Add Pickup bar
I'm transcribing some old music and need to include a pickup bar (measure) at the start so that if the time signature is in 4/4 the pickup is only a crotchet (quarter note) or if it's in 2/4 the pickup is only a quaver (eighth note). I've tried what is in the handbook for Musescore 4, but this suggests menu options that don't exist in Musescore 4. Does anyone know if there is a way of adding a pickup bar? I can't simply add rests as this has to match the old parts for the other 12 instruments, which I've no intention of transcribing.
Comments
Right-click on the first measure, and from the drop-down, choose Measure Properties. In the next dialog box, you will see a section for Measure Duration. Nominal (your time signature) and Actual. This is where you would set your desired pickup. If you don’t want that pickup included in the measure numbers, check the box to Exclude from measure count. Click OK, and you’re done.
Or select an upbeat in the settings when creating a new score ...
This is one of the things to try from the manual:
"Right-click on the measure and choose Measure properties.
In the Measure duration section, next to "Actual", choose an underlying "time signature".
Click Apply and OK.
Alternatively, use the ← (previous) or → (next) buttons to configure an adjacent measure."
All of which exist in MU4. I admit the "underlying time signature" Is an odd way to say that in your case create a 1/4 measure.
It also makes a difference if you are adding a pickup measure or changing an already existing measure. If you are adding a pickup measure, you need to use the add measure at the beginning routine. Then change it to the number of beats you need.
You will definitely need https://handbook.musescore.org/notation/rhythm-meter-and-measures/picku…. You may also need https://handbook.musescore.org/basics/adding-and-removing-measures
In reply to You will definitely need… by TheHutch
So, we have four answers to a relatively simple question:
Spell out how to do it
Add an alternative
Quote the manual, with additional guidelines
RTFM
Which one of these is best, for both the immediate and long-time help?
(Not trying to start a war, just gauging the feelings.)
In reply to So, we have four answers to… by mikey12045
The problem is that the OP is not very clear. Each method above is for a different situation. If the score hasn't been created yet, The pickup can be created as part of the setup.
If the score has been created but is empty, and the pickup must be created, your method is the way to go.
If there are already notes in the score, then a measure will have to be added at the beginning.
In reply to The problem is that the OP… by bobjp
... and I was simply adding the Handbook section, so they could look there for more information if necessary. I had nothing other than the Handbook section to add. Definitely was not meaning only RTFM.