Re: Choice of pitch input mode

[Malte Meyn]

Am 29.04.2016 um 13:58 schrieb Matt Hood:
> What does everyone prefer? Relative, absolute, or a mix of both?

I always use \relative without reference pitch because reference pitches 
confused me every single time I used them. In RhythmicStaffs I use only 
durations without pitch (possible in 2.19).

> Add in temporary polyphonic passages, chords, etc, and it all just becomes an 
> exercise in trial and error. Any tips for keeping control?

I use LilyPond for composing and arranging so I often have to insert 
notes before others. This could change the following notes. But there is 
simple solution (which also is suitable for polyphonic music): Use 
octave checks.

\relative {
  c'4 d e f
  s1*3 % this will be filled in the future
  g=''8 a b g c2
}

This generates warnings but I ignore them until the piece is finished; 
only then I add , and ' before the =.

Concerning chords: I always input the pitches in the same order (upwards 
or downwards but not both). Whether upwards or downwards depends on 
where some sort of melody is but you could also stick to one single 
direction.