Bends

A variety of simple and complex (multi-stage) bends can be created with the Bend Tool , located in the Articulations and Ornaments palette of the Advanced workspace.

Apply a bend

To apply one or more bends to the score, use one of the following options:

• Select one or more notes and double-click a bend symbol in the palette.
• Drag a bend symbol from the palette on to a note.

Edit a bend

To edit a bend, use one of the following:

• Right click on a bend symbol in the score and select "Bend properties."

• Select a bend symbol in the score and press "Properties" in the "Bend" section of the Inspector.

Preset options are available, if needed, on the left hand side of the Bend properties window. The current bend is represented by a graph consisting of gray lines connected by square, blue nodes (see image above). The slope of the line indicates the type of bend:

• Up-slope = Up-bend
• Down-slope = Down-bend
• Horizontal line = Hold

The vertical axis of the graph represents the amount by which the pitch is bent up or down: one unit equals a quarter-tone: 2 units a semitone, 4 units a whole-tone, and so on. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates the length of the bend: each gray line segment extends for 1 space (sp) in the score.

A bend is modified by adding or deleting nodes in the graph:

• To add a node, click on an empty intersection.
• To delete a node, click on it.

Adding a node lengthens the bend by 1 sp; deleting a node shortens the bend by 1 sp. The Start and End points of the bend can be moved up and down only.

Adjust height

The height of the bend symbol is automatically adjusted so that it appears just above the staff. This height can be reduced, if necessary, with a workaround:

1. Create another note on the top line (or space) of the staff, vertically above the note at which you want the bend to start.
2. Apply the bend to the higher note first: this will give you a bend symbol with the lowest height.
3. To increase the height of the bend move this note downward.
4. Drag the bend symbol downwards to the correct position.
5. Mark the top note invisible and silent (using the Inspector).

Adjust position

To adjust position use one of the following:

• Drag the bend symbol with a mouse.
• Click on the symbol and adjust the horizontal and vertical offsets in the Inspector.
• Double click on the symbol; or click on it and press Ctrl+E (Mac: Cmd+E); or right-click on the symbol and select "Edit element." Then use the arrow keys for fine positioning (0.1 sp at a time); or Ctrl+Arrow (Mac: Cmd+Arrow) for larger adjustments (1 sp at a time).

Custom bends

After a bend has been created in the score it can be saved for future use by dragging and dropping the symbol to a palette while holding down Ctrl+Shift (Mac: Cmd+Shift). See Custom Workspace