3 @c A menu is needed before every deeper *section nesting of @node's; run
4 @c M-x texinfo-all-menus-update
5 @c to automagically fill in these menus before saving changes
7 @c FIXME: singular vs. plural: Beams/Beam
15 @c .{Reference Manual}
17 @node Reference Manual
18 @chapter Reference Manual
21 <!--- @@WEB-TITLE@@=Reference Manual --->
24 This document describes GNU LilyPond and its input format. The last
25 revision of this document was made for LilyPond 1.6.2. It assumes
26 that you already know a little bit about LilyPond input (how to
27 make an input file, how to create sheet music from that input file,
28 etc). New users are encouraged to study the tutorial before reading
34 * Easier music entry::
53 @c FIXME: Note entry vs Music entry at top level menu is confusing.
59 Notes constitute the most basic elements of LilyPond input, but they do
60 not form valid input on their own without a @code{\score} block. However,
61 for the sake of brevity and simplicity we will generally omit
62 @code{\score} blocks and @code{\paper} declarations in this manual.
68 * Chromatic alterations::
73 * Automatic note splitting ::
75 * Easy Notation note heads ::
83 A note is printed by specifying its pitch and then its duration.
84 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
93 @cindex Note specification
95 @cindex entering notes
97 The verbose syntax for pitch specification is
101 \pitch @var{scmpitch}
104 where @var{scmpitch} is a pitch scheme object.
106 In Note and Chord mode, pitches may be designated by names. The default
107 names are the Dutch note names. The notes are specified by the letters
108 @code{a} through @code{g}, while the octave is formed with notes ranging
109 from @code{c} to @code{b}. The pitch @code{c} is an octave below
110 middle C and the letters span the octave above that C. Here's an example
111 which should make things more clear:
113 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
115 a,4 b, c d e f g a b c' d' e' \clef treble f' g' a' b' c''
118 @cindex note names, Dutch
120 In Dutch, a sharp is formed by adding @code{-is} to the end of a pitch
121 name and a flat is formed by adding @code{-es}. Double sharps and double
122 flats are obtained by adding @code{-isis} or @code{-eses}. @code{aes}
123 and @code{ees} are contracted to @code{as} and @code{es} in Dutch, but
124 both forms are accepted.
126 LilyPond has predefined sets of note names for various other languages.
127 To use them, simply include the language specific init file. For
128 example: @code{\include "english.ly"}. The available language files and
129 the note names they define are:
134 Note Names sharp flat
135 nederlands.ly c d e f g a bes b -is -es
136 english.ly c d e f g a bf b -s/-sharp -f/-flat
137 deutsch.ly c d e f g a b h -is -es
138 norsk.ly c d e f g a b h -iss/-is -ess/-es
139 svenska.ly c d e f g a b h -iss -ess
140 italiano.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d -b
141 catalan.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d/-s -b
142 espanol.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -s -b
151 The optional octave specification takes the form of a series of
152 single quote (`@code{'}') characters or a series of comma
153 (`@code{,}') characters. Each @code{'} raises the pitch by one
154 octave; each @code{,} lowers the pitch by an octave.
156 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
157 c' c'' es' g' as' gisis' ais'
160 @node Chromatic alterations
161 @subsection Chromatic alterations
163 Normally accidentals are printed automatically, but you may also
164 print them manually. A reminder accidental
165 @cindex reminder accidental
167 can be forced by adding an exclamation mark @code{!}
168 after the pitch. A cautionary accidental
169 @cindex cautionary accidental
170 @cindex parenthesized accidental
171 (an accidental within parentheses) can be obtained by adding the
172 question mark `@code{?}' after the pitch.
174 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
175 cis' cis' cis'! cis'?
179 The automatic production of accidentals can be tuned in many
180 ways. For more information, refer to @ref{Accidentals}.
187 Rests are entered like notes, with a ``note name'' of `@code{r}':
189 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
193 Whole bar rests, centered in middle of the bar, are specified using
194 @code{R} (capital R); see @ref{Multi measure rests}. See also
197 For some music, you may wish to explicitly specify the rest's vertical
198 position. This can be achieved by entering a note with the @code{\rest}
199 keyword appended. Rest collision testing will leave these rests alone.
201 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
211 @cindex Invisible rest
214 An invisible rest (also called a `skip') can be entered like a note
215 with note name `@code{s}' or with @code{\skip @var{duration}}:
217 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
221 @c FIXME: in Lyrics mode, we have " " and _
223 In Lyrics mode, invisible rests are entered using either `@code{" "}'
225 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
227 \context Lyrics \lyrics { lah2 di4 " " dah2 _4 di }
228 \notes\relative c'' { a2 a4 a a2 a4 a }
232 Note that the @code{s} syntax is only available in Note mode and Chord
233 mode. In other situations, you should use the @code{\skip} command,
234 which will work outside of those two modes:
236 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
239 { \time 4/8 \skip 2 \time 4/4 }
240 \notes\relative c'' { a2 a1 }
245 The skip command is merely an empty musical placeholder. It doesn't
246 produce any output, not even transparent output.
252 @subsection Durations
256 @cindex @code{\duration}
259 In Note, Chord, and Lyrics mode, durations are designated by numbers
260 and dots: durations are entered as their reciprocal values. For example,
261 a quarter note is entered using a @code{4} (since it's a 1/4 note), while
262 a half note is entered using a @code{2} (since it's a 1/2 note). For notes
263 longer than a whole you must use identifiers.
264 @c FIXME: what's an identifier? I don't think it's been introduced yet.
265 @c and if it has, I obviously skipped that part. - Graham
269 c'1 c'2 c'4 c'8 c'16 c'32 c'64 c'64
271 r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64
274 @lilypond[noindent,noquote]
276 \notes \relative c'' {
278 a1 a2 a4 a8 a16 a32 a64 a64
280 r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64
285 \remove "Clef_engraver"
286 \remove "Staff_symbol_engraver"
287 \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
288 \consists "Pitch_squash_engraver"
295 If the duration is omitted then it is set to the previously entered
296 duration. At the start of parsing, a quarter note is assumed. The
297 duration can be followed by dots (`@code{.}') in order to obtain dotted
301 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
302 a' b' c''8 b' a'4 a'4. b'4.. c'8.
307 You can alter the length of duration by a fraction @var{N/M}
308 appending `@code{*}@var{N/M}' (or `@code{*}@var{N}' if @var{M=1}). This
309 won't affect the appearance of the notes or rests produced.
311 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
312 a'2*2 b'4*2 a'8*4 a'4*3/2 gis'4*3/2 a'4*3/2 a'4
315 Durations can also be produced through GUILE extension mechanism.
316 @lilypond[verbatim,fragment]
317 c'\duration #(ly:make-duration 2 1)
323 Dot placement for chords is not perfect. In some cases, dots overlap:
336 A tie connects two adjacent note heads of the same pitch. The tie in
337 effect extends the length of a note. Ties should not be confused with
338 slurs, which indicate articulation, or phrasing slurs, which indicate
339 musical phrasing. A tie is entered using the tilde symbol `@code{~}'.
341 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
342 e' ~ e' <<c' e' g'>> ~ <<c' e' g'>>
345 When a tie is applied to a chord, all note heads (whose pitches match) are
346 connected. If you try to tie together chords that have no common pitches,
347 no ties will be created.
349 If you want less ties created for a chord, you can set
350 @code{Voice.sparseTies} to true. In this case, a single tie is used
351 for every tied chord.
352 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
353 \property Voice.sparseTies = ##t
354 <<c' e' g'>> ~ <<c' e' g'>>
357 In its meaning a tie is just a way of extending a note duration, similar
358 to the augmentation dot: the following example are two ways of notating
359 exactly the same concept.
361 @lilypond[fragment, singleline]
362 \time 3/4 c'2. c'2 ~ c'4
364 If you need to tie notes over bars, it may be easier to use
365 @ref{Automatic note splitting}.
367 See also @seeinternals{Tie}.
372 At present, the tie is represented as a separate event, temporally
373 located in between the notes. Tying only a subset of the note heads
374 of a chord is not supported in a simple way. It can be achieved by
375 moving the tie-engraver into the Thread context and turning on and off
378 Switching staves when a tie is active will not work.
380 @node Automatic note splitting
381 @subsection Automatic note splitting
382 @c FIXME: This subsection doesn't belong in @ref{Note entry}.
384 LilyPond can automatically converting long notes to tied notes. This
385 is done by replacing the @code{Note_heads_engraver} by the
386 @code{Completion_heads_engraver}.
388 @lilypond[verbatim,noindent,noquote]
390 \notes\relative c'{ \time 2/4
391 c2. c8 d4 e f g a b c8 c2 b4 a g16 f4 e d c8. c2
395 \remove "Note_heads_engraver"
396 \consists "Completion_heads_engraver"
400 This engraver splits all running notes at the bar line, and inserts
401 ties. One of its uses is to debug complex scores: if the measures are
402 not entirely filled, then the ties exactly show how much each measure
407 Not all durations (especially those containing tuplets) can be
408 represented exactly; the engraver will not insert tuplets.
415 @cindex @code{\times}
417 Tuplets are made out of a music expression by multiplying all durations
420 @cindex @code{\times}
422 \times @var{fraction} @var{musicexpr}
425 The duration of @var{musicexpr} will be multiplied by the fraction.
426 In the sheet music, the fraction's denominator will be printed over
427 the notes, optionally with a bracket. The most common tuplet is the
428 triplet in which 3 notes have the length of 2, so the notes are 2/3
429 of their written length:
431 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
432 g'4 \times 2/3 {c'4 c' c'} d'4 d'4
435 The property @code{tupletSpannerDuration} specifies how long each bracket
436 should last. With this, you can make lots of tuplets while typing
437 @code{\times} only once, saving you lots of typing.
439 @lilypond[fragment, relative, singleline, verbatim]
440 \property Voice.tupletSpannerDuration = #(ly:make-moment 1 4)
441 \times 2/3 { c'8 c c c c c }
444 The format of the number is determined by the property
445 @code{tupletNumberFormatFunction}. The default prints only the
446 denominator, but if you set it to the Scheme function
447 @code{fraction-tuplet-formatter}, Lilypond will print @var{num}:@var{den}
451 @cindex @code{tupletNumberFormatFunction}
452 @cindex tuplet formatting
454 See also @seeinternals{TupletBracket}.
458 Nested tuplets are not formatted automatically. In this case, outer
459 tuplet brackets should be moved automatically.
461 @node Easy Notation note heads
462 @subsection Easy Notation note heads
464 @cindex easy notation
467 A entirely different type of note head is the "easyplay" note head: a
468 note head that includes a note name. It is used in some publications by
469 Hal-Leonard Inc. music publishers.
471 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim,26pt]
473 \notes { c'2 e'4 f' | g'1 }
474 \paper { \translator { \EasyNotation } }
478 Note that @code{EasyNotation} overrides a @internalsref{Score} context. You
479 probably will want to print it with magnification or a large font size to
480 make it more readable. To print with magnification, you must create a dvi
481 (with @file{ly2dvi}) and then enlarge it with something like @file{dvips -x
482 2000 file.dvi}. See @file{man dvips} for details. To print with a larger
483 font, see @ref{Font Size}.
489 If you view the result with Xdvi, then staff lines will show through
490 the letters. Printing the PostScript file obtained with ly2dvi does
491 produce the correct result.
494 @node Easier music entry
495 @section Easier music entry
498 * Graphical interfaces::
502 * Skipping corrected music::
505 When entering music with LilyPond, it is easy to introduce errors. This
506 section deals with tricks and features that help you enter music, and
507 find and correct mistakes.
509 @node Graphical interfaces
510 @subsection Graphical interfaces
513 @cindex graphical interface
520 One way to avoid entering notes using the keyboard is to use a
521 graphical user interface. The following programs are known to have
522 a lilypond export option:
526 Denemo was once intended as
527 a LilyPond graphical user interface. It run on Gnome/GTK.
530 @uref{http://denemo.sourceforge.net/}
534 Noteedit, a graphical score editor that runs under KDE/Qt.
536 @uref{http://rnvs.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/~jan/noteedit/noteedit.html,}
540 RoseGarden was once the inspiration for naming LilyPond. Nowadays it
541 has been rewritten from scratch and supports LilyPond export as of
545 @uref{http://rosegarden.sf.net/}
549 Another option is to enter the music using your favorite MIDI
550 sequencer, and then import it using midi2ly. midi2ly is described in
551 @ref{Invoking midi2ly}.
555 @node Relative octaves
556 @subsection Relative octaves
558 @cindex relative octave specification
560 Octaves are specified by adding @code{'} and @code{,} to pitch names.
561 When you copy existing music, it is easy to accidentally put a pitch in
562 the wrong octave and hard to find such an error. To prevent these
563 errors, LilyPond features octave entry.
565 @cindex @code{\relative}
567 \relative @var{startpitch} @var{musicexpr}
570 The octave of notes that appear in @var{musicexpr} are calculated as
571 follows: If no octave changing marks are used, the basic interval
572 between this and the last note is always taken to be a fourth or less
573 (This distance is determined without regarding alterations; a
574 @code{fisis} following a @code{ceses} will be put above the
577 The octave changing marks @code{'} and @code{,} can be added to raise or
578 lower the pitch by an extra octave. Upon entering relative mode, an
579 absolute starting pitch must be specified that will act as the
580 predecessor of the first note of @var{musicexpr}.
582 Entering music that changes octave frequently is easy in relative mode.
583 @lilypond[fragment,singleline,verbatim,center]
589 And octave changing marks are used for intervals greater than a fourth.
590 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
595 If the preceding item is a chord, the first note of the chord is used
596 to determine the first note of the next chord. However, other notes
597 within the second chord are determined by looking at the immediately
600 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
607 @cindex @code{\notes}
609 The pitch after the @code{\relative} contains a note name. To parse
610 the pitch as a note name, you have to be in note mode, so there must
611 be a surrounding @code{\notes} keyword (which is not
614 The relative conversion will not affect @code{\transpose},
615 @code{\chords} or @code{\relative} sections in its argument. If you
616 want to use relative within transposed music, you must place an
617 additional @code{\relative} inside the @code{\transpose}.
622 @subsection Bar check
626 @cindex @code{barCheckSynchronize}
630 Whenever a bar check is encountered during interpretation, a warning
631 message is issued if it doesn't fall at a measure boundary. This can
632 help you find errors in the input. Depending on the value of
633 @code{barCheckSynchronize}, the beginning of the measure will be
634 relocated, so this can also be used to shorten measures.
636 A bar check is entered using the bar symbol, @code{|}:
638 \time 3/4 c2 e4 | g2.
643 @cindex skipTypesetting
645 Failed bar checks are most often caused by entering incorrect
646 durations. Incorrect durations often completely garble up the score,
647 especially if it is polyphonic, so you should start correcting the score
648 by scanning for failed bar checks and incorrect durations. To speed up
649 this process, you can use @code{skipTypesetting} (See @ref{Skipping
652 @c . {Point and click}
653 @node Point and click
654 @subsection Point and click
655 @cindex poind and click
657 Point and click lets you find notes in the input by clicking on them in
658 the Xdvi window. This makes it very easy to find input that causes some
659 error in the sheet music.
661 To use it, you need the following software
663 @item A dvi viewer that supports src specials.
665 @item Xdvi, version 22.36 or newer. Available from
666 @uref{ftp://ftp.math.berkeley.edu/pub/Software/TeX/xdvi.tar.gz,ftp.math.berkeley.edu}.
668 Note that most @TeX{} distributions ship with xdvik, which is always
669 a few versions behind the official Xdvi. To find out which xdvi you
670 are running, try @code{xdvi -version} or @code{xdvi.bin -version}.
671 @item KDVI. A dvi viewer for KDE. You need KDVI from KDE 3.0 or
672 newer. Enable option @emph{Inverse search} in the menu @emph{Settings}.
681 @item An editor with a client/server interface (or a lightweight GUI
687 @item Emacs. Emacs is an extensible text-editor. It is available from
688 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/}. You need version 21 to use
691 @c move this elsewhere?
693 LilyPond also comes with support files for emacs: lilypond-mode for
694 emacs provides indentation, autocompletion, syntax coloring, handy
695 compile short-cuts and reading Info documents of lilypond inside emacs.
696 If lilypond-mode is not installed on your platform,
697 then refer to the installation instructions for more information.
701 @cindex lilypond-mode for emacs
702 @cindex syntax coloring
704 @item XEmacs. Xemacs is very similar to emacs.
708 @item NEdit. NEdit runs under Windows, and Unix.
709 It is available from @uref{http://www.nedit.org}.
713 @item GVim. GVim is a GUI variant of VIM, the popular VI
714 clone. It is available from @uref{http://www.vim.org}.
723 Xdvi must be configured to find the @TeX{} fonts and music
724 fonts. Refer to the Xdvi documentation for more information.
726 To use point-and-click, add one of these lines to the top of your .ly
729 #(ly:set-point-and-click 'line)
731 @cindex line-location
733 When viewing, Control-Mousebutton 1 will take you to the originating
734 spot in the @file{.ly} file. Control-Mousebutton 2 will show all
737 If you correct large files with point-and-click, be sure to start
738 correcting at the end of the file. When you start at the top, and
739 insert one line, all following locations will be off by a line.
742 For using point-and-click with emacs, add the following
743 In your emacs startup file (usually @file{~/.emacs}),
748 Make sure that the environment variable @var{XEDITOR} is set to
750 emacsclient --no-wait +%l %f
752 @cindex @var{XEDITOR}
753 If you use xemacs instead of emacs, you use @code{(gnuserve-start)} in
754 your @file{.emacs}, and set @code{XEDITOR} to @code{gnuclient -q +%l %f}
756 For using Vim, set @code{XEDITOR} to @code{gvim --remote +%l %f}, or
757 use this argument with xdvi's @code{-editor} option.
760 For using NEdit, set @code{XEDITOR} to @code{nc -noask +%l %f}, or
761 use this argument with xdvi's @code{-editor} option.
763 If can also make your editor jump to the exact location of the note
764 you clicked. This is only supported on Emacs and VIM. Users of Emacs version
765 20 must apply the patch @file{emacsclient.patch}. Users of version 21
766 must apply @file{server.el.patch} (version 21.2 and earlier). At the
767 top of the @code{ly} file, replace the @code{set-point-and-click} line
768 with the following line,
770 #(ly:set-point-and-click 'line-column)
772 @cindex line-colomn-location
773 and set @code{XEDITOR} to @code{emacsclient --no-wait +%l:%c %f}. Vim
774 users can set @var{XEDITOR} to @code{gvim --remote +:%l:norm%c| %f}.
780 When you convert the @TeX{} file to PostScript using @code{dvips}, it
781 will complain about not finding @code{src:X:Y} files. These complaints
782 are harmless, and can be ignored.
784 @node Skipping corrected music
785 @subsection Skipping corrected music
787 The property @code{Score.skipTypesetting} can be used to switch on and
788 off typesetting completely during the interpretation phase. When
789 typesetting is switched off, the music is processed much more quickly.
790 You can use this to skip over the parts of a score that you have already
793 @lilypond[fragment,singleline,verbatim]
795 \property Score.skipTypesetting = ##t
797 \property Score.skipTypesetting = ##f
805 @section Staff notation
807 This section deals with music notation that occurs on staff level,
808 such as keys, clefs and time signatures.
810 @cindex Staff notation
822 @subsection Staff symbol
825 @cindex adjusting staff symbol
826 @cindex StaffSymbol, using \property
827 @cindex staff lines, setting number of
830 The lines of the staff symbol are formed by the
831 @internalsref{StaffSymbol} object. This object is created at the moment
832 that their context is created. You can not change the appearance of
833 the staff symbol by using @code{\override} or @code{\set}. At the
834 moment that @code{\property Staff} is interpreted, a Staff context is
835 made, and the StaffSymbol is created before any @code{\override} is
836 effective. You can deal with this either overriding properties in a
837 @code{\translator} definition, or by using @code{\outputproperty}.
842 If you end a staff half way a piece, the staff symbol may not end
843 exactly on the barline.
848 @subsection Key signature
853 Setting or changing the key signature is done with the @code{\key}
856 @code{\key} @var{pitch} @var{type}
859 @cindex @code{\minor}
860 @cindex @code{\major}
861 @cindex @code{\minor}
862 @cindex @code{\ionian}
863 @cindex @code{\locrian}
864 @cindex @code{\aeolian}
865 @cindex @code{\mixolydian}
866 @cindex @code{\lydian}
867 @cindex @code{\phrygian}
868 @cindex @code{\dorian}
870 Here, @var{type} should be @code{\major} or @code{\minor} to get
871 @var{pitch}-major or @var{pitch}-minor, respectively.
872 The standard mode names @code{\ionian},
873 @code{\locrian}, @code{\aeolian}, @code{\mixolydian}, @code{\lydian},
874 @code{\phrygian}, and @code{\dorian} are also defined.
876 This command sets the context property @code{Staff.keySignature}.
877 Non-standard key signatures can be specified by setting this property
880 The printed signature is a @internalsref{KeySignature} object, typically
881 created in @internalsref{Staff} context.
883 @cindex @code{keySignature}
890 The clef can be set or changed with the @code{\clef} command:
891 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
892 \key f\major c''2 \clef alto g'2
895 Supported clef-names include
896 @c Moved standard clefs to the top /MB
898 @item treble, violin, G, G2
907 G clef on 1st line, so-called French violin clef
922 By adding @code{_8} or @code{^8} to the clef name, the clef is
923 transposed one octave down or up, respectively. Note that you have to
924 enclose @var{clefname} in quotes if you use underscores or digits in the
930 The object for this symbol is @internalsref{Clef}.
933 This command is equivalent to setting @code{clefGlyph},
934 @code{clefPosition} (which controls the Y position of the clef),
935 @code{centralCPosition} and @code{clefOctavation}. A clef is created
936 when any of these properties are changed.
939 @c . {Time signature}
941 @subsection Time signature
942 @cindex Time signature
946 The time signature is set or changed by the @code{\time}
948 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
949 \time 2/4 c'2 \time 3/4 c'2.
952 The actual symbol that's printed can be customized with the @code{style}
953 property. Setting it to @code{#'()} uses fraction style for 4/4 and
957 The object for this symbol is @internalsref{TimeSignature}. There are
958 many more options for its layout. They are selected through the
959 @code{style} object property. See @file{input/test/time.ly} for more
962 This command sets the property @code{timeSignatureFraction},
963 @code{beatLength} and @code{measureLength} in the @code{Timing}
964 context, which is normally aliased to @internalsref{Score}. The property
965 @code{timeSignatureFraction} determine where bar lines should be
966 inserted, and how automatic beams should be generated. Changing the
967 value of @code{timeSignatureFraction} also causes a time signature
968 symbol to be printed.
970 More options are available through the Scheme function
971 @code{set-time-signature}. In combination with the
972 @internalsref{Measure_grouping_engraver}, it will create
973 @internalsref{MeasureGrouping} signs. Such signs ease reading
974 rhythmically complex modern music. In the following example, the 9/8
975 measure is subdivided in 2, 2, 2 and 3. This is passed to
976 @code{set-time-signature} as the third argument @code{(2 2 2 3)}.
979 \score { \notes \relative c'' {
980 #(set-time-signature 9 8 '(2 2 2 3))
981 g8 g d d g g a8-[-( bes g-]-) |
982 #(set-time-signature 5 8 '(3 2))
987 \translator { \StaffContext
988 \consists "Measure_grouping_engraver"
997 @cindex partial measure
998 @cindex measure, partial
999 @cindex shorten measures
1000 @cindex @code{\partial}
1002 Partial measures, for example in upbeats, are entered using the
1003 @code{\partial} command:
1004 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
1005 \partial 4* 5/16 c'16 c4 f16 a'2. ~ a'8. a'16 | g'1
1008 The syntax for this command is
1010 \partial @var{duration}
1012 This is internally translated into
1014 \property Timing.measurePosition = -@var{length of duration}
1017 The property @code{measurePosition} contains a rational number
1018 indicating how much of the measure has passed at this point.
1021 @node Unmetered music
1022 @subsection Unmetered music
1024 Bar lines and bar numbers are calculated automatically. For unmetered
1025 music (e.g. cadenzas), this is not desirable. The commands
1026 @code{\cadenzaOn} and @code{\cadenzaOff} can be used to switch off the
1029 @lilypond[fragment,relative,singleline,verbatim]
1037 The property @code{Score.timing} can be used to switch off this
1042 @subsection Bar lines
1046 @cindex measure lines
1049 Bar lines are inserted automatically, but if you need a special type
1050 of barline, you can force one using the @code{\bar} command:
1051 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] c4 \bar "|:" c4
1054 The following bar types are available
1055 @lilypond[fragment, relative, singleline, verbatim]
1067 You are encouraged to use @code{\repeat} for repetitions. See
1070 In scores with many staves, the barlines are automatically placed at
1071 top level, and they are connected between different staves of a
1072 @internalsref{StaffGroup}:
1073 @lilypond[fragment, verbatim]
1074 < \context StaffGroup <
1075 \context Staff = up { e'4 d'
1078 \context Staff = down { \clef bass c4 g e g } >
1079 \context Staff = pedal { \clef bass c2 c2 } >
1082 The objects that are created at @internalsref{Staff} level. The name is
1083 @internalsref{BarLine}.
1085 The command @code{\bar @var{bartype}} is a short cut for
1086 doing @code{\property Score.whichBar = @var{bartype}}
1087 Whenever @code{whichBar} is set to a string, a bar line of that type is
1088 created. @code{whichBar} is usually set automatically: at the start of
1089 a measure it is set to @code{defaultBarType}. The contents of
1090 @code{repeatCommands} is used to override default measure bars.
1092 @code{whichBar} can also be set directly, using @code{\property} or
1093 @code{\bar }. These settings take precedence over the automatic
1094 @code{whichBar} settings.
1097 @cindex Bar_line_engraver
1099 @cindex repeatCommands
1100 @cindex defaultBarType
1109 The easiest way to enter such fragments with more than one voice on a
1110 staff is to split chords using the separator @code{\\}. You can use
1111 it for small, short-lived voices (make a chord of voices) or for
1114 @lilypond[verbatim,fragment]
1115 \context Voice = VA \relative c'' {
1116 c4 < { f d e } \\ { b c2 } > c4 < g' \\ b, \\ f \\ d >
1120 The separator causes @internalsref{Voice} contexts to be instantiated,
1121 bearing the names @code{"1"}, @code{"2"}, etc.
1123 Sometimes, it is necessary to instantiate these contexts by hand: For
1124 Instantiate a separate Voice context for each part, and use
1125 @code{\voiceOne}, up to @code{\voiceFour} to assign a stem directions
1126 and horizontal shift for each part.
1129 @lilypond[singleline, verbatim]
1131 \context Staff < \context Voice = VA { \voiceOne cis2 b }
1132 \context Voice = VB { \voiceThree b4 ais ~ ais4 gis4 }
1133 \context Voice = VC { \voiceTwo fis4~ fis4 f ~ f } >
1136 The identifiers @code{\voiceOne} to @code{\voiceFour} set directions
1137 ties, slurs and stems, and set shift directions.
1139 If you want more than four voices, you can also manually set
1140 horizontal shifts and stem directions, as is shown in the following example:
1141 @lilypond[fragment, verbatim]
1142 \context Staff \notes\relative c''<
1143 \context Voice=one {
1144 \shiftOff \stemUp e4
1146 \context Voice=two {
1147 \shiftOn \stemUp cis
1149 \context Voice=three {
1150 \shiftOnn \stemUp ais
1152 \context Voice=four {
1153 \shiftOnnn \stemUp fis
1159 Normally, note heads with a different number of dots are not merged, but
1160 if you set the object property @code{merge-differently-dotted}, they are:
1161 @lilypond[verbatim,fragment,singleline]
1164 \property Staff.NoteCollision \override
1165 #'merge-differently-dotted = ##t
1167 } \\ { [g'8. f16] [g'8. f'16] }
1171 Similarly, you can merge half note heads with eighth notes, by setting
1172 @code{merge-differently-headed}:
1173 @lilypond[fragment, relative=2,verbatim]
1176 \property Staff.NoteCollision
1177 \override #'merge-differently-headed = ##t
1178 c8 c4. } \\ { c2 c2 } >
1181 LilyPond also vertically shifts rests that are opposite of a stem.
1183 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,verbatim]
1184 \context Voice < c''4 \\ r4 >
1187 See also @internalsref{NoteCollision} and @internalsref{RestCollision}
1191 Resolving collisions is a very intricate subject, and LilyPond only
1192 handles a few situations. When it can not cope, you are advised to use
1193 @code{force-hshift} of the @internalsref{NoteColumn} object and pitched
1194 rests to override typesetting decisions.
1199 Beams are used to group short notes into chunks that are aligned with
1200 the metrum. They are inserted automatically in most cases.
1202 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim, relative=2]
1203 \time 2/4 c8 c c c \time 6/8 c c c c8. c16 c8
1206 If you're not satisfied with the automatic beaming, you can enter the
1207 beams explicitly. If you have beaming patterns that differ from the
1208 defaults, you can also set the patterns for automatic beamer.
1210 See also @internalsref{Beam}.
1213 @cindex Automatic beams
1214 @subsection Manual beams
1215 @cindex beams, manual
1219 In some cases it may be necessary to override LilyPond's automatic
1220 beaming algorithm. For example, the auto beamer will not beam over
1221 rests or bar lines, If you want that, specify the begin and end point
1222 manually using a @code{[} before the first beamed note and a @code{]}
1223 after the last note:
1225 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
1227 r4 [r8 g' a r8] r8 [g | a] r8
1231 @cindex @code{stemLeftBeamCount}
1233 Normally, beaming patterns within a beam are determined automatically.
1234 When this mechanism fouls up, the properties
1235 @code{Voice.stemLeftBeamCount} and @code{Voice.stemRightBeamCount} can
1236 be used to control the beam subdivision on a stem. If you set either
1237 property, its value will be used only once, and then it is erased.
1239 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
1242 [f8 r16 \property Voice.stemLeftBeamCount = #1 f g a]
1245 @cindex @code{stemRightBeamCount}
1248 The property @code{subdivideBeams} can be set in order to subdivide
1249 all 16th or shorter beams at beat positions. This accomplishes the
1250 same effect as twiddling with @code{stemLeftBeamCount} and
1251 @code{stemRightBeamCount}, but it take less typing.
1256 \property Voice.subdivideBeams = ##t
1258 [c32 c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c]
1259 \property Score.beatLength = #(ly:make-moment 1 8)
1260 [c32 c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c]
1262 @lilypond[noindent,noquote]
1264 \notes \relative c' {
1266 \property Voice.subdivideBeams = ##t
1268 [c32 c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c]
1269 \property Score.beatLength = #(ly:make-moment 1 8)
1270 [c32 c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c]
1274 @cindex subdivideBeams
1276 Kneed beams are inserted automatically, when a large gap between two
1277 adjacent beamed notes is detected. This behavior can be tuned through
1278 the object property @code{auto-knee-gap}.
1280 @cindex beams, kneed
1282 @cindex auto-knee-gap
1286 @c TODO -> why this ref? Document?
1287 @cindex @code{neutral-direction}
1291 Auto knee beams can not be used together with hara kiri staves.
1295 The Automatic beamer does not put @strong{unfinished} beams on the
1296 last notes of a score.
1298 Formatting of ties is a difficult subject. LilyPond often does not
1299 give optimal results.
1302 * Setting automatic beam behavior ::
1306 @no de Beam typography
1307 @sub section Beam typography
1309 One of the strong points of LilyPond is how beams are formatted. Beams
1310 are quantized, meaning that the left and right endpoints beams start
1311 exactly on staff lines. Without quantization, small wedges of white
1312 space appear between the beam and staff line, and this looks untidy.
1314 Beams are also slope-damped: melodies that go up or down should also
1315 have beams that go up or down, but the slope of the beams should be
1316 less than the slope of the notes themselves.
1318 Some beams should be horizontal. These are so-called concave beams.
1320 [TODO: some pictures.]
1323 @c . {Automatic beams}
1324 @node Setting automatic beam behavior
1325 @subsection Setting automatic beam behavior
1327 @cindex @code{autoBeamSettings}
1328 @cindex @code{(end * * * *)}
1329 @cindex @code{(begin * * * *)}
1330 @cindex automatic beams, tuning
1331 @cindex tuning automatic beaming
1333 In normal time signatures, automatic beams can start on any note but can
1334 only end in a few positions within the measure: beams can end on a beat,
1335 or at durations specified by the properties in
1336 @code{Voice.autoBeamSettings}. The defaults for @code{autoBeamSettings}
1337 are defined in @file{scm/auto-beam.scm}.
1339 The value of @code{autoBeamSettings} is changed using
1340 @code{\override} and unset using @code{\revert}:
1342 \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override #'(@var{BE} @var{P} @var{Q} @var{N} @var{M}) = @var{dur}
1343 \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \revert #'(@var{BE} @var{P} @var{Q} @var{N} @var{M})
1345 Here, @var{BE} is the symbol @code{begin} or @code{end}. It determines
1346 whether the rule applies to begin or end-points. The quantity
1347 @var{P}/@var{Q} refers to the length of the beamed notes (and `@code{*
1348 *}' designates notes of any length), @var{N}/@var{M} refers to a time
1349 signature (wildcards, `@code{* *}' may be entered to designate all time
1352 For example, if you want automatic beams to end on every quarter note,
1353 you can use the following:
1355 \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override
1356 #'(end * * * *) = #(ly:make-moment 1 4)
1358 Since the duration of a quarter note is 1/4 of a whole note, it is
1359 entered as @code{(ly:make-moment 1 4)}.
1361 The same syntax can be used to specify beam starting points. In this
1362 example, automatic beams can only end on a dotted quarter note.
1364 \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override
1365 #'(end * * * *) = #(ly:make-moment 3 8)
1367 In 4/4 time signature, this means that automatic beams could end only on
1368 3/8 and on the fourth beat of the measure (after 3/4, that is 2 times
1369 3/8 has passed within the measure).
1371 You can also restrict rules to specific time signatures. A rule that
1372 should only be applied in @var{N}/@var{M} time signature is formed by
1373 replacing the second asterisks by @var{N} and @var{M}. For example, a
1374 rule for 6/8 time exclusively looks like
1376 \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override
1377 #'(begin * * 6 8) = ...
1380 If you want a rule to apply to certain types of beams, you can use the
1381 first pair of asterisks. Beams are classified according to the shortest
1382 note they contain. For a beam ending rule that only applies to beams
1383 with 32nd notes (and no shorter notes), you would use @code{(end 1
1387 @c Automatic beams can not be put on the last note in a score.
1389 If a score ends while an automatic beam has not been ended and is still
1390 accepting notes, this last beam will not be typeset at all.
1392 @cindex automatic beam generation
1394 @cindex @code{Voice.autoBeaming}
1397 For melodies that have lyrics, you may want to switch off
1398 automatic beaming. This is done by setting @code{Voice.autoBeaming} to
1404 It is not possible to specify beaming parameters for beams with mixed
1405 durations, that differ from the beaming parameters of all separate
1406 durations, i.e., you'll have to specify manual beams to get:
1408 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,relative,noverbatim]
1409 \property Voice.autoBeamSettings
1410 \override #'(end * * * *) = #(ly:make-moment 3 8)
1411 \time 12/8 c'8 c c c16 c c c c c [c c c c] c8 c c4
1413 It is not possible to specify beaming parameters that act differently in
1414 different parts of a measure. This means that it is not possible to use
1415 automatic beaming in irregular meters such as @code{5/8}.
1418 @section Accidentals
1420 This section describes how to change the way that LilyPond automatically
1421 inserts accidentals before the running notes.
1424 * Using the predefined accidental macros::
1425 * Defining your own accidental typesettings::
1428 @node Using the predefined accidental macros
1429 @subsection Using the predefined accidental macros
1430 The constructs for describing the accidental typesetting rules are
1431 quite hairy, so non-experts should stick to the macros defined in
1432 @file{ly/property-init.ly}.
1433 @cindex @file{property-init.ly}
1435 The macros operate on the ``Current'' context (see @ref{Context properties}). This
1436 means that the macros shuold normally be invoked right after the
1437 creation of the context in which the accidental typesetting described
1438 by the macro is to take effect. I.e. if you want to use
1439 piano-accidentals in a pianostaff then you issue
1440 @code{\pianoAccidentals} first thing after the creation of the piano
1444 \notes \relative c'' <
1445 \context Staff = sa @{ cis4 d e2 @}
1446 \context GrandStaff <
1448 \context Staff = sb @{ cis4 d e2 @}
1449 \context Staff = sc @{ es2 c @}
1451 \context Staff = sd @{ es2 c @}
1455 @lilypond[singleline]
1457 \notes \relative c'' <
1458 \context Staff = sa { cis4 d e2 }
1459 \context GrandStaff <
1461 \context Staff = sb { cis4 d e2 }
1462 \context Staff = sc { es2 c }
1464 \context Staff = sd { es2 c }
1469 minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-4.0 . 4.0)
1477 @item \defaultAccidentals
1478 @cindex @code{\defaultAccidentals}
1479 This is the default typesetting behaviour. It should correspond
1480 to 18th century common practice: Accidentals are
1481 remembered to the end of the measure in which they occur and
1482 only on their own octave.
1484 @item \voiceAccidentals
1485 @cindex @code{\voiceAccidentals}
1486 The normal behaviour is to remember the accidentals on
1488 This macro, however, typesets accidentals individually for each
1490 Apart from that the rule is similar to
1491 @code{\defaultAccidentals}.
1493 Warning: This leads to some weird and often unwanted results
1494 because accidentals from one voice DO NOT get cancelled in other
1496 @lilypond[singleline,relative,fragment,verbatim]
1499 \context Voice=va { \voiceOne es g }
1500 \context Voice=vb { \voiceTwo c, e }
1503 Hence you should only use @code{\voiceAccidentals}
1504 if the voices are to be read solely by
1505 individual musicians. if the staff should be readable also
1506 by one musician/conductor then you should use
1507 @code{\modernVoiceAccidentals} or @code{\modernVoiceCautionaries}
1510 @item \modernAccidentals
1511 @cindex @code{\modernAccidentals}
1512 This rule should correspond to the common practice in the 20th
1514 The rule is a bit more complex than @code{\defaultAccidentals}:
1515 You get all the same accidentals, but temporary
1516 accidentals also get cancelled in other octaves. Further more,
1517 in the same octave, they also get cancelled in the following measure:
1518 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,verbatim]
1520 cis' c'' cis'2 | c'' c'
1523 @item \modernCautionaries
1524 @cindex @code{\modernCautionaries}
1525 This rule is similar to @code{\modernAccidentals}, but the
1526 ``extra'' accidentals (the ones not typeset by
1527 @code{\defaultAccidentals}) are typeset as cautionary accidentals
1528 (i.e. in reduced size):
1529 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,verbatim]
1531 cis' c'' cis'2 | c'' c'
1534 @item \modernVoiceAccidentals
1535 @cindex @code{\modernVoiceAccidentals}
1536 Multivoice accidentals to be read both by musicians playing one voice
1537 and musicians playing all voices.
1539 Accidentals are typeset for each voice, but they ARE cancelled
1540 across voices in the same @internalsref{Staff}.
1542 @item \modernVoiceCautionaries
1543 @cindex @code{\modernVoiceCautionaries}
1544 The same as @code{\modernVoiceAccidentals}, but with the
1545 extra accidentals (the ones not typeset by
1546 @code{\voiceAccidentals}) typeset as cautionaries.
1547 Notice that even though all accidentals typeset by
1548 @code{\defaultAccidentals} ARE typeset by this macro then some
1549 of them are typeset as cautionaries.
1551 @item \pianoAccidentals
1552 @cindex @code{\pianoAccidentals}
1553 20th century practice for piano notation. Very similar to
1554 @code{\modernAccidentals} but accidentals also get cancelled
1555 across the staves in the same @internalsref{GrandStaff} or
1556 @internalsref{PianoStaff}.
1558 @item \pianoCautionaries
1559 @cindex @code{\pianoCautionaries}
1560 As @code{\pianoAccidentals} but with the extra accidentals
1561 typeset as cationaries.
1564 @cindex @code{\noResetKey}
1565 Same as @code{\defaultAccidentals} but with accidentals lasting
1566 ``forever'' and not only until the next measure:
1567 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,verbatim,relative]
1572 @item \forgetAccidentals
1573 @cindex @code{\forgetAccidentals}
1574 This is sort of the opposite of @code{\noResetKey}: Accidentals
1575 are not remembered at all - and hence all accidentals are
1576 typeset relative to the key signature, regardless of what was
1577 before in the music:
1578 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,verbatim,relative]
1580 \key d\major c4 c cis cis d d dis dis
1584 @node Defining your own accidental typesettings
1585 @subsection Defining your own accidental typesettings
1587 This section must be considered gurus-only, and hence it must be
1588 sufficient with a short description of the system and a reference to
1589 the internal documentation.
1591 The idea of the algorithm is to try several different rules and then
1592 use the rule that gives the highest number of accidentals.
1593 Each rule cosists of
1596 In which context is the rule applied. I.e. if context is
1597 @internalsref{Score} then all staves share accidentals, and if
1598 context is @internalsref{Staff} then all voices in the same
1599 staff share accidentals, but staves don't - like normally.
1601 Whether the accidental changes all octaves or only the current
1604 Over how many barlines the accidental lasts.
1605 If lazyness is @code{-1} then the accidental is forget
1606 immidiately, and if lazyness is @code{#t} then the accidental
1610 As described in the internal documentation of
1611 @reng{Accidental_engraver}, the properties @code{autoAccidentals} and
1612 @code{autoCautionaries} contain lists of rule descriptions. Notice
1613 that the contexts must be listed from in to out - that is
1614 @internalsref{Thread} before @internalsref{Voice},
1615 @internalsref{Voice} before @internalsref{Staff}, etc.
1616 see the macros in @file{ly/property-init.ly} for examples of how the
1621 Currently the simultaneous notes are considered to be entered in
1622 sequential mode. This means that in a chord the accidentals are
1623 typeset as if the notes in the chord happened one at a time - in the
1624 order in which they appear in the input file.
1626 Of course this is only a problem when you have simultainous notes
1627 which accidentals should depend on each other.
1628 Notice that the problem only occurs when using non-default accidentals
1629 - as the default accidentals only depend on other accidentals on the
1630 same staff and same pitch and hence cannot depend on other
1633 This example shows two examples of the same music giving different
1634 accidentals depending on the order in which the notes occur in the
1637 @lilypond[singleline,fragment,verbatim]
1638 \property Staff.autoAccidentals = #'( Staff (any-octave . 0) )
1639 cis'4 <<c'' c'>> r2 | cis'4 <<c' c''>> r2 | <<cis' c''>> r | <<c'' cis'>> r |
1642 The only solution is to manually insert the problematic
1643 accidentals using @code{!} and @code{?}.
1645 @node Expressive marks
1646 @section Expressive marks
1655 * Analysis brackets::
1662 A slur indicates that notes are to be played bound or @emph{legato}.
1663 They are entered using parentheses:
1664 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
1665 f'()g'()a' [a'8 b'(] a'4 g'2 )f'4
1668 See also @seeinternals{Slur}.
1670 Slurs avoid crossing stems, and are generally attached to note heads.
1671 However, in some situations with beams, slurs may be attached to stem
1672 ends. If you want to override this layout you can do this through the
1673 object property @code{attachment} of @internalsref{Slur} in
1674 @internalsref{Voice} context It's value is a pair of symbols, specifying
1675 the attachment type of the left and right end points.
1677 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
1679 \property Voice.Stem \set #'length = #5.5
1681 \property Voice.Slur \set #'attachment = #'(stem . stem)
1685 If a slur would strike through a stem or beam, the slur will be moved
1686 away upward or downward. If this happens, attaching the slur to the
1687 stems might look better:
1689 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
1692 \property Voice.Slur \set #'attachment = #'(stem . stem)
1697 Similarly, the curvature of a slur is adjusted to stay clear of note
1698 heads and stems. When that would increase the curvature too much, the
1699 slur is reverted to its default shape. The threshold for this
1700 decision is in @internalsref{Slur}'s object property @code{beautiful}.
1701 It is loosely related to the enclosed area between the slur and the
1702 notes. Usually, the default setting works well, but in some cases you
1703 may prefer a curved slur when LilyPond decides for a vertically moved
1704 one. You can indicate this preference by increasing the
1705 @code{beautiful} value:
1707 @lilyp ond[verbatim,singleline,relative]
1709 c16( a' f' a a f a, )c,
1710 c( a' f' a a f d, )c
1711 \property Voice.Slur \override #'beautiful = #5.0
1712 c( a' f' a a f d, )c
1718 Producing nice slurs is a difficult problem, and LilyPond currently
1719 uses a simple, empiric method to produce slurs. In some cases, the
1720 results of this method are ugly.
1723 This is reflected by the
1724 @code{beautiful} property, which it is an arbitrary parameter in the
1725 slur formatter. Useful values can only be determined by trial and
1729 @cindex Adjusting slurs
1731 @node Phrasing slurs
1732 @subsection Phrasing slurs
1734 @cindex phrasing slurs
1735 @cindex phrasing marks
1737 A phrasing slur (or phrasing mark) connects chords and is used to
1738 indicate a musical sentence. It is started using @code{\(} and @code{\)}
1741 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center,relative]
1742 \time 6/4 c' \( d () e f () e \) d
1745 Typographically, the phrasing slur behaves almost exactly like a normal
1746 slur. See also @seeinternals{PhrasingSlur}. But although they behave
1747 similarily to normal slurs, phrasing slurs count as different objects.
1748 A @code{\slurUp} will have no effect on a phrasing slur; instead, you
1749 should use @code{\phrasingSlurUp}, @code{\phrasingSlurDown}, and
1750 @code{\phrasingSlurBoth}.
1752 Note that the commands
1753 @code{\slurUp}, @code{\slurDown}, and @code{\slurBoth} will only affect
1754 normal slurs and not phrasing slurs.
1757 @subsection Breath marks
1759 Breath marks are entered using @code{\breathe}. See also
1760 @seeinternals{BreathingSign}.
1762 @lilypond[fragment,relative]
1771 @cindex beats per minute
1772 @cindex metronome marking
1774 Metronome settings can be entered as follows:
1776 @cindex @code{\tempo}
1778 \tempo @var{duration} = @var{perminute}
1781 For example, @code{\tempo 4 = 76} requests output with 76 quarter notes
1786 The tempo setting is not printed, but is only used in the MIDI
1787 output. You can trick lily into producing a metronome mark,
1788 though. Details are in @ref{Text markup}.
1793 @subsection Text spanners
1794 @cindex Text spanners
1796 Some textual indications, e.g. rallentando or accelerando, often extend
1797 over many measures. This is indicated by following the text with a
1798 dotted line. You can create such texts using text spanners. The syntax
1804 LilyPond will respond by creating a @internalsref{TextSpanner} object (typically
1805 in @internalsref{Voice} context). The string to be printed, as well as the
1806 style is set through object properties.
1808 An application---or rather, a hack---is to fake octavation indications.
1809 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
1810 \relative c' { a''' b c a
1811 \property Voice.TextSpanner \set #'type = #'dotted-line
1812 \property Voice.TextSpanner \set #'edge-height = #'(0 . 1.5)
1813 \property Voice.TextSpanner \set #'edge-text = #'("8va " . "")
1814 \property Staff.centralCPosition = #-13
1815 a\startTextSpan b c a \stopTextSpan }
1819 @node Analysis brackets
1820 @subsection Analysis brackets
1822 @cindex phrasing brackets
1823 @cindex musicological analysis
1824 @cindex note grouping bracket
1826 Brackets are used in musical analysis to indicate structure in musical
1827 pieces. LilyPond supports a simple form of nested horizontal brackets.
1828 To use this, add the @internalsref{Horizontal_bracket_engraver} to
1829 @internalsref{Staff} context. A bracket is started with
1830 @code{\groupOpen} and closed with @code{\groupClose}. This produces
1831 @internalsref{HorizontalBracket} objects.
1833 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
1834 \score { \notes \relative c'' {
1835 c4-\groupOpen-\groupOpen
1838 c4-\groupClose-\groupClose
1840 \paper { \translator {
1841 \StaffContext \consists "Horizontal_bracket_engraver"
1859 @subsection Articulations
1860 @cindex Articulations
1862 @cindex articulations
1866 A variety of symbols can appear above and below notes to indicate
1867 different characteristics of the performance. They are added to a note
1868 by adding a dash and the the character signifying the
1869 articulation. They are demonstrated here.
1870 @lilypond[singleline]
1872 \notes \context Voice {
1873 \property Voice.TextScript \set #'font-family = #'typewriter
1874 \property Voice.TextScript \set #'font-shape = #'upright
1880 c''4-^_"c-\\^{ }" s4
1886 The script is automatically placed, but if you need to force
1887 directions, you can use @code{_} to force them down, or @code{^} to
1889 @lilypond[fragment, verbatim]
1894 Other symbols can be added using the syntax
1895 @var{note}@code{-\}@var{name}. Again, they can be forced up or down
1896 using @code{^} and @code{_}.
1900 @cindex staccatissimo
1909 @cindex organ pedal marks
1918 @cindex prallmordent
1922 @cindex thumb marking
1929 \property Score.LyricText \override #'font-family =#'typewriter
1930 \property Score.LyricText \override #'font-shape = #'upright
1931 \context Staff \notes {
1932 c''-\accent c''-\marcato c''-\staccatissimo c''^\fermata
1933 c''-\stopped c''-\staccato c''-\tenuto c''-\portato
1935 c''-\downbow c''^\lheel c''-\rheel c''^\ltoe
1936 c''-\rtoe c''-\turn c''-\open c''-\flageolet
1937 c''-\reverseturn c''-\trill c''-\prall c''-\mordent
1938 c''-\prallprall c''-\prallmordent c''-\upprall c''-\downprall
1939 c''-\upmordent c''-\downmordent c''-\pralldown c''-\prallup
1940 c''-\lineprall c''-\thumb c''-\segno c''-\coda
1942 \context Lyrics \lyrics {
1943 accent__ marcato__ staccatissimo__ fermata
1944 stopped__ staccato__ tenuto__ portato
1946 downbow__ lheel__ rheel__ ltoe
1947 rtoe__ turn__ open__ flageolet
1948 reverseturn__ trill__ prall__ mordent
1949 prallprall__ prallmordent__ uprall__ downprall
1950 upmordent__ downmordent__ pralldown__ prallup__
1951 lineprall__ thumb__ segno__ coda
1964 Fingering instructions can also be entered in this shorthand. For
1965 finger changes, use markup texts:
1967 @lilypond[verbatim, singleline, fragment]
1968 c'4-1 c'4-2 c'4-3 c'4-4
1977 See also @seeinternals{Script} and @seeinternals{Fingering}.
1981 All of these note ornaments appear in the printed output but have no
1982 effect on the MIDI rendering of the music.
1984 Unfortunately, there is no support for adding fingering instructions or
1985 ornaments to individual note heads. Some hacks exist, though. See
1986 @file{input/test/script-horizontal.ly}.
1991 @subsection Text scripts
1992 @cindex Text scripts
1994 In addition, it is possible to place arbitrary strings of text or markup
1995 text (see @ref{Text markup}) above or below notes by using a string:
1998 By default, these indications do not influence the note spacing, but
1999 by using the command @code{\fatText}, the widths will be taken into
2002 @lilypond[fragment,singleline,verbatim] \relative c' {
2003 c4^"longtext" \fatText c4_"longlongtext" c4 }
2006 It is possible to use @TeX{} commands in the strings, but this should be
2007 avoided because it makes it impossible for LilyPond to compute the
2008 exact length of the string, which may lead to collisions. Also, @TeX{}
2009 commands won't work with direct PostScript output.
2010 @c (see @ref{PostScript output}).
2012 Text scripts are created in form of @internalsref{TextScript} objects, in
2013 @internalsref{Voice} context.
2015 @ref{Text markup} describes how to change the font or access
2016 special symbols in text scripts.
2021 @subsection Grace notes
2025 @cindex @code{\grace}
2029 Grace notes are ornaments that are written out
2030 @lilypond[relative=2,verbatim,ifragment] c4 \grace c16 c4 \grace {
2034 In normal notation, grace notes are supposed to take up no logical
2035 time in a measure. Such an idea is practical for normal notation, but
2036 is not strict enough to put it into a program. The model that LilyPond
2037 uses for grace notes internally is that all timing is done in two
2040 Every point in musical time consists of two rational numbers: one
2041 denotes the logical time, one denotes the grace timing. The above
2042 example is shown here with timing tuples.
2045 \score { \notes \relative c''{
2046 c4^"(0,0)" \grace c16_" "_"(1/4,-1/16)" c4^"(1/4,0)" \grace {
2047 [c16_"(2/4,-1/8)" d16^"(2/4,-1/16)" ] } c4_" "_"(2/4,0)"
2049 \paper { linewidth = 8.\cm }
2053 The advantage of this approach is that you can use almost any lilypond
2054 construction together with grace notes, for example slurs and clef
2055 changes may appear halfway in between grace notes:
2057 @lilypond[relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2058 c4 \grace { [ c16 c, \clef bass c, b(] } )c4
2061 The placement of these grace notes is synchronized between different
2062 staves, using this grace timing.
2064 @lilypond[relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2065 < \context Staff = SA { e4 \grace { c16 d e f } e4 }
2066 \context Staff = SB { c4 \grace { g8 b } c4 } >
2070 Unbeamed eighth notes and shorter by default have a slash through the
2071 stem. This can be controlled with object property @code{stroke-style} of
2072 @internalsref{Stem}. The change in formatting is accomplished by
2073 inserting @code{\startGraceMusic} before handling the grace notes, and
2074 @code{\stopGraceMusic} after finishing the grace notes.
2075 You can add to these definitions to globally change grace note
2076 formatting. The standard definitions are in @file{ly/grace-init.ly}.
2078 [TODO discuss Scheme functionality.]
2081 Notice how the @code{\override} is carefully matched with a @code{\revert}.
2086 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2087 \relative c'' \context Voice {
2088 \grace c8 c4 \grace { [c16 c16] } c4
2090 \property Voice.Stem \override #'stroke-style = #'()
2092 \property Voice.Stem \revert #'stroke-style
2099 If you want to end a note with a grace note, then the standard trick
2100 is to put the grace notes before a phantom ``space note'', e.g.
2101 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim, relative=2]
2104 { s2 \grace { [c16 d] } } >
2109 A @code{\grace} section has some default values, and LilyPond will
2110 use those default values unless you specify otherwise inside the
2111 @code{\grace} section. For example, if you specify \slurUp
2112 @emph{before} your @code{\grace} section, a slur which starts inside
2113 the @code{\grace} won't be forced up, even if the slur ends outside
2114 of the @code{\grace}. Note the difference between the first and
2115 second bars in this example:
2117 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2118 \relative c'' \context Voice {
2137 Grace notes can not be used in the smallest size (@file{paper11.ly}).
2139 Grace note synchronization can also lead to surprises. Staff notation,
2140 such as key signatures, barlines, etc. are also synchronized. Take
2141 care when you mix staves with grace notes and staves without.
2143 @lilypond[relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2144 < \context Staff = SA { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d4 }
2145 \context Staff = SB { c4 \bar "|:" d4 } >
2148 Grace sections should only be used within sequential music
2149 expressions. Nesting, juxtaposing, or ending sequential music with a
2150 grace section is not supported, and might produce crashes or other
2155 @subsection Glissando
2158 @cindex @code{\glissando}
2160 A glissando line can be requested by attaching a @code{\glissando} to
2163 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2169 Printing of an additional text (such as @emph{gliss.}) must be done
2170 manually. See also @seeinternals{Glissando}.
2176 @subsection Dynamics
2189 @cindex @code{\ffff}
2199 Absolute dynamic marks are specified using an identifier after a
2200 note: @code{c4-\ff}. The available dynamic marks are: @code{\ppp},
2201 @code{\pp}, @code{\p}, @code{\mp}, @code{\mf}, @code{\f}, @code{\ff},
2202 @code{\fff}, @code{\fff}, @code{\fp}, @code{\sf}, @code{\sff},
2203 @code{\sp}, @code{\spp}, @code{\sfz}, and @code{\rfz}.
2205 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline,fragment,relative]
2206 c'\ppp c\pp c \p c\mp c\mf c\f c\ff c\fff
2212 @cindex @code{\decr}
2213 @cindex @code{\rced}
2219 A crescendo mark is started with @code{\cr} and terminated with
2220 @code{\rc} (the textual reverse of @code{cr}). A decrescendo mark is
2221 started with @code{\decr} and terminated with @code{\rced}. There are
2222 also shorthands for these marks. A crescendo can be started with
2223 @code{\<} and a decrescendo can be started with @code{\>}. Either one
2224 can be terminated with @code{\!}. Note that @code{\!} must go before
2225 the last note of the dynamic mark whereas @code{\rc} and @code{\rced} go
2226 after the last note. Because these marks are bound to notes, if you
2227 want several marks during one note, you have to use spacer notes.
2229 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
2230 c'' \< \! c'' d'' \decr e'' \rced
2231 < f''1 { s4 s4 \< \! s4 \> \! s4 } >
2234 You can also use a text saying @emph{cresc.} instead of hairpins. Here
2235 is an example how to do it:
2237 @lilypond[fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
2238 c4 \cresc c4 \endcresc c4
2245 You can also supply your own texts:
2246 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2248 \property Voice.crescendoText = "cresc. poco"
2249 \property Voice.crescendoSpanner = #'dashed-line
2256 Dynamics are objects of @internalsref{DynamicText} and
2257 @internalsref{Hairpin}. Vertical positioning of these symbols is
2258 handled by the @internalsref{DynamicLineSpanner} object. If you want to
2259 adjust padding or vertical direction of the dynamics, you must set
2260 properties for the @internalsref{DynamicLineSpanner} object. Predefined
2261 identifiers to set the vertical direction are \dynamicUp and
2264 @cindex direction, of dynamics
2265 @cindex @code{\dynamicDown}
2266 @cindex @code{\dynamicUp}
2274 @cindex @code{\repeat}
2276 To specify repeats, use the @code{\repeat} keyword. Since repeats
2277 should work differently when played or printed, there are a few
2278 different variants of repeats.
2282 Repeated music is fully written (played) out. Useful for MIDI
2283 output, and entering repetitive music.
2286 This is the normal notation: Repeats are not written out, but
2287 alternative endings (voltas) are printed, left to right.
2290 Alternative endings are written stacked. This has limited use but may be
2291 used to typeset two lines of lyrics in songs with repeats, see
2292 @file{input/star-spangled-banner.ly}.
2298 Make beat or measure repeats. These look like percent signs.
2304 * Repeats and MIDI::
2305 * Manual repeat commands::
2307 * Tremolo subdivisions::
2312 @subsection Repeat syntax
2314 The syntax for repeats is
2317 \repeat @var{variant} @var{repeatcount} @var{repeatbody}
2320 If you have alternative endings, you may add
2321 @cindex @code{\alternative}
2323 \alternative @code{@{} @var{alternative1}
2325 @var{alternative3} @dots{} @code{@}}
2327 where each @var{alternative} is a music expression.
2329 Normal notation repeats are used like this:
2330 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2332 \repeat volta 2 { c'4 d' e' f' }
2333 \repeat volta 2 { f' e' d' c' }
2336 With alternative endings:
2337 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2339 \repeat volta 2 {c'4 d' e' f'}
2340 \alternative { {d'2 d'} {f' f} }
2343 Folded repeats look like this:
2346 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2348 \repeat fold 2 {c'4 d' e' f'}
2349 \alternative { {d'2 d'} {f' f} }
2353 If you don't give enough alternatives for all of the repeats, then
2354 the first alternative is assumed to be repeated often enough to equal
2355 the specified number of repeats.
2357 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2361 \repeat volta 4 { e | c2 d2 | e2 f2 | }
2362 \alternative { { g4 g g } { a | a a a a | b2. } }
2367 @node Repeats and MIDI
2368 @subsection Repeats and MIDI
2370 @cindex expanding repeats
2372 For instructions on how to unfoldi repeats for MIDI output, see
2373 the example file @file{input/test/unfold-all-repeats.ly}.
2378 Notice that timing information is not remembered at the start of an
2379 alternative, so you have to reset timing information after a repeat,
2380 e.g. using a bar-check (See @ref{Bar check}), setting
2381 @code{Score.measurePosition} or entering @code{\partial}. Slurs or ties
2382 are also not repeated.
2384 It is possible to nest @code{\repeat}s, although this probably is only
2385 meaningful for unfolded repeats.
2387 Folded repeats offer little more over simultaneous music.
2389 @node Manual repeat commands
2390 @subsection Manual repeat commands
2392 @cindex @code{repeatCommands}
2394 The property @code{repeatCommands} can be used to control the layout of
2395 repeats. Its value is a Scheme list of repeat commands, where each repeat
2403 @item (volta . @var{text})
2404 Print a volta bracket saying @var{text} (the text can be specified
2405 as a text string or as a markup text, see @ref{Text markup}).
2407 Stop a running volta bracket
2410 @lilypond[verbatim, fragment]
2412 \property Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta "93") end-repeat)
2414 \property Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta #f))
2419 Repeats brackets are @internalsref{VoltaBracket} objects.
2421 @node Tremolo repeats
2422 @subsection Tremolo repeats
2423 @cindex tremolo beams
2425 To place tremolo marks between notes, use @code{\repeat} with tremolo
2427 @lilypond[verbatim,center,singleline]
2429 \context Voice \notes\relative c' {
2430 \repeat "tremolo" 8 { c16 d16 }
2431 \repeat "tremolo" 4 { c16 d16 }
2432 \repeat "tremolo" 2 { c16 d16 }
2433 \repeat "tremolo" 4 c16
2438 Tremolo beams are @internalsref{Beam} objects. Single stem tremolos are
2439 @internalsref{StemTremolo}. The single stem tremolo @emph{must} be
2440 entered without @code{@{} and @code{@}}.
2444 Only powers of two and undotted notes are supported repeat counts.
2446 @node Tremolo subdivisions
2447 @subsection Tremolo subdivisions
2448 @cindex tremolo marks
2449 @cindex @code{tremoloFlags}
2451 Tremolo marks can be printed on a single note by adding
2452 `@code{:}[@var{length}]' after the note. The length must be at least 8.
2453 A @var{length} value of 8 gives one line across the note stem. If the
2454 length is omitted, then then the last value (stored in
2455 @code{Voice.tremoloFlags}) is used.
2457 @lilypond[verbatim,fragment,center]
2458 c'2:8 c':32 | c': c': |
2464 Tremolos in this style do not carry over into the MIDI output.
2467 @node Measure repeats
2468 @subsection Measure repeats
2470 @cindex percent repeats
2471 @cindex measure repeats
2473 In the @code{percent} style, a note pattern can be repeated. It is
2474 printed once, and then the pattern is replaced with a special sign.
2475 Patterns of a one and two measures are replaced by percent-like signs,
2476 patterns that divide the measure length are replaced by slashes.
2478 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
2479 \context Voice { \repeat "percent" 4 { c'4 }
2480 \repeat "percent" 2 { c'2 es'2 f'4 fis'4 g'4 c''4 }
2484 The signs are represented by these objects: @internalsref{RepeatSlash} and
2485 @internalsref{PercentRepeat} and @internalsref{DoublePercentRepeat}.
2489 You can not nest percent repeats, e.g. by filling in the first measure
2490 with slashes, and repeating that measure with percents.
2492 @node Rhythmic music
2493 @section Rhythmic music
2495 Sometimes you might want to show only the rhythm of a melody. This can
2496 be done with the rhythmic staff. All pitches of notes on such a staff
2497 are squashed, and the staff itself looks has a single staff line:
2499 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2500 \context RhythmicStaff {
2502 c4 e8 f g2 | r4 g r2 | g1:32 | r1 |
2507 * Percussion staves::
2510 @node Percussion staves
2511 @subsection Percussion staves
2514 To typeset more than one piece of percussion to be played by the same
2515 musician one typically uses a multiline staff where each staff
2516 position refers to a specific piece of percussion.
2518 LilyPond is shipped with a bunch of scheme functions which allows you
2519 to do this fairly easily.
2521 The system is based on the general midi drum-pitches.
2522 In order to use the drum pitches you include
2523 @file{ly/drumpitch-init.ly}. This file defines the pitches from the scheme
2524 variable @code{drum-pitch-names} - which definition can be read in
2525 @file{scm/drums.scm}. You see that each piece of percussion has a full
2526 name and an abbreviated name - and you may freely select whether to
2527 refer to the full name or the abbreviation in your music definition.
2529 To typeset the music on a staff you apply the scheme function
2530 @code{drums->paper} to the percussion music. This function takes a
2531 list of percussion instrument names, notehead scripts and staff
2532 positions (that is: pitches relative to the C-clef) and uses this to
2533 transform the input music by moving the pitch, changing the notehead
2534 and (optionally) adding a script:
2535 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
2536 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2537 up = \notes { crashcymbal4 hihat8 halfopenhihat hh hh hh openhihat }
2538 down = \notes { bassdrum4 snare8 bd r bd sn4 }
2540 \apply #(drums->paper 'drums) \context Staff <
2542 \context Voice = up { \voiceOne \up }
2543 \context Voice = down { \voiceTwo \down }
2548 In the above example the music was transformed using the list @code{'drums}.
2549 Currently the following lists are defined in @file{scm/drums.scm}:
2552 To typeset a typical drum kit on a five-line staff.
2555 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2556 nam = \lyrics { cymc cyms cymr hh hhc hho hhho hhp cb hc
2557 bd sn ss tomh tommh tomml toml tomfh tomfl }
2558 mus = \notes { cymc cyms cymr hh hhc hho hhho hhp cb hc
2559 bd sn ss tomh tommh tomml toml tomfh tomfl s16 }
2562 \apply #(drums->paper 'drums) \context Staff <
2566 \context Lyrics \nam
2569 linewidth = 100.0\mm
2572 \remove Bar_engraver
2573 \remove Time_signature_engraver
2574 minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-4.0 . 5.0)
2578 \remove Stem_engraver
2584 Notice that the scheme supports six different toms.
2585 If you are using fewer toms then you simply select the toms that produce
2586 the desired result - i.e. to get toms on the three middle lines you
2587 use @code{tommh}, @code{tomml} and @code{tomfh}.
2589 Because the general midi contain no rimshots we use the sidestick for
2590 this purpose instead.
2592 To typeset timbales on a two line staff.
2593 @lilypond[singleline]
2594 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2595 nam = \lyrics { timh ssh timl ssl cb }
2596 mus = \notes { timh ssh timl ssl cb s16 }
2599 \apply #(drums->paper 'timbales) \context Staff <
2603 \context Lyrics \nam
2608 \remove Bar_engraver
2609 \remove Time_signature_engraver
2610 StaffSymbol \override #'line-count = #2
2611 StaffSymbol \override #'staff-space = #2
2612 minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-3.0 . 4.0)
2616 \remove Stem_engraver
2623 To typeset congas on a two line staff.
2624 @lilypond[singleline]
2625 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2626 nam = \lyrics { cgh cgho cghm ssh cgl cglo cglm ssl }
2627 mus = \notes { cgh cgho cghm ssh cgl cglo cglm ssl s16 }
2630 \apply #(drums->paper 'congas) \context Staff <
2634 \context Lyrics \nam
2639 \remove Bar_engraver
2640 \remove Time_signature_engraver
2641 StaffSymbol \override #'line-count = #2
2642 StaffSymbol \override #'staff-space = #2
2643 minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-3.0 . 4.0)
2647 \remove Stem_engraver
2653 To typeset bongos on a two line staff.
2654 @lilypond[singleline]
2655 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2656 nam = \lyrics { boh boho bohm ssh bol bolo bolm ssl }
2657 mus = \notes { boh boho bohm ssh bol bolo bolm ssl s16 }
2660 \apply #(drums->paper 'bongos) \context Staff <
2664 \context Lyrics \nam
2669 \remove Bar_engraver
2670 \remove Time_signature_engraver
2671 StaffSymbol \override #'line-count = #2
2672 StaffSymbol \override #'staff-space = #2
2673 minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-3.0 . 4.0)
2677 \remove Stem_engraver
2683 To typeset all kinds of simple percussion on one line staves.
2684 @lilypond[singleline]
2685 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2686 nam = \lyrics { tri trio trim gui guis guil cb cl tamb cab mar hc }
2687 mus = \notes { tri trio trim gui guis guil cb cl tamb cab mar hc s16 }
2690 \apply #(drums->paper 'percussion) \context Staff <
2694 \context Lyrics \nam
2699 \remove Bar_engraver
2700 \remove Time_signature_engraver
2701 StaffSymbol \override #'line-count = #1
2702 minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-2.0 . 3.0)
2706 \remove Stem_engraver
2713 If you don't like any of the predefined lists you can define your own
2714 list at the top of your file:
2716 @lilypond[singleline, verbatim]
2718 (bassdrum default #f ,(ly:make-pitch -1 2 0))
2719 (snare default #f ,(ly:make-pitch 0 1 0))
2720 (hihat cross #f ,(ly:make-pitch 0 5 0))
2721 (pedalhihat xcircle "stopped" ,(ly:make-pitch 0 5 0))
2722 (lowtom diamond #f ,(ly:make-pitch -1 6 0))
2724 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2725 up = \notes { hh8 hh hh hh hhp4 hhp }
2726 down = \notes { bd4 sn bd toml8 toml }
2728 \apply #(drums->paper 'mydrums) \context Staff <
2730 \context Voice = up { \voiceOne \up }
2731 \context Voice = down { \voiceTwo \down }
2736 To use a modified existing list instead of building your own from
2737 scratch you can append your modifications to the start of the existing
2741 #(define mydrums (append `(
2742 (bassdrum default #f ,(ly:make-pitch -1 2 0))
2743 (lowtom diamond #f ,(ly:make-pitch -1 6 0))
2747 @c FIXME: Too many levels of headers when using subsubsections.
2748 @c Perhaps junk subsection ``Percussion staves''
2749 @subsubsection Percussion staves with normal staves
2750 When you include @file{drumpitch-init.ly} then the default pitches
2751 are overridden so that you after the inclusion cannot use the common
2752 dutch pitch names anymore. Hence you might wan't to reinclude
2753 @file{nederlands.ly} after the drum-pattern-definitions:
2754 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
2755 \include "drumpitch-init.ly"
2756 up = \notes { crashcymbal4 hihat8 halfopenhihat hh hh hh openhihat }
2757 down = \notes { bassdrum4 snare8 bd r bd sn4 }
2758 \include "nederlands.ly"
2759 bass = \notes \transpose c c,, { a4. e8 r e g e }
2762 \apply #(drums->paper 'drums) \context Staff = drums <
2764 \context Voice = up { \voiceOne \up }
2765 \context Voice = down { \voiceTwo \down }
2767 \context Staff = bass { \clef "F_8" \bass }
2772 @subsubsection Percussion midi output
2773 In order to produce correct midi output you need to produce two score
2774 blocks - one for the paper and one for the midi.
2775 To use the percussion channel you set the property @code{instrument}
2776 to @code{'drums}. Because the drum-pitches themself are similar to the
2777 general midi pitches all you have to do is to insert the voices with
2778 none of the scheme functions to get the correct midi output:
2782 \apply #(drums->paper 'mydrums) \context Staff <
2784 \context Voice = up @{ \voiceOne \up @}
2785 \context Voice = down @{ \voiceTwo \down @}
2791 \property Staff.instrument = #'drums
2800 This scheme is to be considered a temporary implementation. Even
2801 though the scheme will probably keep on working then the future might
2802 bring some other way of typesetting drums, and probably
2803 there will be made no great efforts in keeping things downwards
2808 @section Piano music
2810 Piano music is an odd type of notation. Piano staves are two normal
2811 staves coupled with a brace. The staves are largely independent, but
2812 sometimes voices can cross between the two staves. The
2813 @internalsref{PianoStaff} is especially built to handle this cross-staffing
2814 behavior. In this section we discuss the @internalsref{PianoStaff} and some
2815 other pianistic peculiarities.
2819 * Automatic staff changes::
2820 * Manual staff switches::
2823 * Voice follower lines::
2828 There is no support for putting chords across staves. You can get
2829 this result by increasing the length of the stem in the lower stave so
2830 it reaches the stem in the upper stave, or vice versa. An example is
2831 included with the distribution as @file{input/test/stem-cross-staff.ly}.
2833 @cindex cross staff stem
2834 @cindex stem, cross staff
2837 @c fixme: should have hyperlinks as well.
2842 @c . {Automatic staff changes}
2843 @node Automatic staff changes
2844 @subsection Automatic staff changes
2845 @cindex Automatic staff changes
2847 Voices can switch automatically between the top and the bottom
2848 staff. The syntax for this is
2850 \autochange Staff \context Voice @{ @dots{}@var{music}@dots{} @}
2852 The autochanger switches on basis of pitch (central C is the turning
2853 point), and it looks ahead skipping over rests to switch rests in
2854 advance. Here is a practical example:
2856 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
2857 \score { \notes \context PianoStaff <
2858 \context Staff = "up" {
2859 \autochange Staff \context Voice = VA < \relative c' {
2860 g4 a b c d r4 a g } > }
2861 \context Staff = "down" {
2866 Spacer rests are used to prevent the bottom staff from
2867 terminating too soon.
2870 @node Manual staff switches
2871 @subsection Manual staff switches
2873 @cindex manual staff switches
2874 @cindex staff switch, manual
2876 Voices can be switched between staves manually, using the following command:
2878 \translator Staff = @var{staffname} @var{music}
2880 The string @var{staffname} is the name of the staff. It switches the
2881 current voice from its current staff to the Staff called
2882 @var{staffname}. Typically @var{staffname} is @code{"up"} or
2890 Piano pedal instruction can be expressed using
2891 @code{\sustainDown}, @code{\sustainUp}, @code{\unaCorda},
2892 @code{\treCorde}, @code{\sostenutoDown} and @code{\sostenutoUp}.
2894 The symbols that are printed can be modified by setting
2895 @code{pedal@var{X}Strings}, where @var{X} is one of the pedal types:
2896 Sustain, Sostenuto or UnaCorda. Refer to the generated documentation of
2897 @internalsref{SustainPedal}, for example, for more information.
2899 Pedals can also be indicated by a sequence of brackets, by setting the
2900 @code{pedal-type} property of SustainPedal objects:
2902 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2903 \property Staff.SustainPedal \override #'pedal-type = #'bracket
2904 c''4 \sustainDown d''4 e''4 a'4
2905 \sustainUp \sustainDown
2906 f'4 g'4 a'4 \sustainUp
2909 A third style of pedal notation is a mixture of text and brackets,
2910 obtained by setting @code{pedal-type} to @code{mixed}:
2912 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2913 \property Staff.SustainPedal \override #'pedal-type = #'mixed
2914 c''4 \sustainDown d''4 e''4 c'4
2915 \sustainUp \sustainDown
2916 f'4 g'4 a'4 \sustainUp
2919 The default '*Ped' style for sustain and damper pedals corresponds to
2920 @code{\pedal-type = #'text}. However, @code{mixed} is the default style
2921 for a sostenuto pedal:
2923 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2924 c''4 \sostenutoDown d''4 e''4 c'4 f'4 g'4 a'4 \sostenutoUp
2927 For fine-tuning of the appearance of a pedal bracket, the properties
2928 @code{edge-width}, @code{edge-height}, and @code{shorten-pair} of
2929 @code{PianoPedalBracket} objects (see the detailed documentation of
2930 @rgrob{PianoPedalBracket}) can be modified. For example, the bracket
2931 may be extended to the end of the note head.
2933 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
2934 \property Staff.PianoPedalBracket \override
2935 #'shorten-pair = #'(0 . -1.0)
2936 c''4 \sostenutoDown d''4 e''4 c'4
2937 f'4 g'4 a'4 \sostenutoUp
2941 @subsection Arpeggio
2944 @cindex broken arpeggio
2945 @cindex @code{\arpeggio}
2947 You can specify an arpeggio sign on a chord by attaching an
2948 @code{\arpeggio} to a chord.
2951 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2952 <<c e g c>>-\arpeggio
2955 When an arpeggio crosses staves in piano music, you attach an arpeggio
2956 to the chords in both staves, and set
2957 @code{PianoStaff.connectArpeggios}.
2959 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2960 \context PianoStaff <
2961 \property PianoStaff.connectArpeggios = ##t
2962 \context Voice = one { <<c' e g c>>-\arpeggio }
2963 \context Voice = other { \clef bass <<c,, e g>>-\arpeggio}
2967 This command creates @internalsref{Arpeggio} objects. Cross staff arpeggios
2968 are @code{PianoStaff.Arpeggio}.
2970 To add an arrow head to explicitly specify the direction of the
2971 arpeggio, you should set the arpeggio object property
2972 @code{arpeggio-direction}.
2974 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2976 \property Voice.Arpeggio \set #'arpeggio-direction = #1
2977 <<c e g c>>-\arpeggio
2978 \property Voice.Arpeggio \set #'arpeggio-direction = #-1
2979 <<c e g c>>-\arpeggio
2983 A square bracket on the left indicates that the player should not
2984 arpeggiate the chord. To draw these brackets, set the
2985 @code{molecule-callback} property of @code{Arpeggio} or
2986 @code{PianoStaff.Arpeggio} objects to @code{\arpeggioBracket}, and use
2987 @code{\arpeggio} statements within the chords as before.
2989 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
2990 \context PianoStaff <
2991 \property PianoStaff.connectArpeggios = ##t
2992 \property PianoStaff.Arpeggio \override
2993 #'molecule-callback = \arpeggioBracket
2994 \context Voice = one { <<c' e g c>>-\arpeggio }
2995 \context Voice = other { \clef bass <<c,, e g>>-\arpeggio }
3002 It is not possible to mix connected arpeggios and unconnected
3003 arpeggios in one PianoStaff at the same time.
3007 @node Voice follower lines
3008 @subsection Voice follower lines
3010 @cindex follow voice
3011 @cindex staff switching
3014 @cindex @code{followVoice}
3016 Whenever a voice switches to another staff a line connecting the notes
3017 can be printed automatically. This is enabled if the property
3018 @code{PianoStaff.followVoice} is set to true:
3020 @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim]
3021 \context PianoStaff <
3022 \property PianoStaff.followVoice = ##t
3023 \context Staff \context Voice {
3025 \translator Staff=two
3028 \context Staff=two {\clef bass \skip 1*2 }
3032 The associated object is @internalsref{VoiceFollower}.
3038 Tablature notation is used for notating music for plucked string
3039 instruments. It notates pitches not by using note heads, but by
3040 indicating on which string and fret a note must be played. LilyPond
3041 offers limited support for tablature.
3044 * Tablatures basic::
3045 * Non-guitar tablatures::
3046 * Tablature in addition to normal staff::
3049 @node Tablatures basic
3050 @subsection Tablatures basic
3051 @cindex Tablatures basic
3053 Tablature can be typeset with Lilypond by using the
3054 @internalsref{TabStaff} and @internalsref{TabVoice} contexts. As
3055 tablature is a recent feature in Lilypond, most of the guitar special
3056 effects such as bend are not yet supported.
3058 With the @internalsref{TabStaff}, the string number associated to a note
3059 is given as a backslash followed by the string number, e.g. @code{c4\3} for a C
3060 quarter on the third string. By default, string 1 is the highest one, and the
3061 tuning defaults to the standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings).
3063 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3072 If you do not specify a string number then lilypond automatically selects one.
3073 The selection is controlled by the translator property @code{minimumFret}. -- LilyPond
3074 simply selects the first string that does not give a fret number less than
3075 @code{minimumFret}. Default is 0.
3077 Notice that LilyPond does not handle chords in any special way, and hence
3078 the automatic string selector may easily select the same string to two notes in a chord.
3081 e8 fis gis a b cis' dis' e'
3082 \property TabStaff.minimumFret = #8
3083 e8 fis gis a b cis' dis' e'
3085 @lilypond[noindent,noquote]
3088 e8 fis gis a b cis' dis' e'
3089 \property TabStaff.minimumFret = #8
3090 e8 fis gis a b cis' dis' e'
3093 \context StaffGroup <
3094 \context Staff { \clef "G_8" \frag }
3095 \context TabStaff { \frag }
3100 @node Non-guitar tablatures
3101 @subsection Non-guitar tablatures
3102 @cindex Non-guitar tablatures
3104 There are many ways to customize Lilypond tablatures.
3106 First you can change the number of strings, by setting the number of
3107 lines in the @internalsref{TabStaff} (the @code{line-count} property
3108 of TabStaff can only be changed using @code{\outputproperty}, for more
3109 information, see @ref{Tuning per object}. You can change the strings
3110 tuning. A string tuning is given as a Scheme list with one integer
3111 number for each string, the number being the pitch of an open string.
3113 (The numbers specified for stringTuning are the numbers of semitons
3114 to subtract --- or add --- starting the specified pitch by default
3115 middle C, in string order: thus the notes are e, a, d & g)
3117 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3120 \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface)
3122 \property TabStaff.stringTunings = #'(-5 -10 -15 -20)
3125 a,4 c' a e' e c' a e'
3130 Finally, it is possible to change the Scheme function to format the
3131 tablature note text. The default is @var{fret-number-tablature-format},
3132 which uses the fret number, but for some instruments that may not use
3133 this notation, just create your own tablature-format function. This
3134 function takes three argument: the string number, the string tuning and
3138 @node Tablature in addition to normal staff
3139 @subsection Tablature in addition to normal staff
3140 @cindex Tablature in addition to normal staff
3142 It is possible to typeset both tablature and a "normal" staff, as
3143 commonly done in many parts.
3145 A common trick for that is to put the notes in a variables, and to hide
3146 the fingering information (which correspond to the string number) for
3150 @c @lily pond[verbatim]
3157 \context StaffGroup <
3159 % Hide fingering number
3160 \property Staff.Fingering \override #'transparent = ##t
3165 \property Staff.Stem \override #'direction = #1
3179 LilyPond has support for both entering and printing chords.
3180 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
3181 twoWays = \notes \transpose c c' {
3191 < \context ChordNames \twoWays
3192 \context Voice \twoWays > }
3195 This example also shows that the chord printing routines do not try to
3196 be intelligent. If you enter @code{f bes d}, it does not interpret
3197 this as an inversion.
3199 As you can see chords really are a set of pitches. They are internally
3200 stored as simultaneous music expressions. This means you can enter
3201 chords by name and print them as notes, enter them as notes and print
3202 them as chord names, or (the most common case) enter them by name, and
3207 * Printing named chords::
3212 @subsection Chords mode
3215 Chord mode is a mode where you can input sets of pitches using common
3216 names. It is introduced by the keyword @code{\chords}. It is similar
3217 to note mode, but words are also looked up in a chord modifier table
3218 (containing @code{maj}, @code{dim}, etc). Dashes and carets are used
3219 to indicate chord additions and subtractions, so articulation scripts
3220 can not be entered in Chord mode.
3222 Throughout these examples, chords have been shifted around the staff
3223 using @code{\transpose}.
3225 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3229 c:9 c:9-.5+.7+ c:3-.5-
3239 The second type of modifier that may appear after the @code{:} is a
3240 named modifier. Named modifiers are listed in the file
3241 @file{chord-modifiers.ly}. The available modifiers are @code{m} and
3242 @code{min} which lower the 3rd half a step, `@code{aug}' which
3243 raises the 5th, `@code{dim}' which lowers the 5th,
3244 `@code{maj}' which adds a raised 7th, and `@code{sus}'
3245 which replaces the 5th with a 4th.
3247 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3250 c1:m c:min7 c:maj c:aug c:dim c:sus
3256 Chord subtractions are used to eliminate notes from a chord. The
3257 notes to be subtracted are listed after a @code{^} character,
3260 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
3269 Chord inversions can be specified by appending `@code{/}' and the name
3270 of a single note to a chord. In a chord inversion, the inverted note is
3271 transposed down until it is the lowest note in the chord. If the note
3272 is not in the chord, a warning will be printed.
3274 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
3284 Bass notes can be added by `@code{/+}' and
3285 the name of a single note to a chord. This has the effect of
3286 adding the specified note to the chord, lowered by an octave,
3287 so it becomes the lowest note in the chord.
3289 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center]
3298 The formal syntax for named chords is as follows:
3300 @var{tonic}[@var{duration}][@code{-}@var{modifiers}][@code{^}@var{subtractions}][@code{/}@var{inversion}][@code{/+}@var{bass}].
3303 @var{tonic} should be the tonic note of the chord, and @var{duration} is
3304 the chord duration in the usual notation. There are two kinds of
3305 modifiers. One type is formed by @emph{chord additions}. Additions are
3306 obtained by listing intervals separated by dots. An interval is written
3307 by its number with an optional @code{+} or @code{-} to indicate raising
3308 or lowering by half a step. Chord additions have two effects: they adds
3309 the specified interval and all lower odd numbered intervals to the
3310 chord, and they may lower or raise the specified interval.
3315 Implementation details are gory. For example @code{c:4} not only adds
3316 a fourth, but also removes the third.
3319 @c . {Printing named chords}
3320 @node Printing named chords
3321 @subsection Printing named chords
3323 @cindex printing chord names
3327 For displaying printed chord names, use the @internalsref{ChordNames} context.
3328 The chords may be entered either using the notation described above, or
3329 directly using simultaneous music.
3331 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
3333 \chords {a1 b c} <<d f g>> <<e g b>>
3337 \context ChordNames \scheme
3338 \context Staff \transpose c c' \scheme
3343 You can make the chord changes stand out by setting
3344 @code{ChordNames.chordChanges} to true. This will only display chord
3345 names when there's a change in the chords scheme and at the start of a
3350 c1:m c:m \break c:m c:m d
3354 \context ChordNames {
3355 \property ChordNames.chordChanges = ##t
3357 \context Staff \transpose c c' \scheme
3359 \paper{linewidth= 9.\cm}
3363 LilyPond examines chords specified as lists of notes to determine a name
3364 to give the chord. LilyPond will not try to identify chord inversions or
3365 an added bass note, which may result in strange chord names when chords
3366 are entered as a list of pitches:
3368 @lilypond[verbatim,center,singleline]
3377 \context ChordNames \scheme
3378 \context Staff \scheme
3384 By default, a chord name system proposed by Harald Banter (See
3385 @ref{Literature}) is used. The system is very regular and predictable.
3386 Typical American style chord names may be selected by setting the
3387 @code{style} property of the @code{ChordNames.ChordName} object to
3388 @code{'american}. Similarly @code{'jazz} selects Jazz chordnames.
3390 Routines that determine the names to be printed are written in Scheme,
3391 and may be customized by the user. The code can be found in
3392 @file{scm/chord-name.scm}. Here's an example showing the differences in
3396 @c maybe just junk verbatim option?
3397 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline,noquote]
3407 \context ChordNames = banter \scheme
3408 \context ChordNames = american {
3409 \property ChordNames.ChordName \override
3410 #'style = #'american \scheme }
3411 \context ChordNames = jazz {
3412 \property ChordNames.ChordName \override
3413 #'style = #'jazz \scheme }
3414 \context Staff \transpose c c' \scheme
3421 @section Writing parts
3423 Orchestral music involves some special notation, both in the full score,
3424 as in the individual parts. This section explains how to tackle common
3425 problems in orchestral music.
3432 * Instrument names::
3434 * Multi measure rests::
3435 * Automatic part combining::
3436 * Hara kiri staves::
3437 * Sound output for transposing instruments::
3440 @c . {Rehearsal marks}
3441 @node Rehearsal marks
3442 @subsection Rehearsal marks
3443 @cindex Rehearsal marks
3445 @cindex @code{\mark}
3447 To print a rehearsal mark, use the @code{\mark} command.
3448 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3459 As you can see, the mark is incremented automatically if you use
3460 @code{\mark \default}. The value to use is stored in the property
3461 @code{rehearsalMark} is used and automatically incremented. The object
3462 is @internalsref{RehearsalMark} in @internalsref{Score} context. See
3463 @code{input/test/boxed-molecule.ly} if you need boxes around the
3466 The @code{\mark} command can also be used to put signs like coda,
3467 segno and fermatas on a barline. The trick is to use the text markup
3468 mechanism to access the fermata symbol.
3469 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,relative=1]
3470 c1 \mark #'(music "scripts-ufermata")
3474 The problem is that marks that occur at a line break are typeset only
3475 at the beginning of the next line, opposite to what you want for the
3476 fermata. This can be corrected by the following property setting
3478 \property Score.RehearsalMark \override
3479 #'visibility-lambda = #begin-of-line-invisible
3485 @cindex barlines, putting symbols on
3489 @subsection Bar numbers
3493 @cindex measure numbers
3494 @cindex currentBarNumber
3496 Bar numbers are printed by default at the start of the line. The
3497 number itself is a property that can be set by modifying the
3498 @code{currentBarNumber} property, although that is usually not
3501 \property Score.currentBarNumber = #217
3504 To typeset Bar Numbers at regular intervals instead of at the beginning of each line,
3505 you need to change the grob property @code{break-visibility} as well as the translator
3506 property @code{barNumberVisibility}, as illustrated in the following example which also
3507 adds a box around the bar numbers:
3509 \property Score.BarNumber \override #'break-visibility =
3510 #end-of-line-invisible
3511 \property Score.barNumberVisibility = #(every-nth-bar-number-visible 5)
3512 \property Score.BarNumber \override #'molecule-callback =
3513 #(make-molecule-boxer 0.1 0.25 0.25 Text_item::brew_molecule)
3514 \property Score.BarNumber \override #'font-relative-size = #0
3516 @lilypond[noindent,noquote]
3518 \context Staff \notes \transpose c c'' {
3519 \property Score.BarNumber \override #'break-visibility = #end-of-line-invisible
3520 \property Score.barNumberVisibility = #(every-nth-bar-number-visible 5)
3521 \property Score.BarNumber \override #'molecule-callback =
3522 #(make-molecule-boxer 0.1 0.25 0.25 Text_item::brew_molecule)
3523 \property Score.BarNumber \override #'font-relative-size = #0
3525 \repeat unfold 16 c1 \bar "|."
3530 See also @seeinternals{BarNumber}.
3534 Barnumbers can collide with the StaffGroup, if there is one at the
3535 top. To solve this, You have to twiddle with the
3536 @internalsref{padding} property of @internalsref{BarNumber} if your
3537 score starts with a @internalsref{StaffGroup}.
3539 @node Instrument names
3540 @subsection Instrument names
3542 In scores, the instrument name is printed before the staff. This can
3543 be done by setting @code{Staff.instrument} and
3544 @code{Staff.instr}. This will print a string before the start of the
3545 staff. For the first start, @code{instrument} is used, for the next
3546 ones @code{instr} is used.
3548 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
3549 \property Staff.instrument = "ploink " { c''4 }
3552 You can also use markup texts to construct more complicated instrument
3556 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
3558 '((font-relative-size . -2 ) (music "accidentals--1")))
3561 \property Staff.instrument = #`((kern . 0.5) (lines
3562 "2 Clarinetti" (columns " (B" ,text-flat ")")))
3570 When you put a name on a grand staff or piano staff the width of the
3571 brace is not taken into account. You must add extra spaces to the end of
3572 the name to avoid a collision.
3575 @subsection Transpose
3577 @cindex transposition of pitches
3578 @cindex @code{\transpose}
3580 A music expression can be transposed with @code{\transpose}. The syntax
3583 \transpose @var{from} @var{to} @var{musicexpr}
3586 This means that @var{musicexpr} is transposed to by the interval
3587 between @var{from} is @var{to}.
3589 @code{\transpose} distinguishes between enharmonic pitches: both
3590 @code{\transpose c cis} or @code{\transpose c des} will transpose up
3591 half a tone. The first version will print sharps and the second
3592 version will print flats.
3594 @lilypond[singleline, verbatim]
3595 mus =\notes { \key d \major cis d fis g }
3596 \score { \notes \context Staff {
3599 \transpose c g' \mus
3600 \transpose c f' \mus
3604 If you want to use both @code{\transpose} and @code{\relative}, then
3605 you must use @code{\transpose} first. @code{\relative} will have no
3606 effect music that appears inside a @code{\transpose}.
3608 @c . {Multi measure rests}
3609 @node Multi measure rests
3610 @subsection Multi measure rests
3611 @cindex Multi measure rests
3615 Multi measure rests are entered using `@code{R}'. It is specifically
3616 meant for full bar rests and for entering parts: the rest can expand to
3617 fill a score with rests, or it can be printed as a single multimeasure
3618 rest This expansion is controlled by the property
3619 @code{Score.skipBars}. If this is set to true, Lily will not expand
3620 empty measures, and the appropriate number is added automatically.
3622 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3623 \time 4/4 r1 | R1 | R1*2
3624 \property Score.skipBars = ##t R1*17 R1*4
3627 The @code{1} in @code{R1} is similar to the duration notation used for
3628 notes. Hence, for time signatures other than 4/4, you must enter other
3629 durations. This can be done with augmentation dots, or with
3632 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim]
3633 \property Score.skipBars = ##t
3640 Notice that a @code{R} spanning a single measure is printed as a whole
3641 rest centered in the measure, regardless of the time signature.
3643 [ add note about breves.]
3646 @cindex whole rests for a full measure
3648 The object for this object is @internalsref{MultiMeasureRest}, and
3649 @internalsref{MultiMeasureRestNumber}.
3653 Currently, there is no way to automatically condense multiple rests
3654 into a single multimeasure rest. Multi measure rests do not take part
3657 Multi-measure rests do not accept @var{note}-@code{text} syntax for
3658 putting texts and scripts on the rest. This has to be done by setting
3659 @code{#'text} in @internalsref{MultiMeasureRestNumber}. An identifier is
3660 provided for a fermata:
3662 @cindex text on multi-measure rest
3663 @cindex script on multi-measure rest
3664 @cindex fermata on multi-measure rest
3666 @lilypond[verbatim,fragment]
3668 \setMmRestFermata R2.
3672 @cindex condensing rests
3674 @node Automatic part combining
3675 @subsection Automatic part combining
3676 @cindex automatic part combining
3677 @cindex part combiner
3680 Automatic part combining is used to merge two parts of music onto a
3681 staff in an intelligent way. It is aimed primarily at typesetting
3682 orchestral scores. When the two parts are identical for a period of
3683 time, only one is shown. In places where the two parts differ, they
3684 are typeset as separate voices, and stem directions are set
3685 automatically. Also, solo and @emph{a due} parts can be identified
3688 The syntax for part combining is
3691 \partcombine @var{context} @var{musicexpr1} @var{musicexpr2}
3693 where the pieces of music @var{musicexpr1} and @var{musicexpr2} will be
3694 combined into one context of type @var{context}. The music expressions
3695 must be interpreted by contexts whose names should start with @code{one}
3698 The most useful function of the part combiner is to combine parts into
3699 one voice, as common for wind parts in orchestral scores:
3701 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline,fragment]
3703 \context Voice=one \partcombine Voice
3704 \context Thread=one \relative c'' {
3707 \context Thread=two \relative c'' {
3713 Notice that the first @code{g} appears only once, although it was
3714 specified twice (once in each part). Stem, slur and tie directions are
3715 set automatically, depending whether there is a solo or unisono. The
3716 first part (with context called @code{one}) always gets up stems, and
3717 `solo', while the second (called @code{two}) always gets down stems and
3720 If you just want the merging parts, and not the textual markings, you
3721 may set the property @var{soloADue} to false.
3723 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline,fragment]
3725 \property Staff.soloADue = ##f
3726 \context Voice=one \partcombine Voice
3727 \context Thread=one \relative c'' {
3730 \context Thread=two \relative c'' {
3736 There are a number of other properties that you can use to tweak the
3737 behavior of part combining, refer to the automatically generated
3738 documentation of @reng{Thread_devnull_engraver} and
3739 @reng{Voice_devnull_engraver}. Look at the documentation of the
3740 responsible engravers, @code{Thread_devnull_engraver},
3741 @code{Voice_devnull_engraver} and @code{A2_engraver}.
3745 In @code{soloADue} mode, when the two voices play the same notes on and
3746 off, the part combiner may typeset @code{a2} more than once in a
3749 @lilypond[fragment,singleline]
3751 \context Voice=one \partcombine Voice
3752 \context Thread=one \relative c'' {
3755 \context Thread=two \relative c'' {
3761 @cindex @code{Thread_devnull_engraver}
3762 @cindex @code{Voice_engraver}
3763 @cindex @code{A2_engraver}
3765 @node Hara kiri staves
3766 @subsection Hara kiri staves
3768 In orchestral scores, staff lines that only have rests are usually removed.
3769 This saves some space. LilyPond also supports this through the hara
3770 kiri@footnote{Hara kiri, also called Seppuku, is the ritual suicide of
3771 the Japanese Samourai warriors.} staff. This staff commits suicide when
3772 it finds itself to be empty after the line-breaking process. It will
3773 not disappear when it contains normal rests, you must use multi measure
3776 The hara kiri staff is specialized version of the @internalsref{Staff}
3777 context. It is available as the context identifier
3778 @code{\HaraKiriStaffContext}. Observe how the second staff in this
3779 example disappears in the second line.
3783 \notes \relative c' <
3784 \context Staff = SA { e4 f g a \break c1 }
3785 \context Staff = SB { c4 d e f \break R1 }
3789 \translator { \HaraKiriStaffContext }
3795 @node Sound output for transposing instruments
3796 @subsection Sound output for transposing instruments
3798 When you want to make a MIDI file from a score containing transposed
3799 and untransposed instruments, you have to instruct LilyPond the pitch
3800 offset (in semitones) for the transposed instruments. This is done
3801 using the @code{transposing} property. It does not affect printed
3804 @cindex @code{transposing}
3807 \property Staff.instrument = #"Cl. in B-flat"
3808 \property Staff.transposing = #-2
3814 @node Ancient notation
3815 @section Ancient notation
3817 @cindex Vaticana, Editio
3818 @cindex Medicaea, Editio
3824 * Ancient note heads::
3832 @node Ancient note heads
3833 @subsection Ancient note heads
3835 To get a longa note head, you have to use mensural note heads. This
3836 is accomplished by setting the @code{style} property of the
3837 NoteHead object to @code{mensural}. There is also a note head style
3838 @code{baroque} which gives mensural note heads for @code{\longa} and
3839 @code{\breve} but standard note heads for shorter notes.
3841 @lilypond[fragment,singleline,verbatim]
3842 \property Voice.NoteHead \set #'style = #'mensural
3847 @subsection Ancient clefs
3849 LilyPond supports a variety of clefs, many of them ancient.
3851 For modern clefs, see section @ref{Clef}. For the percussion clef, see
3852 section @ref{Percussion staves}. For the @code{TAB} clef, see section
3855 The following table shows all ancient clefs that are supported via the
3856 @code{\clef} command. Some of the clefs use the same glyph, but differ
3857 only with respect to the line they are printed on. In such cases, a
3858 trailing number in the name is used to enumerate these clefs. Still,
3859 you can manually force a clef glyph to be typeset on an arbitrary line,
3860 as described in section @ref{Clef}. The note printed to the right side
3861 of each clef denotes the @code{c'} with respect to the clef.
3865 @c --- This should go somewhere else: ---
3866 @c @item modern style G clef (glyph: @code{clefs-G})
3869 @c @code{treble}, @code{violin}, @code{G}, @code{G2}, @code{french}
3871 @c @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "G" c'}
3873 @c @item modern style F clef (glyph: @code{clefs-F})
3876 @c @code{varbaritone}, @code{bass}, @code{F}, @code{subbass}
3878 @c @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "F" c'}
3880 @c @item modern style C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-C})
3883 @c @code{soprano}, @code{mezzosoprano}, @code{alto}, @code{C},
3884 @c @code{tenor}, @code{baritone}
3886 @c @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "C" c'}
3888 @item modern style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-neo_mensural_c'})
3891 @code{neo_mensural_c1}, @code{neo_mensural_c2},
3892 @code{neo_mensural_c3}, @code{neo_mensural_c4}
3894 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "neo_mensural_c2" c'}
3896 @item petrucci style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_c1})
3902 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_c1" c'}
3904 @item petrucci style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_c2})
3910 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_c2" c'}
3912 @item petrucci style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_c3})
3918 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_c3" c'}
3920 @item petrucci style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_c4})
3926 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_c4" c'}
3928 @item petrucci style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_c5})
3934 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_c5" c'}
3936 @item petrucci style mensural F clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_f})
3941 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_f" c'}
3943 @item petrucci style mensural G clef (glyph: @code{clefs-petrucci_g})
3948 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "petrucci_g" c'}
3950 @item historic style mensural C clef (glyph: @code{clefs-mensural_c'})
3953 @code{mensural_c1}, @code{mensural_c2}, @code{mensural_c3},
3956 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "mensural_c2" c'}
3958 @item historic style mensural F clef (glyph: @code{clefs-mensural_f})
3963 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "mensural_f" c'}
3965 @item historic style mensural G clef (glyph: @code{clefs-mensural_g})
3970 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "mensural_g" c'}
3972 @item Editio Vaticana style do clef (glyph: @code{clefs-vaticana_do})
3975 @code{vaticana_do1}, @code{vaticana_do2}, @code{vaticana_do3}
3977 @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #4 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "vaticana_do2" c'}
3979 @item Editio Vaticana style fa clef (glyph: @code{clefs-vaticana_fa})
3982 @code{vaticana_fa1}, @code{vaticana_fa2}
3984 @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #4 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "vaticana_fa2" c'}
3986 @item Editio Medicaea style do clef (glyph: @code{clefs-medicaea_do})
3989 @code{medicaea_do1}, @code{medicaea_do2}, @code{medicaea_do3}
3991 @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #4 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "medicaea_do2" c'}
3993 @item Editio Medicaea style fa clef (glyph: @code{clefs-medicaea_fa})
3996 @code{medicaea_fa1}, @code{medicaea_fa2}
3998 @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #4 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "medicaea_fa2" c'}
4000 @item historic style hufnagel do clef (glyph: @code{clefs-hufnagel_do})
4003 @code{hufnagel_do1}, @code{hufnagel_do2}, @code{hufnagel_do3}
4005 @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #4 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "hufnagel_do2" c'}
4007 @item historic style hufnagel fa clef (glyph: @code{clefs-hufnagel_fa})
4010 @code{hufnagel_fa1}, @code{hufnagel_fa2}
4012 @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #4 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "hufnagel_fa2" c'}
4014 @item historic style hufnagel combined do/fa clef (glyph: @code{clefs-hufnagel_do_fa})
4017 @code{hufnagel_do_fa}
4019 @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "hufnagel_do_fa" c'}
4021 @c --- This should go somewhere else: ---
4022 @c @item modern style percussion clef (glyph: @code{clefs-percussion})
4025 @c @code{percussion}
4027 @c @lilypond[26pt]{\property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "percussion" c'}
4029 @c @item modern style tab clef (glyph: @code{clefs-tab})
4034 @c @lilypond[26pt]{\context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'staff-symbol-interface) #'line-count = #6 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'transparent = ##t \clef "tab" c'}
4038 @emph{Modern style} means ``as is typeset in current editions of
4039 transcribed mensural music''.
4041 @emph{Petrucci style} means ``inspired by printings published by the
4042 famous engraver Petrucci (1466-1539)''.
4044 @emph{Historic style} means ``as was typeset or written in contemporary
4045 historic editions (other than those of Petrucci)''.
4047 @emph{Editio XXX style} means ``as is/was printed in Editio XXX''.
4049 Petrucci used C clefs with differently balanced left-side vertical
4050 beams, depending on which staffline it was printed.
4053 @subsection Custodes
4058 A @emph{custos} (plural: @emph{custodes}; latin word for `guard') is a
4059 staff context symbol that appears at the end of a staff line. It
4060 anticipates the pitch of the first note(s) of the following line and
4061 thus helps the player or singer to manage line breaks during
4062 performance, thus enhancing readability of a score.
4064 @lilypond[verbatim,noquote]
4067 \property Staff.Custos \set #'style = #'mensural
4072 \consists Custos_engraver
4078 Custodes were frequently used in music notation until the 17th century.
4079 There were different appearances for different notation styles.
4080 Nowadays, they have survived only in special forms of musical notation
4081 such as via the @emph{editio vaticana} dating back to the beginning of
4084 For typesetting custodes, just put a @code{Custos_engraver} into the
4085 @internalsref{Staff} context when declaring the @code{\paper} block. In this
4086 block, you can also globally control the appearance of the custos symbol
4087 by setting the custos @code{style} property. Currently supported styles
4088 are @code{vaticana}, @code{medicaea}, @code{hufnagel} and
4095 \consists Custos_engraver
4096 Custos \override #'style = #'mensural
4101 The property can also be set locally, for example in a @code{\notes}
4106 \property Staff.Custos \override #'style = #'vaticana
4107 c'1 d' e' d' \break c' d' e' d'
4112 @subsection Ligatures
4116 @c TODO: Should double check if I recalled things correctly when I wrote
4117 @c down the following paragraph by heart.
4118 In musical terminology, a ligature is a coherent graphical symbol that
4119 represents at least two different notes. Ligatures originally appeared
4120 in the manuscripts of Gregorian chant notation roughly since the 9th
4121 century as an allusion to the accent symbols of greek lyric poetry to
4122 denote ascending or descending sequences of notes. Both, the shape and
4123 the exact meaning of ligatures changed tremendously during the following
4124 centuries: In early notation, ligatures where used for monophonic tunes
4125 (Gregorian chant) and very soon denoted also the way of performance in
4126 the sense of articulation. With upcoming multiphony, the need for a
4127 metric system arised, since multiple voices of a piece have to be
4128 synchronized some way. New notation systems were invented, that used
4129 the manifold shapes of ligatures to now denote rhythmical patterns
4130 (e.g. black mensural notation, mannered notation, ars nova). With the
4131 invention of the metric system of the white mensural notation, the need
4132 for ligatures to denote such patterns disappeared. Nevertheless,
4133 ligatures were still in use in the mensural system for a couple of
4134 decades until they finally disappeared during the late 16th / early 17th
4135 century. Still, ligatures have survived in contemporary editions of
4136 Gregorian chant such as the Editio Vaticana from 1905/08.
4138 Syntactically, ligatures are simply enclosed by @code{\[} and @code{\]}.
4139 Some ligature styles (such as Editio Vaticana) may need additional input
4140 syntax specific for this particular type of ligature. By default, the
4141 @internalsref{LigatureBracket} engraver just marks the start and end of
4142 a ligature by small square angles:
4144 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
4146 \notes \transpose c c' {
4154 To select a specific style of ligatures, a proper ligature engraver has
4155 to be added to the @internalsref{Voice} context, as explained in the
4156 following subsections. Currently, Lilypond only supports white mensural
4157 ligatures with certain limitations. Support for Editio Vaticana will be
4158 added in the future.
4161 * White mensural ligatures::
4164 @node White mensural ligatures
4165 @subsubsection White mensural ligatures
4167 @cindex Mensural ligatures
4168 @cindex White mensural ligatures
4170 Lilypond has limited support for white mensural ligatures. The
4171 implementation is still experimental; it currently may output strange
4172 warnings or even crash in some cases or produce weird results on more
4173 complex ligatures. To engrave white mensural ligatures, in the paper
4174 block the @internalsref{MensuralLigature} engraver has to be put into
4175 the @internalsref{Voice} context (and you probably want to remove the
4176 @internalsref{LigatureBracket} engraver). There is no additional input
4177 language to describe the shape of a white mensural ligature. The shape
4178 is rather determined solely from the pitch and duration of the enclosed
4179 notes. While this approach may take a new user quite a while to get
4180 accustomed, it has a great advantage: this way, lily has full musical
4181 information about the ligature. This is not only required for correct
4182 MIDI output, but also allows for automatic transcription of the
4187 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
4189 \notes \transpose c c' {
4190 \property Score.timing = ##f
4191 \property Score.defaultBarType = "empty"
4192 \property Voice.NoteHead \set #'style = #'neo_mensural
4193 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'style = #'neo_mensural
4195 \[ g\longa c\breve a\breve f\breve d'\longa \]
4197 \[ e1 f1 a\breve g\longa \]
4202 \remove Ligature_bracket_engraver
4203 \consists Mensural_ligature_engraver
4209 Without replacing @code{Ligature_bracket_engraver} with
4210 @code{Mensural_ligature_engraver}, the same music transcribes to the
4213 @lilypond[singleline,verbatim]
4215 \notes \transpose c c' {
4216 \property Score.timing = ##f
4217 \property Score.defaultBarType = "empty"
4218 \property Voice.NoteHead \set #'style = #'neo_mensural
4219 \property Staff.TimeSignature \set #'style = #'neo_mensural
4221 \[ g\longa c\breve a\breve f\breve d'\longa \]
4223 \[ e1 f1 a\breve g\longa \]
4229 @subsection Figured bass
4231 @cindex Basso continuo
4233 LilyPond has limited support for figured bass:
4235 @lilypond[verbatim,fragment]
4237 \context FiguredBass
4242 \context Voice { c4 g8 }
4246 The support for figured bass consists of two parts: there is an input
4247 mode, introduced by @code{\figures}, where you can enter bass figures
4248 as numbers, and there is a context called @internalsref{FiguredBass}
4249 that takes care of making @internalsref{BassFigure} objects.
4251 In figures input mode, a group of bass figures is delimited by
4252 @code{<} and @code{>}. The duration is entered after the @code{>}.
4257 \context FiguredBass
4261 Accidentals are added to the numbers if you alterate them by
4262 appending @code{-}, @code{!} and @code{+}.
4268 \context FiguredBass
4269 \figures { <4- 6+ 7!> }
4272 Spaces or dashes may be inserted by using @code{_}. Brackets are
4273 introduced with @code{[} and @code{]}.
4279 \context FiguredBass
4280 \figures { < [4 6] 8 [_ 12]> }
4283 Although the support for figured bass may superficially resemble chord
4284 support, it works much simpler: in figured bass simply stores the
4285 numbers, and then prints the numbers you entered. There is no
4286 conversion to pitches, and no realizations of the bass are played in
4290 @c . {Tuning output}
4292 @section Tuning output
4294 LilyPond tries to take as much formatting as possible out of your
4295 hands. Nevertheless, there are situations where it needs some help, or
4296 where you want to override its decisions. In this section we discuss
4297 ways to do just that.
4299 Formatting is internally done by manipulating so called objects (graphic
4300 objects). Each object carries with it a set of properties (object
4301 properties) specific to that object. For example, a stem object has
4302 properties that specify its direction, length and thickness.
4304 The most direct way of tuning the output is by altering the values of
4305 these properties. There are two ways of doing that: first, you can
4306 temporarily change the definition of a certain type of object, thus
4307 affecting a whole set of objects. Second, you can select one specific
4308 object, and set a object property in that object.
4311 * Tuning groups of objects ::
4312 * Tuning per object ::
4317 @node Tuning groups of objects
4318 @subsection Tuning groups of objects
4320 @cindex object description
4322 A object definition is a Scheme association list, that is stored in a
4323 context property. By assigning to that property (using plain
4324 @code{\property}), you can change the resulting objects.
4326 @lilypond[verbatim, fragment]
4327 c'4 \property Voice.Stem = #'()
4330 The @code{\property} assignment effectively empties the definition of
4331 the Stem object. One of the effects is that the recipe of how it should be
4332 printed is erased, with the effect of rendering it invisible. The above
4333 assignment is available as a standard identifier, for the case that you
4337 \property Voice.Stem = \turnOff
4344 This mechanism is fairly crude, since you can only set, but not modify,
4345 the definition of a object. For this reason, there is a more advanced
4348 The definition of a object is actually a list of default object
4349 properties. For example, the definition of the Stem object (available in
4350 @file{scm/grob-description.scm}), defines the following values for
4355 (beamed-lengths . (0.0 2.5 2.0 1.5))
4356 (Y-extent-callback . ,Stem::height)
4360 You can add a property on top of the existing definition, or remove a
4361 property, thus overriding the system defaults:
4363 c'4 \property Voice.Stem \override #'thickness = #4.0
4364 c'4 \property Voice.Stem \revert #'thickness
4367 You should balance @code{\override} and @code{\revert}. If that's too
4368 much work, you can use the @code{\set} shorthand. It performs a revert
4369 followed by an override. The following example gives exactly the same
4370 result as the previous one.
4372 c'4 \property Voice.Stem \set #'thickness = #4.0
4373 c'4 \property Voice.Stem \set #'thickness = #0.8
4376 If you use @code{\set}, you must explicitly restore the default.
4379 Formally the syntax for these constructions is
4381 \property @var{context}.@var{grobname} \override @var{symbol} = @var{value}
4382 \property @var{context}.@var{grobname} \set @var{symbol} = @var{value}
4383 \property @var{context}.@var{grobname} \revert @var{symbol}
4385 Here @var{symbol} is a Scheme expression of symbol type, @var{context}
4386 and @var{grobname} are strings and @var{value} is a Scheme expression.
4389 If you revert a setting which was not set in the first place, then it
4390 has no effect. However, if the setting was set as a system default, it
4391 may remove the default value, and this may give surprising results,
4392 including crashes. In other words, @code{\override} and @code{\revert},
4393 must be carefully balanced.
4395 These are examples of correct nesting of @code{\override}, @code{\set},
4398 A clumsy but correct form:
4400 \override \revert \override \revert \override \revert
4403 Shorter version of the same:
4405 \override \set \set \revert
4408 A short form, using only @code{\set}. This requires you to know the
4411 \set \set \set \set @var{to default value}
4414 If there is no default (i.e. by default, the object property is unset),
4417 \set \set \set \revert
4420 For the digirati, the object description is an Scheme association
4421 list. Since a Scheme list is a singly linked list, we can treat it as a
4422 stack, and @code{\override} and @code{\revert} are just push and pop
4423 operations. This pushing and popping is also used for overriding
4424 automatic beaming settings.
4428 LilyPond will hang or crash if @var{value} contains cyclic references.
4429 The backend is not very strict in type-checking object properties. If you
4430 @code{\revert} properties that are expected to be set by default,
4436 @node Tuning per object
4437 @subsection Tuning per object
4440 Tuning a single object is most often done with @code{\property}. The
4443 \once \property @dots{}
4446 applies a setting only during one moment in the score: notice how the
4447 original setting for stem thickness is restored automatically in the
4450 @lilypond[verbatim, fragment, relative=1]
4452 \once \property Voice.Stem \set #'thickness = #4
4458 @cindex \outputproperty
4460 A second way of tuning objects is the more arcane @code{\outputproperty}
4461 feature. The syntax is as follows:
4463 \outputproperty @var{predicate} @var{symbol} = @var{value}
4465 Here @code{predicate} is a Scheme function taking a object argument, and
4466 returning a boolean. This statement is processed by the
4467 @code{Output_property_engraver}. It instructs the engraver to feed all
4468 objects that it sees to @var{predicate}. Whenever the predicate returns
4469 true, the object property @var{symbol} will be set to @var{value}.
4471 This command is only single shot, in contrast to @code{\override} and
4474 You will need to combine this statement with @code{\context} to select
4475 the appropriate context to apply this to.
4477 In the following example, all note heads occurring at current staff
4478 level, are shifted up and right by setting their @code{extra-offset}
4481 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,singleline]
4483 \context Staff \outputproperty
4484 #(make-type-checker 'note-head-interface)
4485 #'extra-offset = #'(0.5 . 0.75)
4489 @cindex @code{extra-offset}
4491 In this example, the predicate checks the @code{text} object property, to
4492 shift only the `m.d.' text, but not the fingering instruction "2".
4493 @lilypond[verbatim,singleline]
4494 #(define (make-text-checker text)
4495 (lambda (grob) (equal? text (ly:get-grob-property grob 'text))))
4498 \notes\relative c''' {
4499 \property Voice.Stem \set #'direction = #1
4500 \outputproperty #(make-text-checker "m.d.")
4501 #'extra-offset = #'(-3.5 . -4.5)
4509 If possible, avoid this feature: the semantics are not very clean, and
4510 the syntax and semantics are up for rewrite.
4515 @node Font selection
4516 @subsection Font selection
4518 The most common thing to change about the appearance of fonts is
4519 their size. The font size of a @internalsref{Voice},
4520 @internalsref{Staff} or @internalsref{Thread} context, can be easily
4521 changed by setting the @code{fontSize} property for that context:
4522 @lilypond[fragment,relative=1]
4523 c4 c4 \property Voice.fontSize = #-1
4526 This command will not change the size of variable symbols, such as
4527 beams or slurs. You can use this command to get smaller symbol for
4528 cue notes, but that involves some more subtleties. An elaborate
4529 example of those is in @file{input/test/cue-notes.ly}.
4537 The font used for printing a object can be selected by setting
4538 @code{font-name}, e.g.
4540 \property Staff.TimeSignature
4541 \set #'font-name = #"cmr17"
4543 You may use any font which is available to @TeX{}, such as foreign
4544 fonts or fonts that do not belong to the Computer Modern font family.
4545 Font selection for the standard fonts, @TeX{}'s Computer Modern fonts,
4546 can also be adjusted with a more fine-grained mechanism. By setting
4547 the object properties described below, you can select a different font.
4548 All three mechanisms work for every object that supports
4549 @code{font-interface}.
4553 A symbol indicating the general class of the typeface. Supported are
4554 @code{roman} (Computer Modern), @code{braces} (for piano staff
4555 braces), @code{music} (the standard music font), @code{ancient} (the
4556 ancient notation font) @code{dynamic} (font for dynamic signs) and
4560 A symbol indicating the shape of the font, there are typically several
4561 font shapes available for each font family. Choices are @code{italic},
4562 @code{caps} and @code{upright}
4565 A symbol indicating the series of the font. There are typically several
4566 font series for each font family and shape. Choices are @code{medium}
4569 @item font-relative-size
4570 A number indicating the size relative the standard size. For example,
4571 with 20pt staff height, relative size -1 corresponds to 16pt staff
4572 height, and relative size +1 corresponds to 23 pt staff height.
4574 @item font-design-size
4575 A number indicating the design size of the font.
4577 This is a feature of the Computer Modern Font: each point size has a
4578 slightly different design. Smaller design sizes are relatively wider,
4579 which enhances readability.
4582 For any of these properties, the value @code{*} (i.e. the @emph{symbol},
4583 @code{*}, entered as @code{#'*}), acts as a wildcard. This can be used
4584 to override default setting, which are always present. For example:
4586 \property Lyrics.LyricText \override #'font-series = #'bold
4587 \property Lyrics.LyricText \override #'font-family = #'typewriter
4588 \property Lyrics.LyricText \override #'font-shape = #'*
4591 @cindex @code{font-style}
4593 There are also pre-cooked font selection qualifiers. These are
4594 selected through the object property @code{font-style}. For example,
4595 the style @code{finger} selects family @code{number} and relative size
4596 @code{-3}. Styles available include @code{volta}, @code{finger},
4597 @code{tuplet}, @code{timesig}, @code{mmrest}, @code{script},
4598 @code{large}, @code{Large} and @code{dynamic}. The style sheets and
4599 tables for selecting fonts are located in @file{scm/font.scm}. Refer
4600 to this file for more information.
4602 @cindex magnification
4604 The size of the font may be scaled with the object property
4605 @code{font-magnification}. For example, @code{2.0} blows up all
4606 letters by a factor 2 in both directions.
4610 Relative size is not linked to any real size.
4612 There is no style sheet provided for other fonts besides the @TeX{}
4613 family, and the style sheet can not be modified easiyl.
4615 @cindex font selection
4616 @cindex font magnification
4617 @cindex @code{font-interface}
4621 @subsection Text markup
4625 LilyPond has an internal mechanism to typeset texts. You can
4626 form text markup expressions by composing scheme expressions
4627 in the following way.
4629 @lilypond[verbatim, singleline]
4634 c^#'(italic "italic")
4635 d_#'((bold italic) "ff")
4637 f_#'(lines "one" (bold "two"))
4638 g^#'(music "noteheads-2" ((raise . 2.4) "flags-u3"))
4642 Normally, the Scheme markup text is stored in the @code{text} property
4643 of a object. Formally, it is defined as follows:
4646 text: string | (head? text+)
4647 head: markup | (markup+)
4648 markup-item: property | abbrev
4649 property: (@var{key} . @var{value})
4650 abbrev: @code{columns lines roman music bold italic named super sub}
4651 @code{overstrike text finger volta timesig mmrest mark script}
4652 @code{large Large dynamic}
4655 The markup is broken down and converted into a list of object properties,
4656 which are prepended to the property list. The @var{key}-@var{value}
4657 pair is a object property. A list of properties available is included in
4658 the generated documentation for @internalsref{text-interface}.
4660 The following abbreviations are defined:
4663 horizontal mode: set all text on one line (default)
4665 vertical mode: set every text on a new line
4669 selects the Feta font (the standard font for music notation glyphs),
4670 and uses named lookup
4677 lookup by character name
4679 plain text lookup (by character value)
4685 the next text or character overstrikes this one
4687 select fingering number fontstyle
4689 select volta number fontstyle
4691 select time signature number fontstyle
4693 select multi measure rest number fontstyle
4695 select mark number fontstyle
4697 select scriptsize roman fontstyle
4699 select large roman fontstyle
4701 select Large roman fontstyle
4703 select dynamics fontstyle
4707 @cindex metronome mark
4709 One practical application of complicated markup is to fake a metronome
4713 #(define note '(columns
4714 (music "noteheads-2" ((kern . -0.1) "flags-stem"))))
4715 #(define eight-note `(columns ,note ((kern . -0.1)
4716 (music ((raise . 3.5) "flags-u3")))))
4717 #(define dotted-eight-note
4718 `(columns ,eight-note (music "dots-dot")))
4721 \notes\relative c'' {
4722 a1^#`((columns (font-relative-size . -1))
4723 ,dotted-eight-note " = 64")
4729 TextScript \override #'font-shape = #'upright
4737 The syntax and semantics of markup texts are not clean, and both
4738 syntax and semantics are slated for a rewrite.
4740 LilyPond does not do kerning, and there generally spaces texts
4746 @section Global layout
4748 The global layout determined by three factors: the page layout, the
4749 line breaks and the spacing. These all influence each other: The
4750 choice of spacing determines how densely each system of music is set,
4751 where line breaks breaks are chosen, and thus ultimately how many
4752 pages a piece of music takes. In this section we will explain how the
4753 lilypond spacing engine works, and how you can tune its results.
4755 Globally spoken, this procedure happens in three steps: first,
4756 flexible distances (``springs'') are chosen, based on durations. All
4757 possible line breaking combination are tried, and the one with the
4758 best results---a layout that has uniform density and requires as
4759 little stretching or cramping as possible---is chosen. When the score
4760 is processed by @TeX{}, page are filled with systems, and page breaks
4761 are chosen whenever the page gets full.
4764 * Vertical spacing::
4765 * Horizontal spacing::
4772 @node Vertical spacing
4773 @subsection Vertical spacing
4775 @cindex vertical spacing
4776 @cindex distance between staves
4777 @cindex staff distance
4778 @cindex between staves, distance
4779 @cindex staffs per page
4782 The height of each system is determined automatically by lilypond, to
4783 keep systems from bumping into each other, some minimum distances are
4784 set. By changing these, you can put staves closer together, and thus
4785 put more systems onto one page.
4787 Normally staves are stacked vertically. To make
4788 staves maintain a distance, their vertical size is padded. This is
4789 done with the property @code{minimumVerticalExtent}. It takes a pair
4790 of numbers, so if you want to make it smaller from its, then you could
4793 \property Staff.minimumVerticalExtent = #'(-4 . 4)
4795 This sets the vertical size of the current staff to 4 staff-space on
4796 either side of the center staff line. The argument of
4797 @code{minimumVerticalExtent} is interpreted as an interval, where the
4798 center line is the 0, so the first number is generally negative. you
4799 could also make the staff larger at the bottom by setting it to
4800 @code{(-6 . 4)}. The default value is @code{(-6 . 6)}.
4802 Vertical aligment of staves is handled by the
4803 @internalsref{VerticalAlignment} object, which lives at
4804 @internalsref{Score} level.
4806 The piano staves are handled a little differently: to make cross-staff
4807 beaming work correctly, it necessary that the distance between staves
4808 is fixed. This is also done with a @internalsref{VerticalAlignment}
4809 object, created in @internalsref{PianoStaff}, but a forced distance is
4810 set. This is done with the object property #'forced-distance. If you
4811 want to override this, use a @code{\translator} block as follows:
4815 VerticalAlignment \override #'forced-distance = #9
4818 This would bring the staves together at a distance of 9 staff spaces,
4819 and again this is measured from the center line of each staff.
4823 @node Horizontal spacing
4824 @subsection Horizontal Spacing
4826 The spacing engine translates differences in durations into
4827 stretchable distances (``springs'') of differing lengths. Longer
4828 durations get more space, shorter durations get less. The basis for
4829 assigning spaces to durations, is that the shortest durations get a
4830 fixed amount of space, and the longer durations get more: doubling a
4831 duration adds a fixed amount of space to the note.
4833 For example, the following piece contains lots of half, quarter and
4834 8th notes, the eighth note is followed by 1 note head width. The The
4835 quarter note is followed by 2 NHW, the half by 3 NHW, etc.
4836 @lilypond[fragment, verbatim, relative=1]
4837 c2 c4. c8 c4. c8 c4. c8 c8 c8 c4 c4 c4
4840 These two amounts of space are @code{shortest-duration-space}
4841 @code{spacing-increment}, object properties of
4842 @internalsref{SpacingSpanner}. Normally @code{spacing-increment} is
4843 set to 1.2, which is the width of a note head, and
4844 @code{shortest-duration-space} is set to 2.0, meaning that the
4845 shortest note gets 2 noteheads of space. For normal notes, this space
4846 is always counted from the left edge of the symbol, so the short notes
4847 in a score is generally followed by one note head width of space.
4849 If one would follow the above procedure exactly, then adding a single
4850 32th note to a score that uses 8th and 16th notes, would widen up the
4851 entire score a lot. The shortest note is no longer a 16th, but a 64th,
4852 thus adding 2 noteheads of space to every note. To prevent this, the
4853 shortest duration for spacing is not the shortest note in the score,
4854 but the most commonly found shortest note. Notes that are even
4855 shorter this are followed by a space that is proportonial to their
4856 duration relative to the common shortest note. So if we were to add
4857 only a few 16th notes to the example above, they would be followed by
4860 @lilypond[fragment, verbatim, relative=1]
4861 c2 c4. c8 c4. [c16 c] c4. c8 c8 c8 c4 c4 c4
4864 The most common shortest duration is determined as follows: in every
4865 measure, the shortest duration is determined. The most common short
4866 duration, is taken as the basis for the spacing, with the stipulation
4867 that this shortest duration should always be equal to or shorter than
4868 1/8th note. The shortest duration is printed when you run lilypond
4869 with @code{--verbose}. These durations may also be customized. If you
4870 set the @code{common-shortest-duration} in
4871 @internalsref{SpacingSpanner}, then this sets the base duration for
4872 spacing. The maximum duration for this base (normally 1/8th), is set
4873 through @code{base-shortest-duration}.
4875 @cindex @code{common-shortest-duration}
4876 @cindex @code{base-shortest-duration}
4877 @cindex @code{stem-spacing-correction}
4878 @cindex @code{spacing}
4880 In the introduction it was explained that stem directions influence
4881 spacing. This is controlled with @code{stem-spacing-correction} in
4882 @internalsref{NoteSpacing}. The @code{StaffSpacing} object contains the
4883 same property for controlling the stem/barline spacing. In the
4884 following example shows these corrections, once with default settings,
4885 and once with exaggerated corrections.
4891 \property Staff.NoteSpacing \override #'stem-spacing-correction
4893 \property Staff.StaffSpacing \override #'stem-spacing-correction
4898 \paper { linewidth = -1. } }
4905 Spacing is determined on a score wide basis. If you have a score that
4906 changes its character (measured in durations) half way during the
4907 score, the part containing the longer durations will be spaced too
4910 Generating optically pleasing spacing is black magic. LilyPond tries
4911 to deal with a number of frequent cases. Here is an example that is
4912 not handled correctly, due to the combination of chord collisions and
4917 \context PianoStaff \notes \transpose c c'' <
4918 \context Staff = up { s1 }
4919 \context Staff = down { [c8 c \translator Staff=up <<c d>> c
4920 \translator Staff=down c c c] }
4922 \paper { linewidth = -1 }
4929 @subsection Font size
4930 @cindex font size, setting
4931 @cindex staff size, setting
4932 @cindex @code{paper} file
4934 The Feta font provides musical symbols at seven different sizes.
4935 These fonts are 11 point, 13 point, 16 point, 19 pt, 20 point, 23
4936 point, and 26 point. The point size of a font is the height of the
4937 five lines in a staff when displayed in the font.
4939 Definitions for these sizes are the files @file{paperSZ.ly}, where
4940 @code{SZ} is one of 11, 13, 16, 19, 20, 23 and 26. If you include any
4941 of these files, the identifiers @code{paperEleven},
4942 @code{paperThirteen}, @code{paperSixteen}, @code{paperNineteen},
4943 @code{paperTwenty}, @code{paperTwentythree}, and @code{paperTwentysix}
4944 are defined respectively. The default @code{\paper} block is also
4945 set. These files should be imported at toplevel, i.e.
4947 \include "paper26.ly"
4951 The font definitions are generated using a Scheme function. For more
4952 details, see the file @file{scm/font.scm}.
4957 @subsection Line breaking
4960 @cindex breaking lines
4962 Line breaks are normally computed automatically. They are chosen such
4963 that it looks neither cramped nor loose, and that consecutive lines have
4966 Occasionally you might want to override the automatic breaks; you can
4967 do this by specifying @code{\break}. This will force a line break at
4968 this point. Line breaks can only occur at places where there are bar
4969 lines. If you want to have a line break where there is no bar line,
4970 you can force an invisible bar line by entering @code{\bar
4971 ""}. Similarly, @code{\noBreak} forbids a line break at a certain
4975 @cindex regular line breaks
4976 @cindex four bar music.
4978 If you want linebreaks at regular intervals, you can use the following:
4980 < \repeat 7 unfold @{ s1 * 4 \break @}
4984 This makes the following 28 measures (assuming 4/4 time) be broken every
4988 @subsection Page layout
4991 @cindex breaking pages
4993 @cindex @code{indent}
4994 @cindex @code{linewidth}
4996 The most basic settings influencing the spacing are @code{indent} and
4997 @code{linewidth}. They are set in the @code{\paper} block. They
4998 control the indentation of the first line of music, and the lengths of
4999 the lines. If @code{linewidth} set to a negative value, a single
5000 unjustified line is produced. A similar effect for scores that are
5001 longer than one line, can be produced by setting @code{raggedright} to
5002 true in the @code{\paper} block.
5006 The page layout process happens outside lilypond. Ly2dvi sets page
5007 layout instructions. Ly2dvi responds to the following variables in the
5008 @code{\paper} block. The variable @code{textheight} sets the total
5009 height of the music on each page. The spacing between systems is
5010 controlled with @code{interscoreline}, its default is 16pt.
5011 The distance between the score lines will stretch in order to fill the
5012 full page @code{interscorelinefill} is set to a positive number. In
5013 that case @code{interscoreline} specifies the minimum spacing.
5015 @cindex @code{textheight}
5016 @cindex @code{interscoreline}
5017 @cindex @code{interscorelinefill}
5019 If the variable @code{lastpagefill} is defined (that is, it gets any
5020 value assigned in the @code{\paper} block), systems are evenly
5021 distributed vertically on the last page. This might produce ugly
5022 results in case there are not enough systems on the last page. Note
5023 that @command{lilypond-book} ignores @code{lastpagefill}. See
5024 @ref{Integrating text and music with lilypond-book} for
5027 @cindex @code{lastpagefill}
5029 Page breaks are normally computed by @TeX{}, so they are not under
5030 direct control of LilyPond. However, you can insert a commands into
5031 the @file{.tex} output to instruct @TeX{} where to break pages. You
5032 can insert a @code{\newpage} from within lilypond. This is done by
5033 setting the @code{between-systems-strings} on the
5034 @internalsref{NonMusicalPaperColumn} where the system is broken.
5038 @cindex @code{papersize}
5040 To change the paper size, you must first set the
5041 @code{papersize} paper variable variable. Set it to
5042 the strings @code{a4}, @code{letter}, or @code{legal}. After this
5043 specification, you must set the font as described above. If you want
5044 the default font, then use the 20 point font.
5047 \paper@{ papersize = "a4" @}
5048 \include "paper16.ly"
5051 The file @code{paper16.ly} will now include a file named @file{a4.ly}, which
5052 will set the paper variables @code{hsize} and @code{vsize} (used by
5053 Lilypond and @code{ly2dvi})
5063 LilyPond can produce MIDI output. The performance lacks lots of
5064 interesting effects, such as swing, articulation, slurring, etc., but it
5065 is good enough for proof-hearing the music you have entered. Ties,
5066 dynamics and tempo changes are interpreted.
5068 Dynamic marks, crescendi and decrescendi translate into MIDI volume
5069 levels. Dynamic marks translate to a fixed fraction of the available
5070 MIDI volume range, crescendi and decrescendi make the the volume vary
5071 linearly between their two extremities. The fractions be adjusted by
5072 overriding the @code{absolute-volume-alist} defined in
5073 @file{scm/midi.scm}.
5075 For each type of musical instrument (that MIDI supports), a volume range
5076 can be defined. This gives you basic equalizer control, which can
5077 enhance the quality of the MIDI output remarkably. You can add
5078 instruments and ranges or change the default settings by overriding the
5079 @code{instrument-equalizer-alist} defined in @file{scm/midi.scm}.
5081 Both loudness controls are combined to produce the final MIDI volume.
5085 * MIDI instrument names::
5090 @subsection MIDI block
5094 The MIDI block is analogous to the paper block, but it is somewhat
5095 simpler. The @code{\midi} block can contain:
5099 @item a @code{\tempo} definition
5100 @item context definitions
5103 Assignments in the @code{\midi} block are not allowed.
5107 @cindex context definition
5109 Context definitions follow precisely the same syntax as within the
5110 \paper block. Translation modules for sound are called performers.
5111 The contexts for MIDI output are defined in @file{ly/performer-init.ly}.
5114 @node MIDI instrument names
5115 @subsection MIDI instrument names
5117 @cindex instrument names
5118 @cindex @code{Staff.midiInstrument}
5119 @cindex @code{Staff.instrument}
5121 The MIDI instrument name is set by the @code{Staff.midiInstrument}
5122 property or, if that property is not set, the @code{Staff.instrument}
5123 property. The instrument name should be chosen from the list in
5124 @ref{MIDI instruments}.
5128 If the selected string does not exactly match, then LilyPond uses the
5129 default (Grand Piano). It is not possible to select an instrument by