ABC Notation
One of the most important aims of abc notation, and perhaps one that distinguishes it from most, if not all, computer-based musical languages is that it can also be read easily by humans. In other words, with a little practice, it is possible to play a tune directly from the abc notation without having to process and print it out. Even if this isn't of interest, the resulting clarity of the notation makes it very easy to notate tunes.In addition, the ability to write music in abc notation means that it can be easily and portably stored or transported electronically, hence enabling the discussion and dissemination of music via email.
While originally created as a means for traditional fiddle tunes to be traded over pure-ascii email messages, ABC has long since expanded its scope to support quite complex multi-stave instrumental and orchestral notations; contributions to the archive include Mozart and the complete 2nd movement of Beethoven's 7th. The power of Open Source on Open Standards: quality software for ABC editing, midi rendering and even professional publication quality printout are available for almost every platform and most often as free software.
T:Paddy O'Rafferty
C:Trad.
M:6/8
K:D
dff cee|def gfe|dff cee|dfe dBA|\
dff cee|def gfe|faf gfe|1 dfe dBA:|2 dfe dcB|]
~A3 B3|gfe fdB|AFA B2c|dfe dcB|\
~A3 ~B3|efe efg|faf gfe|1 dfe dcB:|2 dfe dBA|]
fAA eAA|def gfe|fAA eAA|dfe dBA|\
fAA eAA|def gfe|faf gfe|dfe dBA:|
