User manual

Rhythm slashes
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
Slashes with stems usually indicate the rhythm to be played, but not the pitches. Also
known as “rhythmic notation”.
Slashes without stems
Slashes without stems do not usually indicate either rhythms or pitches. 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 1001
Inputting slash regions on page 332
Inputting notes into slash voices on page 175
Chord symbols on page 598
Hiding/Showing chord symbols on page 600
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 you zoom out, the
highlights become more opaque, which is especially useful when viewing full score layouts in
galley view. These highlights are considered annotations, are not printed by default, and you can
hide and show them.
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Dorico Elements 3.5.12