That’s a perfectly valid way to do it! I just prefer a single notehead for natural harmonics, especially when there’s a lot of them since it creates less visual clutter IMO.Magnus Johansson wrote: 21 Apr 2026, 09:55I am used to this notation of a natural harmonic but with the sounding note in parentheses:frames wrote: 20 Apr 2026, 17:20
Completely unrelated to everything else that's been said, but in the 3rd to last bar in the bass part I'd notate the harmonics as either the sounding pitch with a circle over it or the fingered pitch with a diamond notehead and a string indicator, like so:
Screenshot 2026-04-20 at 11.09.07 AM.png
Speaking from my playing experience, using artificial harmonic notation for natural harmonics can cause some confusion among string players. I don't really have a preference for whether they're notated at sounding pitch or fingered pitch as long as it's consistent throughout a piece.
Natural harmonic on A string.png
Solo string on same staff
Re: Solo string on same staff
Primarily an orchestral bassist, but I do copying and engraving work on the side
14" M4 Pro Macbook Pro, Dorico 6 (former Sibelius user)
14" M4 Pro Macbook Pro, Dorico 6 (former Sibelius user)
Re: Solo string on same staff
Are you using Igor Engraver there?Magnus Johansson wrote: 21 Apr 2026, 09:55 I am used to this notation of a natural harmonic but with the sounding note in parentheses:
Natural harmonic on A string.png
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Re: Solo string on same staff
Yes.OCTO wrote: 21 May 2026, 10:15Are you using Igor Engraver there?Magnus Johansson wrote: 21 Apr 2026, 09:55 I am used to this notation of a natural harmonic but with the sounding note in parentheses:
Natural harmonic on A string.png
Igor Engraver 1.7 via CrossOver on Debian GNU/Linux or Q4OS.
Re: Solo string on same staff
thus far I've had no issues with any double bass players understanding the intent of my harmonics notation.
I don't play double bass so I'm not comfortable enough selecting which touch harmonic is best for a given situation.
the notation I use (what people are calling "artificial harmonic" notation) is clear.
it shows exactly what the intended sounding note should be from the context of the notation.
and the double bass player can then choose to use the note as written, or find a suitable node that will give the same result.
I don't play double bass so I'm not comfortable enough selecting which touch harmonic is best for a given situation.
the notation I use (what people are calling "artificial harmonic" notation) is clear.
it shows exactly what the intended sounding note should be from the context of the notation.
and the double bass player can then choose to use the note as written, or find a suitable node that will give the same result.