Notation

Main article: Musical notation

Sheet music is written representation of music. This is a homorhythmic (i.e., hymn-

style) arrangement of a traditional piece entitled "Adeste Fideles", in standard
two-staff format for mixed voices.
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In the 2000s, music notation typically means the written expression of music notes
and rhythms on paper using symbols. When music is written down, the pitches and
rhythm of the music, such as the notes of a melody, are notated. Music notation
also often provides instructions on how to perform the music. For example, the
sheet music for a song may state that the song is a "slow blues" or a "fast swing",
which indicates the tempo and the genre. To read music notation, a person must have
an understanding of music theory, harmony and the performance practice associated
with a particular song or piece's genre.

Written notation varies with style and period of music. In the 2000s, notated music
is produced as sheet music or, for individuals with computer scorewriter programs,
as an image on a computer screen. In ancient times, music notation was put onto
stone or clay tablets. To perform music from notation, a singer or instrumentalist
requires an understanding of the rhythmic and pitch elements embodied in the
symbols and the performance practice that is associated with a piece of music or a
genre. In genres requiring musical improvisation, the performer often plays from
music where only the chord changes and form of the song are written, requiring the
performer to have a great understanding of the music's structure, harmony and the
styles of a particular genre (e.g., jazz or country music).

In Western art music, the most common types of written notation are scores, which
include all the music parts of an ensemble piece, and parts, which are the music
notation for the individual performers or singers. In popular music, jazz, and
blues, the standard musical notation is the lead sheet, which notates the melody,
chords, lyrics (if it is a vocal piece), and structure of the music. Fake books are
also used in jazz; they may consist of lead sheets or simply chord charts, which
permit rhythm section members to improvise an accompaniment part to jazz songs.
Scores and parts are also used in popular music and jazz, particularly in large
ensembles such as jazz "big bands." In popular music, guitarists and electric bass
players often read music notated in tablature (often abbreviated as "tab"), which
indicates the location of the notes to be played on the instrument using a diagram
of the guitar or bass fingerboard. Tabulature was also used in the Baroque era to
notate music for the lute, a stringed, fretted instrument.