Free online GP4 to MSCZ converter

Source format: GP4

GP4 is a Guitar Pro 4 song file used by musicians, guitarists, and arrangers to store tablature, standard notation, chord diagrams, lyrics, tempo changes, and playback data. It is part of the Guitar Pro family of formats and is commonly used for writing and sharing guitar-centric scores, practice tracks, and transcriptions.

GP4 files are typically opened in Guitar Pro or compatible notation software. They are useful for multi-track guitar arrangements, bass lines, drum parts, and other instrument parts that need synchronized playback and editable tablature.

Target format: MSCZ

MSCZ is the compressed project file format used by MuseScore. It stores a score in a compact package that can include notation, instruments, layout, text, and embedded media. MuseScore is widely used for music engraving, composition, arranging, and sharing scores in a free, cross-platform application.

The main advantages of MSCZ are editable notation, broad support for standard score elements, and efficient file size due to compression. It is a good choice when you want to continue editing a score in MuseScore rather than only view or print it.

How to perform the conversion

The most reliable workflow is to open the GP4 file in a program that can read Guitar Pro files and then export or save it in a MuseScore-compatible format. In practice, the conversion often goes through an intermediate format such as MusicXML if direct GP4-to-MSCZ import is not available in your software version.

1. Install MuseScore and, if needed, Guitar Pro or another notation program that can open .gp4 files.
2. Open the .gp4 file in the source application.
3. If the program supports direct export to MusicXML, choose File → Export and save as .musicxml or .xml.
4. Open the exported MusicXML file in MuseScore.
5. Review the imported score for notation, tuning, articulations, bends, slides, repeats, and playback details.
6. Save the result in MuseScore format with File → Save As and choose .mscz.

If your version of MuseScore can open .gp4 directly, you can try File → Open and then save as .mscz. However, direct support for older Guitar Pro versions may vary, so the MusicXML route is often safer for preserving the score structure.

You can also convert the file on 101convert.com for free, without installing any software.

Notes on quality and limitations

GP4 to MSCZ is not always a perfect one-to-one conversion. Guitar Pro files contain guitar-specific notation and playback details that may not map exactly to MuseScore. Common problem areas include bends, slides, harmonics, palm muting, grace notes, drum notation, and playback effects.

Layout may also change after import because MuseScore recalculates spacing, staff systems, and page formatting. After conversion, always check the score carefully and make manual corrections where needed. For best results, use the newest versions of both applications and prefer MusicXML when direct import is unreliable.