1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
3 Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH
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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
81 @ref{Fingering instructions},
83 @ref{Collision resolution},
84 @ref{Instrument names},
85 @ref{Writing music in parallel},
87 @ref{List of articulations},
89 @ref{Instrument transpositions}.
92 @node String number indications
93 @unnumberedsubsubsec String number indications
95 @cindex string numbers
96 @cindex string vs. fingering numbers
97 @cindex fingering vs. string numbers
99 The string on which a note should be played may be indicated by
100 appending @code{\@var{number}} to a note.
102 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=0]
108 When fingerings and string indications are used together, their
109 placement can be controlled by the order in which the two items appear
110 in the code @emph{only} if they appear inside of an explicit chord:
111 applied to whole chords or single notes @emph{outside} of chords,
112 fingerings are placed using a different mechanism.
114 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
124 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
125 {controlling-the-placement-of-chord-fingerings.ly}
127 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
128 {allowing-fingerings-to-be-printed-inside-the-staff.ly}
132 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
135 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
138 @rinternals{StringNumber},
139 @rinternals{Fingering}.
142 @node Default tablatures
143 @unnumberedsubsubsec Default tablatures
145 @cindex tablatures, basic
146 @cindex tablatures, default
151 Music for plucked string instruments is frequently notated using a
152 finger/touch notation or tablature. In contrast to traditional
153 notation pitches are not denoted with note heads, but by numbers (or
154 letter-like symbols in historical intavolatura). The staff lines
155 in tablature indicate the string on which the note is to be played,
156 and a number placed on a staff line indicated the fret at which
157 the corresponding string is to be pressed.
158 Notes that are to be played simultaneously are vertically aligned.
160 By default, string 1 is the highest string, and corresponds to the top
161 line on the @code{TabStaff}. The tuning of the @code{TabStaff}
162 strings defaults to the
163 standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings). The notes are printed as
164 tablature, by using @code{TabStaff} and @code{TabVoice} contexts. A
165 calligraphic tablature clef is added automatically.
167 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
168 \new TabStaff \relative c' {
174 Default tablatures do not contain any symbols for tone duration nor any
175 other musical symbols such as e.g. expressive marks.
177 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
189 \new Staff { \clef "G_8" \symbols }
190 \new TabStaff { \symbols }
195 @funindex \tabFullNotation
197 If all musical symbols used in traditional notation should also show up
198 in tablature one has to apply the command @code{\tabFullNotation} in a
199 @code{TabStaff}-context. Please bear in mind that half notes are
200 double-stemmed in tablature in order to distinguish them from quarter
203 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
223 @funindex minimumFret
224 @funindex restrainOpenStrings
226 By default pitches are assigned to the lowest playing position on the
227 fret-board (first position). Open strings are automatically preferred.
228 If you would like a certain pitch to be played on a specific string you
229 can add a string number indication to the pitch name. If you don't want
230 to have string number indications appear in traditional notation, you
231 can override the respective stencil. Usually it will be more
232 comfortable to define the playing position by using the value of
233 @code{minimumFret}. The default value for minimumFret is 0.
235 Even when @code{minimumFret} is set, open strings are used whenever
236 possible. This behaviour can be changed by setting @code{restrainOpenStrings}
239 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
240 \layout { \override Voice.StringNumber #'stencil = ##f }
242 \new Staff \relative c {
246 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
249 \new TabStaff \relative c {
251 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
252 \set TabStaff.minimumFret = #5
253 \set TabStaff.restrainOpenStrings = ##t
259 @funindex \tabChordRepeats
260 @funindex \chordRepeats
261 @cindex Chord, repetition
262 @cindex repetition, using @code{q}
264 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
265 @code{q}. In combination with tabulatures, its behavior of removing
266 string and finger numbers alongside with other events is cumbersome, so
269 \chordRepeats #'(string-number-event fingering-event)
271 explicitly on music expressions in tabulature using @ref{Chord
272 repetition}. This particular command is so common that it is available
273 as @code{\tabChordRepeats}.
275 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
276 guitar = \relative c' {
277 r8 <gis-2 cis-3 b-0>~ q4 q8~ q q4
286 \tabChordRepeats \guitar
291 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
292 the second alternative of a repeat.
294 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
295 ties = \relative c' {
302 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
329 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
331 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
332 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
334 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
335 ties = \relative c' {
341 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
357 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
369 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
370 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
371 @cindex slides in tablature notation
372 @cindex tablature and slides
373 @cindex chord glissandi
375 @funindex \harmonicByFret
376 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
378 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
381 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
382 \layout { \override Voice.StringNumber #'stencil = ##f }
390 \new Staff { \firstHarmonic }
391 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
396 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be attached to single
397 notes (possibly inside of a chord) instead of whole chords.
398 It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
399 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
400 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
401 fretting hand should touch a string.
403 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
405 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
406 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
407 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
408 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
412 \new Staff { \fretHarmonics }
413 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
418 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
419 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
421 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
423 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
424 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
425 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
429 \new Staff { \ratioHarmonics }
430 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
436 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
437 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
439 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
440 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
442 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
443 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
445 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
446 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
448 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
449 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
451 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
452 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
456 @ref{Chord repetition},
460 @ref{Written-out repeats}.
463 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
466 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
467 @rinternals{TabStaff},
468 @rinternals{TabVoice},
472 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
473 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
476 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
477 specially-created voices:
479 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
480 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
483 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
484 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
485 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
486 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
492 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
495 @node Custom tablatures
496 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
498 @cindex tablatures, custom
499 @cindex tablature, banjo
500 @cindex tablature, mandolin
501 @cindex tablature, guitar
502 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
503 @cindex tablature, ukulele
504 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
505 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
506 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
507 @cindex tablature, violin
508 @cindex tablature, viola
509 @cindex tablature, cello
510 @cindex tablature, bass
511 @cindex tablature, double bass
513 @funindex stringTunings
515 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
516 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
517 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
518 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
519 @code{stringTunings} property.
521 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
522 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
523 LilyPond automatically sets
524 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
525 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
528 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
531 \override StringNumber #'stencil = ##f
538 \new TabStaff \with {
539 stringTunings = #bass-tuning
548 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
549 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
550 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
551 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
552 are found in @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}.
554 @funindex stringTuning
555 @funindex \stringTuning
556 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
557 @cindex custom string tunings
559 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
560 @code{\stringTuning} function can be
561 used to define a string tuning which can be used
562 to set @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
564 Its argument is a chord construct
565 defining the pitches of each string in the tuning.
566 The chord construct must be in absolute octave mode,
567 see @ref{Absolute octave entry}. The string
568 with the highest number (generally the lowest string) must
569 come first in the chord. For example, we can
570 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
571 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
573 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
586 \set Staff.stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
592 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
593 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
595 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
596 for predefined fret diagrams
597 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}).
599 The previous example could also be written as follows:
601 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
602 custom-tuning = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
615 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
621 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
622 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
623 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
624 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
625 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
626 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
628 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
629 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
630 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
632 @code{\stringTuning} creates such an object from chord input.
634 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
635 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
636 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
637 in @code{stringTunings}.
639 To let all TabStaff contexts use the same custom tuning by default,
646 stringTunings = \stringTuning \notemode @{ <c' g' d'' a''> @}
652 @cindex moderntab clef
653 @cindex clef, moderntab
657 A modern tab clef can also be used.
659 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
669 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
673 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
674 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
675 @ref{Scheme functions}.
678 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly},
679 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
682 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
685 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
688 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
689 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
690 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
693 @node Fret diagram markups
694 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
696 @cindex fret diagrams
697 @cindex chord diagrams
698 @cindex diagrams, fret
699 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
700 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
701 @cindex custom fret diagrams
703 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
704 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
705 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
706 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
707 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
708 information in the markup string. Details about the
709 syntax of the different markup strings used to define
710 fret diagrams are found at @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
712 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
713 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
714 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
716 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
718 \context ChordNames {
725 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
726 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
728 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
729 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
735 @cindex barre indications
737 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
738 the fret-diagram markup string.
740 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
742 \context ChordNames {
749 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
750 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
752 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
753 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
759 @cindex fret-diagram markup
762 @funindex fret-diagram
763 @funindex \fret-diagram
765 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
766 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
768 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
770 \context ChordNames {
777 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
778 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
780 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
781 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
787 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
788 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
791 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
793 \context ChordNames {
799 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
801 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
807 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
808 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
810 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
812 \context ChordNames {
819 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
820 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
822 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
823 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
829 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
832 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
834 \context ChordNames {
841 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
842 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
844 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
845 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
851 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
853 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
854 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
856 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
857 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
858 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
859 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
860 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
862 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
864 \context ChordNames {
871 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
872 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
874 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
875 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
881 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
883 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
885 \context ChordNames {
892 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
893 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
895 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
896 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
902 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
904 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
905 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
907 \context ChordNames {
913 \override Voice.TextScript
914 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
916 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
917 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
919 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
920 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
926 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
927 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-terse markup.
929 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
932 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
933 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
935 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
936 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
938 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
940 \context ChordNames {
947 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
948 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
957 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
958 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
971 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
972 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
973 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
974 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
975 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
976 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
978 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
979 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
981 \context ChordNames {
988 \override Voice.TextScript
989 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
990 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
991 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1001 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
1002 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1011 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
1012 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1024 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1025 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
1028 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
1029 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
1030 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
1031 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
1032 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
1035 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1039 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
1043 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
1044 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
1045 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
1056 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
1057 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
1058 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
1059 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
1069 @cindex customized fret diagram
1070 @cindex fret diagram, customized
1071 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
1073 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
1075 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1076 user preference through the properties of the
1077 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1078 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
1079 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
1083 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1084 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
1086 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1087 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
1091 @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
1094 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1096 Internals Reference:
1097 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
1100 @node Predefined fret diagrams
1101 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
1103 @cindex fret diagrams
1104 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1105 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1106 @cindex chord diagrams
1108 @funindex FretBoards
1109 @funindex stringTunings
1111 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1112 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1113 are stored in a lookup table:
1115 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1116 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1117 \context FretBoards {
1124 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1125 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1126 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1127 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1128 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1129 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1130 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1131 by following the examples found in
1132 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1134 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file @*
1135 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1137 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1138 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1140 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1147 \set Staff.stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1152 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file @*
1153 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1155 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1156 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1158 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1165 \set Staff.stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1170 Chord pitches can be entered
1171 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1172 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1174 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1175 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1176 \context FretBoards {
1182 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1183 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1185 @funindex ChordNames
1187 @funindex \chordmode
1189 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1190 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1191 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1193 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1194 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1195 mychords = \chordmode{
1200 \context ChordNames {
1203 \context FretBoards {
1209 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1210 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1211 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1213 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1214 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1216 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1217 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1218 mychords = \chordmode{
1224 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1227 \context ChordNames {
1230 \context FretBoards {
1237 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1238 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1239 for each of 17 keys.
1240 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1241 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1243 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1244 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1245 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1246 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1247 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1249 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1250 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1251 mychords = \chordmode{
1256 \context ChordNames {
1259 \context FretBoards {
1265 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1266 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1267 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1269 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1270 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1271 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1272 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1273 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1274 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1277 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1278 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1280 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1281 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1285 mychords = \chordmode {
1290 \context ChordNames {
1293 \context FretBoards {
1299 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1300 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1301 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1302 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1304 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1305 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1307 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1310 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1312 mychords = \chordmode {
1317 \context ChordNames {
1320 \context FretBoards {
1326 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1327 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1329 @funindex \addChordShape
1330 @funindex addChordShape
1331 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1332 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1334 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1335 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1336 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1337 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1338 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1339 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1340 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1341 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1344 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1345 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1347 % Add a new chord shape
1349 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1351 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1353 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1356 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1357 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1360 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1362 mychords = \chordmode{
1367 \context ChordNames {
1370 \context FretBoards {
1376 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1377 user preference through the properties of the
1378 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1379 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1380 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1384 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1385 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1387 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1388 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1390 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1391 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1393 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1394 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1398 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1399 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1400 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1401 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1404 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}, @*
1405 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly}, @*
1406 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}, @*
1407 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1410 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1412 Internals Reference:
1413 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1416 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1417 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1419 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1420 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1421 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1422 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1424 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1425 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1426 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1427 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1429 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1431 \context ChordNames {
1436 \context FretBoards {
1448 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1449 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1450 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1451 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1453 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1454 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1455 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1458 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1460 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1463 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1465 \context ChordNames {
1470 \context FretBoards {
1472 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1474 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1488 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1489 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1490 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1491 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1492 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1493 @code{FretBoards} context.
1495 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1496 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1498 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1500 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1502 \context ChordNames {
1507 \context FretBoards {
1508 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1519 @funindex minimumFret
1521 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1522 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1525 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1527 \context ChordNames {
1532 \context FretBoards {
1534 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1545 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1546 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1547 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1548 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1550 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1551 user preference through the properties of the
1552 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1553 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1554 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1555 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1559 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1560 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1565 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1568 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1570 Internals Reference:
1571 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1574 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1575 with non-monotonic tunings.
1578 @node Right-hand fingerings
1579 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1581 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1582 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1583 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1585 @funindex rightHandFinger
1586 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1588 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered using
1589 @code{\rightHandFinger} followed by a number.
1591 @warning{If the number is entered in Scheme notation, remember to append
1592 a space before following it with a closing @code{>} or similar.}
1594 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1596 c4\rightHandFinger #1
1597 e\rightHandFinger #2
1598 g\rightHandFinger #3
1599 c\rightHandFinger #4
1600 <c,\rightHandFinger #1 e\rightHandFinger #2
1601 g\rightHandFinger #3 c\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1604 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1605 short, for example @code{RH},
1614 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1615 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1617 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1618 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1622 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1624 Internals Reference:
1625 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1631 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1632 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1633 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1634 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1635 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1636 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1637 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1638 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1641 * Indicating position and barring::
1642 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1643 * Indicating power chords::
1646 @node Indicating position and barring
1647 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1649 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1650 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1652 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1653 barring indications.
1655 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=0]
1659 \override TextSpanner #'(bound-details left text) = #"XII "
1661 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1667 @ref{Text spanners}.
1670 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1671 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1674 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1675 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1677 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1678 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1679 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1680 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1682 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1683 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1686 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1689 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1690 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1694 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1695 within normal and tablature staves:
1697 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1698 music = \relative c' {
1699 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1700 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1701 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1703 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1718 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1719 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1720 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1721 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1724 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1725 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1726 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1727 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1732 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1735 e e \palmMute e e e |
1736 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1737 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1744 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1747 @ref{Special note heads},
1748 @ref{Note head styles}.
1751 @node Indicating power chords
1752 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1754 @funindex powerChords
1755 @funindex \powerChords
1757 @cindex power chords
1758 @cindex chords, power
1760 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1763 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1764 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1769 \set minimumFret = #8
1773 \set minimumFret = #5
1793 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1794 other common chord modifier is used:
1796 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1797 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1822 @rglos{power chord}.
1825 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1826 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1829 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1836 * Banjo tablatures::
1839 @node Banjo tablatures
1840 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1842 @cindex banjo tablatures
1843 @cindex tablature, banjo
1845 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1846 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1847 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1849 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1851 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1853 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1854 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1857 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1858 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1864 @cindex banjo tunings
1865 @cindex tunings, banjo
1867 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1868 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1869 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1870 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1871 @funindex four-string-banjo
1873 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1874 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1875 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1878 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
1879 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1882 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1887 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}.
1890 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.