Ending brackets

Ending brackets, also called volta brackets or “first and second ending brackets”, are used in sheet music to succinctly notate a repeated phrase that varies only in the last measure(s). The first time through a repeated phrase, one plays only the measure(s) bracketed with a “1”. The next time through the phrase, the “1” bracket is skipped over and you play the “2” bracket at the end.

You can also set up ending brackets when creating songs in Strum Machine. Here’s how:

1. Make a section repeat at least twice.

2. Select the start of the first ending variation.

3. Open the Chart menu in the bottom toolbar, then click the “1” next to “Ending brackets”.

4. Add measures at the end for the second ending variation, if you haven’t already.

5. Select the start of the second ending variation, then click the “2” in Chart > Ending brackets.

6. Repeat as needed for reps 3+ (usually not applicable).