Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you want to learn how to transition from shape notes to standard notation? Have you ever wondered when you should use the special solfege syllables for sharp and flat notes? Standard notation gives you clues on when to use the diatonic solfege syllables versus the chromatic syllables. Read more to learn the answer to the question, “How do I switch from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation?”
For a review of how shape notes and solfege work:
This post uses music terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.
Chromatic Solfege Syllables and Switching from Shaped Notes to Standard Notation
“How do I switch from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation?” Basically, you figure out what sharps or flats will be part of the key.
- Once, you’ve done that, any other sharps, flats, or naturals not in the key will need chromatic solfege syllables.
- When figuring out the key, you’ll need the strategies that we discussed in part 1.
Use the key signature to figure out the solfege syllables for the key. These two sections of the part 1 post will show you how to do it:
- How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Sharps Section
- How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Flats Section
Once you know what sharps or flats you have in the song’s key, any sharps or flats outside of the key will need special solfege syllables. These posts tell you what they are:
Carolina in the Morning and Switching from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation
“How do I switch from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation?” I have provided an excerpt from the song Carolina in the Morning.
- The example uses shape notes and has the solfege syllables below the staff.
- I’ve included a soundtrack of the excerpt so you can hear what it sounds like.
- Also, I’ve provided a video so you can hear the whole song.
- Use the information at the above links to work out why those are the solfege syllables you’d need for this excerpt.
- Once you can do that, you can try to figure out the solfege syllables for the quiz below.
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Carolina in the Morning:
Video: Carolina in the Morning
How Do I Switch from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Quiz
Summary for “How Do I Switch from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation”
Here’s a summary of the steps for switching from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation:
- Figure out the song’s key.
- The first note of the key, the tonic, will always be the solfege syllable Do.
- From there you can work out the other solfege syllables by following the notes of the key.
- Once you know what sharps or flats you have in the key, any sharps or flats outside the key will need special solfege syllables.
Singers new of solfege can write the syllables in the sheet music. Having said that, always work toward memorizing the solfege syllables for each key.
Have fun singing!
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Glossary
Positives to Dyslexia – Everything is Connected to Everything Else (Part 2)
Do you want to know some of the positives to having dyslexia? Does all information seem connected to you? Global thinking is the capacity to see cohesive relationships between different domains of knowledge. It’s also one of the four strengths resulting from dyslexic brain structure. Keep reading to learn the details of how everything being connected to everything else can be a positive aspect of having dyslexia. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Jam Like a Rock Star with Open E Tuning
Are you tired of your band sounding out of tune? Can’t get the classic rock sound when jamming with your group? Read more to learn how to jam like a rock star with open E tuning. You will also learn the song “Gimme Shelter.” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
How to Use an Extremely Accurate Guitar Strobe Tuner
Does your guitar sound out of tune even when the tuner says you’re in tune? Do you have trouble tuning by ear or want to get a better guitar tone? Not all guitar tuners have been created equal. Read more to learn how to use an extremely accurate guitar strobe tuner to make your guitar sound awesome. Estimated reading time 9 minutes.
Read More
What Common Mistakes Do People Make When Tuning Their Guitars?
What common mistakes do people make when tuning their guitars? We’ll discuss the three most important tuning tips plus three bonus tips. Click to learn how to fix the three most common mistakes that people make when tuning their guitars. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More