translate jianpu to western notation

[dizixiao]

Hello,

I have a couple of jianpu sheet that have 1 = bD, 1 = #C. What would

2 =?

3 =?

4 =?

5 =?

6 =?

7 =? 

I read how to read jianpu online and I'm not sure if I understand correctly so I can translate correctly. Does bD mean bass D?

[davidmdahl]

That is an odd key for jianpu, and oddly indicated. Normally the sign goes after the key name, as in 1 = Db or C#. The notes Db and C# are considered equivalent (enharmonic). So, in the key of Db, 1=Db, 2=Eb, 3=F, 4=Gb, 5=Ab, 6=Bb, 7=C.

If you need to play a tune on erhu with other instruments in the key of Db, you would more likely tune the strings down a half step and play as if the tune was in D. For dizi, Db would likely be a challenge, since that is a very uncommon key for dizi. I have never seen a Chinese score (instrumental) designated to be played in Db/C#.

Best wishes,

David

[dizixiao]

Thank you. That how I would translate too. I have dizi C-A. Playing this will be a challenge. I wonder how I play the xiao if the sheet is 1 = E, or bD because I mostly see xiao with just F, G or A key. I think I have to translate into western notation. I tried to attach the chinese music sheet, but have not figure that out yet.
I don't play the erhu, but I do have a guzheng. I actually regret getting my collection grade guzheng because I like to play a musical instrument but I'm a slow learner and just don't have much time to devote to both string instrument and wind instrument. I should have focus on dizi/xiao and get a winson wood xiao instead of the guzheng.

[davidmdahl]

Unless you are playing with a recording in a particular key, or with others, it doesn't really matter what key you play a jianpu tune in. If you have a tune in X major, but have an A dizi, just play it in A (1 = A). If you have a G xiao, then play it in G. Jianpu notation makes playing in different keys so easy.

If you want to attach an image of the score, just click on the "Add Attachment" button in the upper right hand corner of the Create Post area. Then you can navigate to the image on your PC. I am not sure what image types are acceptable, but you should be safe with jpg.

I know what you mean about studying several instruments at once. I took guzheng lessons for several years, and it was hard to make time for my other instruments.

Best wishes,

David

[dizixiao]

Thanks. I like to play solo. I have one thing I don't understand. For example, dizi C major: CDEFGAB, dizi D Major: ABC#DEF#G. So if the sheet is 1 = C and I play D dizi as 1 = D, would the # on some note on the D dizi cause a problem?

[davidmdahl]

Oct 13, 2016 2:16:12 GMT dizixiao said:

Thanks. I like to play solo. I have one thing I don't understand. For example, dizi C major: CDEFGAB, dizi D Major: ABC#DEF#G. So if the sheet is 1 = C and I play D dizi as 1 = D, would the # on some note on the D dizi cause a problem?

I am not sure that I understand your examples, why you started the C scale on C but the D scale on A. The notes of the scale are correct though.

Assume that you will use a dizi of a particular key to play a tune in that same key. For example, you want to play a tune in the key of D. So, use a dizi in the key of D. That D note is sounded with the three left hand finger holes covered. You want to play a different tune with your dizi that is jianpu notation, but the score indicates to play it in G. You don't have to play the tune in G. Just play the tune in D with your D dizi, covering the three left hand holes for "1". Jianpu makes this so easy.

In the Chinese music ensemble that I play in sometimes, we often play in a key different than the one indicated. All I need to know is which key, and that is the key of the dizi I grab. The fingering is the same. "1" is always the same three left-hand notes covered.

Chinese tunes, at least the traditional ones, can usually be played with a six hole dizi without any problem, providing that the key of the dizi matches the key that you are playing in. An experienced player can play in several keys on the same dizi. So a G dizi can also play some D tunes, and the relative minor keys.

In your example of a tune where 1=C is indicated and you want to play it on your D dizi, just pretend that 1=D, and play it on your dizi. This will not work if you are playing with other instruments or a recording in C.

Best wishes,

David

[dizixiao]

Thank you