Table of Contents
Notation reference
Unpitched percussion
The term unpitched percussion covers all percussion instruments that are not tuned to specific pitches. This includes instruments such as bass drum, guiro, maracas, cymbals, and shakers.
Playing techniques for unpitched percussion instruments
Playing techniques for unpitched percussion instruments, both as individual instruments and within percussion kits, can be notated in different ways, including using different notehead designs and positions.
Playing technique-specific noteheads
Playing technique-specific noteheads use the design and position of noteheads to indicate different playing techniques for unpitched percussion instruments, both as individual instruments and within percussion kits.

Playing technique-specific noteheads

Playing technique-specific noteheads use the design and position of noteheads to indicate different playing techniques for unpitched percussion instruments, both as individual instruments and within percussion kits.

For example, side stick notes on the snare drum notes are typically notated using cross noteheads. Other techniques might use the staff positions above or below the single-line staff to indicate different playing techniques.

Figure 1. Multiple different playing technique-specific noteheads for snare drum

You can edit the set of playing technique-specific noteheads and staff positions defined for each unpitched percussion instrument in the Percussion Instrument Playing Techniques dialog.

You can select playing technique-specific noteheads for unpitched percussion instruments when inputting notes and change the playing technique-specific noteheads of existing notes.