Fretting-Transformer: Encoder-Decoder Model for MIDI to Tablature Transcription

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2506.14223v1
• Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:25:35 GMT
• Title: Fretting-Transformer: Encoder-Decoder Model for MIDI to Tablature Transcription
• Authors: Anna Hamberger, Sebastian Murgul, Jochen Schmidt, Michael Heizmann,
• Abstract summary: The Fretting-Transformer is an encoderdecoder model that utilizes a T5 transformer architecture to automate the transcription of MIDI sequences into guitar tablature.<n>By framing the task as a symbolic translation problem, the model addresses key challenges, including string-fret ambiguity and physical playability.
• Score: 2.3249139042158853
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Music transcription plays a pivotal role in Music Information Retrieval (MIR), particularly for stringed instruments like the guitar, where symbolic music notations such as MIDI lack crucial playability information. This contribution introduces the Fretting-Transformer, an encoderdecoder model that utilizes a T5 transformer architecture to automate the transcription of MIDI sequences into guitar tablature. By framing the task as a symbolic translation problem, the model addresses key challenges, including string-fret ambiguity and physical playability. The proposed system leverages diverse datasets, including DadaGP, GuitarToday, and Leduc, with novel data pre-processing and tokenization strategies. We have developed metrics for tablature accuracy and playability to quantitatively evaluate the performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the Fretting-Transformer surpasses baseline methods like A* and commercial applications like Guitar Pro. The integration of context-sensitive processing and tuning/capo conditioning further enhances the model's performance, laying a robust foundation for future developments in automated guitar transcription.

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