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Re: Solo string on same staff
Posted: 21 Apr 2026, 18:22
by frames
Magnus Johansson wrote: 21 Apr 2026, 09:55
frames wrote: 20 Apr 2026, 17:20
Completely unrelated to everything else that's been said, but in the 3rd to last bar in the bass part I'd notate the harmonics as either the sounding pitch with a circle over it or the fingered pitch with a diamond notehead and a string indicator, like so:
Screenshot 2026-04-20 at 11.09.07 AM.png
Speaking from my playing experience, using artificial harmonic notation for natural harmonics can cause some confusion among string players. I don't really have a preference for whether they're notated at sounding pitch or fingered pitch as long as it's consistent throughout a piece.
I am used to this notation of a natural harmonic but with the sounding note in parentheses:
Natural harmonic on A string.png
That’s a perfectly valid way to do it! I just prefer a single notehead for natural harmonics, especially when there’s a lot of them since it creates less visual clutter IMO.
Re: Solo string on same staff
Posted: 21 May 2026, 10:15
by OCTO
Magnus Johansson wrote: 21 Apr 2026, 09:55
I am used to this notation of a natural harmonic but with the sounding note in parentheses:
Natural harmonic on A string.png
Are you using Igor Engraver there?
Re: Solo string on same staff
Posted: 21 May 2026, 17:02
by Magnus Johansson
OCTO wrote: 21 May 2026, 10:15
Magnus Johansson wrote: 21 Apr 2026, 09:55
I am used to this notation of a natural harmonic but with the sounding note in parentheses:
Natural harmonic on A string.png
Are you using Igor Engraver there?
Yes.
Re: Solo string on same staff
Posted: 21 May 2026, 17:56
by MichelRE
thus far I've had no issues with any double bass players understanding the intent of my harmonics notation.
I don't play double bass so I'm not comfortable enough selecting which touch harmonic is best for a given situation.
the notation I use (what people are calling "artificial harmonic" notation) is clear.
it shows exactly what the intended sounding note should be from the context of the notation.
and the double bass player can then choose to use the note as written, or find a suitable node that will give the same result.