Music
Game Guides Topics: Getting Started, Game Terms, Commands, Character, Grouping, Music, Travelling |
Music is a vital part of Lord of the Rings Online. Players can play different instruments and songs by using the keyboard or the ABC system.
Playing Music
To get started in game, go seek a Bard, purchase an instrument and type /music to play. A progress bar will appear to let you know you are now in music mode. To play notes, use any of the several keyboard commands associated with playing music. To get out of music mode, simply move your character (or use the command /music off).
Instruments
Instruments are not only used in combat by minstrels, but can be used by any class to play music. Only the minstrel has direct access to all instruments. If another character wishes to learn the skill for a particular instrument, they must find a minstrel who is above level 30 who will mentor (Instruct) them in the use of that instrument. There are some advanced versions of these instruments that are designed to be used by minstrels.
Obtaining Instruments
Each type of instrument has its own unique sound. Listed here is where you can find all of the instruments that can be used by any class.
Bards
Any bard in game will offer basic instruments for sale for players to use.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Basic Bagpipe | 2 |
Basic Bassoon | 2 |
Basic Clarinet | 2 |
Basic Cowbell | 2 |
Basic Drum | 2 |
Basic Fiddle | 2 |
Basic Flute | 2 |
Basic Harp | 2 |
Basic Horn | 2 |
Basic Lute | 2 |
Basic Pibgorn | 2 |
Basic Theorbo | 2 |
Blank Mentor Manual | 500 |
Lute of Ages | 2 |
Misty Mountain Harp | 2 |
Simple Pibgorn | 60 |
Student's Fiddle | 2 |
Bartering and Rewards
Instrument Skill Table
Beorning | Brawler | Burglar | Captain | Champion | Guardian | Hunter | Lore-master | Mariner | Minstrel | Rune-keeper | Warden | ||
Bagpipe Use | L:25 | ||||||||||||
Bassoon Use | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | |
Basic Cowbell Use | • | ||||||||||||
Clarinet Use | • | • | • | • | • | • | |||||||
Drum Use | L:10 | ||||||||||||
Fiddle Use | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | L:5 | |
Flute Use | • | • | |||||||||||
Harp Use | • | ||||||||||||
Horn Use | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | ||||||
Lute Use | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | |
Moor Cowbell Use | L:40 | ||||||||||||
Pibgorn Use | • | ||||||||||||
Theorbo Use | L:15 |
- • Starting proficiencies
- L:? Level you can learn instrument proficiencies
If an instrument is available to you it can be trained at your Class Trainer under Passive Skills.
Mentoring
Ability | Level | Range | Description | Acquired from |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scribe Stance | 30 | 25m | Used with a mentor skill, creates a manual to teach instrument use | |
Mentor : Clarinet | 30 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the clarinet. | |
Mentor : Horn | 30 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the horn. | |
Mentor : Pibgorn | 30 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the pibgorn. | |
Mentor : Cowbell | 36 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the cowbell. | |
Mentor : Bagpipes | 48 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the bagpipes. | Item |
Mentor : Drums | 42 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the drum. | Item |
Mentor : Flute | 46 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the flute. | Item |
Mentor : Harp | 25m | Instruct someone how to play the harp. | Item | |
Mentor : Moor Cowbell | 50 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play Moor cowbell. | Item |
Mentor : Theorbo | 44 | 25m | Instruct someone how to play theorbo. | Item |
- In Scribe Stance these skills allow the Minstrel to create Instruction manuals for other players.
- These manuals do not require the Minstrel and the trainee to be in proximity of each other, as Mentoring does.
- For example, Mentor : Horn becomes Scribe Manual : Horn, which allows you to create a Manual of the Horn.
The cooldown also extends to 10 days.
ABC-system
All ABC files that you create for playback in LOTRO must have an .abc extension, and they must be stored in a sub-folder named Music that is located in
- Windows XP: “C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents\The Lord of the Rings Online\”
- Windows 7/8/10/11: “C:\Users\%username%\Documents\The Lord of the Rings Online\”
- For information on the Mac Client see: Mac Client#Music:
- Once you are all logged in and ready to start, equip your favorite instrument.
- If you do not own an instrument, visit the nearest Bard and purchase one for a few silver pieces.
- Note: equipping an instrument will un-equip any ranged weapon (third slot) you have equipped. (A minstrel will always have their instrument equipped.) For example, a Rune-keeper will have their "chisel," replaced with their instrument, a Lore-master their broach, etc.
- Enter the Player Music System mode by using the /music command. If you have an instrument in your bags, but do not have it equipped, typing /music will automatically equip it for you.
- Then play each ABC file by using the command /play <filename> , where <filename> is the name of an ABC file minus the .abc extension.
- For best-quality playback, you should enable the Quantize Player Music checkbox in the Audio section of your LOTRO client options.
Playing in the band
- To play with others, each types: /play <filename> sync
- After all in the group have typed /play <filename> sync, to begin the song type: /playstart
Once you have mastered solo play you may want to try playing songs with friends!
You can play simultaneously, using different instruments if you like, with some advanced playback commands. (As well as some advanced ABC arrangement files.)
- First, make sure you both have the same song’s ABC file in your Music folder. The files themselves do not have to be named the same, but it needs to be the same song.
- Now, log into the game and form a fellowship with whomever you want to play with.
- While in the fellowship, everyone enter music mode using /music
- Each person will then type /play <filename> sync with “<filename>” being the name of your ABC file you are all going to play.
- For example, if you wanted to play Song1.abc, you would all type /play Song1 sync If your fellows ABC file were named say Song2.abc, he would type /play Song2 sync
- You should all receive a message on your screen after entering this command that says something along the lines of, “Player_Name is ready to begin synchronised playing”
- Once you have all sync-ed up and are ready to begin, any of the fellowship members can then type /playstart
You will receive a message confirming that synchronized playing is about to begin and then it will begin!
Congratulations! You are now playing simultaneously with your fellowship members!
There are many files out there that have been especially adapted for these advanced features which single out certain parts of songs or tunes designed for specific instruments, search around and experiment some, above all, have fun!
Possible errors
- For example, if I wanted to play “Song1.abc” I would enter /music mode, then type /play Song1
- You will then begin playback of the ABC file!
- However, if you receive the error message that the file does not exist and/or cannot be played then one of two things may have happened.
- Either your ABC file is incorrectly written or it is not in the Music folder inside your LOTRO directory/folder.
- If the message says the file does not exist, then logout and check to be sure the file is in the Music folder and that you are spelling the name of the file correctly.
- If the message says a specific line is incorrect, then the ABC file is written incorrectly, try another ABC file.
Index of Commands
- /music – a toggle, enter or leave music mode
- /play Filename – begins solo playback of an ABC file
- /play Filename sync – prepares player for synchronised playback of an ABC file
- /playstart – begins synchronous playback of an ABC file
- /playlist /[<filter>]' - list all ABC songs available. <filter> is optional and accepts the wildcards '*' and '?'. Example /playlist /*. Note that the character '/' is required.
Tablature
c': --s8-- b : s7 a : --s6-- g : s5 f :--------------s4------------------------------- e : s3 d :--------s2------------------------------------- c : s1 8 B :-----------------------7-------c8--------(b)c7- A : 6 (#)c7 (b)c6 G :-----------------5-----(#)c6------(b)c5-------- F : 4 (#)c5 E :-----------3-------c4---------(b)c3------------ D : 2 (#)c3 (b)c2 C : --1-- (#)c2 (b)c1 B,: c1
- s1 = Shift 1
- c1 = Control 1
- (#)c2 means that Control 2 plays C sharp.
- (b)c2 means that Control 2 plays D flat. (same note as C#)
- Note that there is a bit of overlap (E = 3 & c4, B = 7 & c8, c = 8 & s1)
Songs
The following is a list of songs and the keys needed to play them. When numbers are in italic text; it means to hold shift, when numbers are in bold text; it means to hold control, and when numbers are encased in parenthesis mean to repeat them multiple times. (all are mapped to the default LOTRO keybindings)
Chicken dance
5566335556633555668877654445522444552244455778
Mininabs version All holding shift if you like or control. [5-5-6-6-3-3-5-5] [5-5-6-6-3-3-5] [5-5-6-8-7-5-4-3-2] [5-5-6-6-3-3-5-5] [5-5-6-6-3-3-5] [5-5-6-7-8] fancy ending :)
Chopsticks
(45)(35)(27) 36 27 18
Concerning Hobbits
1235321 6788763432
Go Go Buko
(FF chocobo song)
||: S2- 7 5 3 S2 7 5 7- 5- 7-- 6 5 565 4 5-- 4 5 57S2 S3 S4 ,
S2- 7 5 3 S2 7 5 7- 5- 7-- 6 5 565 4 5-- 4 5 57S2 S3 S4, ||
S3- 8 6 4 6 8 S3 S2- S5- S2-- 7 8- 6 C5 2 C5 6 8 & 787 6 7--- S3- 8 6 C5 6 8 S3 S2- S5- S2--
7 6 676 5 6--5 6 678 S2 S3- S4- :||
for those who don't know
play all from ||: to :|| then go back to ||: and play to ||
Hobbits
(45)(45)(45)(45)(45)(45)(35)(35)(35)(35)(35)(35)(27)(27)(27)(27)(26)(27)(38)(38)(38)(38)
(37)(36)(45)(45)(45)(45)(45)(45))(35)(35)(35)(35)(35)(35)(27)(27)(27)(27)(26)(27)(38)
Imperial March
Compiled by Neda
3-3-3-1-5-3-1-5-3
7-7-7-8-5-3-1-5-3
8-5-5-8-7-C6-6-5-6
3-6-5-4-3-4-1-4-2-4-6-...
Compiled by Mariner
6-6-6-4-8-6-4-8-6-S3-S3-S3-S4-8-6-4-8-6
S6-4-4-S6-S5-S5-S4-S5-7-S3-S2-S2-8-7-8
4-6-4-6-8-6-8-S2-6-6-S6-S6-S5-S4-S5-7
S3-S2-S2-8-8-4-6-8-6
Into the West
s1,5,5,6,7,8,s2,8,8,6
8,s2,s1,s3,s2,s1,6,8,s3
s4,s3,s2,s2,s3,s2,s1,6
8,s3,8,8,6,8,s2,s2,s3,s2
8,6,5,6,6,7,8,s3,s1,s2,s1,s2,s3,s2
chorus:
s4,s3,s2,s3,s8,s7,s6,s6,s5,s4,s3,s2
s3,s5,s5,s4,s3,s2,s3,s8,s7,s6,s6,s5
s4,s3,s2,s3,s3,s3,s4,s5,s5,s6,s6,s6
s5,s4,s4,s3,s2,s6,s6,s7,s6,s6,s5,s4,s3,s2
Mad World (Gary Jules)
Converted into Lord of the Rings Online music by "hg.greyfox@gmai.com".
beginning:
6856 4532 5 (32) 5 (32) 8 6856 4567 5 (32) 5 (32) 8
chorus:
4466 4488 8677 7577 7654 (x3)
end part 1:
4466 88 2 77 2 2 774 (x2)
end part 2:
4466 88 2 7 77 2 2 7774 -5 (-1-3) -4 (-1-3)
Mario Bros. Theme
Arranged by DarkZealot89
Compiled by stamen47
7 7 7 5 7 sh2 2
5 2 ct1 3 ct5 4 3 2 7 sh2 sh3 sh1 sh2 7 5 6 ct5
sh2 sh2 sh1 6 ct7 7 2 3 5 3 5 6 sh2 sh2 sh1 6 ct7 7 sh5 sh5 sh5
sh2 sh2 sh1 6 ct7 7 2 3 5 3 5 6 ct7 6 5
5 5 5 5 6 7 5 3 2 5 5 5 5 6 7
5 5 5 5 6 7 5 3 2 7 7 7 5 7 sh2 2
7 5 2 2 ct3 3 8 8 3 ct5 sh3 sh3 sh3 sh2 sh1 7 5 3 2
7 5 2 2 ct3 3 8 8 3 ct5 8 8 8 7 6 5
Minuets
51234511645678114543234321232111
Oh! Susana
12355 6531 233212
12355 6531 233221
44 66 233212
12355 6531 233221
Ode To Joy
334554321123322
334554321123211
23431234123432125
334554321123211
Lost Woods from Zelda
(arranged by Snapple/Mumble)(Tweaked by Chisloan)
4 6 7 | 4 6 7 | 4 6 7 s3 s2 | 7 8 7 5 3 | 2 3 5 3
4 6 7 | 4 6 7 | 4 6 7 s3 s2 | 7 8 s3 8 5 | 7 5 2 3
4 5 6 | 5 6 7 | 8 7 3
s2 s3 s3 | s3 s4 s5 | s4 s5 s6
4 5 6 | 5 6 7 | 8 7 3
s2 s1 | s3 s2 | s4 s3 | s5 s4 | s6 s5 | s7 s6 | s7 s8
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
11556654433221554433211556654433221
The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)
123234321232132 543
Raiders of the Lost Ark Theme
(proper name: Raiders' March) (arranged by Smithymgs)
3-4-5-8 2-3-4
5-6-7-s4 6-7-8-s2-s3
3-4-5-8 s2-s3-s4
5-5-s3-s2-5-s3-s2-5-s3-s2
(repeat)
Sayuri's Theme
Converted into Lord of the Rings Online music by "hg.greyfox@gmai.com".
2 1 2 4 3 4 2 1 3 6 2 6 5 6 5 6 4 3 5 2
Silent night
5,6,5,3 - 5,6,5,3 - s2,s2,7 - 8,8,5 - 6,6,8,7,6 - 5,6,5,3
6,6,8,7,6 - 5,6,5,3 - s2,s2,s4,s2,7,8,s3 - 8,5,3,5,4,2,1
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Side
S# = Press Shift and the # = 1 octave higher. C# = Press Control and the # = Flat note.
S1 is the same note as #8 but sometimes it's easier to press S1 instead of 8, and vice versa.
4 S4 S3 S1 S2 S3 S4 4 S2 S1 2 C7 6 4 5 6 C7 5 3 4 5 6 4
4 S4 S3 S1 S2 S3 S4 4 S2 S1 2 C7 6 4 5 6 C7 5 3 4 5 6 4
8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 C7 8 C7 8 C7 8 C7 8 S2 S2 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 7 S2 7 S2 7 S2 7 S2 S3 S3 S5 S2
4 S4 S3 S1 S2 S3 S4 4 S2 S1 2 C7 6 4 5 6 C7 5 3 4 5 6 4
8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 C7 8 C7 8 C7 8 C7 8 S2 S2 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 C7 8 C7 8 C7 8 S2 S2 S4 S5 S6
4 S4 S3 S1 S2 S3 S4 4 S2 S1 2 C7 6 4 5 6 C7 5 3 4 5 6 4
Personally on the last line I would prefer a SC7 in there, but.... the game can't do shift-control combinations, so you're stuck rehashing the standard verse.*
- Note: Shift+Ctrl is supported, but not mapped on the keyboard.
Still Alive
Converted into Lord of the Rings Online music by "hg.greyfox@gmai.com".
8 7 6 6 7
This was a triumph.
2 8 7 6 6 7 5 6 2
I'm making a note here... huge success.
2 6 7 8 6 C5 5 6 2 2 7
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction
Example Videos
My kinmates and I have had great fun with these systems! There are several videos on YouTube demonstrating the music systems.
Here are a few links to some created by me, Meriband Hamhill. Enjoy!
The above videos are all very basic, made soon after each area of the ABC system was implemented. If you search around you will find some very well done ones.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
See also
External links
For more go to.....
- [1]
https://lotrovault.ign.com/View.php?=undefined&view=ABCNotation.List&category_select_id=2dead link
- [2] Song Compilation
- [3]
https://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Mechanics:ABC_Notationdead link - [4]
Downloadable Music Directorydead link - [5] Replacement for the Fat Lute interim or otherwise
- [6] Songbook of Laurelin
Now you've gotten the music bug... go to Weatherstock!
For events on all servers LotroArtists
The music scene also thrives on Landroval [EN-RP].
- Weatherstock forever
- The Lonely Mountain Band Kinship page
- BBB - Bards Beers and Longbeards
- AA Minstrel's Diary Aegthil of Gondor
- Ales and tales forum