Streams

Streams can be tricky at first because without enough experience, it can be very difficult to create streams that flow properly, and do not contain any awkward pattern choices. There are some general guidelines to follow to create stream patterns that will not be problematic. Keep in mind that these are just rough general guidelines to understand basic flow. If a concept requires that these guidelines are broken, then it could be justified.

4-key

• Avoid more than 4 notes on one hand in a row.
• When moving from one column to a column located 2 or more columns to either side, the note following that should be placed in the opposite direction. (For example, if a stream has the pattern 13, the next note should be a 1 or a 2.)
• The exception to the rule above is if there is a column that is used as a point that the stream "revolves" around. For example, one such pattern may look something like 231343.

6-key

• Avoid more than 5 notes on one hand in a row.
• Avoid outer finger trills longer than 3 or 4 notes. (Trills on columns 1 and 2 or 5 and 6.)
• When moving from one column to a column located 4 or more columns to either side, the note following that should be placed in the opposite direction. (For example, if a stream has the pattern 15, the next note should not be a 6.)
• The exception to the rule above is if there is a column that is used as a point that the stream "revolves" around. For example, one such pattern may look something like 156525351.

There are other things that should be balanced and considered when making a stream pattern. If a column is neglected for too long, or the stream is biased to particular columns, or the directional flow of a stream tends to be biased to one side, there is a good chance the stream won't flow well or feel as natural as it should, unless this is intentional.