The Remind Notation
Streamlined Chords: Song Memory Made Easy
The Remind Notation (TRN) is a streamlined musical shorthand designed to help musicians quickly reference chords, lyrics, and song structure without the need for mid-song scrolling. It’s a quick memory-aiding tool for those who already know the songs.TRN serves an educational and informative purpose. All lyrics and chords remain the property of their respective artists.
How to Use TRN
- Learn a song by heart. Use official sheet music or online lablature. And your ears!
- Graduate to The Remind Notation. While you play, use TRN (pronounced 'turn') to recall chords and lyrics
- Focus on the music instead of the page. Engage your audience, not the screen.
How to Read TRN
Key symbols include dash, slash, parenthesis, and caret.
Glossary
" - " = dash separates parts of a song:
C G Am - F G C - Am F G
= Verse - Chorus - Bridge
" ^ " = caret (up arrow) reminds you to loop previous chords a number of times:
Am Em^
= Am Em Am Em Am Em, etc.C G ^ Am F
= C G C G Am F
" ( ) " = parenthesis reminds you of transitions, fills, or alterations:
C Am ^ (F G)
= F and G are transition chords, played only once.C(7)
= Playing C7th is optional, or played occasionally.
" / " = slash reminds you of alternations between sections:
Note: TRN is short-hand notation for a wide variety of chord progressions, but of course, not all songs will fit perfectly within its rules, so... Use. Your. Memory!G Em (Am C / D G )
= First time through: G Em Am C
= Second time through: G Em D G
Philosophy
Hi! I'm Maika, the creator of The Remind Notation. TRN emerged from my struggles with reading online chords. Interrupting play to scroll was a hassle, and auto-scroll rarely worked. I wanted a better online option, where a song's chords fit on one page, and look great on whatever device you're using. Whether performing live, rehearsing, or jamming, TRN lets you player closer to your chest. Musicians play best from memory and heart. The Remind Notation is a simple reminder for songs already known. It doesn't capture every nuance of a song -- just the essentials to keep everyone on beat.
What TRN is for:
It's a reference for musicians who already know the song. Its compact format eliminates mid-song scrolling, facilitating consistent and accurate performances.
What TRN is not for:
TRN encourages memory-based performances. By design, it does not provide:
- No dynamics/articulation
- No tempo/metre/bars
- No technique instructions
- No repetition counts
- No tablature
FAQs
Q: Is this the final product?
A: No, this is a proof of concept for educational purposes.
Q: How is TRN different from other musical notation?
A: TRN omits time and dynamic indicators, focusing on chord and structure reminders. It encourages personal interpretation, making it ideal for jam sessions.
Q: Can TRN be used for complex chord progressions or unconventional song structures?
A: TRN is versatile but may not cover every intricate progression. It suits standard formats best. For complex compositions, explicit notation may be needed.
Q: Are there plans to integrate TRN with digital platforms?
A: Not currently, but future developments might explore digital integration.
Q: How does TRN address language barriers for multilingual musicians?
A: TRN is language-agnostic, relying on symbols for chords and structure, making it accessible regardless of language.
Copyright Fair Use Argument
This site, The Remind Notation, employs chord and lyric snippets from various artists. These are used solely for educational, informative, and transformative purposes, not as a substitute for the original works. By providing a brief, simplified reference, TRN enhances learning and memory retention for musicians, aligning with fair use principles under copyright law. We acknowledge the original creators and encourage supporting their work by purchasing their music and official sheet music.