Bracketed noteheads
Bracketed noteheads are often used to indicate that notes are optional, editorial, not played in all playthroughs in music with repeats, or pressed down but not fully struck on the piano. In Dorico Elements, you can show brackets on any notehead.
Notehead brackets extend slightly above and below noteheads so it is clear which notes are included in each bracket.
You can also show brackets on noteheads on notation staves and tablature independently of each other.
By default, bracketed notes have reduced velocity, causing them to sound quieter in playback than normal notes.
The following types of notehead brackets are available in Dorico Elements:
- Round notehead brackets
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Round notehead brackets have a similar appearance to slurs, but vertical.
NoteOn tablature, round brackets are automatically shown around the second note/chord and all subsequent notes/chords in tie chains. If you show brackets around all noteheads in tie chains on tablature, these automatic notehead brackets are included.
Figure 2. Round brackets on single noteheads on a notation staff 
Figure 3. Round bracket on a chord on a notation staff 
Figure 4. Round brackets on single noteheads on tablature 
Figure 5. Round bracket on a chord on tablature - Square notehead brackets
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Square notehead brackets comprise a straight vertical line with horizontal hooks at the top and bottom. Dorico Elements automatically adjusts the length of square brackets to ensure they do not end on staff lines and their hooks remain visible.
Figure 6. Square brackets on single noteheads on a notation staff 
Figure 7. Square bracket on a chord on a notation staff 
Figure 8. Square brackets on single noteheads on tablature 
Figure 9. Square bracket on a chord on tablature