1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
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15 @lilypondfile[quote]{rhythms-headword.ly}
17 This section discusses rhythms, rests, durations, beaming and bars.
22 * Displaying rhythms::
25 * Special rhythmic concerns::
30 @subsection Writing rhythms
40 @unnumberedsubsubsec Durations
42 @cindex durations, of notes
43 @cindex note durations
44 @cindex length of notes
54 Durations are designated by numbers and dots. Durations are entered
55 as their reciprocal values. For example, a quarter note is entered
56 using a @code{4} (since it is a 1/4 note), and a half note is entered
57 using a @code{2} (since it is a 1/2 note). For notes longer than a
58 whole you must use the @code{\longa} (a double breve) and
59 @code{\breve} commands. Durations as short as 128th notes may be
60 specified. Shorter values are possible, but only as beamed notes.
62 @c Two 64th notes are needed to obtain beams
63 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
66 c4 c8 c16 c32 c64 c128 c128
69 Here are the same durations with automatic beaming turned off.
71 @c not strictly "writing rhythms"; more of a "displaying" thing,
72 @c but it's ok here. -gp
73 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
77 c4 c8 c16 c32 c64 c128 c128
80 A note with the duration of a quadruple breve may be entered with
81 @code{\maxima}, but this is supported only within ancient music
82 notation. For details, see @ref{Ancient notation}.
84 @cindex duration, default
85 @cindex default note duration
86 @cindex note duration, default
88 If the duration is omitted, it is set to the previously
89 entered duration. The default for the first note is a quarter
92 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
98 @cindex notes, double-dotted
99 @cindex double-dotted notes
103 To obtain dotted note lengths, place a dot (@code{.}) after the
104 duration. Double-dotted notes are specified by appending two
107 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
108 a4 b c4. b8 a4. b4.. c8.
111 Some durations cannot be represented with just binary durations
112 and dots; they can be represented only by tying two or more
113 notes together. For details, see @ref{Ties}.
115 For ways of specifying durations for the syllables of lyrics and
116 ways of aligning lyrics to notes, see @ref{Vocal music}.
118 Optionally, notes can be spaced strictly proportionately to their
119 duration. For details of this and other settings which control
120 proportional notation, see @ref{Proportional notation}.
126 @funindex \dotsNeutral
127 @funindex dotsNeutral
129 Dots are normally moved up to avoid staff lines, except in
130 polyphonic situations. Dots may be manually placed above or below
131 the staff; see @ref{Direction and placement}.
145 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
146 {changing-the-number-of-augmentation-dots-per-note.ly}
155 @rglos{Duration names notes and rests}.
158 @ref{Automatic beams},
161 @ref{Writing rhythms},
164 @ref{Ancient notation},
165 @ref{Proportional notation}.
172 @rinternals{DotColumn}.
177 @c Deliberately duplicated in Durations and Rests. -gp
178 There is no fundamental limit to rest durations (both in terms of
179 longest and shortest), but the number of glyphs is limited:
180 rests from 128th to maxima (8 x whole) may be printed.
184 @unnumberedsubsubsec Tuplets
192 Tuplets are made from a music expression by multiplying all the
193 durations with a fraction:
196 \times @var{fraction} @{ @var{music} @}
200 The duration of @code{@var{music}} will be multiplied by the
201 fraction. The fraction's denominator will be printed over or
202 under the notes, optionally with a bracket. The most common
203 tuplet is the triplet in which 3 notes have the duration of 2, so
204 the notes are 2/3 of their written length.
206 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
207 a2 \times 2/3 { b4 b b }
208 c4 c \times 2/3 { b4 a g }
211 @cindex tuplet bracket placement
215 @funindex \tupletDown
217 @funindex \tupletNeutral
218 @funindex tupletNeutral
220 Tuplet brackets may be manually placed above or below the staff;
221 see @ref{Direction and placement}.
223 Tuplets may be nested:
225 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
227 c4 \times 4/5 { f8 e f \times 2/3 { e[ f g] } } f4
230 Modifying nested tuplets which begin at the same musical moment
231 must be done with @code{\tweak}.
233 To modify the duration of notes without printing a tuplet bracket,
234 see @ref{Scaling durations}.
240 @code{\tupletNeutral}.
246 @cindex tuplet formatting
247 @cindex triplet formatting
249 @funindex tupletNumberFormatFunction
250 @funindex tupletSpannerDuration
252 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
253 {entering-several-tuplets-using-only-one--times-command.ly}
255 @cindex Tuplet number changes
257 @funindex TupletNumber
259 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
260 {changing-the-tuplet-number.ly}
262 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
263 {non-default-tuplet-numbers.ly}
265 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
266 {controlling-tuplet-bracket-visibility.ly}
268 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
269 {permitting-line-breaks-within-beamed-tuplets.ly}
279 @rlearning{Tweaking methods}.
282 @ref{Time administration},
283 @ref{Scaling durations},
284 @ref{The tweak command},
285 @ref{Polymetric notation}.
291 @rinternals{TupletBracket},
292 @rinternals{TupletNumber},
293 @rinternals{TimeScaledMusic}.
296 @cindex grace notes within tuplet brackets
299 Grace notes may be placed within tuplet brackets, @emph{except}
300 when a staff begins with a grace note followed by a tuplet. In this
301 particular case, the grace note must be placed before the @code{\times}
302 command to avoid errors.
304 @cindex tempo marks within tuplet brackets
306 When using a tuplet at the beginning of a piece with a @code{\tempo}
307 mark, the music must be explicitly entered in a @code{\new Voice}
308 block, as discussed in @rlearning{Voices contain music}.
311 @node Scaling durations
312 @unnumberedsubsubsec Scaling durations
314 @cindex scaling durations
315 @cindex durations, scaling
317 You can alter the duration of single notes, rests or chords by a
318 fraction @code{N/M} by appending @code{*N/M} (or @code{*N} if @code{M}
319 is 1) to the duration. This will not affect the appearance of the
320 notes or rests produced, but the altered duration will be used in
321 calculating the position within the measure and setting the duration
322 in the MIDI output. Multiplying factors may be combined such as
325 In the following example, the first three notes take up exactly
326 two beats, but no triplet bracket is printed.
328 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
330 % Alter durations to triplets
331 a4*2/3 gis4*2/3 a4*2/3
334 % Double the duration of chord
336 % Duration of quarter, appears like sixteenth
340 The duration of spacing notes may also be modified by
341 a multiplier. This is useful for skipping many measures, e.g.,
344 @cindex compressing music
345 @cindex expanding music
347 @funindex \scaleDurations
348 @funindex scaleDurations
350 Longer stretches of music may be compressed by a fraction in the
351 same way, as if every note, chord or rest had the fraction as a
352 multiplier. This leaves the appearance of the music unchanged but
353 the internal duration of the notes will be multiplied by the
354 fraction @emph{num}/@emph{den}. The spaces around the dot are
355 required. Here is an example showing how music can be compressed
358 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
362 % Scale music by *2/3
363 \scaleDurations #'(2 . 3) {
367 \scaleDurations #'(2 . 1) {
372 One application of this command is in polymetric
373 notation, see @ref{Polymetric notation}.
379 @ref{Invisible rests},
380 @ref{Polymetric notation}.
387 @unnumberedsubsubsec Ties
393 A tie connects two adjacent note heads of the same pitch. The tie
394 in effect extends the duration of a note.
396 @warning{Ties should not be confused with @emph{slurs}, which
397 indicate articulation, or @emph{phrasing slurs}, which indicate
398 musical phrasing. A tie is just a way of extending a note
399 duration, similar to the augmentation dot.}
401 A tie is entered using the tilde symbol (@code{~}).
403 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
407 Ties are used either when the note crosses a bar line, or when
408 dots cannot be used to denote the rhythm. Ties should also be
409 used when note values cross larger subdivisions of the measure:
411 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
418 If you need to tie many notes across bar lines, it may be
419 easier to use automatic note splitting, see @ref{Automatic note
420 splitting}. This mechanism automatically splits long notes, and
421 ties them across bar lines.
423 @cindex ties and chords
424 @cindex chords and ties
426 When a tie is applied to a chord, all note heads whose pitches
427 match are connected. When no note heads match, no ties will be
428 created. Chords may be partially tied by placing the tie inside
431 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1]
433 <c~ e g~ b> <c e g b>
436 @cindex repeating ties
437 @cindex ties, repeating
438 @cindex volta brackets and ties
439 @cindex ties and volta brackets
444 When a second alternative of a repeat starts with a tied note, you
445 have to specify the repeated tie as follows:
447 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
448 \repeat volta 2 { c g <c e>2 ~ }
450 % First alternative: following note is tied normally
452 % Second alternative: following note has a repeated tie
453 { <c e>2\repeatTie d4 c } }
456 @cindex laissez vibrer
457 @cindex ties, laissez vibrer
459 @funindex \laissezVibrer
460 @funindex laissezVibrer
462 @notation{L.v.}@: ties (@notation{laissez vibrer}) indicate that
463 notes must not be damped at the end. It is used in notation for
464 piano, harp and other string and percussion instruments. They can
465 be entered as follows:
467 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1]
468 <c f g>1\laissezVibrer
471 @cindex ties, placement
477 @funindex \tieNeutral
480 Ties may be manually placed above or below the staff; see
481 @ref{Direction and placement}.
483 @cindex ties, appearance
496 Ties may be made dashed, dotted, or a combination of solid and
499 @lilypond[quote, verbatim, relative=1]
512 Custom dash patterns can be specified:
514 @lilypond[quote, verbatim, relative=1]
515 \tieDashPattern #0.3 #0.75
517 \tieDashPattern #0.7 #1.5
523 Dash pattern definitions for ties have the same structure as
524 dash pattern definitions for slurs.
525 For more information about complex dash patterns,
526 see the snippets under @ref{Slurs}.
534 @code{\tieDashPattern},
535 @code{\tieHalfDashed},
536 @code{\tieHalfSolid},
543 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
544 {using-ties-with-arpeggios.ly}
546 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
547 {engraving-ties-manually.ly}
553 @rglos{laissez vibrer}.
557 @ref{Automatic note splitting}.
563 @rinternals{LaissezVibrerTie},
564 @rinternals{LaissezVibrerTieColumn},
565 @rinternals{TieColumn},
570 Switching staves when a tie is active will not produce a slanted
573 Changing clefs or ottavations during a tie is not really
574 well-defined. In these cases, a slur may be preferable.
579 @subsection Writing rests
581 Rests are entered as part of the music in music expressions.
586 * Full measure rests::
590 @unnumberedsubsubsec Rests
593 @cindex rest, entering durations
608 Rests are entered like notes with the note name @code{r}.
609 Durations longer than a whole rest use the following predefined
612 @c \time 16/1 is used to avoid spurious bar lines
613 @c and long tracts of empty measures
614 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
616 % These two lines are just to prettify this example
618 \override Staff.TimeSignature #'stencil = ##f
619 % Print a maxima rest, equal to four breves
621 % Print a longa rest, equal to two breves
625 r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r128
629 @cindex rest, multi-measure
630 @cindex rest, whole-measure
632 Whole measure rests, centered in the middle of the measure, must be
633 entered as multi-measure rests. They can be used for a single
634 measure as well as many measures and are discussed in
635 @ref{Full measure rests}.
637 @cindex rest, specifying vertical position
639 To explicitly specify a rest's vertical position, write a note
640 followed by @code{\rest}. A rest of the duration of the note will
641 be placed at the staff position where the note would appear. This
642 allows for precise manual formatting of polyphonic music, since the
643 automatic rest collision formatter will not move these rests.
645 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
651 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
662 @ref{Full measure rests}.
673 @c Deliberately duplicated in Durations and Rests. -gp
674 There is no fundamental limit to rest durations (both in terms of
675 longest and shortest), but the number of glyphs is limited: there
676 are rests from 128th to maxima (8 x whole).
679 @node Invisible rests
680 @unnumberedsubsubsec Invisible rests
683 @cindex invisible rest
684 @cindex rest, invisible
692 An invisible rest (also called a @q{spacer rest}) can be entered
693 like a note with the note name@tie{}@code{s}:
695 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=2]
702 Spacer rests are available only in note mode and chord mode. In
703 other situations, for example, when entering lyrics, the
704 command @code{\skip} is used to skip a musical moment.
705 @code{\skip} requires an explicit duration, but this is ignored if
706 the lyrics derive their durations from the notes in an associated
707 melody through @code{\addlyrics} or @code{\lyricsto}.
709 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
722 Because @code{\skip} is a command, it does not affect the default
723 durations of following notes, unlike@tie{}@code{s}.
725 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
728 \repeat unfold 8 { a4 }
738 A spacer rest implicitly causes @code{Staff} and @code{Voice}
739 contexts to be created if none exist, just like notes and rests
742 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
746 @code{\skip} simply skips musical time; it creates no output of
749 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
750 % This is valid input, but does nothing
751 \skip 1 \skip1 \skip 1
757 @rlearning{Visibility and color of objects}.
761 @ref{Visibility of objects}.
767 @rinternals{SkipMusic}.
770 @node Full measure rests
771 @unnumberedsubsubsec Full measure rests
773 @cindex multi-measure rests
774 @cindex full-measure rests
775 @cindex rest, multi-measure
776 @cindex rest, full-measure
777 @cindex whole rest for a full measure
778 @cindex rest, whole for a full measure
782 Rests for one or more full measures are entered like notes with
783 the note name uppercase @code{R}:
785 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
786 % Rest measures contracted to single measure
787 \compressFullBarRests
794 The duration of full-measure rests is identical to the duration
795 notation used for notes. The duration in a multi-measure rest must
796 always be an integral number of measure-lengths, so augmentation dots
797 or fractions must often be used:
799 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
800 \compressFullBarRests
806 R1*13/8 | R1*13/8*12 |
811 A full-measure rest is printed as either a whole or breve rest,
812 centered in the measure, depending on the time signature.
814 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
823 @cindex multi-measure rest, expanding
824 @cindex multi-measure rest, contracting
826 @funindex \expandFullBarRests
827 @funindex expandFullBarRests
828 @funindex \compressFullBarRests
829 @funindex compressFullBarRests
831 By default a multi-measure rest is expanded in the printed score to
832 show all the rest measures explicitly. Alternatively, a multi-measure
833 rest can be shown as a single measure containing a multi-measure rest
834 symbol, with the number of measures of rest printed above the measure:
836 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
838 \time 3/4 r2. | R2.*2 |
841 % Rest measures contracted to single measure
842 \compressFullBarRests
844 % Rest measures expanded
851 @cindex text on multi-measure rest
852 @cindex multi-measure rest, attaching text
853 @cindex script on multi-measure rest
854 @cindex multi-measure rest, script
855 @cindex fermata on multi-measure rest
856 @cindex multi-measure rest, attaching fermata
857 @cindex markup on multi-measure rest
858 @cindex multi-measure rest with markup
860 @funindex \fermataMarkup
861 @funindex fermataMarkup
862 @funindex MultiMeasureRestText
864 Markups can be added to multi-measure rests.
865 The predefined command @code{\fermataMarkup}
866 is provided for adding fermatas.
868 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
869 \compressFullBarRests
871 R2.*10^\markup { \italic "ad lib." }
875 @warning{Markups attached to a multi-measure rest are objects of type
876 @code{MultiMeasureRestText}, not @code{TextScript}. Overrides must
877 be directed to the correct object, or they will be ignored. See the
880 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
881 % This fails, as the wrong object name is specified
882 \override TextScript #'padding = #5
884 % This is the correct object name to be specified
885 \override MultiMeasureRestText #'padding = #5
889 When a multi-measure rest immediately follows a @code{\partial}
890 setting, resulting bar-check warnings may not be displayed.
893 @funindex \textLengthOn
894 @funindex textLengthOn
895 @funindex \textLengthOff
896 @funindex textLengthOff
897 @funindex \fermataMarkup
898 @funindex fermataMarkup
899 @funindex \compressFullBarRests
900 @funindex compressFullBarRests
901 @funindex \expandFullBarRests
902 @funindex expandFullBarRests
905 @code{\textLengthOn},
906 @code{\textLengthOff},
907 @code{\fermataMarkup},
908 @code{\compressFullBarRests},
909 @code{\expandFullBarRests}.
917 @cindex kirchenpausen
919 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
920 {changing-form-of-multi-measure-rests.ly}
922 @cindex multi-measure rests, positioning
923 @cindex positioning multi-measure rests
925 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
926 {positioning-multi-measure-rests.ly}
928 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
929 {multi-measure-rest-markup.ly}
934 @rglos{multi-measure rest}.
939 @ref{Formatting text},
946 @rinternals{MultiMeasureRest},
947 @rinternals{MultiMeasureRestNumber},
948 @rinternals{MultiMeasureRestText}.
951 @cindex fingerings and multi-measure rests
952 @cindex multi-measure rests and fingerings
955 Fingerings over multi-measure rests (e.g. @code{R1*10-4}) may result
956 in the fingering numeral colliding with the bar counter
959 @cindex condensing rests
960 @cindex rest, condensing ordinary
962 There is no way to automatically condense multiple ordinary rests
963 into a single multi-measure rest.
965 @cindex rest, collisions of
967 Multi-measure rests do not take part in rest collisions.
969 @node Displaying rhythms
970 @subsection Displaying rhythms
977 * Polymetric notation::
978 * Automatic note splitting::
979 * Showing melody rhythms::
983 @unnumberedsubsubsec Time signature
985 @cindex time signature
991 The time signature is set as follows:
993 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
998 @cindex time signature, visibility of
1000 Time signatures are printed at the beginning of a piece
1001 and whenever the time signature changes. If a change takes place
1002 at the end of a line a warning time signature sign is printed
1003 there. This default behavior may be changed, see
1004 @ref{Visibility of objects}.
1006 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
1016 @cindex time signature style
1019 @funindex \numericTimeSignature
1020 @funindex numericTimeSignature
1021 @funindex \defaultTimeSignature
1022 @funindex defaultTimeSignature
1024 The time signature symbol that is used in 2/2 and 4/4 time can be
1025 changed to a numeric style:
1027 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
1031 % Change to numeric style
1032 \numericTimeSignature
1035 % Revert to default style
1036 \defaultTimeSignature
1042 Mensural time signatures are covered in
1043 @ref{Mensural time signatures}.
1045 @cindex time signature default settings
1046 @cindex autobeaming properties for time signatures
1047 @cindex beaming, time signature default properties
1048 @funindex \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1050 In addition to setting the printed time signature, the @code{\time}
1051 command also sets time-signature-based default values for the properties
1052 @code{baseMoment}, @code{beatStructure}, and @code{beamExceptions}. The
1053 predefined default values for these properties can be found in
1054 @file{scm/time-signature-settings.scm}. The existing default values can
1055 be changed, or new default values can be added:
1057 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
1061 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1062 #'(4 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
1063 #'(1 . 4) % baseMomentFraction
1064 #'(3 1) % beatStructure
1065 #'() % beamExceptions
1067 \repeat unfold 8 { c8 } |
1073 @code{\overrideTimeSignatureSettings} takes four arguments:
1078 @code{@var{timeSignatureFraction}}, a Scheme pair describing the
1082 @code{@var{baseMomentFraction}}, a Scheme pair containing the numerator
1083 and denominator of the basic timing unit for the time signature.
1086 @code{@var{beatStructure}}, a Scheme list indicating the structure
1087 of the beats in the measure, in units of the base moment.
1090 @code{@var{beamExceptions}}, an alist containing any beaming rules
1091 for the time signature that go beyond ending at every beat, as
1092 described in @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior}.
1095 The context containing @code{\overrideTimeSignatureSettings} must
1096 be instantiated before the @code{\overrideTimeSignatureSettings}
1097 call is executed. That means it must either be explicitly
1098 instantiated or there must be music in the context before the
1099 @code{\overrideTimeSignatureSettings} call:
1101 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
1104 % This call will fail because the context isn't yet instantiated
1105 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1106 #'(4 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
1107 #'(1 . 4) % baseMomentFraction
1108 #'(3 1) % beatStructure
1109 #'() % beamExceptions
1111 c8^\markup {"Beamed (2 2)"}
1112 \repeat unfold 7 { c8 } |
1113 % This call will succeed
1114 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1115 #'(4 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
1116 #'(1 . 4) % baseMomentFraction
1117 #'(3 1) % beatStructure
1118 #'() % beamExceptions
1120 c8^\markup {"Beamed (3 1)"}
1121 \repeat unfold 7 { c8 } |
1127 @cindex time signature properties, restoring default values
1128 @cindex restoring default properties for time signatures
1129 @funindex \revertTimeSignatureSettings
1131 Changed values of default time signature properties can be restored
1132 to the original values:
1134 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
1137 \repeat unfold 8 { c8 } |
1138 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1139 #'(4 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
1140 #'(1 . 4) % baseMomentFraction
1141 #'(3 1) % beatStructure
1142 #'() % beamExceptions
1144 \repeat unfold 8 { c8 } |
1145 \revertTimeSignatureSettings #'(4 . 4)
1147 \repeat unfold 8 { c8 } |
1152 Different values of default time signature properties can be established
1153 for different staves by moving the @code{Timing_translator} and the
1154 @code{Default_bar_line_engraver} from the @code{Score} context to the
1155 @code{Staff} context.
1157 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1161 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1162 #'(4 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
1163 #'(1 . 4) % baseMomentFraction
1164 #'(3 1) % beatStructure
1165 #'() % beamExceptions
1167 \repeat unfold 8 {c''8}
1170 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
1171 #'(4 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
1172 #'(1 . 4) % baseMomentFraction
1173 #'(1 3) % beatStructure
1174 #'() % beamExceptions
1176 \repeat unfold 8 {c''8}
1182 \remove "Timing_translator"
1183 \remove "Default_bar_line_engraver"
1187 \consists "Timing_translator"
1188 \consists "Default_bar_line_engraver"
1195 @code{\numericTimeSignature},
1196 @code{\defaultTimeSignature}.
1202 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
1203 {changing-the-time-signature-without-affecting-the-beaming.ly}
1205 @cindex compound time signatures
1206 @cindex time signature, compound
1208 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1209 {compound-time-signatures.ly}
1211 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1212 {time-signature-printing-only-the-numerator-as-a-number-instead-of-the-fraction.ly}
1217 @rglos{time signature}
1220 @ref{Mensural time signatures},
1221 @ref{Time administration}.
1226 Internals Reference:
1227 @rinternals{TimeSignature},
1228 @rinternals{Timing_translator}.
1230 @node Metronome marks
1231 @unnumberedsubsubsec Metronome marks
1234 @cindex beats per minute
1235 @cindex metronome mark
1236 @cindex metronome marking with text
1241 A basic metronome mark is simple to write:
1243 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
1249 Metronome marks may also be printed as a range of two numbers:
1251 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
1257 Tempo indications with text can be used instead:
1259 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=2]
1265 Combining a metronome mark and text will automatically place the
1266 metronome mark within parentheses:
1268 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=2]
1269 \tempo "Allegro" 4 = 160
1274 In general, the text can be any markup object:
1276 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=2]
1277 \tempo \markup { \italic Faster } 4 = 132
1278 a8-. r8 b-. r gis-. r a-. r
1281 A parenthesized metronome mark with no textual indication may be
1282 written by including an empty string in the input:
1284 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=2]
1292 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1293 {printing-metronome-and-rehearsal-marks-below-the-staff.ly}
1295 @c perhaps also an example of how to move it horizontally?
1297 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1298 {changing-the-tempo-without-a-metronome-mark.ly}
1300 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
1301 {creating-metronome-marks-in-markup-mode.ly}
1303 For more details, see @ref{Formatting text}.
1309 @rglos{metronomic indication},
1310 @rglos{tempo indication},
1311 @rglos{metronome mark}.
1314 @ref{Formatting text},
1318 @rlsr{Staff notation}.
1320 Internals Reference:
1321 @rinternals{MetronomeMark}.
1325 @unnumberedsubsubsec Upbeats
1329 @cindex partial measure
1330 @cindex measure, partial
1331 @cindex pickup measure
1332 @cindex measure, change length
1334 @funindex measurePosition
1338 Partial or pick-up measures, such as an anacrusis or upbeat, are
1339 entered using the @code{\partial} command, with the syntax
1342 \partial @var{duration}
1346 where @code{@var{duration}} is the rhythmic length of the
1347 remaining interval of the current measure before the start of the
1350 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
1355 The partial measure can be any duration less than the full measure:
1357 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
1358 \partial 8*3 c8 d e |
1362 Internally, @code{\partial @var{duration}} is translated into:
1365 \set Timing.measurePosition -@var{duration}
1368 For example, @code{\partial 8*3} becomes:
1371 \set Timing.measurePosition = #(ly:make-moment -3 8)
1374 The property @code{measurePosition} contains a rational number
1375 indicating how much of the measure has passed at this point. Note
1376 that this is set to a negative number by the @code{\partial} command:
1377 i.e., @code{\partial 4} is internally translated to @code{-4}, meaning
1378 @qq{there is a quarter note left in the measure.}
1391 @rinternals{Timing_translator}.
1395 The @code{\partial} command is intended to be used only at the
1396 beginning of a piece. If you use it after the beginning, some
1397 odd warnings or effects may occur, in this case use
1398 @code{\set Timing.measurePosition} instead.
1400 @node Unmetered music
1401 @unnumberedsubsubsec Unmetered music
1403 @cindex bar lines, turning off
1404 @cindex bar numbering, turning off
1406 @cindex unmetered music
1408 @funindex \cadenzaOn
1410 @funindex \cadenzaOff
1411 @funindex cadenzaOff
1413 Bar lines and bar numbers are calculated automatically. For
1414 unmetered music (some cadenzas, for example), this is not desirable.
1415 To turn off automatic calculation of bar lines and bar numbers,
1416 use the command @code{\cadenzaOn}, and use @code{\cadenzaOff}
1417 to turn them on again.
1419 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,quote]
1422 c4 c d8[ d d] f4 g4.
1428 Bar numbering is resumed at the end of the cadenza as if the
1429 cadenza were not there:
1431 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,quote]
1432 % Show all bar numbers
1433 \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #all-visible
1436 c4 c d8[ d d] f4 g4.
1442 @cindex beaming in cadenzas
1443 @cindex beaming in unmetered music
1444 @cindex cadenza, beaming in
1445 @cindex unmetered music, beaming in
1447 Automatic beaming is disabled by @code{\cadenzaOn} and enabled
1448 by @code{\cadenzaOff}. Therefore, all beaming in cadenzas
1449 must be entered manually (@ref{Manual beams}).
1451 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,quote]
1452 \repeat unfold 8 { c8 }
1454 \repeat unfold 5 { c8 }
1457 \repeat unfold 8 { c8 }
1460 Note that these predefined commands affect all staves in the
1461 score, even when they are placed in just one @code{Voice}
1462 context. To change this, move the @code{Timing_translator}
1463 from the @code{Score} context to the @code{Staff} context, as
1464 shown in @ref{Polymetric notation}.
1477 @ref{Visibility of objects},
1478 @ref{Polymetric notation},
1485 @cindex cadenza line breaks
1486 @cindex cadenza page breaks
1487 @cindex unmetered music, line breaks
1488 @cindex unmetered music, page breaks
1489 @cindex breaks in unmetered music
1490 @cindex line breaks in cadenzas
1491 @cindex page breaks in cadenzas
1492 @cindex line breaks in unmetered music
1493 @cindex page breaks in unmetered music
1497 LilyPond will insert line breaks and page breaks only at a
1498 bar line. Unless the unmetered music ends before the end of the
1499 staff line, you will need to insert invisible bar lines with
1506 to indicate where breaks can occur.
1508 You should explicitly create a @code{Voice} context when starting a
1509 piece with @code{\cadenzaOn}, otherwise strange errors may occur.
1515 c16[^"Solo Free Time" d e f] g2.
1523 @node Polymetric notation
1524 @unnumberedsubsubsec Polymetric notation
1526 @c This section necessarily uses \set
1527 @c This is acceptable -td
1529 @cindex double time signatures
1530 @cindex signatures, polymetric
1531 @cindex time signatures, polymetric
1532 @cindex time signatures, double
1533 @cindex polymetric signatures
1534 @cindex meter, polymetric
1536 @funindex timeSignatureFraction
1537 @funindex \scaleDurations
1538 @funindex scaleDurations
1542 Polymetric notation is supported, either explicitly or by modifying
1543 the visible time signature symbol and scaling the note durations.
1545 @strong{@i{Staves with different time signatures, equal measure lengths}}
1547 This notation can be created by setting a common time signature
1548 for each staff but replacing the symbol manually by setting
1549 @code{timeSignatureFraction} to the desired fraction and scaling
1550 the printed durations in each staff to the common time
1551 signature; see @ref{Time signature}. The scaling is done with
1552 @code{\scaleDurations}, which is used in a similar way to
1553 @code{\times}, but does not create a tuplet bracket; see
1554 @ref{Scaling durations}.
1556 @cindex beaming in polymetric music
1557 @cindex beaming in polymetric meter
1559 In this example, music with the time signatures of 3/4, 9/8, and
1560 10/8 are used in parallel. In the second staff, shown durations
1561 are multiplied by 2/3, as 2/3 * 9/8 = 3/4, and in the third
1562 staff, shown durations are multiplied by 3/5, as 3/5 * 10/8 = 3/4.
1563 It will often be necessary to insert beams manually, as the
1564 duration scaling affects the autobeaming rules.
1566 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
1575 \set Staff.timeSignatureFraction = #'(9 . 8)
1576 \scaleDurations #'(2 . 3)
1577 \repeat unfold 6 { c8[ c c] }
1581 \set Staff.timeSignatureFraction = #'(10 . 8)
1582 \scaleDurations #'(3 . 5) {
1583 \repeat unfold 2 { c8[ c c] }
1584 \repeat unfold 2 { c8[ c] } |
1585 c4. c4. \times 2/3 { c8[ c c] } c4
1591 @strong{@i{Staves with different time signatures, unequal bar lengths}}
1593 Each staff can be given its own independent time signature by
1594 moving the @code{Timing_translator} and the
1595 @code{Default_bar_line_engraver} to the @code{Staff} context.
1597 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
1601 \remove "Timing_translator"
1602 \remove "Default_bar_line_engraver"
1606 \consists "Timing_translator"
1607 \consists "Default_bar_line_engraver"
1611 % Now each staff has its own time signature.
1637 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
1638 {compound-time-signatures.ly}
1644 @rglos{polymetric time signature},
1648 @ref{Time signature},
1649 @ref{Scaling durations}.
1654 Internals Reference:
1655 @rinternals{TimeSignature},
1656 @rinternals{Timing_translator},
1657 @rinternals{Default_bar_line_engraver},
1663 When using different time signatures in parallel, notes
1664 at the same moment will be placed at the same horizontal
1665 location. However, the bar lines in the different staves
1666 will cause the note spacing to be less regular in each of the
1667 individual staves than would be normal without the different
1670 @node Automatic note splitting
1671 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic note splitting
1673 @cindex notes, splitting
1674 @cindex splitting notes
1676 @funindex Note_heads_engraver
1677 @funindex Completion_heads_engraver
1679 Long notes which overrun bar lines can be converted automatically
1680 to tied notes. This is done by replacing the
1681 @code{Note_heads_engraver} with the
1682 @code{Completion_heads_engraver}. In the following
1683 example, notes crossing the bar lines are split and tied.
1685 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1]
1687 \remove "Note_heads_engraver"
1688 \consists "Completion_heads_engraver"
1691 { c2. c8 d4 e f g a b c8 c2 b4 a g16 f4 e d c8. c2 }
1694 This engraver splits all running notes at the bar line, and
1695 inserts ties. One of its uses is to debug complex scores: if the
1696 measures are not entirely filled, then the ties show exactly how
1697 much each measure is off.
1705 @rlearning{Engravers explained},
1706 @rlearning{Adding and removing engravers}.
1711 Internals Reference:
1712 @rinternals{Note_heads_engraver},
1713 @rinternals{Completion_heads_engraver},
1714 @rinternals{Forbid_line_break_engraver}.
1719 Not all durations (especially those containing tuplets) can be
1720 represented exactly with normal notes and dots, but the
1721 @code{Completion_heads_engraver} will not insert tuplets.
1723 The @code{Completion_heads_engraver} only affects notes; it does not
1727 @node Showing melody rhythms
1728 @unnumberedsubsubsec Showing melody rhythms
1730 @cindex melody rhythms, showing
1731 @cindex rhythms, showing melody
1733 Sometimes you might want to show only the rhythm of a melody. This
1734 can be done with the rhythmic staff. All pitches of notes on such a
1735 staff are squashed, and the staff itself has a single line
1737 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
1739 \new RhythmicStaff {
1740 \new Voice = "myRhythm" {
1748 \lyricsto "myRhythm" {
1756 @cindex guitar chord charts
1757 @cindex strumming rhythms, showing
1758 @cindex guitar strumming rhythms, showing
1760 @funindex Pitch_squash_engraver
1761 @funindex \improvisationOn
1762 @funindex improvisationOn
1763 @funindex \improvisationOff
1764 @funindex improvisationOff
1766 Guitar chord charts often show the strumming rhythms. This can
1767 be done with the @code{Pitch_squash_engraver} and
1768 @code{\improvisationOn}.
1771 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
1779 \consists Pitch_squash_engraver
1792 @code{\improvisationOn},
1793 @code{\improvisationOff}.
1799 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
1800 {guitar-strum-rhythms.ly}
1807 Internals Reference:
1808 @rinternals{RhythmicStaff},
1809 @rinternals{Pitch_squash_engraver}.
1817 * Setting automatic beam behavior::
1822 @node Automatic beams
1823 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic beams
1825 By default, beams are inserted automatically:
1827 @cindex beams, manual
1828 @cindex manual beams
1829 @cindex beams, setting rules for
1830 @cindex beams, custom rules for
1832 @funindex \autoBeamOn
1833 @funindex autoBeamOn
1834 @funindex \autoBeamOff
1835 @funindex autoBeamOff
1837 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
1839 \time 6/8 c8 c c c8. c16 c8
1842 If these automatic decisions are not satisfactory, beaming can be
1843 entered explicitly; see @ref{Manual beams}. Beams @emph{must} be
1844 entered manually if beams are to be extended over rests.
1846 If automatic beaming is not required, it may be turned off with
1847 @code{\autoBeamOff} and on with @code{\autoBeamOn}:
1849 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
1850 c4 c8 c8. c16 c8. c16 c8
1857 @cindex melismata, beams
1858 @cindex beams and melismata
1860 @warning{If beams are used to indicate melismata in songs, then
1861 automatic beaming should be switched off with @code{\autoBeamOff}
1862 and the beams indicated manually.}
1864 @warning{Using @code{@bs{}partcombine} with @code{@bs{}autoBeamOff} can
1865 produce unintended results. See the snippet below for more information.}
1867 Beaming patterns that differ from the automatic defaults can be
1868 created; see @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior}.
1872 @code{\autoBeamOff},
1880 @cindex line breaks and beams
1881 @cindex beams and line breaks
1885 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
1886 {beams-across-line-breaks.ly}
1888 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
1889 {changing-beam-knee-gap.ly}
1891 @cindex \partcombine and \autoBeamOff
1892 @cindex \autoBeamOff and \partcombine
1895 @lilypondfile [verbatim, lilyquote, ragged-right, texidoc, doctitle]
1896 {partcombine-and-autobeamoff.ly}
1902 @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior}.
1905 @file{scm/auto-beam.scm}.
1910 Internals Reference:
1911 @rinternals{Auto_beam_engraver},
1912 @rinternals{Beam_engraver},
1914 @rinternals{BeamEvent},
1915 @rinternals{BeamForbidEvent},
1916 @rinternals{beam-interface},
1917 @rinternals{unbreakable-spanner-interface}.
1922 Beams can collide with note heads and accidentals in other voices.
1925 @node Setting automatic beam behavior
1926 @unnumberedsubsubsec Setting automatic beam behavior
1929 @cindex automatic beams, tuning
1930 @cindex tuning automatic beaming
1931 @cindex automatic beam generation
1933 @cindex lyrics and beaming
1935 @funindex autoBeaming
1936 @funindex baseMoment
1937 @funindex beamExceptions
1938 @funindex beatStructure
1939 @funindex measureLength
1945 In most instances, automatic beams will end at the end of a beat.
1946 The ending points for beats are determined by the context properties
1947 @code{baseMoment} and @code{beatStructure}. @code{beatStructure}
1948 is a scheme list that defines the length of each beat in the measure
1949 in units of @code{baseMoment}. By default, @code{baseMoment} is
1950 the one over numerator of the time signature. By default,
1951 each unit of length @code{baseMoment} is a single beat.
1953 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
1955 c16^"default" c c c c |
1956 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(2 3)
1957 c16^"(2+3)" c c c c |
1958 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(3 2)
1959 c16^"(3+2)" c c c c |
1962 Beam setting changes can be limited to specific contexts. If no
1963 setting is included in a lower-level context, the setting of the
1964 enclosing context will apply.
1966 @lilypond[quote, verbatim,relative=1]
1969 \set Staff.beatStructure = #'(2 3 2)
1979 \set Voice.beatStructure = #'(1 3 3)
1987 When multiple voices are used the @code{Staff} context must be
1988 specified if the beaming is to be applied to all voices in the
1991 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
1994 % Change applied to Voice by default -- does not work correctly
1995 % Because of autogenerated voices, all beating will
1996 % be at baseMoment (1 . 8)
1997 \set beatStructure = #'(3 1 1 2)
1998 << {a8 a a a16 a a a a8 a} \\ {f4. f8 f f f} >>
2000 % Works correctly with context Staff specified
2001 \set Staff.beatStructure = #'(3 1 1 2)
2002 << {a8 a a a16 a a a a8 a} \\ {f4. f8 f f f} >>
2005 The value of @code{baseMoment} can be adjusted to change
2006 the beaming behavior, if desired. When this is done,
2007 the value of @code{beatStructure} must be set to be
2008 compatible with the new value of @code{baseMoment}.
2010 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2012 \set Timing.baseMoment = #(ly:make-moment 1 16)
2013 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(7 3)
2014 \repeat unfold 10 { a16 }
2017 @code{baseMoment} is a @i{moment}; a unit of musical duration. A
2018 quantity of type @i{moment} is created by the scheme function
2019 @code{ly:make-moment}. For more information about this function,
2020 see @ref{Time administration}.
2022 By default @code{baseMoment} is set to one over the denominator of
2023 the time signature. Any exceptions to this default can be found in
2024 @file{scm/time-signature-settings.scm}.
2026 Special autobeaming rules (other than ending a beam on a beat)
2027 are defined in the @code{beamExceptions} property.
2029 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2031 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(2 1)
2032 \set Timing.beamExceptions =
2034 (end . ;entry for end of beams
2035 ( ;start of alist of end points
2036 ((1 . 32) . (2 2 2)) ;rule for 1/32 beams -- end each 1/16
2037 ))) %close all entries
2039 \repeat unfold 6 { c32 } |
2042 @code{beamExceptions} is an alist with a key of rule-type and a value
2045 At this time the only available value of rule-type is
2046 @code{#'end} for beam ending.
2048 Beaming-rules is a scheme alist (or list of pairs) that indicates the
2049 beam type and the grouping to be applied to beams containing notes with
2050 a shortest duration of that beam type.
2053 #'((beam-type1 . grouping-1)
2054 (beam-type2 . grouping-2)
2055 (beam-type3 . grouping-3))
2058 Beam type is a scheme pair indicating the duration of the beam,
2059 e.g., @code{(1 . 16)}.
2061 Grouping is a scheme list indicating the grouping to be applied to
2062 the beam. The grouping is in units of the beam type.
2064 @warning{ A @code{beamExceptions} value must be @emph{complete}
2065 exceptions list. That is, every exception that should be applied
2066 must be included in the setting. It is not possible to add, remove,
2067 or change only one of the exceptions. While this may seem cumbersome,
2068 it means that the current beaming settings need not be known in order
2069 to specify a new beaming pattern.}
2071 When the time signature is changed, default values of
2072 @code{Timing.baseMoment}, @code{Timing.beatStructure},
2073 and @code{Timing.beamExceptions} are set. Setting the time signature
2074 will reset the automatic beaming settings for the @code{Timing}
2075 context to the default behavior.
2077 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2079 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2081 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(4 2)
2082 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2083 % go back to default behavior
2085 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2089 The default automatic beaming settings for a time signature
2090 are determined in @file{scm/time-signature-settings.scm}.
2091 Changing the default automatic beaming settings
2092 for a time signature is described in @ref{Time signature}.
2094 Many automatic beaming settings for a time signature contain an
2095 entry for @code{beamExceptions}. For example, 4/4 time tries to
2096 beam the measure in two if there are only eighth notes. The
2097 @code{beamExceptions} rule can override the @code{beatStructure} setting
2098 if @code{beamExceptions} is not reset.
2100 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2102 \set Timing.baseMoment = #(ly:make-moment 1 8)
2103 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(3 3 2)
2104 % This won't beam (3 3 2) because of beamExceptions
2105 \repeat unfold 8 {c8} |
2106 % This will beam (3 3 2) because we clear beamExceptions
2107 \set Timing.beamExceptions = #'()
2108 \repeat unfold 8 {c8}
2111 In a similar fashion, eighth notes in 3/4 time are beamed as a full
2112 measure by default. To beam eighth notes in 3/4 time on the beat,
2113 reset @code{beamExceptions}.
2115 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2117 % by default we beam in (3) due to beamExceptions
2118 \repeat unfold 6 {a8} |
2119 % This will beam (1 1 1) due to beatLength
2120 \set Timing.beamExceptions = #'()
2121 \repeat unfold 6 {a8}
2124 @i{@strong{How automatic beaming works}}
2126 When automatic beaming is enabled, the placement of automatic beams
2127 is determined by the context properties
2128 @code{baseMoment}, @code{beatStructure}, and @code{beamExceptions}.
2130 The following rules, in order of priority, apply when determining
2131 the appearance of beams:
2135 If a manual beam is specified with @code{[..]} set the beam
2136 as specified, otherwise
2139 if a beam-ending rule is defined in @code{beamExceptions}
2140 for the beam-type, use it to determine the valid places where
2141 beams may end, otherwise
2144 if a beam-ending rule is defined in @code{beamExceptions}
2145 for a longer beam-type, use it to determined the valid places
2146 where beams may end, otherwise
2149 use the values of @code{baseMoment} and @code{beatStructure} to
2150 determine the ends of the beats in the measure, and
2151 end beams at the end of beats.
2155 In the rules above, the beam-type is the duration of the
2156 shortest note in the beamed group.
2158 For reference, the default beaming rules are found in
2159 @file{scm/time-signature-settings.scm}.
2163 @cindex beams, subdividing
2165 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2166 {subdividing-beams.ly}
2168 @cindex measure groupings
2169 @cindex beats, grouping
2170 @cindex grouping beats
2171 @cindex measure sub-grouping
2173 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2174 {conducting-signs,-measure-grouping-signs.ly}
2176 @cindex beam, last in score
2177 @cindex beam, last in polyphonic voice
2179 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2180 {beam-endings-in-score-context.ly}
2185 @file{scm/beam-settings.scm}.
2190 Internals Reference:
2191 @rinternals{Auto_beam_engraver},
2193 @rinternals{BeamForbidEvent},
2194 @rinternals{beam-interface}.
2198 If a score ends while an automatic beam has not been ended and is
2199 still accepting notes, this last beam will not be typeset at all.
2200 The same holds for polyphonic voices, entered with
2201 @code{<< @dots{} \\ @dots{} >>}. If a polyphonic voice ends while an
2202 automatic beam is still accepting notes, it is not typeset.
2203 The workaround for these problems is to manually beam the last
2204 beam in the voice or score.
2206 By default, the @code{Timing} translator is aliased to the
2207 @code{Score} context. This means that setting the time signature
2208 in one staff will affect the beaming of the other staves as well.
2209 Thus, a time signature setting in a later staff will reset custom
2210 beaming that was set in an earlier staff.
2211 One way to avoid this problem is to set the time signature
2214 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2218 \set Timing.baseMoment = #(ly:make-moment 1 8)
2219 \set Timing.beatStructure = #'(1 5)
2220 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2223 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2228 The default beam settings for the time signature can also be changed, so
2229 that the desired beaming will always be used. Changes in automatic
2230 beaming settings for a time signature are described in
2231 @ref{Time signature}.
2233 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2236 \overrideTimeSignatureSettings
2237 #'(3 . 4) % timeSignatureFraction
2238 #'(1 . 8) % baseMomentFraction
2239 #'(1 5) % beatStructure
2240 #'() % beamExceptions
2242 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2246 \repeat unfold 6 { a8 }
2252 @unnumberedsubsubsec Manual beams
2254 @cindex beams, manual
2255 @cindex manual beams
2260 In some cases it may be necessary to override the automatic
2261 beaming algorithm. For example, the autobeamer will not put beams
2262 over rests or bar lines, and in choral scores the beaming is
2263 often set to follow the meter of the lyrics rather than the
2264 notes. Such beams can be specified manually by
2265 marking the begin and end point with @code{[} and @code{]}.
2267 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2268 r4 r8[ g' a r] r g[ | a] r
2271 @cindex manual beams, direction shorthand for
2272 @cindex manual beams, grace notes
2274 Beaming direction can be set manually using direction indicators:
2276 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2277 c8^[ d e] c,_[ d e f g]
2283 Individual notes may be marked with @code{\noBeam} to prevent them
2286 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2291 Grace note beams and normal note beams can occur simultaneously.
2292 Unbeamed grace notes are not put into normal note beams.
2294 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2296 \grace { e32[ d c d] }
2302 @funindex stemLeftBeamCount
2303 @funindex stemRightBeamCount
2305 Even more strict manual control with the beams can be achieved by
2306 setting the properties @code{stemLeftBeamCount} and
2307 @code{stemRightBeamCount}. They specify the number of beams to
2308 draw on the left and right side, respectively, of the next note.
2309 If either property is set, its value will be used only once, and
2310 then it is erased. In this example, the last @code{f} is printed
2311 with only one beam on the left side, i.e., the eighth-note beam of
2312 the group as a whole.
2314 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2317 \set stemLeftBeamCount = #2
2318 \set stemRightBeamCount = #1
2320 \set stemLeftBeamCount = #1
2332 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2333 {flat-flags-and-beam-nibs.ly}
2338 @ref{Direction and placement},
2344 Internals Reference:
2346 @rinternals{BeamEvent},
2347 @rinternals{Beam_engraver},
2348 @rinternals{beam-interface},
2349 @rinternals{Stem_engraver}.
2352 @node Feathered beams
2353 @unnumberedsubsubsec Feathered beams
2355 @cindex beams, feathered
2356 @cindex feathered beams
2358 @funindex \featherDurations
2359 @funindex featherDurations
2360 @funindex grow-direction
2362 Feathered beams are used to indicate that a small group of notes
2363 should be played at an increasing (or decreasing) tempo, without
2364 changing the overall tempo of the piece. The extent of the
2365 feathered beam must be indicated manually using @code{[} and
2366 @code{]}, and the beam feathering is turned on by specifying a
2367 direction to the @code{Beam} property @code{grow-direction}.
2369 If the placement of the notes and the sound in the MIDI output is to
2370 reflect the @emph{ritardando} or @emph{accelerando} indicated by the
2371 feathered beam the notes must be grouped as a music expression delimited
2372 by braces and preceded by a @code{featherDurations} command which specifies
2373 the ratio between the durations of the first and last notes in the
2376 The square brackets show the extent of the beam and the braces show
2377 which notes are to have their durations modified. Normally these
2378 would delimit the same group of notes, but this is not required: the
2379 two commands are independent.
2381 In the following example the eight 16th notes occupy exactly the
2382 same time as a half note, but the first note is one half as long
2383 as the last one, with the intermediate notes gradually
2384 lengthening. The first four 32nd notes gradually speed up, while
2385 the last four 32nd notes are at a constant tempo.
2387 @lilypond[relative=1,verbatim,quote]
2388 \override Beam #'grow-direction = #LEFT
2389 \featherDurations #(ly:make-moment 2 1)
2390 { c16[ c c c c c c c] }
2391 \override Beam #'grow-direction = #RIGHT
2392 \featherDurations #(ly:make-moment 2 3)
2394 % revert to non-feathered beams
2395 \override Beam #'grow-direction = #'()
2400 The spacing in the printed output represents the
2401 note durations only approximately, but the MIDI output is exact.
2405 @code{\featherDurations}.
2415 The @code{\featherDurations} command only works with very short
2416 music snippets, and when numbers in the fraction are small.
2426 * Bar and bar number checks::
2431 @unnumberedsubsubsec Bar lines
2434 @cindex measure lines
2435 @cindex closing bar lines
2436 @cindex bar lines, closing
2437 @cindex double bar lines
2438 @cindex bar lines, double
2444 Bar lines delimit measures, and are also used to indicate
2445 repeats. Normally, simple bar lines are automatically inserted
2446 into the printed output at places based on the current time
2449 The simple bar lines inserted automatically can be changed to
2450 other types with the @code{\bar} command. For example, a closing
2451 double bar line is usually placed at the end of a piece:
2453 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2457 It is not invalid if the final note in a measure does not
2458 end on the automatically entered bar line: the note is assumed
2459 to carry over into the next measure. But if a long sequence
2460 of such carry-over measures appears the music can appear compressed
2461 or even flowing off the page. This is because automatic line
2462 breaks happen only at the end of complete measures, i.e., where
2463 all notes end before the end of a measure.
2465 @warning{An incorrect duration can cause line breaks to be
2466 inhibited, leading to a line of highly compressed music or
2467 music which flows off the page.}
2470 @cindex bar lines, invisible
2471 @cindex measure lines, invisible
2473 Line breaks are also permitted at manually inserted bar lines
2474 even within incomplete measures. To allow a line break without
2475 printing a bar line, use the following:
2482 This will insert an invisible bar line and allow (but not
2483 force) a line break to occur at this point. The bar number
2484 counter is not increased. To force a line break see
2485 @ref{Line breaking}.
2487 @cindex manual bar lines
2488 @cindex manual measure lines
2489 @cindex bar lines, manual
2490 @cindex measure lines, manual
2492 This and other special bar lines may be inserted manually at any
2493 point. When they coincide with the end of a measure they replace
2494 the simple bar line which would have been inserted there
2495 automatically. When they do not coincide with the end of a measure
2496 the specified bar line is inserted at that point in the printed
2499 Note that manual bar lines are purely visual. They do not affect
2500 any of the properties that a normal bar line would affect, such as
2501 measure numbers, accidentals, line breaks, etc. They do not affect
2502 the calculation and placement of subsequent automatic bar lines.
2503 When a manual bar line is placed where a normal bar line already
2504 exists, the effects of the original bar line are not altered.
2506 Two types of simple bar lines and five types of double bar lines are
2507 available for manual insertion:
2509 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2521 together with dotted and dashed bar lines:
2523 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2530 and five types of repeat bar line:
2532 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2541 Additionally, a bar line can be printed as a simple tick:
2542 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2545 However, as such ticks are typically used in Gregorian chant, it is
2546 preferable to use @code{\divisioMinima} there instead, described in
2547 the section @ref{Divisiones} in Gregorian chant.
2551 For in-line segno signs, there are three types of bar lines which
2552 differ in their behavior at line breaks:
2554 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2572 Although the bar line types signifying repeats may be inserted
2573 manually they do not in themselves cause LilyPond to recognize
2574 a repeated section. Such repeated sections are better entered
2575 using the various repeat commands (see @ref{Repeats}), which
2576 automatically print the appropriate bar lines.
2578 In addition, you can specify @code{"||:"}, which is equivalent to
2579 @code{"|:"} except at line breaks, where it gives a double bar
2580 line at the end of the line and a start repeat at the beginning of
2583 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2591 For combinations of repeats with the segno sign, there are six different
2594 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2623 In scores with many staves, a @code{\bar} command in one staff is
2624 automatically applied to all staves. The resulting bar lines are
2625 connected between different staves of a @code{StaffGroup},
2626 @code{PianoStaff}, or @code{GrandStaff}.
2628 @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim]
2636 \new Staff { \clef bass c4 g e g }
2638 \new Staff { \clef bass c2 c2 }
2643 @cindex default bar lines, changing
2644 @cindex bar lines, default, changing
2649 @funindex defaultBarType
2654 The command @samp{\bar @var{bartype}} is a shortcut for
2655 @samp{\set Timing.whichBar = @var{bartype}}. A bar line is
2656 created whenever the @code{whichBar} property is set.
2658 The default bar type used for automatically inserted bar lines is
2659 @code{"|"}. This may be changed at any time with
2660 @samp{\set Timing.defaultBarType = @var{bartype}}.
2665 @ref{Line breaking},
2667 @ref{Grouping staves}.
2672 Internals Reference:
2673 @rinternals{BarLine} (created at @code{Staff} level),
2674 @rinternals{SpanBar} (across staves),
2675 @rinternals{Timing_translator} (for Timing properties).
2679 @unnumberedsubsubsec Bar numbers
2682 @cindex measure numbers
2683 @cindex numbers, bar
2684 @cindex numbers, measure
2686 @funindex currentBarNumber
2688 Bar numbers are typeset by default at the start of every line except
2689 the first line. The number itself is stored in the
2690 @code{currentBarNumber} property, which is normally updated
2691 automatically for every measure. It may also be set manually:
2693 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
2696 \set Score.currentBarNumber = #50
2700 @cindex bar numbers, regular spacing
2702 @funindex barNumberVisibility
2705 Bar numbers can be typeset at regular intervals instead of just at
2706 the beginning of every line. To do this the default behavior
2707 must be overridden to permit bar numbers to be printed at places
2708 other than the start of a line. This is controlled by the
2709 @code{break-visibility} property of @code{BarNumber}. This takes
2710 three values which may be set to @code{#t} or @code{#f} to specify
2711 whether the corresponding bar number is visible or not. The order
2712 of the three values is @code{end of line visible}, @code{middle of
2713 line visible}, @code{beginning of line visible}. In the following
2714 example bar numbers are printed at all possible places:
2716 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
2717 \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #'#(#t #t #t)
2718 \set Score.currentBarNumber = #11
2719 % Permit first bar number to be printed
2729 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2730 {printing-the-bar-number-for-the-first-measure.ly}
2732 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2733 {printing-bar-numbers-at-regular-intervals.ly}
2735 @cindex measure number, format
2736 @cindex bar number, format
2738 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2739 {printing-bar-numbers-inside-boxes-or-circles.ly}
2741 @cindex bar number alignment
2743 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
2744 {aligning-bar-numbers.ly}
2746 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle]
2747 {removing-bar-numbers-from-a-score.ly}
2754 Internals Reference:
2755 @rinternals{BarNumber},
2756 @rinternals{Bar_number_engraver}.
2759 @cindex bar number collision
2760 @cindex collision, bar number
2763 Bar numbers may collide with the top of the @code{StaffGroup} bracket,
2764 if there is one. To solve this, the @code{padding} property of
2765 @code{BarNumber} can be used to position the number correctly. See
2766 @rinternals{StaffGroup} and @rinternals{BarNumber} for more.
2769 @node Bar and bar number checks
2770 @unnumberedsubsubsec Bar and bar number checks
2773 @cindex bar number check
2774 @cindex measure check
2775 @cindex measure number check
2777 @funindex barCheckSynchronize
2780 Bar checks help detect errors in the entered durations. A bar check
2781 may be entered using the bar symbol, @code{|}, at any place where a
2782 bar line is expected to fall. If bar check lines are encountered at
2783 other places, a list of warnings is printed in the log file, showing
2784 the line numbers and lines in which the bar checks failed. In the
2785 next example, the second bar check will signal an error.
2788 \time 3/4 c2 e4 | g2 |
2791 Bar checks can also be used in lyrics:
2796 Twin -- kle | Twin -- kle |
2800 An incorrect duration can result in a completely garbled score,
2801 especially if the score is polyphonic, so a good place to start
2802 correcting input is by scanning for failed bar checks and
2803 incorrect durations.
2805 If successive bar checks are off by the same musical interval,
2806 only the first warning message is displayed. This allows the
2807 warning to focus on the source of the timing error.
2811 @funindex pipeSymbol
2813 It is also possible to redefine the action taken when a bar check
2814 or pipe symbol, @code{|}, is encountered in the input, so that
2815 it does something other than a bar check. This is done by
2816 assigning a music expression to @code{pipeSymbol}.
2817 In the following example @code{|} is set to insert a double bar
2818 line wherever it appears in the input, rather than checking
2821 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
2822 pipeSymbol = \bar "||"
2831 @funindex \barNumberCheck
2832 @funindex barNumberCheck
2834 When copying large pieces of music, it can be helpful to check that
2835 the LilyPond bar number corresponds to the original that you are
2836 entering from. This can be checked with @code{\barNumberCheck}, for
2840 \barNumberCheck #123
2844 will print a warning if the @code{currentBarNumber} is not 123
2845 when it is processed.
2853 @node Rehearsal marks
2854 @unnumberedsubsubsec Rehearsal marks
2856 @cindex rehearsal marks
2857 @cindex mark, rehearsal
2862 To print a rehearsal mark, use the @code{\mark} command.
2864 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2872 The mark is incremented automatically if you use @code{\mark
2873 \default}, but you can also use an integer argument to set the
2874 mark manually. The value to use is stored in the property
2875 @code{rehearsalMark}.
2877 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2886 The letter@tie{}@q{I} is skipped in accordance with engraving
2887 traditions. If you wish to include the letter @q{I}, then use one
2888 of the following commands, depending on which style of rehearsal mark
2889 you want (letters only, letters in a hollow box, or letters in a
2893 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-alphabet
2894 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-box-alphabet
2895 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-circle-alphabet
2898 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2899 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-box-alphabet
2907 @cindex rehearsal mark format
2908 @cindex rehearsal mark style
2909 @cindex style, rehearsal mark
2910 @cindex format, rehearsal mark
2911 @cindex mark, rehearsal, style
2912 @cindex mark, rehearsal, format
2913 @cindex rehearsal mark, manual
2914 @cindex mark, rehearsal, manual
2915 @cindex custom rehearsal mark
2916 @cindex manual rehearsal mark
2918 The style is defined by the property @code{markFormatter}. It is
2919 a function taking the current mark (an integer) and the current
2920 context as argument. It should return a markup object. In the
2921 following example, @code{markFormatter} is set to a pre-defined
2922 procedure. After a few measures, it is set to a procedure that
2923 produces a boxed number.
2925 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
2926 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-numbers
2929 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-box-numbers
2931 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-circle-numbers
2933 \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-circle-letters
2937 The file @file{scm/translation-functions.scm} contains the
2938 definitions of @code{format-mark-numbers} (the default format),
2939 @code{format-mark-box-numbers}, @code{format-mark-letters} and
2940 @code{format-mark-box-letters}. These can be used as inspiration
2941 for other formatting functions.
2943 You may use @code{format-mark-barnumbers},
2944 @code{format-mark-box-barnumbers}, and
2945 @code{format-mark-circle-barnumbers} to get bar numbers instead of
2946 incremented numbers or letters.
2948 Other styles of rehearsal mark can be specified manually:
2955 Note that @code{Score.markFormatter} does not affect marks specified
2956 in this manner. However, it is possible to apply a @code{\markup} to the
2960 \mark \markup@{ \box A1 @}
2965 @cindex D.S. al Fine
2967 @cindex music glyphs
2968 @cindex glyphs, music
2970 @funindex \musicglyph
2971 @funindex musicglyph
2973 Music glyphs (such as the segno sign) may be printed inside a
2976 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1]
2977 c1 \mark \markup { \musicglyph #"scripts.segno" }
2978 c1 \mark \markup { \musicglyph #"scripts.coda" }
2979 c1 \mark \markup { \musicglyph #"scripts.ufermata" }
2984 See @ref{The Feta font}, for a list of symbols which may be
2985 printed with @code{\musicglyph}.
2987 For common tweaks to the positioning of rehearsal marks, see
2988 @ref{Formatting text}. For more precise control, see
2989 @code{break-alignable-interface} in @ref{Aligning objects}.
2994 @ref{The Feta font},
2995 @ref{Formatting text},
2996 @ref{Aligning objects}.
2999 @file{scm/translation-functions.scm} contains
3000 the definitions of @code{format-mark-numbers} and
3001 @code{format-mark-letters}. They can be used as inspiration for
3002 other formatting functions.
3007 Internals Reference:
3008 @rinternals{MarkEvent},
3009 @rinternals{Mark_engraver},
3010 @rinternals{RehearsalMark}.
3013 @node Special rhythmic concerns
3014 @subsection Special rhythmic concerns
3019 * Aligning to cadenzas::
3020 * Time administration::
3024 @unnumberedsubsubsec Grace notes
3028 @cindex appoggiatura
3029 @cindex acciaccatura
3034 Grace notes are ornaments that are written out. Grace notes
3035 are printed in a smaller font and take up no logical time
3038 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
3040 \grace { c16[ d16] } c2
3043 LilyPond also supports two special types of grace notes, the
3044 @emph{acciaccatura} -- an unmeasured grace note indicated by a slurred
3045 small note with a slashed stem -- and the @emph{appoggiatura}, which
3046 takes a fixed fraction of the main note and appears in small print
3049 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
3053 \acciaccatura { g16[ f] } e4
3056 The placement of grace notes is synchronized between different
3057 staves. In the following example, there are two sixteenth grace
3058 notes for every eighth grace note
3060 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
3062 \new Staff { e2 \grace { c16[ d e f] } e2 }
3063 \new Staff { c2 \grace { g8[ b] } c2 }
3067 @cindex grace notes, following
3069 @funindex \afterGrace
3070 @funindex afterGrace
3072 If you want to end a note with a grace, use the @code{\afterGrace}
3073 command. It takes two arguments: the main note, and the grace
3074 notes following the main note.
3076 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
3077 c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1
3080 This will put the grace notes after a space lasting 3/4 of the
3081 length of the main note. The default fraction 3/4 can be changed by
3082 setting @code{afterGraceFraction}. The following example shows
3083 the results from setting the space at the default, at 15/16, and
3084 finally at 1/2 of the main note.
3086 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
3089 c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1
3092 #(define afterGraceFraction (cons 15 16))
3093 c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1
3096 #(define afterGraceFraction (cons 1 2))
3097 c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1
3102 The space between the main note and the grace note may also be
3103 specified using spacers. The following example places the grace
3104 note after a space lasting 7/8 of the main note.
3106 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
3110 { s2 s4. \grace { c16[ d] } }
3116 @cindex tweaking grace notes
3117 @cindex grace notes, tweaking
3118 @cindex grace notes, changing layout settings
3120 A @code{\grace} music expression will introduce special
3121 typesetting settings, for example, to produce smaller type, and
3122 set directions. Hence, when introducing layout tweaks to
3123 override the special settings, they should be placed inside
3124 the grace expression. The overrides should also be reverted
3125 inside the grace expression. Here, the grace note's default stem
3126 direction is overridden and then reverted.
3128 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2]
3140 @cindex stem, with slash
3145 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
3146 {using-grace-note-slashes-with-normal-heads.ly}
3148 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
3149 {tweaking-grace-layout-within-music.ly}
3151 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
3152 {redefining-grace-note-global-defaults.ly}
3154 @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,texidoc,doctitle]
3155 {positioning-grace-notes-with-floating-space.ly}
3160 @rglos{grace notes},
3161 @rglos{acciaccatura},
3162 @rglos{appoggiatura}.
3168 @file{ly/grace-init.ly}.
3173 Internals Reference:
3174 @rinternals{GraceMusic},
3175 @rinternals{Grace_beam_engraver},
3176 @rinternals{Grace_engraver},
3177 @rinternals{Grace_spacing_engraver}.
3182 @cindex acciaccatura, multi-note
3183 @cindex multi-note acciaccatura
3184 @cindex grace-note synchronization
3186 A multi-note beamed @i{acciaccatura} is printed without a slash,
3187 and looks exactly the same as a multi-note beamed
3190 @c TODO Add link to LSR snippet to add slash when available
3192 Grace note synchronization can also lead to surprises. Staff
3193 notation, such as key signatures, bar lines, etc., are also
3194 synchronized. Take care when you mix staves with grace notes and
3195 staves without, for example,
3197 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
3199 \new Staff { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d2. }
3200 \new Staff { c4 \bar "|:" d2. }
3205 This can be remedied by inserting grace skips of the corresponding
3206 durations in the other staves. For the above example
3208 @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim]
3210 \new Staff { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d2. }
3211 \new Staff { c4 \bar "|:" \grace s16 d2. }
3215 The use of grace notes within voice contexts confuses the way the
3216 voice is typeset. This can be overcome by inserting a rest or note
3217 between the voice command and the grace note.
3219 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
3221 \acciaccatura { f8 } e8 r8 \acciaccatura { f8 } e8 r4
3228 r8 r8 \voiceOne \accMusic \oneVoice r8 |
3229 r8 \voiceOne r8 \accMusic \oneVoice r8 |
3234 s8 s8 \voiceTwo \accMusic \oneVoice s8 |
3235 s8 \voiceTwo r8 \accMusic \oneVoice s8 |
3242 Grace sections should only be used within sequential music
3243 expressions. Nesting or juxtaposing grace sections is not
3244 supported, and might produce crashes or other errors.
3247 @node Aligning to cadenzas
3248 @unnumberedsubsubsec Aligning to cadenzas
3251 @cindex cadenza, aligning to
3252 @cindex aligning to cadenza
3254 In an orchestral context, cadenzas present a special problem: when
3255 constructing a score that includes a measured cadenza or other solo
3256 passage, all other instruments should skip just as many notes as the
3257 length of the cadenza, otherwise they will start too soon or too late.
3259 One solution to this problem is to use the functions
3260 @code{mmrest-of-length} and @code{skip-of-length}. These Scheme
3261 functions take a defined piece of music as an argument and generate a
3262 multi-measure rest or @code{\skip} exactly as long as the piece.
3264 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
3265 MyCadenza = \relative c' {
3276 #(ly:export (mmrest-of-length MyCadenza))
3278 #(ly:export (skip-of-length MyCadenza))
3293 @node Time administration
3294 @unnumberedsubsubsec Time administration
3296 @cindex time administration
3297 @cindex timing (within the score)
3298 @cindex music, unmetered
3299 @cindex unmetered music
3301 @funindex currentBarNumber
3302 @funindex measurePosition
3303 @funindex measureLength
3305 Time is administered by the @code{Timing_translator}, which by
3306 default is to be found in the @code{Score} context. An alias,
3307 @code{Timing}, is added to the context in which the
3308 @code{Timing_translator} is placed. To ensure that the
3309 @code{Timing} alias is available, you may need to explicitly
3310 instantiate the containing context (such as @code{Voice} or
3313 The following properties of @code{Timing} are used
3314 to keep track of timing within the score.
3317 @cindex measure number
3320 @item currentBarNumber
3321 The current measure number. For an example showing the
3322 use of this property see @ref{Bar numbers}.
3325 The length of the measures in the current time signature. For a
3326 4/4 time this is@tie{}1, and for 6/8 it is 3/4. Its value
3327 determines when bar lines are inserted and how automatic beams
3328 should be generated.
3330 @item measurePosition
3331 The point within the measure where we currently are. This
3332 quantity is reset by subtracting @code{measureLength} whenever
3333 @code{measureLength} is reached or exceeded. When that happens,
3334 @code{currentBarNumber} is incremented.
3337 If set to true, the above variables are updated for every time
3338 step. When set to false, the engraver stays in the current
3339 measure indefinitely.
3343 Timing can be changed by setting any of these variables
3344 explicitly. In the next example, the default 4/4 time
3345 signature is printed, but @code{measureLength} is set to 5/4.
3346 At 4/8 through the third measure, the @code{measurePosition} is
3347 advanced by 1/8 to 5/8, shortening that bar by 1/8.
3348 The next bar line then falls at 9/8 rather than 5/4.
3350 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
3351 \new Voice \relative c' {
3352 \set Timing.measureLength = #(ly:make-moment 5 4)
3356 \set Timing.measurePosition = #(ly:make-moment 5 8)
3363 As the example illustrates, @code{ly:make-moment n m} constructs a
3364 duration of n/m of a whole note. For example,
3365 @code{ly:make-moment 1 8} is an eighth note duration and
3366 @code{ly:make-moment 7 16} is the duration of seven sixteenths
3373 @ref{Unmetered music}.
3378 Internals Reference:
3379 @rinternals{Timing_translator},