Tool to write in Parsons code. Parsons notation (or Melodic Contours) allows the simplification of a musical writing using tone changes in the melody.
Parsons Code - dCode
Tag(s) : Notation System
dCode is free and its tools are a valuable help in games, maths, geocaching, puzzles and problems to solve every day!
A suggestion ? a feedback ? a bug ? an idea ? Write to dCode!
Parsons Code
Parsons Converter
Answers to Questions (FAQ)
What is Parsons code? (Definition)
Parsons code is used to represent the variations of the music which aims to facilitate the search by musical melody contours.
How to convert a melody into Parsons code?
The parsons code represents the first note by an asterisk * (which is sometimes omitted).
The following notes are shown with a letter from U,D,R indicating its relationship with the previous note:
Example: U for up: the pitch is higher than the previous note
D to down: the pitch is lower than the previous note
R for repeat: the pitch is the same as the previous note
Where to get a music with Parsons code?
A search is possible on Musipedia here (link)
Tools for music recognition like Google or Shazam use this method (among others) to recognize a melody.
dCode offers tools for reading musical note sheets.
When Parsons code was invented?
In 1975, Denys Parsons has developed the Parsons Code in his book here (link)
Source code
dCode retains ownership of the online "Parsons Code" source code. Except explicit open source licence (indicated CC / Creative Commons / free), the "Parsons Code" algorithm, the applet or snippet (converter, solver, encryption / decryption, encoding / decoding, ciphering / deciphering, translator), or the "Parsons Code" functions (calculate, convert, solve, decrypt / encrypt, decipher / cipher, decode / encode, translate) written in any informatic language (Python, Java, PHP, C#, Javascript, Matlab, etc.) and all data download, script, copy-paste, or API access for "Parsons Code" are not public, same for offline use on PC, tablet, iPhone or Android ! Remainder : dCode is free to use.
Need Help ?
Please, check our dCode Discord community for help requests!
NB: for encrypted messages, test our automatic cipher identifier!
Questions / Comments
Thanks to your feedback and relevant comments, dCode has developed the best 'Parsons Code' tool, so feel free to write! Thank you!