Clef positioning for lead sheet sections - Question about existing functionality
I can't find a way to accomplish my desired placement of a courtesy clef in a lead sheet, and I'd like to know if it's possible. I've reviewed the user guide and searched the forum; apologies if the answer is already out there and I'm overlooking it.
My goal: For a score that does not display a clef for all systems, I'd like to add a clef at the start of a section (the refrain section, following a verse section) in a lead sheet, to the LEFT of the key signature and the "start repeat" bar line I'm using, as I've seen in some commercial sheet music (see attached image).
When I select the first measure of the section and drag a clef into it, Musescore moves the clef to the end of the previous measure, as described in the documentation.
If I select the first note of the measure and click to add a clef symbol, the symbol is positioned to the right of the "start repeat" bar line that the section is using. Again, I think this is expected behavior, based on my reading.
Give a yell if you know a workaround, and thanks.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Clefs.jpg | 81.22 KB |
Comments
I think, it should work with a section break before (and adjusting the pause of the section break via right click to "0")
FWIW, the practice of not adding clefs stems from the days of hastily handwritten scores where people couldn't be bothered to take the time. It's not really a good practice and I don't recommend it. Seems especially ironic to spend extra time reproducing a particular notation quirk that was developed originally to save time. But if you are trying to reproduce that effect, then indeed, a section break (Breaks & Spacers palette) would accomplish the goal.
In reply to FWIW, the practice of not… by Marc Sabatella
Seems especially ironic to spend extra time reproducing a particular notation quirk that was developed originally to save time.
Ha! 😂
(Reminds me of a certain 'lead sheet' I once played from which was hastily scribbled on a bar cocktail napkin.)
In reply to FWIW, the practice of not… by Marc Sabatella
Thanks Marc, these are good points. I'm working on an especially tight-squeeze set of measures with lyrics, and it was my search for any spare space to utilize that made me notice the clef issue. But it's probably better to stick to good notation standards and find another workaround.
In reply to Thanks Marc, these are good… by N_Bardot
Well, space can be a reason to consider this. But then, no reason to add the clef back on some systems but not others. For me, though, I'd just reduce overall music size slightly or find other alternatives. Feel free to attach your score here and people can make suggestions.