XStick(TM) Notation Canvas

The XStick(TM) Notation Canvas is your worksheet for composing pieces using "Staff Tab(TM)" notation. Using the tools on the Notation Palette and the menus, you can interactively place and modify notes, rests and other notation components. You can also define the unique elements of "Staff Tab(TM)" notation that identify the finger, fret, and string used for a given note. Using the staff menu you can change the key signature, time signature, or score title, as well as add/remove pairs of staffs.

I won't go into all the details of "Staff Tab(TM)" here. Your best bet is to get a copy of Greg Howard's "The Stick Book", available from Stick Enterprises. I will briefly cover the main elements for those of you not familiar with the system:

• Strings - The lines of the staffs also double as the strings of the Stick®, the numbers to the far left indicate the string numbers, and they are arranged in the same manner as the Virtual Fretboard at the top of the screen. This applies to a 10 string Stick®. For a 12 string there will be some problems mapping the notes correctly. After the string/fret is assigned using the String/Fret tool, a shaded rectangle will appear on the staff, indicating the string to be used.
• Finger - The shape of the note body indicates the finger used.
  • Circle - Index finger.
  • Diamond - Middle finger.
  • Triangle - Ring finger.
  • Square - Pinky.
• Fret - The number below the note after assigning the string/fret notaion indicates the fret used to sound the note.
• Bend - A special symbol signifying the number of half-steps to bend a note.
• Free Text - Free form text that can be place anywhere of the score.

Aside from these elements of Staff Tab(TM), some of the most common elements of standard music notation are available:

• Score Title - A two line title which will print at the top of each page of your printed score.
• Grand Staff - Both bass and treble clefs.
• Time Signature - User defineable time signature, affects the whole score.
• Key Signature - User definable key signature, affects the whole score.
• Measure Lines - Various styles of line used to divide the notation into measures.
• Notes - Notes, whole through sixteenth, drawn using the Staff Tab symbols.
• Rests - Rests, whole through sixteenth.
• Accidentals - Additional markings for notes for sharp/flat/natural indications.
• Dots - Additional marking for notes/rests, adds 1/2 of the duration to the element.