Now that you know how the graph works you can start transcribing your first recording using TwelveKeys. This page contains some useful tips for effectively transcribing a song.

When you first load a recording into TwelveKeys the graph produced may seem complex and little overwhelming. But by tweaking the settings and a little practice it will start to make sense to you in no time.

The first thing you should do once you have loaded a track is to adjust the gain control. This is the slider on the bottom panel. It will assist in emphasising the strong notes and diminishing the softer notes.

Next, start playing the song and watching the graph. You can help identify the notes you are trying to transcribe by using the keyboard to match the marks on the graph.

If you are having trouble picking out notes in a fast part of the song, then try slowing the track down using the Speed slider. This will slow the track down without altering the pitch of the notes being played.

You may notice that sometimes the graph indicates that there are more notes being played than you can actually hear. What you are seeing are harmonics. When a note is played on an instrument such as a guitar, the instrument produces a fundamental note. This is the main note you hear. It also produces several other higher notes called harmonics. These harmonic overtones help to give instruments their individual characteristics. TwelveKeys tries to reduce suspected harmonics but is not able to completely remove them. Using the keyboard here is a good way to identify which of the notes you are seeing is the fundamental.