User manual

In an open key signature, the spelling of accidentals is based on the current direction of the
music. If the music is rising, sharps are preferred, whereas if the music is falling, ats are
preferred. There is no hierarchy of pitches in an open key signature, so the same pitch might be
spelled differently each time it appears depending on its context, even within a few bars.
In a C major or A minor key signature, accidentals are spelled based on the context of the major
or minor tonality implied. For example, in C major, sharps in general are preferred, whether the
music is going up or going down. Similarly, in A minor, G
♯ in particular is preferred, whether the
music is going up or going down, as G♯ is the leading note in A minor.
No key signature
Some instruments are accustomed to seeing no key signatures in their parts, no matter the
overall key of the piece. These instruments include timpani, percussion, horn, trumpet, and
sometimes the harp. If you have added the No key sig version of these instruments, then no key
signature is shown in their parts, even if they are a transposing instrument, such as horn or
trumpet.
Any pitch can be input into these instruments, and they show accidentals if needed.
RELATED LINKS
Adding instruments to players on page 112
Deleting key signatures
You can delete key signatures without affecting the pitches of notes. Where appropriate, pitches
are shown with accidentals after you have deleted a key signature.
NOTE
● You cannot hide key signatures as they provide crucial information about the pitch of notes.
If you do not want to see a key signature, you can input an open key signature or delete all
key signatures from the
ow or project.
● Instruments that do not usually have key signatures, such as timpani or horn, have a No key
sig version in Dorico SE which never show key signatures. You can select the appropriate
instrument type from the instrument picker when adding or changing instruments.
PROCEDURE
1. In Write mode, select the key signatures or signposts of key signatures you want to delete.
2. Press Backspace or Delete .
RESULT
The selected key signatures are deleted from the score. The pitches of notes in the bars following
the deleted key signatures are not changed, but the notes are shown with accidentals if the
deleted key signature indicated an accidental for them, up until the next existing key signature or
the end of the ow.
NOTE
If you delete the only key signature in the ow, your music appears without a key signature, with
accidentals shown as necessary. This is treated as if there were an open key signature rather
than a key signature of A minor or C major.
RELATED LINKS
Input methods for key signatures on page 207
Key signatures
Deleting key signatures
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Dorico SE 3.1.10