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Songs guide

Add cues and timing to a song

Mark where sections begin, add performance notes, and show a cue to everyone or only the people who need it.

1

Open the song in Chords & Lyrics

Choose Songs, open the song, and remain in Chords & Lyrics. Timestamps and instructions are part of the chart-editing workspace.

2

Add a timestamp to a section

Move over a section heading and choose its clock, or open the section handle menu and choose Add Timestamp. Enter the point where that section begins in minutes and seconds, then choose Ok.

Stage Mate timestamp dialog containing 0:58 for the Chorus section
Section timestamps give Stage Mate reference points for following the song during scrolling and playback.
3

Add a cue for a whole section

Choose Add instruction beside a section heading and type a note such as “Drop to half volume” or “Harmony enters here.” The instruction sits below the section name.

4

Attach a cue to one particular line

Move over the song line, choose its handle, then choose Add Instructions. Enter the cue and click elsewhere to finish editing it.

Stage Mate song editor with a section timestamp and a line instruction
Section instructions describe a larger passage; line instructions keep a cue beside the exact musical moment.
5

Choose who should see the instruction

An instruction starts as Everyone. On Duo and Band plans, choose that badge, select one or more band members, then choose Apply.

Instruction targeting menu with Alex selected and Everyone cleared
Target a cue when it is useful to one performer but would distract everyone else.
6

Wait for Saved and check the song

Wait for the save status to say Saved, then choose Play. Check that each instruction appears at the right place and that the timestamps follow the recording in order.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Timestamps guide song progress, while instructions carry the practical notes performers need at particular moments.

Can I add a timestamp to an individual line?
The editor currently adds timestamps to section headings. Instructions can be attached to either a whole section or one song line.
What format should a timestamp use?
Use minutes and seconds, such as 0:58 or 1:20. Keep section timestamps in order and within the song's duration.
Who sees an instruction marked Everyone?
Everyone viewing the song sees a global instruction. A targeted instruction appears only when one of its selected band members is active.
Can a section or line have more than one instruction?
Yes. Once an instruction has content, choose Add section instruction or Add instruction to create another cue.