Fig. 42.
If this very simple expedient were more generally known, the practice of writing downward as well as upward stems at the right-hand side of the note-head—never done in printed music—would not be as common as it is. It should be added that to make a quarter or half note satisfactorily in one stroke, a pliable pen, fine, but spreading under pressure, and rapidly recovering itself, is necessary, otherwise the head will be too thin or the stem too thick.
Eighth notes, especially those with downward stems, are best made in two strokes. They can, however, be made in one if begun at the bottom. That is to say, those with upward stems must be begun at the head, and those with downward stems at the hook. This hook must be drawn thin, if made thick the pen will scratch when making the stem: if the head be made first the pen ends at the wrong side for a downward stem.
Fig. 43.
Each shorter note requires an additional action.
The G clef can be made in one stroke if begun at the innermost part of the curl, or at the downward extremity. The F clef requires three strokes, owing to the dots, each of which takes one to itself.
The C clef requires four movements, so does a sharp. A flat may be made in one stroke, but is very apt to look like a half note. A natural requires two movements.
Chords may be expeditiously formed, if with downward stem, by making the top note, with stem, first, and then adding the other notes. Chords with upward stems should be begun at the bottom.
(The joinings are purposely left imperfect to show the method. The numbers show the order of the four actions for the four notes.)