Tremolo beaming question

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Hector Pascal
Posts: 94
Joined: 17 Oct 2021, 23:15

Tremolo beaming question

Post by Hector Pascal »

Hi all,
If I get the primary beam to hang, straddle or sit appropriately, I encounter a problem with the secondary beams. And vice versa.

From my reading on the subject, I understand I need to keep the top staff line clear. Any advice is welcome!
Screen Shot 2023-02-28 at 2.44.06 pm.png
Screen Shot 2023-02-28 at 2.44.06 pm.png (506.05 KiB) Viewed 3866 times
PS: I'm using Finale.

Cheers,
Hector.
Hector Pascal
Posts: 94
Joined: 17 Oct 2021, 23:15

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by Hector Pascal »

Update:
After re-reading Ted Ross p.125, I explored the Secondary Beam angle tool (in Finale) and respaced the beams. Do you reckon I've got it right?
Screen Shot 2023-02-28 at 3.24.18 pm.png
Screen Shot 2023-02-28 at 3.24.18 pm.png (592.46 KiB) Viewed 3864 times
With thanks,
Hector.
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Fred G. Unn
Posts: 435
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 13:24
Location: NYCish

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by Fred G. Unn »

Without thinking about this too much, my gut reaction would be to do it like this:
Image

Innermost and outermost beams have a "legal" position, and there's a smaller gap between the beams than in your version.
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John Ruggero
Posts: 2453
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by John Ruggero »

I think FredGUnn nailed it.
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
Hector Pascal
Posts: 94
Joined: 17 Oct 2021, 23:15

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by Hector Pascal »

That's great, thanks Fred and John.
Cheers,
HP.
Hector Pascal
Posts: 94
Joined: 17 Oct 2021, 23:15

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by Hector Pascal »

Dear Brainstrust,

As you might suspect by now, I am attempting to improve my understanding of beaming rules (position / angle) with the Ted Ross book as my main guide.

I spent a long time today working this beam out. I still don't think I've quite nailed it..... I'm within the 1.25 – 1.75 beam angle range for the interval of the seventh (F-E), and I've kept a 2.5 space minimum between the closest note (E) and the fractional beam (inclusive), but I remain concerned that the ascending beam ends with a hang. If it becomes a sit or straddle, I lose the angle. Any tips welcome as I continue to grapple with it!
Screen Shot 2023-03-05 at 4.58.06 pm.png
Screen Shot 2023-03-05 at 4.58.06 pm.png (514.58 KiB) Viewed 3693 times
Many thanks,
Hector.
Hector Pascal
Posts: 94
Joined: 17 Oct 2021, 23:15

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by Hector Pascal »

Update:
I think I've found another way which avoids a hang at the ascent of beam, and the beam angle is 1.75 spaces which is apparently within the satisfactory range. So, I think I'll proceed with this, unless anyone else suggests better!
Screen Shot 2023-03-06 at 2.38.57 pm.png
Screen Shot 2023-03-06 at 2.38.57 pm.png (365.69 KiB) Viewed 3659 times
Thanks to all for tolerating my geekiness :)

Cheerio,
Hector.
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John Ruggero
Posts: 2453
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by John Ruggero »

They both look fine to me outside of a specific context.

I think that beam angles are even more a matter of taste and personal approach when beams are not on the staff. There is also the matter of shortening stems when they are off the staff and by how much. Personally, I find this too complicated to deal with and allow Finale to do its thing with the help of Patterson Beams set to a maximum beam slope that fits the situation. Then I modify any beams by eye to fit better within the musical context.
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
Hector Pascal
Posts: 94
Joined: 17 Oct 2021, 23:15

Re: Tremolo beaming question

Post by Hector Pascal »

Thanks, John! Appreciated. I'm 8 pages into the beam-editing of my score now and my beaming looks better for all the attention I'm paying to it and for all the helpful advice I've received here on the forum! Many thanks :grin:

Cheers,
HP.
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