Guitar Pro 6 User’s Guide Copyright © 1997-2012 Arobas Music – All rights reserved www.guitar-pro.
Table of Contents Getting started............................................................................................................................3 Installation..................................................................................................................................................3 New Features...............................................................................................................................................6 mySongBook Score Portal.............
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 3 Getting started Installation A. Minimal requirements depending on your Operating System 1.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 4 2. To start Guitar Pro To start Guitar Pro, double-click on the Guitar Pro shortcut on the desktop, or use the Start > Programs > Guitar Pro 6 menu. 3. To uninstall Guitar Pro If you wish to uninstall Guitar Pro, please use the menu: Start > Programs > Guitar Pro 6 > Uninstall Guitar Pro 6. C. Installation on GNU Linux 1. To install Guitar Pro • Insert the Guitar Pro DVD-ROM in your drive.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 5 F. Updating Guitar Pro The updates for Guitar Pro 6.x are free for registered users of version 6. All you need to do is launch the Updater via the Help > Launch Updater menu. You can also directly download the updates and soundbanks from the www.guitar-pro.com website. Copyright © 1997-2012 Arobas Music – All rights reserved www.guitar-pro.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 6 New Features The 6th version of Guitar Pro is a complete rewrite, and is natively Windows/Mac/Linux compatible. The interface has been entirely redesigned for better ergonomy, to make writing and editing easier still, and to offer a better display of the score. Here is a list of the new features by categories Notation Double accidentals Free-time bars Simple and double simile marks customize your scores (symbols, fonts, proportions, etc.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 7 Navigate around the mySongBook portal and freely browse our sheet music library. Preview and pre-listen to any scores before you make your choices. You will just need to create your account and fill in your personal information in order to make a purchase. Once you have bought a score, you will have unrestricted access to it in the mySongBook area of Guitar Pro.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 8 Overview Introduction Welcome into Guitar Pro! Guitar Pro is a complete workshop for all guitarists — beginning or advanced — who wish to improve, write music, or simply use a virtual backing band. Guitar Pro 6 supports all fretted instruments from 4 to 8 strings (guitars, basses, banjo, mandolin, and so on), as well as all and any instruments that can be in your band or orchestra.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 9 Understanding Notation It is recommended that you know how to read tablature and have a few notions of rhythm before you use Guitar Pro. Following is a quick overview of some basic notions. 1. Reading tablature Tablature notation was created to make music easier to read for fretted instruments . It can be learned quickly, and you do not really need to know any musical theory.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 10 The Main Screen The new interface has been entirely redesigned to make it user-friendlier at the same time as more comprehensive, while remaining faithful to the major aspects that have constituted Guitar Pro’s identity — Edition, Sound, Tools, and Sharing.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 11 6. The Lyrics panel Edit lyrics in sync with the melody line. The texts are automatically inserted as you type them in. See Add lyrics. The score can be displayed in various ways You can choose to have you score displayed in in 1- or 2-page mode, as parchment, horizontal or vertical screen, or in full-screen.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 12 Using Guitar Pro Writing a Score Creating a New Score Guitar Pro 6 makes it possible to work on several files at the same time. Each file will appear under a tab above the score’s window. To create a new score in Guitar Pro, you need to follow these steps: 1. New score Use the File > New menu.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 13 4. Setting the signature and triplet-feel Click on (or menu: Bar > Time Signature) to open the Time Signature window. Choose a signature for the score (it is set by default on 4/4). The time signature determines the number of beats in each bar. In that window you can also choose how to link the beams by default. Click on OK to continue. Click on to choose a triplet-feel for the score. Guitar Pro 6 offers 6 different kinds. Click on OK to validate.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 14 Bb. Tip: You can also apply that option for guitar that uses a capo or is set in open tuning. That way, you can maintain the original tonality of the piece you play while the notation of the particular track you are working on is made easier for you to read. To that effect, do remember to check, on your Stylesheet (F7), the option "Capo and shifted tunings impact standard notation". Click on OK to continue.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 15 You may also choose a colour for the bars that will appear in the Global View (see the Main screen), and the type(s) of notation you wish to use (slash, standard, or tab). Tip: Once the instrument has been selected you won’t be able to change it for that particular track (nor can you change the number of strings). You can however convert an instrument into another instrument by use of Cut/Copy/Paste; and the notes get automatically transposed.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 16 merely a representation of rhythm, and is therefore not designed for writing as such – but if you add a chord on the staff a slash will appear and you can then modify the rhythm.) Every note added into one kind of notation is instantaneously duplicated into the other. The edition cursor is symbolized by a yellow, green, blue, or grey square, depending on the voice it is on.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 17 Tip: If you edit the rhythm after you have captured the notes (instead of for every note), it is possible that you get misplaced barlines. In that case, it may be useful to use the Bar Arranger tool. See Sound settings for more information. Importing files The various File > Import menus let you import other types of music files (MIDI/ASCII/Music XML/PowerTab/TablEdit) directly into Guitar Pro.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 18 The direction of the notes' tails can be defined individually for each voice on the Notation tab of the Stylesheet. The beams can also be forced to show horizontally for the drums (see Stylesheet options). Voices Guitar Pro handles up to four voices. Each voice is captured independently of the other three. The buttons let you select the voice to edit. (If you are working on a mono-voice track, the other three voices are greyed out.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 19 Inserting Events With the Soundboard and the Instrument panel, you can define the settings for playback right from the beginning of the score. You may then add any changes you like anywhere on the score, for tempo, volume, and panoramic: menu Edit > Automations > Edit Automations, or F10, or by clicking on the corresponding buttons at the bottom of the Edition panel. You may choose to have those changes of parameters appear or not appear on your score.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 20 Adding Symbols Guitar Pro allows you to insert all of the musical symbols into the score, and particularly those specific to the guitar. Most of these symbols are taken into account whenever the score is being played. Certain effects or musical symbols can be applied to a selection of notes — e.g., Let Ring, Palm Mute, etc. The symbols can be found on the Edition panel. 1.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 21 This symbol replaces an opening bar-line, and means that every bar that follows it will be played again a certain number of times, depending on the Repeat close sign (see below). Repeat close This symbol replaces a closing bar-line, and sends you back to the last Repeat open sign. A dialog window will open up for you to indicate the number of repeats you want. The playing order for the bars here is as follows: 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 3.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 22 A tie links the note to the note preceding it. It lengthens the duration of that preceding note, therefore, by the duration of the tied note. Multiple ties You can also tie an entire beat to the beat preceding it. Fermata The fermata is also known as a hold, or a pause; and what it means is that you are to pause on that particular beat, at the discretion of the conductor. It is therefore a multi-track symbol.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 23 A heavily accented note follows the same principle as an accented note, except in a more pronounced manner. Staccato A staccato indicates a very short note, independently of the note’s duration on the score . The note is displayed with a dot below. Legato The legato applies to several notes. (One speaks of legato phrasing.) It means that as many notes as posssible are to be tied, so the way they are played is as fluid as possible.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 24 The Stylesheet allows you to display the bend in standard notation too. Here’s an example of what you can do: Fade in (violin effect) This consists in using the volume knob on an electric guitar to raise the sound and not hear the attack of the pick on the note. It can also create the impression of a “reversed track.” Fade out This consists in turning the sound progressively off with the guitar’s volume knob.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 25 Turn The turn (in Italian “gruppetto,” “little group”) is a melodic ornament in the form of a melodic line of four notes turning around the main note and revealing the two notes next to it — higher and lower. The turn starts with note that is immediately lower, then the main note, the higher note, and ends on the main note. Just as the mordent, the turn is relative to the tune’s general harmony, as set by the key signature.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 26 Wide Vibrato (Tremolo Bar) The wide vibrato is stronger than the simple vibrato, and is obtained by using the vibrato bar. This effect is applied to the whole chord. The wide vibrato is displayed as a big wave above the tablature and ends as soon as a new note is played. Wah-Wah The Wah-Wah is an effects pedal. Possible options are On/Off and Opened/Closed.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 27 Pop (bass) The popping effect consists in popping one of the two highest strings with amplitude with the right hand forefinger (for a right-handed person). The popping effect is often preceded by a slapping effect (see above). 4. Symbols related to annotation and design Chords [A] See Chord Diagrams.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 28 Adding Lyrics You can add lyrics to the score with the Lyrics panel. Lyrics get automatically inserted into the chosen track. This way you can edit your text easily (with cut/copy/paste, for instance), and organize it into sections (Verse, Chorus, and so on). 1. Choosing a Track For the lyrics to appear on the score, you first need to select a track. The text will automatically get distributed over that track, following syntax (see Point 4 below).
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 29 Adding Sections Sections are markers to allow you to easily get to any part of the score. They can be set as letters and/or names (Intro, Chorus, Verse, etc.). The markers are tied to the bars, and are therefore linked to the master track. To add sections, you can: Click on the button in the Edition panel; Use the menu: Sections > Insert/Remove. You can navigate between sections by use of the shortcut keys. (Cf. Shortcut Keys.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 30 Cut, copy, paste Cut / Copy on a Single Track Since you are here cutting or copying from a single track (i.e., not in multiple selection), the function will not take the structures of the bars (signatures, etc.) into account. The function is multi-voice, however, and can work over several different tracks, even if the instruments are not compatible (e.g., guitar and piano), outside of percussion tracks.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 31 Using Wizards Guitar Pro includes many wizards to help you work faster when creating your scores. These wizards are available from the Tools menu. Note-Related Wizards Let Ring Options Sets the Let Ring attribute for each string over a selected range of bars or notes. Palm Mute Options Sets the Palm Mute attribute for each string over a selected range of bars or notes. Using the wizards can save you lots of time.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 32 The Guitar Pro 6 Stylesheet You can entirely customize the general outlook of your scores, and give it a professional finish. The chosen style is related to the type of score you have, and if you download a score whose style you don’t like you may always apply a default style (provided by the software) to it — such as Default Jazz or Default Classic; or else load up a style you will have saved beforehand.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 33 Drums and Percussions You can use the Shortcuts to capture notes into a drums/percussion track. Each line can present several articulations (e.g., the charleston can be open, semi-open, or closed), and you can use the 1, 2, 3 keys from the numerical pad. You can also use the Instrument panel (menu: View > Instrument panel): You can choose which types of sticks you use with the drums, and the RSE will interpret the different types of strokes.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 34 Working with a Score Looking for Tablatures Finding Guitar Pro files Guitar Pro files are recognizable from their .GP3 (versions 3.x), .GP4 (versions 4.x), .GP5 (versions 5.x), and .GPX (versions 6.x and later) extensions. Version 6.x can open all of those Guitar Pro files, whichever version they were made with, from version 3 and higher. To open a Guitar Pro file, use the menu File > Open.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 35 Display Settings To make the most of Guitar Pro, it is important to set your display options carefully. In Screen modes (View > Vertical Screen and View > Horizontal Screen menus), Guitar Pro uses the whole working area by resizing the bars and by automatically selecting how much bars should be shown per staff (in vertical display mode).
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 36 Sound Settings Guitar Pro proposes two different technologies useable simultaneously to play the score: MIDI and the RSE. The RSE Sound The RSE [Realistic Sound Engine] is a unique technology. It relies on sound samples made from genuine guitars, basses, drums, and about a hundred other instruments recorded in professional studios. The RSE allows for some extremely realistic playback of scores. You can activate the RSE via the Sound > RSE menu.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 37 You can now change the soundbank on a track via the menu Edit > Insert a soundbank change This window opens up for you to insert a soundbank change exactly on the current beat, by selecting a soundbank from the list (2). That change will be indicated on the score with a red square (1). You can modify the soundbank with a double-click on that square.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 38 An editing test case: I wish to change the Strat guitar (MB pickup) to another soundbank on bar three, first beat. I will double-click on the button to the right of the instrument's line (1), and will directly access the window "Insert a soundbank-change event". The search field allows me to quickly find the soundbank I need. I can then replace the Strat guitar with a stringed instrument (2).
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 39 buttons. If you wish to start the Wah-Wah effect at any precise point, you can set up two variations with one including a bypassed Wah-Wah and one with an active one. Midi Sound Definition : MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is a protocol, a universal language to transmit digital musical information between computers, synthesizers, sequencers, etc.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 40 Score Playback Guitar Pro has been designed to facilitate the learning of a score. Many playback options are available. Launching Playback To start playing a score, you can use the options under the Sound menu, the space-bar, or the Sound toolbar: If you only wish to play part of a score, you just need to select it first with the mouse. Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcuts [Alt+Tab] and [Alt+Tab] to move from marker to marker during playback.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 41 Furthermore, whenever a track contains no volume automations, you can actually adjust the volume during playback. (In the picture above, for instance, you cannot adjust the volume for track 2 during playback, as the blue frame around the volume cursor together with the ‘A’ next to it mean that the track has already been configured with automations.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 42 Printing Printing a Score Go down File > Print to get a printout of your score. Use the Stylesheet (File > Stylesheet) to customize fonts, page setup, margins, and all other page settings. Importing Scores MIDI Import Definition : MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is a protocol, a universal language used to transmit digital musical information between computers, synthesizers, sequencers, etc.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 43 PowerTab Import The File > Import > PowerTab menu allows you to import from PowerTab® format. PowerTab® is an excellent tablature editor, similar to Guitar Pro but with a different approch. It is available at http://power-tab.net. TablEdit Import The File > Import > TablEdit menu allows you to import from TablEdit® format. TablEdit® is an excellent tablature editor, similar to Guitar Pro but with a different approch. It is available at http://www.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 44 WAV Export Use the File > Export > WAV to save an audio copy of your score, so you can listen to it by use of any regular audio player. You can also burn that audio file onto a CD (using for instance a burning software such as Nero® or EasyCD Creator®). You can also convert it into mp3 via the appropriate software. (E.g., if you play the file with iTunes®: Advanced > Create mp3 menu.) To export into WAV you need to be using the RSE sound-banks.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 45 Using mySongBook - Which version of Guitar Pro allows you to have access to the portal mySongBook ? You are using Guitar Pro: Version 6.1 (and higher) of Guitar Pro 6 gives you access to the portal. To update your software or see if you already have version 6.1 installed, please read our dedicated tutorial. You are not using Guitar Pro: mySongBook Player gives you free access to the sheet music portal.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 46 Your music scores are available via your Guitar Pro software. We are working on designing new tools to make your sheet music library available via your web navigator or your mobile phone. Due to issues pertaining to copyright protection, the scores bought by users cannot be saved on their personal computers.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 47 Tools for Guitarists Chord Diagram Generator The Chord Diagram Generator not only allows you to make your tablature richer, it constitutes in and of itself a genuine reference tool for guitarists, even independently of tablature To open the chord diagram tool, use the Note > Chord [A] menu. Just like every tool in Guitar Pro, the Chord Diagram Generator automatically adjusts to the tuning chosen for the active track.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 48 You can build a diagram by directly clicking on the frets symbolized in it: click on a fret to add or take out a note; use the scroll bar to get to a different base fret; check or uncheck the boxes to the right to force or to prevent a barre; click on the intervals’ number (1, 3, ...) in the bottom left area, to take out some notes from the chord; You may change the name suggested by Guitar Pro. It will be displayed on the tablature.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 49 Scale Engine The Scale Engine allows you to view and listen to a great number of scales in any tonality. It can also retrieve the scale used in a score. To activate the Scale Engine, use the Tools > Scales menu. You will also find a Scale button in the top right-hand corner of the Guitar Fretboard or of the Keyboard. The display modes on the Guitar Fretboard and on the Keyboard are automatically positioned on Show [Beat + Scales].
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 50 Virtual Fretboard The fretboard offers many features. It can be used to view the notes of the score , to enter them, or to visualize the scales. To activate the fretboard, use the View > Fretboard menu. The fretboard automatically adjusts to the active track settings. The number of strings and the position of the capo are set by the track settings. If you change the active track, the fretboard will automatically update to reflect the new track.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 51 Virtual Keyboard Just like the fretboard, the keyboard allows to view and to enter the notes of the score . It can also show the scales. To activate the Keyboard, go down the View > Keyboard menu, on a track corresponding to a non-fretted instrument. To add a note on the score, just click on a key. To delete a note, click on that note.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 52 Tuner Guitar Pro allows you to tune your guitar in many different ways: by ear, or by plugging your guitar into your computer, or by using a microphone. Whichever way you choose, what Guitar Pro takes into account is the tuning of the active track. To adjust the tuning of the active track, open the Instrument universe. The MIDI Tuner The MIDI Tuner lets you tune your guitar by ear, string by string.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 53 4. Play the score (menu Sound > Play from the Beginning) The first (empty) bar will then be played indefinitely over, with the tick of the metronome. Copyright © 1997-2012 Arobas Music – All rights reserved www.guitar-pro.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 54 References Drop-Down Menus File menu New Creates a new score from a template. See Creating a New Score Open Opens an existing score. See Looking for tablatures Open Recent Gives a list of recently opened files. Close Closes the active score. Save [Ctrl+S] Saves the active score. Save As... Saves the active score under a new name. Save As Template... Import > MIDI Saves the structure of the active score to use it as a template later.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 55 Edit menu Undo Cancels the very last action. See Navigating around the Score Redo Repeats the very last action. Cut Cuts notes or bars on one or several tracks. See Cut/Copy/Paste Copy Copies notes or bars on one or several tracks. See Cut/Copy/Paste Paste Pastes the notes or bars just copied onto one or several tracks (depending on the type of Cut or Copy done).
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 56 Bar menu Insert Bar Inserts a bar before the current bar. See Organizing Bars Delete Bar Deletes the bar(s) selected. See Organizing Bars Clef Opens the Clef window. See Adding Symbols Key Signature Opens the Key Signature window. See Adding Symbols Time Signature Opens the Time Signature window. See Adding Symbols Triplet Feel... Opens the Triplet Feel window.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 57 Note menu Unless otherwise stated, each action below is directly inserted on the selected beat. Inserts a beat See Adding Notes to the Score Delete the Beats Deletes selected beats. See Adding Notes to the Score Copy Beats at the End Copies selected beats at the end of the bar. See Adding Notes to the Score Tie Note Creates a tie to the preceding note. See Adding Notes to the Score Tie Beat Creates a tie to the preceding beat.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 58 Effects menu Unless otherwise stated, every effect is set directly onto the selected note. Dead Note See Adding Symbols Grace Note > See Adding Symbols Ghost Note [O] See Adding Symbols Accented Note See Adding Symbols Heavily Accented Note See Adding Symbols Staccato See Adding Symbols Staccatissimo See Adding Symbols Tenuto See Adding Symbols Legato Will work only for certain types of instruments (piano, e.g.).
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 59 Section menu Insert/Remove... Insert or remove a section Previous Section Go to the previous section Next Section Go to the next section Tools menu Digital Tuner Opens the Digital Tuner. Scales Opens the Scale Engine Transpose Transposes one or all or the tracks. See Using Wizards Automatic Finger Positioning Optimizes the placement of the fingers over the strings for the selected notes.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 60 Activates or deactivates MIDI capturing. Midi Input Active See Adding Notes to the Score; See Sound Settings RSE [Realistic Sound Engine] Activates or deactivates the RSE. When deactivated, the sound is MIDI only. See Score Playback; See Sound Settings Audio settings... Opens the Audio Settings window. See Sound Settings View menu Design Mode See Organizing Bars Multitrack Sets the display on multi-track mode.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 61 Keyboard Shortcuts Notes and rests WINDOWS MACINTOSH from whole to 64 note +/- +/- Dotted note . or * . or * Double-dotted note Ctrl+. or ctrl+* ⌘⇧.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct.
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 65 Index accented note.........................................................................................................................................22, 23, 61 Accented notes....................................................................................................................................................6 accidentals..................................................................................................................
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 66 fingering................................................................................................................................................26, 32, 47 Free-time......................................................................................................................................................6, 20 fretboard................................................................................................................
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 67 Operating System................................................................................................................................................3 orchestra............................................................................................................................................................8 Ornaments.......................................................................................................................
User’s Handbook for Version 6 – updated Oct. 2011 - 68 stems....................................................................................................................................................17, 27, 57 stringed instruments............................................................................................................................................8 Stylesheet................................................................................................
