Tools for writing in standard notation?

[Joel Glassman]

Well I have always just written it out. But my musical handwriting has been so bad that reading my notes was not fun. I have looked for software...

That's one good reason. Software playback can also show you how correct the rhythm is, when things get rhythmically complex. Band in a Box [which I use a lot for lead sheets] isn't great for rhythmic complexity. It does allow you to tap in rhythms using the regular computer keyboard. I try to get the charts close to accurate and let better players tweak them on gigs :^) Its a pretty good system if you hire people to back you up.

[kkmm]

My vote is for the free MuseScore, easy to use once you go past the learning curve (as with any other music notation software).

[stevemcbill]

I too would recommend TablEdit - granted its main usage is in developing tablature but it handles music notation just as well - and then of course you can print out just the music notation, just the tablature, or both together.

Once you have entered your first couple of measures after installing the program you will realise how intuitive and speedy the interface is.

Good luck with whatever software you decide to go with.

Steve
http://www.stevemcwilliam.co.uk/guitar/tab.htm

[Mandophyte]

Late to this thread. See my signature for suff on ABC.