Rules for Stem Directions

Stems for Single Notes

1a. Stem right side up for notes below the centerline

1b. Stem left side down for notes above the centerline

1c. Stem in either direction for notes on the centerline; most often stem down

Stems for Chords

2a. When two notes are above the centerline the stem goes left side down; when two notes are below the centerline the stem goes right side up

2b. For notes a 2^nd apart, put the stem between the two notes with the higher note on the right side of the stem and the lower note on the left

other notation rules