Class: Musa::MusicXML::Builder::Internal::UnpitchedNote Private

Inherits:
Note
  • Object
show all
Defined in:
lib/musa-dsl/musicxml/builder/unpitched-note.rb

Overview

This class is part of a private API. You should avoid using this class if possible, as it may be removed or be changed in the future.

Unpitched note for percussion and rhythm-only notation.

UnpitchedNote represents notes without specific pitch, primarily used for percussion instruments in drum notation. It extends Note with simplified pitch handling—no step, alter, or octave needed.

Use Cases

Percussion Notation

Drum kits, percussion ensembles, and rhythm sections use unpitched notes where vertical position on the staff indicates the instrument (not pitch):

  • Snare drum
  • Bass drum
  • Hi-hat
  • Cymbals
  • Toms
  • Auxiliary percussion

Rhythm-Only Notation

Teaching materials and rhythm exercises where pitch is irrelevant.

Tablature

Some tablature systems use unpitched notes with fret/string indications.

Staff Position

Unlike pitched notes, staff line position doesn't represent pitch but rather identifies the percussion instrument. This mapping is defined by the clef (typically percussion clef) and is instrument-specific.

Combining with Technical Markings

Unpitched notes support all standard notations (dynamics, articulations, etc.) but often use percussion-specific technicals like sticking patterns.

Usage

Created via Measure#add_unpitched or Measure#unpitched:

measure.unpitched duration: 2, type: 'quarter'
measure.add_unpitched duration: 1, type: 'eighth', accent: true

Examples:

Basic unpitched quarter note

UnpitchedNote.new(duration: 2, type: 'quarter')

Snare drum hit with accent

UnpitchedNote.new(duration: 2, type: 'quarter', accent: true)

Hi-hat with staccato

UnpitchedNote.new(duration: 1, type: 'eighth', staccato: true)

Bass drum with forte dynamic

UnpitchedNote.new(duration: 4, type: 'half', dynamics: 'f')

Cymbal crash with fermata

UnpitchedNote.new(duration: 8, type: 'whole', fermata: true)

See Also: