1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
3 Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH
5 When revising a translation, copy the HEAD committish of the
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12 @node Fretted string instruments
13 @section Fretted string instruments
15 @lilypondfile[quote]{fretted-headword.ly}
17 This section discusses several aspects of music notation that are unique
18 to fretted string instruments.
21 @cindex tablature, guitar
22 @cindex tablature, banjo
23 @cindex guitar tablature
24 @cindex banjo tablature
27 * Common notation for fretted strings::
32 @node Common notation for fretted strings
33 @subsection Common notation for fretted strings
35 This section discusses common notation that is unique
36 to fretted string instruments.
39 * References for fretted strings::
40 * String number indications::
41 * Default tablatures::
43 * Fret diagram markups::
44 * Predefined fret diagrams::
45 * Automatic fret diagrams::
46 * Right-hand fingerings::
49 @node References for fretted strings
50 @unnumberedsubsubsec References for fretted strings
52 Music for fretted string instruments is normally notated on
53 a single staff, either in traditional music notation or in
54 tablature. Sometimes the two types are combined, and it is
55 especially common in popular music to use chord diagrams above
56 a staff of traditional notation. The guitar and the banjo are
57 transposing instruments, sounding an octave lower than written.
58 Scores for these instruments should use the @code{"treble_8"} clef
59 (or @code{\transposition c} to get correct MIDI output).
60 Some other elements pertinent to fretted string instruments
61 are covered elsewhere:
64 @item Fingerings are indicated as shown in
65 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
67 @item Instructions for @notation{Laissez vibrer} ties
68 as well as ties on arpeggios and tremolos can be found in
71 @item Instructions for handling multiple voices can be found
72 in @ref{Collision resolution}.
74 @item Instructions for indicating harmonics can be found in
82 @ref{Fingering instructions},
84 @ref{Collision resolution},
85 @ref{Instrument names},
86 @ref{Writing music in parallel},
88 @ref{List of articulations},
90 @ref{Instrument transpositions}.
93 @node String number indications
94 @unnumberedsubsubsec String number indications
96 @cindex string numbers
97 @cindex string vs. fingering numbers
98 @cindex fingering vs. string numbers
100 The string on which a note should be played may be indicated by
101 appending @code{\@var{number}} to a note inside a chord construct
104 @warning{String numbers @strong{must} be defined inside a chord
105 construct even if there is only a single note.}
107 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=0]
113 When fingerings and string indications are used together, their
114 placement is controlled by the order in which the two items appear
117 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
125 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
126 {controlling-the-placement-of-chord-fingerings.ly}
128 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
129 {allowing-fingerings-to-be-printed-inside-the-staff.ly}
134 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
137 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
140 @rinternals{StringNumber},
141 @rinternals{Fingering}.
144 @node Default tablatures
145 @unnumberedsubsubsec Default tablatures
147 @cindex tablatures, basic
148 @cindex tablatures, default
153 Music for plucked string instruments is frequently notated using a
154 finger/touch notation or tablature. In contrast to traditional
155 notation pitches are not denoted with note heads, but by numbers (or
156 letter-like symbols in historical intavolatura). The staff lines
157 in tablature indicate the string on which the note is to be played,
158 and a number placed on a staff line indicated the fret at which
159 the corresponding string is to be pressed.
160 Notes that are to be played simultaneously are vertically aligned.
162 By default, string 1 is the highest string, and corresponds to the top
163 line on the @code{TabStaff}. The tuning of the @code{TabStaff}
164 strings defaults to the
165 standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings). The notes are printed as
166 tablature, by using @code{TabStaff} and @code{TabVoice} contexts. A
167 calligraphic tablature clef is added automatically.
169 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
170 \new TabStaff \relative c' {
176 Default tablatures do not contain any symbols for tone duration nor any
177 other musical symbols such as e.g. expressive marks.
179 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
191 \new Staff { \clef "G_8" \symbols }
192 \new TabStaff { \symbols }
197 @funindex \tabFullNotation
199 If all musical symbols used in traditional notation should also show up
200 in tablature one has to apply the command @code{\tabFullNotation} in a
201 @code{TabStaff}-context. Please bear in mind that half notes are
202 double-stemmed in tablature in order to distinguish them from quarter
205 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
225 @funindex minimumFret
227 By default pitches are assigned to the lowest playing position on the
228 fret-board (first position). Open strings are automatically preferred.
229 If you would like a certain pitch to be played on a specific string
230 you can add a string number indication to the pitch name. If you
231 define pitch names and string numbers without a chord construct
232 (@code{<>}) the string number indications do not appear in traditional
233 notation. It is much more comfortable to define the playing position
234 by using the value of @code{minimumFret}. The default value for
238 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
240 \new Staff \relative c {
244 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
247 \new TabStaff \relative c {
249 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
250 \set TabStaff.minimumFret = #5
256 @funindex \tabChordRepetition
258 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
259 @code{q}. To use this feature in combination with tablature,
260 @code{\tabChordRepetition} is provided. It preserves the string
261 information explicitly given within chord constructs so repeated chords
262 get identical tablature representations.
264 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
267 guitar = \relative c' {
268 r8 <gis\4 cis\3 b\2>~ q4 q8~ q q4
274 \override Voice.StringNumber #'transparent = ##t
284 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
285 the second alternative of a repeat.
287 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
288 ties = \relative c' {
295 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
322 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
324 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
325 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
327 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
328 ties = \relative c' {
334 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
350 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
362 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
363 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
364 @cindex slides in tablature notation
365 @cindex tablature and slides
366 @cindex chord glissandi
368 @funindex \harmonicByFret
369 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
371 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
374 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
382 \new Staff { \firstHarmonic }
383 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
388 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be defined
389 inside a chord construct. It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
390 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
391 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
392 fretting hand should touch a string.
394 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
396 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
397 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
398 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
399 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
403 \new Staff { \fretHarmonics }
404 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
409 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
410 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
412 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
414 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
415 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
416 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
420 \new Staff { \ratioHarmonics }
421 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
429 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
430 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
432 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
433 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
435 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
436 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
438 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
439 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
441 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
442 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
444 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
445 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
455 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
458 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
459 @rinternals{TabStaff},
460 @rinternals{TabVoice},
466 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
467 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
470 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
471 specially-created voices:
473 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
474 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
477 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
478 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
479 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
480 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
486 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
488 @node Custom tablatures
489 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
491 @cindex tablatures, custom
492 @cindex tablature, banjo
493 @cindex tablature, mandolin
494 @cindex tablature, guitar
495 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
496 @cindex tablature, ukulele
497 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
498 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
499 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
500 @cindex tablature, violin
501 @cindex tablature, viola
502 @cindex tablature, cello
503 @cindex tablature, bass
504 @cindex tablature, double bass
506 @funindex stringTunings
508 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
509 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
510 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
511 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
512 @code{stringTunings} property.
514 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
515 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
516 LilyPond automatically sets
517 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
518 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
521 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
530 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #bass-tuning
538 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
539 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
540 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
541 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
542 are found in @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}.
544 @funindex stringTuning
545 @funindex \stringTuning
546 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
547 @cindex custom string tunings
549 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
550 @code{\stringTuning} function can be
551 used to define a string tuning which can be used
552 to set @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
554 Its argument is a chord construct
555 defining the pitches of each string in the tuning.
556 The chord construct must be in absolute octave mode,
557 see @ref{Absolute octave entry}. The string
558 with the highest number (generally the lowest string) must
559 come first in the chord. For example, we can
560 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
561 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
563 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
576 \set stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
582 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
583 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
585 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
586 for predefined fret diagrams
587 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}).
589 The previous example could also be written as follows:
591 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
592 "custom-tuning" = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
605 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
611 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
612 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
613 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
614 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
615 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
616 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
618 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
619 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
620 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
622 @code{\stringTuning} creates such an object from chord input.
624 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
625 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
626 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
627 in @code{stringTunings}.
629 To let all TabStaff contexts use the same custom tuning by default,
636 stringTunings = \stringTuning \notemode @{ <c' g' d'' a''> @}
642 @cindex moderntab clef
643 @cindex clef, moderntab
647 A modern tab clef can also be used.
649 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
659 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
663 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
664 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
665 @ref{Scheme functions}.
668 @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}
669 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
672 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
675 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
678 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
679 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
680 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
682 @node Fret diagram markups
683 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
685 @cindex fret diagrams
686 @cindex chord diagrams
687 @cindex diagrams, fret
688 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
689 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
690 @cindex custom fret diagrams
692 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
693 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
694 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
695 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
696 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
697 information in the markup string. Details about the
698 syntax of the different markup strings used to define
699 fret diagrams are found at @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
701 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
702 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
703 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
705 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
707 \context ChordNames {
714 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
715 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
717 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
718 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
724 @cindex barre indications
726 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
727 the fret-diagram markup string.
729 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
731 \context ChordNames {
738 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
739 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
741 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
742 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
748 @cindex fret-diagram markup
751 @funindex fret-diagram
752 @funindex \fret-diagram
754 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
755 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
757 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
759 \context ChordNames {
766 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
767 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
769 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
770 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
776 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
777 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
780 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
782 \context ChordNames {
788 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
790 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
796 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
797 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
799 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
801 \context ChordNames {
808 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
809 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
811 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
812 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
818 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
821 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
823 \context ChordNames {
830 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
831 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
833 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
834 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
840 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
842 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
843 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
845 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
846 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
847 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
848 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
849 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
851 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
853 \context ChordNames {
860 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
861 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
863 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
864 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
870 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
872 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
874 \context ChordNames {
881 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
882 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
884 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
885 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
891 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
893 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
894 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
896 \context ChordNames {
902 \override Voice.TextScript
903 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
905 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
906 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
908 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
909 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
915 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
916 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-terse markup.
918 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
921 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
922 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
924 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
925 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
927 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
929 \context ChordNames {
936 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
937 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
946 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
947 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
960 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
961 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
962 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
963 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
964 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
965 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
967 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
968 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
970 \context ChordNames {
977 \override Voice.TextScript
978 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
979 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
980 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
990 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
991 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1000 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
1001 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1013 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1014 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
1017 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
1018 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
1019 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
1020 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
1021 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
1024 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1028 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
1032 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
1033 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
1034 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
1045 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
1046 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
1047 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
1048 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
1058 @cindex customized fret diagram
1059 @cindex fret diagram, customized
1060 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
1062 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
1064 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1065 user preference through the properties of the
1066 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1067 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
1068 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
1072 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1073 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
1075 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1076 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
1080 @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
1083 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1085 Internals Reference:
1086 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
1089 @node Predefined fret diagrams
1090 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
1093 @cindex fret diagrams
1094 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1095 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1096 @cindex chord diagrams
1098 @funindex FretBoards
1099 @funindex stringTunings
1101 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1102 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1103 are stored in a lookup table:
1105 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1106 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1107 \context FretBoards {
1114 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1115 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1116 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1117 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1118 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1119 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1120 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1121 by following the examples found in
1122 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1124 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file
1125 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1127 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1128 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1130 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1137 \set stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1142 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file
1143 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1145 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1146 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1148 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1155 \set stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1160 Chord pitches can be entered
1161 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1162 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1164 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1165 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1166 \context FretBoards {
1172 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1173 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1175 @funindex ChordNames
1177 @funindex \chordmode
1179 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1180 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1181 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1183 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1184 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1185 mychords = \chordmode{
1190 \context ChordNames {
1193 \context FretBoards {
1199 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1200 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1201 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1203 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1204 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1206 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1207 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1208 mychords = \chordmode{
1214 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1217 \context ChordNames {
1220 \context FretBoards {
1227 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1228 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1229 for each of 17 keys.
1230 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1231 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1233 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1234 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1235 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1236 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1237 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1239 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1240 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1241 mychords = \chordmode{
1246 \context ChordNames {
1249 \context FretBoards {
1255 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1256 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1257 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1259 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1260 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1261 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1262 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1263 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1264 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1267 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1268 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1270 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1271 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1275 mychords = \chordmode {
1280 \context ChordNames {
1283 \context FretBoards {
1289 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1290 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1291 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1292 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1294 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1295 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1297 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1300 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1302 mychords = \chordmode {
1307 \context ChordNames {
1310 \context FretBoards {
1316 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1317 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1319 @funindex \addChordShape
1320 @funindex addChordShape
1321 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1322 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1324 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1325 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1326 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1327 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1328 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1329 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1330 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1331 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1334 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1335 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1337 % Add a new chord shape
1339 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1341 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1343 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1346 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1347 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1350 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1352 mychords = \chordmode{
1357 \context ChordNames {
1360 \context FretBoards {
1366 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1367 user preference through the properties of the
1368 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1369 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1370 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1374 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1375 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1377 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1378 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1380 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1381 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1383 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1384 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1389 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1390 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1391 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1392 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1395 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly},
1396 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly},
1397 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly},
1398 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1401 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1403 Internals Reference:
1404 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1407 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1408 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1410 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1411 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1412 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1413 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1415 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1416 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1417 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1418 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1420 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1422 \context ChordNames {
1427 \context FretBoards {
1439 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1440 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1441 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1442 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1444 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1445 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1446 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1449 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1451 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1454 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1456 \context ChordNames {
1461 \context FretBoards {
1463 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1465 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1479 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1480 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1481 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1482 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1483 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1484 @code{FretBoards} context.
1486 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1487 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1489 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1491 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1493 \context ChordNames {
1498 \context FretBoards {
1499 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1510 @funindex minimumFret
1512 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1513 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1516 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1518 \context ChordNames {
1523 \context FretBoards {
1525 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1536 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1537 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1538 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1539 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1541 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1542 user preference through the properties of the
1543 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1544 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1545 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1546 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1550 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1551 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1557 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1560 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1562 Internals Reference:
1563 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1566 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1567 with non-monotonic tunings.
1570 @node Right-hand fingerings
1571 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1573 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1574 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1575 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1577 @funindex rightHandFinger
1578 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1580 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered within a
1581 chord construct @code{<>} for them to be printed in the score,
1582 even when applied to a single note.
1584 @warning{There @strong{must} be a hyphen before
1585 @code{@bs{}rightHandFinger} and a space before the closing @code{>}.}
1587 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1589 <c-\rightHandFinger #1 >4
1590 <e-\rightHandFinger #2 >
1591 <g-\rightHandFinger #3 >
1592 <c-\rightHandFinger #4 >
1593 <c,-\rightHandFinger #1 e-\rightHandFinger #2
1594 g-\rightHandFinger #3 c-\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1597 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1598 short, for example @code{RH},
1601 #(define RH rightHandFinger)
1607 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1608 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1610 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1611 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1616 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1618 Internals Reference:
1619 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1625 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1626 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1627 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1628 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1629 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1630 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1631 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1632 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1635 * Indicating position and barring::
1636 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1637 * Indicating power chords::
1640 @node Indicating position and barring
1641 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1643 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1644 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1646 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1647 barring indications.
1649 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=0]
1653 \override TextSpanner #'(bound-details left text) = #"XII "
1655 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1662 @ref{Text spanners}.
1665 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1666 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1669 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1670 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1672 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1673 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1674 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1675 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1677 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1678 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1681 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1684 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1685 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1689 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1690 within normal and tablature staves:
1692 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1693 music = \relative c' {
1694 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1695 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1696 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1698 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1713 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1714 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1715 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1716 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1719 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1720 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1721 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1722 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1727 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1730 e e \palmMute e e e |
1731 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1732 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1739 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1742 @ref{Special note heads},
1743 @ref{Note head styles}.
1746 @node Indicating power chords
1747 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1749 @funindex powerChords
1750 @funindex \powerChords
1752 @cindex power chords
1753 @cindex chords, power
1755 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1758 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1759 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1764 \set minimumFret = #8
1768 \set minimumFret = #5
1788 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1789 other common chord modifier is used:
1791 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1792 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1817 @rglos{power chord}.
1820 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1821 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1824 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1831 * Banjo tablatures::
1834 @node Banjo tablatures
1835 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1837 @cindex banjo tablatures
1838 @cindex tablature, banjo
1840 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1841 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1842 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1844 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1846 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1848 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1849 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1852 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1853 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1859 @cindex banjo tunings
1860 @cindex tunings, banjo
1862 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1863 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1864 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1865 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1866 @funindex four-string-banjo
1868 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1869 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1870 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1873 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
1874 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1877 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1882 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1885 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}