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
What’s The Basic Difference Between Falsetto and Chest Voice?
“What's the basic difference between falsetto and chest voice?” Head, chest, and falsetto all have very different tone qualities. It’s important for singers to be able to master singing with all three vocal tones. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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50 Best Kids Guitar Sheet Music Gift Ideas
Are you looking for a gift for a young guitarist? Today I’ll share about music books that make good gifts. In other words, sheet music that has fun songs, not method books. Method books are an essential part of guitar lessons, but songbooks are more fun. These sheet music selections make great holiday, birthday, and graduation gifts. Click to see the 50 best kids guitar sheet music gift ideas. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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How Can I Write a Song Without an Instrument?
“Can I write a song if I don’t play an instrument? If I have a melody and lyrics in my head, how can I create backing tracks for my song?” Good news! You too can write songs, even if you can’t play an instrument. Click to read, “How can I write a song without an instrument?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation – Part 1
“How do I switch from singing shaped notes to standard notation?” Because they’re easy to read, shape notes will always be a good choice for struggling readers, and it makes a great introduction to solfege too. However, the limited shape note repertoire means that shape note singers may want to learn to read standard notation as well. Click to learn how to transition from shaped notes to standard notation. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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