The numbers version is based on where the notes fall within the major scale. Since I'm classifying The Tarbolton as E-Dorian (Harmonic World #2), the numbers are two for E, three for F#, four for G, five for A, six for B, "sev" (one syllable) for C# and one for D. Interestingly, this tune also has a C-natural note in the 7th measure of both the A and B parts. Since C# is being called sev, I call C natural "dev" which stands for diminished seven. Here is The Tarbolton written out with scale numbers.
For the letters version, I wrote the actual note names of each note. Pronounced ee for E, eff for F#, jee/gee for G, ay for A, bee for B, "shee" for C# (shee as in sharp C), and dee for D. The C-natural note that shows up in measure seven of the both the 1st and 2nd parts is simply "see" for C. And since it is pretty much assumed that all F notes played in Irish music are actually F#, I refer to F# as "eff" 100% of the time. To prevent this from getting too confusing, in the rare case when a tune such as Chief O'Neill's Favorite actually does have an F-natural note in the melody I would call that note "feff" instead of "eff" for flattened F. Or maybe it could be "neff" for natural F. For the sake of completeness, if/when a tune had a G# note I would call this note "geesh" for sharp gee. That doesn't apply here though. Here is The Tarbolton written out as letters.
For singing the melody I think I prefer letters over numbers. It's a little bit easier to sight read the letters as well. If writing out a confounding tune this way helps me learn it, then I might implement this process for more pieces down the road. In case you're interested, here is The Tarbolton in regular sheet music notation.
***
No comments:
Post a Comment