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Avoiding ledger lines in grand staff

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I can't decide the best thing to do with the ledger lines above the bass staff (see attached image). The arpeggios start well in the bass clef, then extend more than four ledger lines above, then start low again. If I write it in treble clef, then I end up four ledger lines below, or I'd have to have a clef change in every measure (which seems just as awkward). I'd like to try to avoid all these ledger lines if possible, but can't think of a good way to do it. Any suggestions? Thanks!

5996.attach_thumb.jpg

I would recommend not using the octava symbol for the right hand part (it's not really high enough to warrant its use) and simply placing the left hand's notes that are above middle C right in the upper staff (cross-staff notes).

Pianists are used to reading ledger lines above the treble clef, as well as ledger lines below the bass clef. There is really no problem with writing it that way. Up to 4 ledger lines is quite common and easily readable. More are possible without too much effort as well.

5998.attach_thumb.jpg

  • Author

Wow, that was quick, thanks for the advice. I han'd considered that, I'll try it and see how it looks :-)

btw:

6 flats???? May I ask why?

What's wrong with 6 flats?

I don't know, you tell me really.

I find it unnecessary really. Unless writing 24 preludes and fugues in all tonal centres or something... Or the modulation has led him/her there...

Anyways, just a question. Cause if I had a theme in 6 flats I would transpose it one semitone up or down...

but that's just me really...

For me, E flat minor is nothing like E minor, or D minor... they're all quite individual to me...

The only "wrong" reason I see for using key sigs with many sharps/flats is to show off..

No problem... :)

I was just asking

And checking my posts will reveal not one instance of the word "wrong" in :toothygrin:

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