User manual

Rhythm slashes are diagonal lines positioned on staves that are used to indicate that performers
should play something, but without specifying the exact rhythms and pitches. They are often
accompanied by chord symbols to indicate the set of notes the performer should use.
There are two different types of rhythm slashes:
● Slashes with stems, which usually indicate the rhythm to be played, but not the pitches.
● Slashes without stems, which do not usually indicate either rhythms or pitches.
Slashes with stems are also known as “rhythmic notation”, and slashes without stems are also
known as “slash notation”.
In Dorico Elements, you can present both types of rhythm slashes simultaneously by using a
combination of slash regions and slash voices.
RELATED LINKS
Slash voices on page 789
Slash regions on page 619
Chord symbols on page 417
Inputting slash regions on page 243
Inputting notes into slash voices on page 139
Slash regions
Slash regions automatically display rhythm slashes as appropriate for the meter throughout their
duration, for example, they show four slashes per bar in 4/4 and two slashes per bar in 6/8. A
single slash region can extend across multiple different meters.
A single slash region covering multiple different meters
Multiple slash regions can exist at the same rhythmic position. When slash regions overlap,
Dorico Elements treats this as a multiple-voice context and changes the staff position of slashes
automatically.
By default, slash regions are highlighted with a colored background, as this makes them easier to
see. As you zoom out, the highlights become more opaque, which is especially useful when
Rhythm slashes
619