Minor keys

Finale defaults to a major key system, where the scale that begins on C has no sharps or flats. In such a key system, C is considered by Finale to be scale degree zero of the scale with no sharps or flats (C major). You can, however, tell Finale that you’re working in a minor key, where the scale that begins on C has three flats (for example), and in the scale with no sharps or flats (A minor), C is not the root.

If you follow the instructions below, you’ll notice two significant changes in Finale’s behavior. First, when you create chord symbols, their descriptions in the Chord Definition dialog box will be accurate (the root of an A minor chord in a scale with no sharps or flats will be labeled 1, not 6). Second, if you’re transcribing music using HyperScribe or the Transcription Mode, you’ll discover that accidentals are transcribed with greater accuracy. In A minor, for example, the note between G and A will be notated as a G (instead of an A, as it would be called in C major).

To establish a minor key system

1. Click the Key Signature Tool  ; then double-click the measure where the minor key is to begin. The Key Signatures dialog box appears.
2. From the drop-down list menu next to the scroll bar, choose Minor Key.
3. Use the scroll bars at the top of the window to set the minor key signature you want. If you want to select A minor, leave the default key signature (no sharps or flats).
4. Specify the range of measures you want to be affected by the key change.
5. Specify the transposition effect. The three choices are: Transpose Notes, in which any existing music will be transposed to the new key; Hold Notes to Original Pitches, Chromatically, which holds each note at its original absolute pitch, maintaining the original spelling of the note, (for example, a G in the key of E will remain a G in the key of E), or Enharmonically, in which the spelling of the accidentals is adjusted where necessary (for example a G becomes an A in the key of E); Hold Notes to Same Staff Lines (Modally), in which each existing note remains on its original line or space, but no new accidentals appear. If you select Transpose Notes, choose either Up or Down from the drop-down list menu to specify the direction in which you want the music transposed.
6. Click OK (or press enter).

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