In music notation programs, what command do I look for to start off on the 4th beat?

Question

i want to start off on beat four, have the musical repeat phrase, and end the phrase with beat one two three at the very end. I forgot what this is called.

Answer 1

To set a pickup note? It's probably different in every program. I used to use MusicWrite and it was in a menu in the command bar and look for a menu that handled all the parameters of the piece (key, time, tempo, etc). To set a repeat was also in the command. I had to set the cursor in the bar and then look for the "bar" menu and set the barline to 'repeat' or use the drawing function to place one in the middle of a measure. Maybe if you mention what program you're using someone will be better able to help you.

Answer 2

A good program will allow you to write a pickup - an incomplete bar with ONLY that note in it. If you are using a less-sophisticated program - or if you are in a hurry - then you can write a bar with rests at the beginning, and the pickup where it falls. Bet you thought of that one already.

To do what you wish, you will need repeats signs that go from the donbeat on the first full bar. Then you will ned a fist/second ending setup. This is if you are working for PRINT copies. FOR audio - you need not care. Just paste the whole thing over again. It is easier to write things that only will be HEARD, and never see,as you know!

Answer 3

That would be a pickup note. I am not a composer, but when I`m reading music and there is a pickup to start off the piece, there is measure with only one note in it, and then at the very end the last three notes to make up for the unfinished measure.

Answer 4

I believe you're referring to the pick-up note(s). Usually, it is the first, but incomplete measure of a song, followed by, at times, the double bar and repeat signs.

The last measure of the song could be a measure having only three beats, which completes the first measure.