abc video guides

A short series of YouTube video guides on different aspects of using abc notation.

How to get started with abc notation

How to find tunes, see the music, and even transpose, without needing any understanding of abc notation.
Post-recording comment: if the mandolintab website isn't working to transpose your abc code (currently, November 2023, it gives an "unauthorised" error), there are a number of alternatives. A good option is Michael Eskin's transcription toolkit - just paste in your abc code and repeatedly hit the Transpose Up/Transpose Down until you get the key you want!

There is also a blog article covering this material.

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How to understand abc notation ... the basics

Getting to grips with the a to z and 1, 2, 3 of abc notation, including: tune info, such as title, composer, meter, key, ...; note pitches & rests; lengths, beams, triplets & broken rhythms; keys, accidentals & clefs; bar lines & repeats; and more.

There is also a blog article covering this material.

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How to understand abc notation ... next steps

Some more abc ingredients, including: chord symbols; chords & unisons; ties & slurs; grace notes; headers & comments; and more.

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How to become an EasyABC virtuoso ... tips & tricks

Getting the most out of this popular software, including: file management; editing; settings; tools; and settings vs directives.

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How to include lyrics in abc notation

Including lyrics is straightforward - just a case of lining everything up.

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How to write abc notation for multiple voices (polyphony)

Some motivating examples of multiple voices / polyphony, including counterpoint, hidden (chord) voices and SATB scores.

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How to host your abc tune collections at GitHub

Got some abc files you want to share online? If you don't have a website, this video shows you how to use the popular code sharing site, GitHub, to put your collections online and keep them in synch with a couple of button presses.

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