLoach** » 24 Sep 2022 5:03 am

Anyone know if Finale has decent ability for lap steel tab?

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 24 Sep 2022 7:26 am

Actually, you can purchase Sibelius outright. I chose to do so when upgrading to the latest Mac OS.

Yeah, they don't make it easy to find, but looks like you can purchase outright for $600. https://shop.avid.com/ccrz__ProductDeta ... DetailView

Gary Anwyl · Post by **Gary Anwyl** » 24 Sep 2022 9:51 am

Guy Cundell wrote:What makes it (Sibelius) the best available software (that I know of) for steel guitar?

Firstly, you can create your own templates with however many strings you wish.

Secondly, you can copy and paste from any stave or tab to any other stave or tab. That means you can put in notes and then paste them to tab or visa versa. ie, you can make notation from Tab though I generally work the other way around.

Thirdly, notes on the tab can be dragged from string to string with the correct fret for the pitch on the new string. This is invaluable for editing arrangements and when combined with point 2 above you can see how passages on one tuning can be achieved on another.

MuseScore also has these three features. That's why I like it for guitar tabs.

If you're doing a serious amount of score writing it makes sense to use a commercial product that is supported. For casual users MuseScore seems fine. It is pretty fully featured and stable with a large community of users.

Guy Cundell · Post by **Guy Cundell** » 24 Sep 2022 6:04 pm

David DeLoach wrote:Anyone know if Finale has decent ability for lap steel tab?

Finale is the program that John Ely favours. You can see examples on his website.

https://www.hawaiiansteel.com/graphics/ ... -page1.pdf