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 (or
59 @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 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
66 @item Instructions for @notation{Laissez vibrer} ties
67 as well as ties on arpeggios and tremolos can be found in
70 @item Instructions for handling multiple voices can be found
71 in @ref{Collision resolution}.
73 @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 inside a chord construct
103 @warning{String numbers @strong{must} be defined inside a chord
104 construct even if there is only a single note.}
106 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=0]
112 When fingerings and string indications are used together, their
113 placement is controlled by the order in which the two items appear
116 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
124 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
125 {controlling-the-placement-of-chord-fingerings.ly}
127 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
128 {allowing-fingerings-to-be-printed-inside-the-staff.ly}
133 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
136 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
139 @rinternals{StringNumber},
140 @rinternals{Fingering}.
143 @node Default tablatures
144 @unnumberedsubsubsec Default tablatures
146 @cindex tablatures, basic
147 @cindex tablatures, default
152 Music for plucked string instruments is frequently notated using a
153 finger/touch notation or tablature. In contrast to traditional
154 notation pitches are not denoted with note heads, but by numbers (or
155 letterlike symbols in historical intavolatura). The numbers
156 indicate on which string and fret a note must be played. The numbers
157 are printed on top of each other if they are to be played
160 By default, string 1 is the highest, and the tuning defaults to the
161 standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings). The notes are printed as
162 tablature, by using @code{TabStaff} and @code{TabVoice} contexts. A
163 calligraphic tablature clef is added automatically.
165 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
166 \new TabStaff \relative c' {
172 Default tablatures do not contain any symbols for tone duration nor any
173 other musical symbols such as e.g. expressive marks.
175 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
187 \new Staff { \clef "G_8" \symbols }
188 \new TabStaff { \symbols }
193 @funindex \tabFullNotation
195 If all musical symbols used in traditional notation should also show up
196 in tablature one has to apply the command @code{\tabFullNotation} in a
197 @code{TabStaff}-context. Please bear in mind that half notes are
198 double-stemmed in tablature in order to distinguish them from quarter
201 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
221 @funindex minimumFret
223 By default pitches are assigned to the lowest playing position on the
224 fret-board (first position). Open strings are automatically preferred.
225 If you would like a certain pitch to be played on a specific string
226 you can add a string number indication to the pitch name. If you
227 define pitch names and string numbers without a chord construct
228 (@code{<>}) the string number indications do not appear in traditional
229 notation. It is much more comfortable to define the playing position
230 by using the value of @code{minimumFret}. The default value for
234 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
236 \new Staff \relative c {
240 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
243 \new TabStaff \relative c {
245 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
246 \set TabStaff.minimumFret = #5
252 @funindex \tabChordRepetition
254 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol @code{q}.
255 To use this feature in combination with tablature, @code{\tabChordRepetition}
256 is provided. It preserves the string information explicitly given within
257 chord constructs so repeated chords get identical tablature representations.
259 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
262 guitar = \relative c' {
263 r8 <gis\4 cis\3 b\2>~ q4 q8~ q q4
269 \override Voice.StringNumber #'transparent = ##t
279 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
280 the second alternative of a repeat.
282 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
283 ties = \relative c' {
290 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
317 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
319 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
320 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
322 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
323 ties = \relative c' {
329 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
345 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
357 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
358 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
359 @cindex slides in tablature notation
360 @cindex tablature and slides
362 Harmonic indications and slides can be added to tablature
365 @lilypond[verbatim, quote, relative=1]
368 <c g'\harmonic>4 d\2\glissando e\2
376 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
377 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
379 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
380 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
388 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
391 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
392 @rinternals{TabStaff},
393 @rinternals{TabVoice},
399 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
400 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
403 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
404 specially-created voices:
406 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
407 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
410 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
411 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
412 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
413 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
419 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
421 @node Custom tablatures
422 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
424 @cindex tablatures, custom
425 @cindex tablature, banjo
426 @cindex tablature, mandolin
427 @cindex tablature, guitar
428 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
429 @cindex tablature, ukulele
430 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
431 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
432 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
434 @funindex StringTunings
436 LilyPond tabulature automatically calculates the fret for
437 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
438 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
439 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
440 @code{stringTunings} property.
442 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
443 guitar, bass guitar and ukulele. LilyPond automatically sets
444 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
445 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
448 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
457 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #bass-tuning
465 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
466 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
467 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
468 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
469 are found in @code{scm/tablature.scm}.
471 A string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
472 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
473 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
474 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
475 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
476 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
478 A string pitch in a string tuning list is the pitch difference
479 of the open string from middle C measured in semitones. The
480 string pitch must be an integer. LilyPond calculates the actual
481 pitch of the string by adding the string tuning pitch to the
482 actual pitch for middle C.
484 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of strings in the
485 @code{TabStaff} as the number of elements in @code{stringTunings}.
487 Any desired string tuning can be created. For example, we can
488 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
489 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
492 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
504 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #'(21 14 7 0)
510 @cindex moderntab clef
511 @cindex clef, moderntab
515 A modern tab clef can also be used.
517 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
527 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
531 @file{scm/@/tablature@/.scm}.
534 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
537 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
540 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
541 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
542 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
544 @node Fret diagram markups
545 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
547 @cindex fret diagrams
548 @cindex chord diagrams
549 @cindex diagrams, fret
550 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
551 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
552 @cindex custom fret diagrams
554 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
555 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
556 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
557 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
558 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
559 information in the markup string. Details about the markup
560 interfaces are found at @ref{Text markup commands}.
562 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
563 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
564 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
566 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
568 \context ChordNames {
575 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
576 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
578 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
579 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
585 @cindex barre indications
587 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
588 the fret-diagram markup string.
590 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
592 \context ChordNames {
599 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
600 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
602 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
603 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
609 @cindex fret-diagram markup
612 @funindex fret-diagram
613 @funindex \fret-diagram
615 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
616 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
618 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
620 \context ChordNames {
627 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
628 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
630 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
631 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
637 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
638 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
641 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
643 \context ChordNames {
649 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
651 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
657 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
658 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
660 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
662 \context ChordNames {
669 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
670 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
672 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
673 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
679 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
682 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
684 \context ChordNames {
691 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
692 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
694 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
695 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
701 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
703 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
704 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
706 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
707 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
708 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
709 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
710 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
712 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
714 \context ChordNames {
721 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
722 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
724 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
725 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
731 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
733 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
735 \context ChordNames {
742 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
743 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
745 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
746 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
752 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
754 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
755 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
757 \context ChordNames {
763 \override Voice.TextScript
764 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
766 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
767 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
769 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
770 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
776 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using @code{\override} when using
777 the fret-diagram-terse markup.
779 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
782 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
783 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
785 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
786 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
788 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
790 \context ChordNames {
797 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
798 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
807 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
808 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
821 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
822 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
823 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
824 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
825 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
826 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
828 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
829 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
831 \context ChordNames {
838 \override Voice.TextScript
839 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
840 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
841 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
851 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
852 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
861 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
862 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
874 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using @code{\override}
875 when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
878 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
879 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
880 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
881 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
882 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
885 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
889 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
893 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
894 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
895 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
906 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
907 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
908 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
909 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
919 @cindex customized fret diagram
920 @cindex fret diagram, customized
921 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
923 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
925 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
926 user preference through the properties of the @code{fret-diagram-interface}.
927 Details are found at @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
928 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
932 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
933 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
935 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
936 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
940 @ref{Text markup commands}.
943 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
946 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
949 @node Predefined fret diagrams
950 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
953 @cindex fret diagrams
954 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
955 @cindex chord diagrams
958 @funindex stringTunings
960 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
961 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
962 are stored in a lookup table:
964 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
965 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
966 \context FretBoards {
973 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
974 @code{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
975 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
976 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
977 @code{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
978 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
979 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
980 by following the examples found in
981 @code{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
983 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file
984 @code{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
986 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
987 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
989 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
996 \set stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1001 Chord pitches can be entered
1002 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1003 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1005 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1006 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1007 \context FretBoards {
1013 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1014 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1016 @funindex ChordNames
1018 @funindex \chordmode
1020 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1021 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1022 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1024 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1025 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1026 mychords = \chordmode{
1031 \context ChordNames {
1034 \context FretBoards {
1040 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1041 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1042 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1044 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1045 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1047 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1048 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1049 mychords = \chordmode{
1055 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1058 \context ChordNames {
1061 \context FretBoards {
1068 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1069 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1070 for each of 17 keys.
1071 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1072 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1074 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1075 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1076 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1077 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1078 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1080 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1081 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1082 mychords = \chordmode{
1087 \context ChordNames {
1090 \context FretBoards {
1096 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1097 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1098 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1100 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1101 you must specify the chord for the diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1102 a definition for the diagram. The diagram definition can be either a
1103 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1106 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1107 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1109 \storePredefinedDiagram \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1113 mychords = \chordmode {
1118 \context ChordNames {
1121 \context FretBoards {
1127 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1128 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1129 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1130 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1132 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1133 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1135 \storePredefinedDiagram \chordmode { c'' }
1137 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1139 mychords = \chordmode {
1144 \context ChordNames {
1147 \context FretBoards {
1153 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1154 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1156 @funindex \addChordShape
1157 @funindex addChordShape
1158 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1159 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1161 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1162 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1163 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1164 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1165 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1166 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1167 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1168 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1171 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1172 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1174 % Add a new chord shape
1176 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1178 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1180 \storePredefinedDiagram \chordmode { f'' }
1182 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1183 \storePredefinedDiagram \chordmode { g'' }
1185 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1187 mychords = \chordmode{
1192 \context ChordNames {
1195 \context FretBoards {
1201 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1202 user preference through the properties of the @code{fret-diagram-interface}.
1203 Details are found at @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a
1204 predefined fret diagram, the interface properties belong to
1205 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1209 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1210 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1212 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1213 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1215 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1216 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1221 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1222 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1223 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1224 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1227 @file{ly/@/predefined@/-guitar@/-fretboards@/.ly},
1228 @file{ly/@/predefined@/-guitar@/-ninth@/-fretboards@/.ly}.
1231 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1233 Internals Reference:
1234 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1237 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1238 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1240 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1241 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1242 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1243 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1245 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1246 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1247 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1248 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1250 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1252 \context ChordNames {
1257 \context FretBoards {
1269 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1270 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1271 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1272 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1274 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1275 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1276 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1279 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1281 \storePredefinedDiagram <c e g c' e'>
1283 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1);"
1285 \context ChordNames {
1290 \context FretBoards {
1292 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1294 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1308 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1309 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1310 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1311 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1312 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the @code{FretBoards}
1315 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1316 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1318 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1320 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1322 \context ChordNames {
1327 \context FretBoards {
1328 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1339 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1340 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1343 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1345 \context ChordNames {
1350 \context FretBoards {
1352 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1363 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1364 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1365 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1366 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1368 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1369 user preference through the properties of the @code{fret-diagram-interface}.
1370 Details are found at @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a
1371 @code{FretBoards} fret diagram, the interface properties belong to
1372 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1376 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1377 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1383 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1386 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1388 Internals Reference:
1389 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1392 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1393 with non-monotonic tunings.
1396 @node Right-hand fingerings
1397 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1399 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1400 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1401 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1403 @funindex rightHandFinger
1404 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1406 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered within a
1407 chord construct @code{<>} for them to be printed in the score,
1408 even when applied to a single note.
1410 @warning{There @strong{must} be a hyphen before
1411 @code{@bs{}rightHandFinger} and a space before the closing @code{>}.}
1413 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1415 <c-\rightHandFinger #1 >4
1416 <e-\rightHandFinger #2 >
1417 <g-\rightHandFinger #3 >
1418 <c-\rightHandFinger #4 >
1419 <c,-\rightHandFinger #1 e-\rightHandFinger #2
1420 g-\rightHandFinger #3 c-\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1423 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1424 short, for example @code{RH},
1427 #(define RH rightHandFinger)
1433 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1434 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1436 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1437 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1442 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1444 Internals Reference:
1445 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1451 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1452 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1453 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1454 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1455 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1456 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1457 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1458 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1461 * Indicating position and barring::
1462 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1465 @node Indicating position and barring
1466 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1468 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1469 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1471 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1472 barring indications.
1474 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=0]
1478 \override TextSpanner #'(bound-details left text) = #"XII "
1480 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1487 @ref{Text spanners}.
1490 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1491 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1494 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1495 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1497 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1498 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1499 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1500 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1502 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1503 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1506 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1509 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1510 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1514 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1515 within normal and tablature staves:
1517 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1518 music = \relative c' {
1519 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1520 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1521 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1523 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1538 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1539 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1540 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1541 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1544 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1545 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1546 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1547 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1552 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1555 e e \palmMute e e e |
1556 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1557 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1564 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1567 @ref{Special note heads},
1568 @ref{Note head styles}.
1575 * Banjo tablatures::
1578 @node Banjo tablatures
1579 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1581 @cindex banjo tablatures
1582 @cindex tablature, banjo
1584 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1585 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1586 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1588 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1590 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
1592 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1593 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1596 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1597 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1603 @cindex banjo tunings
1604 @cindex tunings, banjo
1606 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1607 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1608 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1609 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1610 @funindex four-string-banjo
1612 A number of common tunings for banjo are predefined in LilyPond:
1613 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1614 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1617 These tunings may be converted to four-string banjo tunings using the
1618 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1621 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1627 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1630 @file{scm/@/output@/-lib@/.scm} contains predefined banjo tunings.