Abc code

ABC code is a simple text method of representing music so that it can easily be stored on computers and conveyed by electronic means. Ideally it requires a simple programme to interpret it into usable music notation or some form of audible sound.

There are literally thousands of folk dance tunes (as well as other tune forms) on the internet.

The first place to seek information on the abc format is at the abc notation page run by the inventor, Chris Walshaw.

A quick way of getting a tune out of an abc file is to cut and paste the code into the interpreter at Concertina.net

Quick Solutions

Some of the software required to access and use abc files requires a reasonable competence with computers but there are simple off -the-shelf solutions for those who just want to get going with the music.

If you use an Apple Mac computer you probably want to try the Barfly programme. This shareware programme will display music and play it via the MIDI on your computer. For printing, a good result can be obtained by exporting the abc as an abcm2ps file. If the little program (binary) from Fink is installed on the Mac then a good printout is achieved relatively easily.

If you use a PC Computer, then there are several program available including the freeware abc Explorer

This page will be expanded as necessary but there's enough here to get you started.