Jianpu

Jianpu, short for 简谱, is a form of numeric notation used to transcribe melodies without staff notation. In Jianpu, pitches are indicated by the digits 1 through 7, corresponding to the major scale degrees do through ti; a 0 stands for a rest. The octave of a note is shown by dots placed above or below the digit: a dot above raises the pitch by one octave, a dot below lowers it. Rhythm and duration are indicated by symbols around the digits, with longer values often shown by extending marks or lines, and shorter values by spacing or smaller groupings. Bar lines mark measures, and a tempo is given separately in the score as in other systems.

Jianpu originated in China and became widely used in the 20th century for music education, church and school choirs, folk songs, and popular music. Today it remains common in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese communities; it is also used in some East Asian music education materials and computer software. It is appreciated for its relative simplicity: digits are easy to learn even for non-musicians, the notation is compact and language-friendly, and it can be easily transposed or typed.

Criticisms note that, while efficient for melodies and simple songs, Jianpu has limitations for polyphonic or rhythmically complex music and lacks the global standardization of Western staff notation. Some scores mix Jianpu with staff notation or use it as an aid for singing and beginner learning.