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Stem Up/Stem Down

by Nick
(Rochester, New York)

I have been puzzled as to why some of the stemmed notes in music notation are sometimes pointed up or down. Is is strictly for aesthetic purposes, or does it have another meaning? I couldn't find any answers on line.

Thanks,

Nick

Hi Nick,

Stems up or down have no influence on the music whatsoever. You're right; it's just for "aesthetic purposes" or neatness sake.

For instance, if you went up high on the ledger lines and had the stems all pointing upwards it would look awkward and might be hard to fit on the page.

Apart from that there is probably no other reason that I know of.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.

Comments for
Stem Up/Stem Down

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stem direcion
by: Anonymous

In music for guitar the stem direction is important stem down is play with the thumb, up is play with the finger.

Purpose of stem direction
by: Anonymous

Stems - The treble or bass staff has the stems on the middle line point in either direction while those below, point UP and those above, point DOWN. If there are a series of notes joined together ( for instance) 4 eighth notes, the direction is determined by the note furthest from the middle line.

If, however, you have Polyphony (more than one melody on same cleff), the stems of top melody go up and the other down. I'll be happy to answer any more theory questions.

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