When to use 8va in musical notation?

You should only use 8va when it does make the music easier to read. The high trills from my example written at the correct pitch give the player a cue to provide enough breath support to get those high notes out. For keyboard players you can write 8va (or 15ma) any time you want.

1. When should you use 8va?
2. What is 8va in music notation?
3. What does 8va mean guitar?
4. Does 8va mean both hands?

When should you use 8va?

In the Ultimate Music Theory Workbooks, we use the "8va" sign. When written above a note or phrase, it indicates to play one octave higher. When written below a note or phrase, it indicates to play one octave lower.

What is 8va in music notation?

[Abbreviation, all' ottava] Abbreviation for all' ottava or "at the octave." This indication is most often found above specific notes on a staff and indicates that those notes should be performed one octave higher than written.

What does 8va mean guitar?

8va means one octave higher - 8va basso means one octave lower (I've never seen it abbreviated 8vb, but some publishers might do that) There's also a double ottava - 15va.

Does 8va mean both hands?

8va only applies to the notes that it is written above. So if the 8va is written above the right hand, then just the right hand plays an octave higher. ... If the composer desires to have both hands 8va, that is notated. It may say “8va both hands” written above the music that should be played an octave higher.