You are here: Encyclopedia > S > Stems > Creating a double or split stem

A double stem is a second stem, pointing in the opposite direction from the note’s original stem. A note with a double stem often signifies two voices in unison.

To create a double or split stem

  1. Click the Special Tools tool  image\Special_Tools_Tool.gif, and click the measure in question.
  2. Click the Double/Split Stem Tool  . A handle appears on every notehead in the measure; another appears above the staff, and another below.
  3. To create a double stem, click the handle below any note or chord. A second stem appears on the note you clicked, no matter which way the original stem pointed. To restore the note to its original single-stemmed status, click the lower handle again so that it’s no longer highlighted.

Once you’ve created a chord with a double stem, you can create split stemming within the chord, giving the effect of a separate inner voice.

  1. To create a split stem, click the handle of each notehead that you want to attach to the upper stem only. Each notehead you click joins the upper stem. The remaining notes are attached to the lower stem. To restore a note to its original stem, click the split stem handle again so that it’s no longer highlighted.

 

 

User Manual Home