You are here: MusicXML Reference > Score Schema (XSD) > Elements > Element: stem

Element: stem

Description

Stems can be down, up, none, or double. For down and up stems, the position attributes can be used to specify stem length. The relative values specify the end of the stem relative to the program default. Default values specify an absolute end stem position. Negative values of relative-y that would flip a stem instead of shortening it are ignored. A stem element associated with a rest refers to a stemlet.

Derived By

Type stem

Attributes
Name  Type  Required?  Default  Description 
default-x  tenths  No 
default-y  tenths  No 
relative-x  tenths  No 
relative-y  tenths  No 
color  color  No 
Content Model

Contains text only.

Referenced By
Example

down stem

      <note default-x="80">
        <pitch>
          <step>E</step>
          <octave>5</octave>
        </pitch>
        <duration>2</duration>
        <voice>1</voice>
        <type>quarter</type>
        <stem default-y="-40">down</stem>
      </note>

up stem

      <note default-x="13">
        <pitch>
          <step>F</step>
          <octave>4</octave>
        </pitch>
        <duration>4</duration>
        <voice>1</voice>
        <type>quarter</type>
        <stem default-y="1">up</stem>
        <staff>1</staff>
      </note>

double stem

      <note default-x="13">
        <pitch>
          <step>B</step>
          <octave>4</octave>
        </pitch>
        <duration>4</duration>
        <voice>1</voice>
        <type>quarter</type>
        <stem>double</stem>
        <staff>1</staff>
      </note>

Definition

See note

 

MusicXML Documentation Home
Last built 2/20/2015

7007 Winchester Circle, Suite 140

Boulder, CO 80301