1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
2 @c This file is part of lilypond.tely
4 @c A menu is needed before every deeper *section nesting of @node's; run
5 @c M-x texinfo-all-menus-update
6 @c to automatically fill in these menus before saving changes
9 @chapter Basic notation
11 This chapter explains how to use basic notation features.
16 * Multiple notes at once::
28 This section discusses how to specify the pitch of notes.
33 * Cautionary accidentals::
35 * Notes names in other languages::
45 @subsection Normal pitches
50 A pitch name is specified using lowercase letters @code{a} through @code{g}.
51 An ascending C-major scale is engraved with
53 @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,ragged-right]
58 The note name @code{c} is engraved one octave below middle C.
60 @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,ragged-right]
70 The optional octave specification takes the form of a series of
71 single quote (`@code{'}') characters or a series of comma
72 (`@code{,}') characters. Each @code{'} raises the pitch by one
73 octave; each @code{,} lowers the pitch by an octave.
75 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
77 c' c'' e' g d'' d' d c
79 c, c,, e, g d,, d, d c
82 An alternate method may be used to declare which octave to
83 engrave a pitch; this method does not require as many
84 octave specifications (@code{'} and @code{,}). See
85 @ref{Relative octaves}.
89 @subsection Accidentals
91 @cindex note names, Dutch
92 @cindex note names, default
94 A sharp is formed by adding @code{-is} to the end of a pitch name and
95 a flat is formed by adding @code{-es}. Double sharps and double flats
96 are obtained by adding @code{-isis} or @code{-eses} to a note name.
98 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
104 These are the Dutch note names. In Dutch, @code{aes} is contracted to
105 @code{as}, but both forms are accepted. Similarly, both
106 @code{es} and @code{ees} are accepted
108 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2]
112 A natural will cancel the effect of an accidental or key signature.
113 However, naturals are not encoded into the note name syntax with a
114 suffix; a natural pitch is shown as a simple note name
116 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
120 The input @code{d e f} is interpreted as ``print a D-natural,
121 E-natural, and an F-natural,'' regardless of the key
122 signature. For more information about the distinction between
123 musical content and the presentation of that content, see
124 @ref{More about pitches}.
126 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative]
135 In accordance with standard typesetting rules, a natural sign is printed
136 before a sharp or flat if a previous accidental needs to be
137 cancelled. To change this behavior, use
138 @code{\set Staff.extraNatural = ##f}
140 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2]
142 \set Staff.extraNatural = ##f
149 Program reference: @internalsref{LedgerLineSpanner},
150 @internalsref{NoteHead}.
153 @node Cautionary accidentals
154 @subsection Cautionary accidentals
156 @cindex accidental, reminder
157 @cindex accidental, cautionary
158 @cindex accidental, parenthesized
159 @cindex reminder accidental
161 @cindex cautionary accidental
162 @cindex parenthesized accidental
165 Normally accidentals are printed automatically, but you may also
166 print them manually. A reminder accidental
167 can be forced by adding an exclamation mark @code{!}
168 after the pitch. A cautionary accidental
169 (i.e., an accidental within parentheses) can be obtained by adding the
170 question mark `@code{?}' after the pitch. These extra accidentals
171 can be used to produce natural signs, too.
173 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1]
174 cis cis cis! cis? c c? c! c
180 The automatic production of accidentals can be tuned in many
181 ways. For more information, see @ref{Automatic accidentals}.
185 @subsection Micro tones
187 @cindex quarter tones
188 @cindex semi-flats, semi-sharps
190 Half-flats and half-sharps are formed by adding @code{-eh} and
191 @code{-ih}; the following is a series of Cs with increasing pitches
193 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,relative=2,fragment]
194 \set Staff.extraNatural = ##f
198 Micro tones are also exported to the MIDI file.
203 There are no generally accepted standards for denoting
204 three-quarter flats, so LilyPond's symbol does not conform to any
208 @node Notes names in other languages
209 @subsection Notes names in other languages
211 There are predefined sets of note names for various other languages.
212 To use them, include the language specific init file. For
213 example, add @code{\include "english.ly"} to the top of the input
214 file. The available language files
215 and the note names they define are
217 @c what about micro-tunes, double-sharps, and double-flats? add
218 @c more columns to the table?
219 @c Oh, and should this be made into a multitable?
220 @cindex note names, other languages
222 Note Names sharp flat
223 nederlands.ly c d e f g a bes b -is -es
224 english.ly c d e f g a bf b -s/-sharp -f/-flat
226 deutsch.ly c d e f g a b h -is -es
227 norsk.ly c d e f g a b h -iss/-is -ess/-es
228 svenska.ly c d e f g a b h -iss -ess
229 italiano.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d -b
230 catalan.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d/-s -b
231 espanol.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -s -b
235 @node Relative octaves
236 @subsection Relative octaves
239 @cindex Relative octave specification
242 Octaves are specified by adding @code{'} and @code{,} to pitch names.
243 When you copy existing music, it is easy to accidentally put a pitch
244 in the wrong octave and hard to find such an error. The relative
245 octave mode prevents these errors by making the mistakes much
246 larger: a single error puts the rest of the piece off by one octave
249 \relative @var{startpitch} @var{musicexpr}
256 \relative @var{musicexpr}
260 @code{c'} is used as the default if no starting pitch is defined.
262 The octave of notes that appear in @var{musicexpr} are calculated as
263 follows: if no octave changing marks are used, the basic interval
264 between this and the last note is always taken to be a fourth or
265 less. This distance is determined without regarding alterations; a
266 @code{fisis} following a @code{ceses} will be put above the
267 @code{ceses}. In other words, a doubly-augmented fourth is considered
268 a smaller interval than a diminished fifth, even though the
269 doubly-augmented fourth spans seven semitones while the diminished
270 fifth only spans six semitones.
272 The octave changing marks @code{'} and @code{,} can be added to raise
273 or lower the pitch by an extra octave. Upon entering relative mode,
274 an absolute starting pitch can be specified that will act as the
275 predecessor of the first note of @var{musicexpr}. If no starting pitch
276 is specified, then middle C is used as a start.
278 Here is the relative mode shown in action
279 @lilypond[quote,fragment,ragged-right,verbatim]
285 Octave changing marks are used for intervals greater than a fourth
287 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
293 If the preceding item is a chord, the first note of the chord is used
294 to determine the first note of the next chord
296 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
304 The pitch after @code{\relative} contains a note name.
306 The relative conversion will not affect @code{\transpose},
307 @code{\chordmode} or @code{\relative} sections in its argument. To use
308 relative within transposed music, an additional @code{\relative} must
309 be placed inside @code{\transpose}.
313 @subsection Octave check
317 Octave checks make octave errors easier to correct: a note may be
318 followed by @code{=}@var{quotes} which indicates what its absolute
319 octave should be. In the following example,
322 \relative c'' @{ c='' b=' d,='' @}
326 the @code{d} will generate a warning, because a @code{d''} is expected
327 (because @code{b'} to @code{d''} is only a third), but a @code{d'} is
328 found. In the output, the octave is corrected to be a @code{d''} and
329 the next note is calculated relative to @code{d''} instead of @code{d'}.
331 There is also an octave check that produces no visible output. The syntax
337 This checks that @var{pitch} (without quotes) yields @var{pitch} (with
338 quotes) in @code{\relative} mode compared to the note given in the
339 @code{\relative} command. If not, a warning is printed, and the
340 octave is corrected. The @var{pitch} is not printed as a note.
342 In the example below, the first check passes without incident, since
343 the @code{e} (in @code{relative} mode) is within a fifth of
345 the second check produces a warning, since the @code{e} is not within
346 a fifth of @code{b'}. The warning message is printed, and the octave
347 is adjusted so that the following notes are in the correct octave
359 The octave of a note following an octave check is determined with
360 respect to the note preceding it. In the next fragment, the last note
361 is an @code{a'}, above middle C. That means that the @code{\octave}
362 check passes successfully, so the check could be deleted without changing
363 the output of the piece.
365 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment]
375 @subsection Transpose
378 @cindex Transposition of pitches
381 A music expression can be transposed with @code{\transpose}. The
384 \transpose @var{from} @var{to} @var{musicexpr}
387 This means that @var{musicexpr} is transposed by the interval between
388 the pitches @var{from} and @var{to}: any note with pitch @code{from}
389 is changed to @code{to}.
391 For example, consider a piece written in the key of D-major. If
392 this piece is a little too low for its performer, it can be
393 transposed up to E-major with
395 \transpose d e @dots{}
398 Consider a part written for violin (a C instrument). If
399 this part is to be played on the A clarinet (for which an
400 A is notated as a C, and which sounds a minor third lower
401 than notated), the following
402 transposition will produce the appropriate part
405 \transpose a c @dots{}
408 @code{\transpose} distinguishes between enharmonic pitches: both
409 @code{\transpose c cis} or @code{\transpose c des} will transpose up
410 half a tone. The first version will print sharps and the second
411 version will print flats
413 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
414 mus = { \key d \major cis d fis g }
423 @code{\transpose} may also be used to input written notes for a
424 transposing instrument. Pitches are normally entered into LilyPond
425 in C (or ``concert pitch''), but they may be entered in another
426 key. For example, when entering music for a B-flat trumpet which
427 begins on concert D, one would write
430 \transpose c bes @{ e4 @dots{} @}
433 To print this music in B-flat again (i.e., producing a trumpet part,
434 instead of a concert pitch conductor's score) you would wrap the
435 existing music with another @code{transpose}
438 \transpose bes c @{ \transpose c bes @{ e4 @dots{} @} @}
444 Program reference: @internalsref{TransposedMusic}.
446 Example: @inputfileref{input/@/test,smart@/-transpose@/.ly}.
451 If you want to use both @code{\transpose} and @code{\relative},
452 you must put @code{\transpose} outside of @code{\relative}, since
453 @code{\relative} will have no effect on music that appears inside a
464 Rests are entered like notes with the note name @code{r}
466 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
470 Whole bar rests, centered in middle of the bar,
471 must be done with multi-measure rests. They can be used for a
472 single bar as well as many bars, and are discussed in
473 @ref{Multi measure rests}.
475 To explicitly specify a rest's vertical position, write a note
476 followed by @code{\rest}. A rest will be placed in the position
477 where the note would appear,
479 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
484 This makes manual formatting of
485 polyphonic music much easier, since the automatic rest collision
486 formatter will leave these rests alone.
490 Program reference: @internalsref{Rest}.
497 @cindex Invisible rest
502 An invisible rest (also called a `skip') can be entered like a note
503 with note name `@code{s}' or with @code{\skip @var{duration}}
505 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2]
506 a4 a4 s4 a4 \skip 1 a4
509 The @code{s} syntax is only available in note mode and chord mode. In
510 other situations, for example, when entering lyrics, you should use
511 the @code{\skip} command
513 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
516 \new Lyrics \lyricmode { \skip 2 bla2 }
520 The skip command is merely an empty musical placeholder. It does not
521 produce any output, not even transparent output.
523 The @code{s} skip command does create @internalsref{Staff} and
524 @internalsref{Voice} when necessary, similar to note and rest
525 commands. For example, the following results in an empty staff.
527 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
531 The fragment @code{@{ \skip 4 @} } would produce an empty page.
535 Program reference: @internalsref{SkipMusic}.
542 This section discusses rhythms, durations, and bars.
546 * Augmentation dots::
548 * Scaling durations::
551 * Automatic note splitting::
556 @subsection Durations
563 In Note, Chord, and Lyrics mode, durations are designated by numbers and
564 dots: durations are entered as their reciprocal values. For example, a
565 quarter note is entered using a @code{4} (since it is a 1/4 note), while
566 a half note is entered using a @code{2} (since it is a 1/2 note). For
567 notes longer than a whole you must use the @code{\longa} and
568 @code{\breve} commands
572 c'1 c'2 c'4 c'8 c'16 c'32 c'64 c'64
574 r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64
580 a\breve*1/2 \autoBeamOff
581 a1 a2 a4 a8 a16 a32 a64 a64
584 r\longa*1/4 r\breve *1/2
585 r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64
592 \remove "Bar_number_engraver"
596 \remove "Clef_engraver"
597 \override StaffSymbol #'transparent = ##t
598 \override TimeSignature #'transparent = ##t
599 \override BarLine #'transparent = ##t
600 \consists "Pitch_squash_engraver"
606 If the duration is omitted then it is set to the previously entered
607 duration. The default for the first note is a quarter note.
609 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment]
610 { a a a2 a a4 a a1 a }
614 @node Augmentation dots
615 @subsection Augmentation dots
619 To obtain dotted note lengths, simply add a dot (`@code{.}') to
620 the number. Double-dotted notes are produced in a similar way.
622 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
623 a'4 b' c''4. b'8 a'4. b'4.. c''8.
628 Dots are normally moved up to avoid staff lines, except in polyphonic
629 situations. The following commands may be used to force a particular
636 @funindex \dotsNeutral
641 Program reference: @internalsref{Dots}, and @internalsref{DotColumn}.
651 Tuplets are made out of a music expression by multiplying all durations
655 \times @var{fraction} @var{musicexpr}
659 The duration of @var{musicexpr} will be multiplied by the fraction.
660 The fraction's denominator will be printed over the notes, optionally
661 with a bracket. The most common tuplet is the triplet in which 3
662 notes have the length of 2, so the notes are 2/3 of their written
665 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
666 g'4 \times 2/3 {c'4 c' c'} d'4 d'4
669 Tuplets may be nested, for example,
671 @lilypond[fragment,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2]
672 \override TupletNumber #'text = #tuplet-number::calc-fraction-text
675 \times 3/5 { a a a a a }
683 @funindex \tupletDown
685 @funindex \tupletNeutral
686 @code{\tupletNeutral}.
691 @funindex tupletNumberFormatFunction
692 @cindex tuplet formatting
694 The property @code{tupletSpannerDuration} specifies how long each
695 bracket should last. With this, you can make lots of tuplets while
696 typing @code{\times} only once, thus saving lots of typing. In the next
697 example, there are two triplets shown, while @code{\times} was only
700 @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,ragged-right,verbatim]
701 \set tupletSpannerDuration = #(ly:make-moment 1 4)
702 \times 2/3 { c8 c c c c c }
706 For more information about @code{make-moment}, see
707 @ref{Time administration}.
709 The format of the number is determined by the property @code{text} in
710 @code{TupletNumber}. The default prints only the denominator, but if
711 it is set to the function @code{tuplet-number::calc-fraction-text},
712 @var{num}:@var{den} will be printed instead.
714 To avoid printing tuplet numbers, use
716 @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,ragged-right,verbatim]
717 \times 2/3 { c8 c c } \times 2/3 { c8 c c }
718 \override TupletNumber #'transparent = ##t
719 \times 2/3 { c8 c c } \times 2/3 { c8 c c }
722 Tuplet brackets can be made to run to prefatory matter or
725 @lilypond[ragged-right]
727 \set tupletFullLength = ##t
732 \set tupletFullLengthNote = ##t
745 Program reference: @internalsref{TupletBracket},
746 @internalsref{TupletNumber}, and @internalsref{TimeScaledMusic}.
748 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,tuplet@/-nest@/.ly}.
752 @node Scaling durations
753 @subsection Scaling durations
755 You can alter the length of duration by a fraction @var{N/M}
756 appending `@code{*}@var{N/M}' (or `@code{*}@var{N}' if @var{M=1}). This
757 will not affect the appearance of the notes or rests produced.
759 In the following example, the first three notes take up exactly two
760 beats, but no triplet bracket is printed.
761 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
763 a4*2/3 gis4*2/3 a4*2/3
771 This manual: @ref{Tuplets}
775 @subsection Bar check
778 @funindex barCheckSynchronize
781 Bar checks help detect errors in the durations. A bar check is
782 entered using the bar symbol, `@code{|}'. Whenever it is encountered
783 during interpretation, it should fall on a measure boundary. If it
784 does not, a warning is printed. In the next example, the second bar
785 check will signal an error
787 \time 3/4 c2 e4 | g2 |
790 Bar checks can also be used in lyrics, for example
795 Twin -- kle | Twin -- kle
799 Failed bar checks are caused by entering incorrect
800 durations. Incorrect durations often completely garble up the score,
801 especially if the score is polyphonic, so a good place to start correcting
802 input is by scanning for failed bar checks and incorrect durations.
807 It is also possible to redefine the meaning of @code{|}. This is done
808 by assigning a music expression to @code{pipeSymbol},
810 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
811 pipeSymbol = \bar "||"
817 @node Barnumber check
818 @subsection Barnumber check
820 When copying large pieces of music, it can be helpful to check that
821 the LilyPond bar number corresponds to the original that you are
822 entering from. This can be checked with @code{\barNumberCheck}, for
830 will print a warning if the @code{currentBarNumber} is not 123 when it
834 @node Automatic note splitting
835 @subsection Automatic note splitting
837 Long notes can be converted automatically to tied notes. This is done
838 by replacing the @internalsref{Note_heads_engraver} by the
839 @internalsref{Completion_heads_engraver}.
840 In the following examples, notes crossing the bar line are split and tied.
842 @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,relative=1,line-width=12\cm]
844 \remove "Note_heads_engraver"
845 \consists "Completion_heads_engraver"
847 c2. c8 d4 e f g a b c8 c2 b4 a g16 f4 e d c8. c2
851 This engraver splits all running notes at the bar line, and inserts
852 ties. One of its uses is to debug complex scores: if the measures are
853 not entirely filled, then the ties exactly show how much each measure
859 Not all durations (especially those containing tuplets) can be
860 represented exactly with normal notes and dots, but the engraver will
863 @code{Completion_heads_engraver} only affects notes; it does not split
869 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,completion@/-heads@/.ly}.
873 Program reference: @internalsref{Completion_heads_engraver}.
876 @node Multiple notes at once
877 @section Multiple notes at once
879 Polyphony in music refers to having more than one voice occurring in
880 a piece of music. Polyphony in LilyPond refers to having more than
881 one voice on the same staff.
887 * Explicitly instantiating voices::
888 * Collision Resolution::
897 A chord is formed by a enclosing a set of pitches between @code{<}
898 and @code{>}. A chord may be followed by a duration, and a set of
899 articulations, just like simple notes
901 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,quote,relative=1]
905 For more information about chords, see @ref{Chord names}.
911 Whenever a note is found, a @internalsref{Stem} object is created
912 automatically. For whole notes and rests, they are also created but
921 @funindex \stemNeutral
927 To change the direction of stems in the middle of the staff, use
929 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
931 \override Stem #'neutral-direction = #up
933 \override Stem #'neutral-direction = #down
938 @node Basic polyphony
939 @subsection Basic polyphony
943 The easiest way to enter fragments with more than one voice on a staff
944 is to enter each voice as a sequence (with @code{@{...@}}), and combine
945 them simultaneously, separating the voices with @code{\\}
949 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment]
950 \new Staff \relative c' {
953 { g4 f e | d2 e2 } \\
954 { r8 e4 d c8 ~ | c b16 a b8 g ~ g2 } \\
960 The separator causes @internalsref{Voice} contexts@footnote{Polyphonic
961 voices are sometimes called ``layers'' in other notation packages}
963 to be instantiated. They bear the names @code{"1"}, @code{"2"}, etc. In
964 each of these contexts, vertical direction of slurs, stems, etc., is set
967 These voices are all separate from the voice that contains the notes just
968 outside the @code{<< \\ >>} construct. This should be noted when making
969 changes at the voice level. This also means that slurs and ties cannot go
970 into or out of a @code{<< \\ >>} construct. Conversely, parallel voices
971 from separate @code{<< \\ >>} constructs on the same staff are the the
972 same voice. Here is the same example, with different noteheads for each
973 voice. Note that the change to the note-head style in the main voice does
975 the inside of the @code{<< \\ >>} constructs. Also, the change to the
977 voice in the first @code{<< \\ >>} construct is effective in the second
978 @code{<< \\ >>}, and the voice is tied across the two constructs.
980 @cindex note heads, styles
982 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment]
983 \new Staff \relative c' {
984 \override NoteHead #'style = #'cross
988 { \override NoteHead #'style = #'triangle
993 { c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2 } \\
994 { \override NoteHead #'style = #'slash s4 b4 c2 }
999 Polyphony does not change the relationship of notes within a
1000 @code{\relative @{ @}} block. Each note is calculated relative
1001 to the note immediately preceding it.
1004 \relative @{ noteA << noteB \\ noteC >> noteD @}
1007 @code{noteC} is relative to @code{noteB}, not @code{noteA};
1008 @code{noteD} is relative to @code{noteC}, not @code{noteB} or
1011 @node Explicitly instantiating voices
1012 @subsection Explicitly instantiating voices
1014 @internalsref{Voice} contexts can also be instantiated manually
1015 inside a @code{<< >>} block to create polyphonic music, using
1016 @code{\voiceOne}, up to @code{\voiceFour} to assign stem directions
1017 and a horizontal shift for each part.
1021 << \upper \\ \lower >>
1029 \new Voice = "1" @{ \voiceOne \upper @}
1030 \new Voice = "2" @{ \voiceTwo \lower @}
1034 The @code{\voiceXXX} commands set the direction of stems, slurs, ties,
1035 articulations, text annotations, augmentation dots of dotted
1036 notes, and fingerings. @code{\voiceOne} and @code{\voiceThree} make
1037 these objects point upwards, while @code{\voiceTwo} and @code{\voiceFour}
1038 make them point downwards.
1039 The command @code{\oneVoice} will revert back to the normal setting.
1041 An expression that appears directly inside a @code{<< >>} belongs to
1042 the main voice. This is useful when extra voices appear while the main
1043 voice is playing. Here is a more correct rendition of the example from
1044 the previous section. The crossed noteheads demonstrate that the main
1045 melody is now in a single voice context.
1047 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1048 \new Staff \relative c' {
1049 \override NoteHead #'style = #'cross
1054 \new Voice="1" { \voiceTwo
1055 r8 e4 d c8 ~ | c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2
1058 \new Voice { \voiceThree
1067 The correct definition of the voices allows the melody to be slurred.
1068 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1069 \new Staff \relative c' {
1074 \context Voice="1" { \voiceTwo
1075 r8 e4 d c8 ~ | c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2
1078 \new Voice { \voiceThree
1087 Avoiding the @code{\\} separator also allows nesting polyphony
1088 constructs, which in some case might be a more natural way to typeset
1091 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1092 \new Staff \relative c' {
1097 \context Voice="1" { \voiceTwo
1100 {c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2}
1101 \new Voice { \voiceThree
1114 @node Collision Resolution
1115 @subsection Collision Resolution
1117 Normally, note heads with a different number of dots are not merged, but
1118 when the object property @code{merge-differently-dotted} is set in
1119 the @internalsref{NoteCollision} object, they are merged
1120 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,ragged-right,relative=2]
1123 \override Staff.NoteCollision
1124 #'merge-differently-dotted = ##t
1126 } \\ { g8.[ f16] g8.[ f16] } >>
1129 Similarly, you can merge half note heads with eighth notes, by setting
1130 @code{merge-differently-headed}
1131 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
1134 \override Staff.NoteCollision
1135 #'merge-differently-headed = ##t
1136 c8 c4. } \\ { c2 c2 } >>
1139 LilyPond also vertically shifts rests that are opposite of a stem,
1142 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
1143 \new Voice << c''4 \\ r4 >>
1155 @funindex \voiceThree
1157 @funindex \voiceFour
1164 @funindex \shiftOnnn
1167 @code{\shiftOff}: these commands specify in what chords of the current
1168 voice should be shifted. The outer voices (normally: voice one and
1169 two) have @code{\shiftOff}, while the inner voices (three and four)
1170 have @code{\shiftOn}. @code{\shiftOnn} and @code{\shiftOnnn} define
1171 further shift levels.
1173 When LilyPond cannot cope, the @code{force-hshift}
1174 property of the @internalsref{NoteColumn} object and pitched rests can
1175 be used to override typesetting decisions.
1177 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right]
1184 \once \override NoteColumn #'force-hshift = #1.7
1192 Program reference: the objects responsible for resolving collisions are
1193 @internalsref{NoteCollision} and @internalsref{RestCollision}.
1196 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-dots@/.ly},
1197 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-head-chords@/.ly},
1198 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-heads@/.ly},
1199 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-mesh@/.ly}, and
1200 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collisions@/.ly}.
1205 When using @code{merge-differently-headed} with an upstem eighth or a
1206 shorter note, and a downstem half note, the eighth note gets the wrong
1209 There is no support for clusters where the same note occurs with
1210 different accidentals in the same chord. In this case, it is
1211 recommended to use enharmonic transcription, or to use special cluster
1212 notation (see @ref{Clusters}).
1216 @node Staff notation
1217 @section Staff notation
1219 @cindex Staff notation
1221 This section describes music notation that occurs on staff level,
1222 such as key signatures, clefs and time signatures.
1228 * Partial measures::
1231 * System start delimiters::
1233 * Writing music in parallel::
1242 The clef indicates which lines of the staff correspond to which
1243 pitches. The clef is set with the @code{\clef} command
1245 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
1246 { c''2 \clef alto g'2 }
1255 @cindex soprano clef
1256 @cindex mezzosoprano clef
1257 @cindex baritone clef
1258 @cindex varbaritone clef
1259 @cindex subbass clef
1261 Supported clefs include
1263 @multitable @columnfractions .33 .66
1264 @headitem Clef @tab Position
1265 @item @code{treble}, violin, G, G2 @tab
1267 @item @code{alto, C} @tab
1269 @item @code{tenor} @tab
1271 @item @code{bass, F} @tab
1273 @item @code{french} @tab
1274 G clef on 1st line, so-called French violin clef
1275 @item @code{soprano} @tab
1277 @item @code{mezzosoprano} @tab
1279 @item @code{baritone} @tab
1281 @item @code{varbaritone} @tab
1283 @item @code{subbass} @tab
1285 @item @code{percussion} @tab
1287 @item @code{tab} @tab
1291 By adding @code{_8} or @code{^8} to the clef name, the clef is
1292 transposed one octave down or up, respectively, and @code{_15} and
1293 @code{^15} transposes by two octaves. The argument @var{clefname}
1294 must be enclosed in quotes when it contains underscores or digits. For
1297 @cindex choral tenor clef
1298 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=1]
1305 The command @code{\clef "treble_8"} is equivalent to setting
1307 @code{clefPosition} (which controls the Y position of the clef),
1308 @code{middleCPosition} and @code{clefOctavation}. A clef is printed
1309 when any of these properties are changed. The following example shows
1310 possibilities when setting properties manually.
1312 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1314 \set Staff.clefGlyph = #"clefs.F"
1315 \set Staff.clefPosition = #2
1317 \set Staff.clefGlyph = #"clefs.G"
1319 \set Staff.clefGlyph = #"clefs.C"
1321 \set Staff.clefOctavation = #7
1323 \set Staff.clefOctavation = #0
1324 \set Staff.clefPosition = #0
1328 \set Staff.middleCPosition = #4
1336 Manual: @ref{Grace notes}.
1338 Program reference: @internalsref{Clef}.
1342 @subsection Key signature
1344 @cindex Key signature
1347 The key signature indicates the tonality in which a piece is played. It
1348 is denoted by a set of alterations (flats or sharps) at the start of the
1351 Setting or changing the key signature is done with the @code{\key}
1355 @code{\key} @var{pitch} @var{type}
1364 @funindex \mixolydian
1368 @cindex church modes
1370 Here, @var{type} should be @code{\major} or @code{\minor} to get
1371 @var{pitch}-major or @var{pitch}-minor, respectively. You may also
1372 use the standard mode names (also called ``church modes''): @code{\ionian},
1373 @code{\locrian}, @code{\aeolian}, @code{\mixolydian}, @code{\lydian},
1374 @code{\phrygian}, and @code{\dorian}.
1376 This command sets the context property
1377 @code{Staff.keySignature}. Non-standard key signatures
1378 can be specified by setting this property directly.
1380 Accidentals and key signatures often confuse new users, because
1381 unaltered notes get natural signs depending on the key signature. For
1382 more information, see @ref{Accidentals} or @ref{More about pitches}.
1384 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2,fragment]
1393 A natural sign is printed to cancel any previous accidentals. This
1394 can be suppressed by setting the @code{Staff.printKeyCancellation}
1397 @lilypond[quote,fragment,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
1402 \set Staff.printKeyCancellation = ##f
1412 Program reference: @internalsref{KeyCancellation},
1413 @internalsref{KeySignature}.
1416 @node Time signature
1417 @subsection Time signature
1419 @cindex Time signature
1423 Time signature indicates the metrum of a piece: a regular pattern of
1424 strong and weak beats. It is denoted by a fraction at the start of the
1427 The time signature is set with the @code{\time} command
1429 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
1430 \time 2/4 c'2 \time 3/4 c'2.
1435 The symbol that is printed can be customized with the @code{style}
1436 property. Setting it to @code{#'()} uses fraction style for 4/4 and
1439 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1442 \override Staff.TimeSignature #'style = #'()
1447 There are many more options for its layout. See @ref{Ancient time
1448 signatures} for more examples.
1450 @code{\time} sets the property @code{timeSignatureFraction},
1451 @code{beatLength} and @code{measureLength} in the @code{Timing}
1452 context, which is normally aliased to @internalsref{Score}. The
1453 property @code{measureLength} determines where bar lines should be
1454 inserted, and how automatic beams should be generated. Changing the
1455 value of @code{timeSignatureFraction} also causes the symbol to be
1458 More options are available through the Scheme function
1459 @code{set-time-signature}. In combination with the
1460 @internalsref{Measure_grouping_engraver}, it will create
1461 @internalsref{MeasureGrouping} signs. Such signs ease reading
1462 rhythmically complex modern music. In the following example, the 9/8
1463 measure is subdivided in 2, 2, 2 and 3. This is passed to
1464 @code{set-time-signature} as the third argument @code{(2 2 2 3)}
1466 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1469 #(set-time-signature 9 8 '(2 2 2 3))
1470 g8[ g] d[ d] g[ g] a8[( bes g]) |
1471 #(set-time-signature 5 8 '(3 2))
1477 \consists "Measure_grouping_engraver"
1486 Program reference: @internalsref{TimeSignature}, and
1487 @internalsref{Timing_translator}.
1489 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/test,compound@/-time@/.ly}.
1494 Automatic beaming does not use the measure grouping specified with
1495 @code{set-time-signature}.
1498 @node Partial measures
1499 @subsection Partial measures
1503 @cindex partial measure
1504 @cindex measure, partial
1505 @cindex shorten measures
1508 Partial measures, such as an anacrusis or upbeat, are entered using the
1510 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
1511 \partial 16*5 c16 cis d dis e | a2. c,4 | b2
1514 The syntax for this command is
1517 \partial @var{duration}
1520 where @code{duration} is the rhythmic length to be added before
1523 This is internally translated into
1526 \set Timing.measurePosition = -@var{length of duration}
1529 The property @code{measurePosition} contains a rational number
1530 indicating how much of the measure has passed at this point. Note
1531 that this is a negative number; @code{\partial 4} is internally
1532 translated to mean ``there is a quarter note left in the bar''.
1537 This command does not take into account grace notes at the start of
1538 the music. When a piece starts with graces notes in the pickup, then
1539 the @code{\partial} should follow the grace notes
1541 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,ragged-right,relative,fragment]
1550 @subsection Bar lines
1554 @cindex measure lines
1557 Bar lines delimit measures, but are also used to indicate
1558 repeats. Normally they are inserted automatically. Line
1559 breaks may only happen on bar lines.
1561 Special types of bar lines can be forced with the @code{\bar} command
1563 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,fragment,verbatim]
1567 The following bar types are available
1569 @lilypondfile[ragged-right,quote]{bar-lines.ly}
1571 In addition, you can specify @code{"||:"}, which is equivalent to
1572 @code{"|:"} except at line breaks, where it gives a double bar line at
1573 the end of the line and a start repeat at the beginning of the next
1576 To allow a line break where there is no visible bar line, use
1583 This will insert an invisible bar line and allow line breaks at this
1584 point. This also increases the bar number counter.
1586 In scores with many staves, a @code{\bar} command in one staff is
1587 automatically applied to all staves. The resulting bar lines are
1588 connected between different staves of a @code{StaffGroup},
1589 @code{PianoStaff}, or @code{ChoirStaff}.
1591 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
1599 \new Staff { \clef bass c4 g e g }
1601 \new Staff { \clef bass c2 c2 }
1609 @funindex repeatCommands
1610 @funindex defaultBarType
1612 The command @code{\bar }@var{bartype} is a short cut for doing
1613 @code{\set Timing.whichBar = }@var{bartype}. Whenever @code{whichBar}
1614 is set to a string, a bar line of that type is created.
1616 A bar line is created whenever the @code{whichBar} property is set.
1617 At the start of a measure it is set to the contents of
1618 @code{Timing.defaultBarType}. The contents of @code{repeatCommands} are
1620 to override default measure bars.
1622 You are encouraged to use @code{\repeat} for repetitions. See
1628 In this manual: @ref{Repeats}, @ref{System start delimiters}.
1630 Program reference: @internalsref{BarLine} (created at
1631 @internalsref{Staff} level), @internalsref{SpanBar} (across staves).
1633 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/test,bar@/-lines@/.ly},
1636 @node Unmetered music
1637 @subsection Unmetered music
1640 @funindex \cadenzaOn
1641 @funindex \cadenzaOff
1643 Bar lines and bar numbers are calculated automatically. For unmetered
1644 music (cadenzas, for example), this is not desirable. To turn off
1645 automatic bar lines and bar numbers, use the commands @code{\cadenzaOn}
1646 and @code{\cadenzaOff}.
1648 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,ragged-right,relative=2,fragment]
1660 LilyPond will only insert line breaks and page breaks at a
1661 barline. Unless the unmetered music ends before the end of
1662 the staff line, you will need to insert
1670 to indicate where breaks can occur.
1673 @node System start delimiters
1674 @subsection System start delimiters
1676 @cindex start of system
1677 @cindex Staff, multiple
1678 @cindex bracket, vertical
1679 @cindex brace, vertical
1682 @cindex staff, choir
1684 Many scores consist of more than one staff. These staves can be
1685 joined in four different ways
1688 @item The group is started with a brace at the left, and bar lines are
1689 connected. This is done with the @internalsref{GrandStaff} context.
1691 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1699 @item The group is started with a bracket, and bar lines are connected.
1700 This is done with the
1701 @internalsref{StaffGroup} context
1703 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1711 @item The group is started with a bracket, but bar lines are not
1712 connected. This is done with the @internalsref{ChoirStaff} context.
1714 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1722 @item The group is started with a vertical line. Bar lines are not
1723 connected. This is the default for the score.
1725 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1736 The bar lines at the start of each system are
1737 @internalsref{SystemStartBar}, @internalsref{SystemStartBrace}, and
1738 @internalsref{SystemStartBracket}. Only one of these types is created
1739 in every context, and that type is determined by the property
1740 @internalsref{systemStartDelimiter}.
1744 @subsection Staff symbol
1746 @cindex adjusting staff symbol
1748 Notes, dynamic signs, etc., are grouped
1749 with a set of horizontal lines, called a staff (plural `staves'). In
1750 LilyPond, these lines are drawn using a separate layout object called
1751 @code{staff symbol}.
1753 The staff symbol may be tuned in the number, thickness and distance
1754 of lines, using properties. This is demonstrated in the example files
1755 @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-lines@/.ly},
1756 @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-size@/.ly}.
1758 In addition, staves may be started and stopped at will. This is done
1759 with @code{\startStaff} and @code{\stopStaff}.
1761 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,fragment]
1763 \override Staff.StaffSymbol #'line-count = 2
1764 \stopStaff \startStaff
1766 \revert Staff.StaffSymbol #'line-count
1767 \stopStaff \startStaff
1771 In combination with Frenched staves, this may be used to typeset ossia
1772 sections. An example is in @inputfileref{input/@/test@/,ossia.ly},
1777 @lilypondfile{ossia.ly}
1779 @cindex staff lines, setting number of
1780 @cindex staff lines, setting thickness of
1781 @cindex thickness of staff lines, setting
1782 @cindex number of staff lines, setting
1786 Program reference: @internalsref{StaffSymbol}.
1788 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-lines@/.ly},
1789 @inputfileref{input/@/test@/,ossia.ly},
1790 @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-size@/.ly},
1791 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,staff@/-line@/-positions@/.ly}.
1794 @node Writing music in parallel
1795 @subsection Writing music in parallel
1797 @cindex Writing music in parallel
1798 @cindex Interleaved music
1800 Music for multiple parts can be interleaved
1802 @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim]
1803 \parallelMusic #'(voiceA voiceB) {
1804 r8 g'16[ c''] e''[ g' c'' e''] r8 g'16[ c''] e''[ g' c'' e''] |
1806 r8 a'16[ d''] f''[ a' d'' f''] r8 a'16[ d''] f''[ a' d'' f''] |
1810 \new Staff \new Voice \voiceA
1811 \new Staff \new Voice \voiceB
1817 @node Connecting notes
1818 @section Connecting notes
1820 This section deals with notation that affects groups of notes.
1826 * Laissez vibrer ties::
1839 A tie connects two adjacent note heads of the same pitch. The tie in
1840 effect extends the length of a note. Ties should not be confused with
1841 slurs, which indicate articulation, or phrasing slurs, which indicate
1842 musical phrasing. A tie is entered using the tilde symbol `@code{~}'
1844 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
1845 e' ~ e' <c' e' g'> ~ <c' e' g'>
1848 When a tie is applied to a chord, all note heads whose pitches match
1849 are connected. When no note heads match, no ties will be created. Chords
1850 may be partially tied by placing the tie inside the chord,
1852 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1]
1853 <c~ e g~ b> <c e g b>
1856 A tie is just a way of extending a note duration, similar to the
1857 augmentation dot. The following example shows two ways of notating
1858 exactly the same concept
1860 @lilypond[quote,fragment,ragged-right]
1861 \time 3/4 c'2. c'2 ~ c'4
1865 Ties are used either when the note crosses a bar line, or when dots
1866 cannot be used to denote the rhythm. When using ties, larger note
1867 values should be aligned to subdivisions of the measure, such as
1869 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right]
1871 r8 c8 ~ c2 r4 | r8^"not" c2 ~ c8 r4
1875 If you need to tie a lot of notes over bars, it may be easier to use
1876 automatic note splitting (see @ref{Automatic note splitting}). This
1877 mechanism automatically splits long notes, and ties them across bar
1880 @funindex \repeatTie
1882 When a second alternative of a repeat starts with a tied note, you
1883 have to repeat the tie. This can be achieved with @code{\repeatTie},
1885 @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,relative=2]
1889 @cindex repeating ties
1890 @cindex volta brackets and ties
1894 Ties are sometimes used to write out arpeggios. In this case, two tied
1895 notes need not be consecutive. This can be achieved by setting the
1896 @code{tieWaitForNote} property to true. The same feature is also useful,
1897 for example, to tie a tremolo to a chord. For example,
1899 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,relative=1,ragged-right]
1900 \set tieWaitForNote = ##t
1901 \grace { c16[~ e~ g]~ } <c, e g>2
1902 \repeat "tremolo" 8 { c32~ c'~ } <c c,>1
1903 e8~ c~ a~ f~ <e' c a f>2
1914 @funindex \tieNeutral
1916 @funindex \tieDotted
1918 @funindex \tieDashed
1926 In this manual: @ref{Automatic note splitting}.
1928 Program reference: @internalsref{Tie}.
1931 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,tie-arpeggio.ly}
1932 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,tie-manual.ly}
1939 Switching staves when a tie is active will not produce a slanted tie.
1941 Changing clefs or octavations during a tie is not really
1942 well-defined. In these cases, a slur may be preferable.
1950 A slur indicates that notes are to be played bound or
1951 @emph{legato}. They are entered using parentheses
1953 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,fragment,verbatim]
1954 f( g a) a8 b( a4 g2 f4)
1958 The direction of a slur can be specified with
1959 @code{\slur@emph{DIR}}, where @code{@emph{DIR}} is
1960 either @code{Up}, @code{Down}, or @code{Neutral} (automatically
1963 However, there is a convenient shorthand for forcing slur
1964 directions. By adding @code{_} or @code{^} before the opening
1965 parentheses, the direction is also set. For example,
1967 @lilypond[relative=2,ragged-right,quote,verbatim,fragment]
1971 Only one slur can be printed at once. If you need to print a long
1972 slur over a few small slurs, please see @ref{Phrasing slurs}.
1977 Some composers write two slurs when they want legato chords. This can
1978 be achieved in LilyPond by setting @code{doubleSlurs},
1980 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,relative,fragment,quote]
1981 \set doubleSlurs = ##t
1982 <c e>4 ( <d f> <c e> <d f> )
1992 @funindex \slurNeutral
1993 @code{\slurNeutral},
1994 @funindex \slurDashed
1996 @funindex \slurDotted
1998 @funindex \slurSolid
2003 Program reference: @seeinternals{Slur}.
2006 @node Phrasing slurs
2007 @subsection Phrasing slurs
2009 @cindex phrasing slurs
2010 @cindex phrasing marks
2012 A phrasing slur (or phrasing mark) connects notes and is used to
2013 indicate a musical sentence. It is written using @code{\(} and @code{\)}
2016 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1]
2017 \time 6/4 c'\( d( e) f( e) d\)
2020 Typographically, the phrasing slur behaves almost exactly like a
2021 normal slur. However, they are treated as different objects. A
2022 @code{\slurUp} will have no effect on a phrasing slur; instead, use
2023 @code{\phrasingSlurUp}, @code{\phrasingSlurDown}, and
2024 @code{\phrasingSlurNeutral}.
2026 You cannot have simultaneous phrasing slurs.
2031 @funindex \phrasingSlurUp
2032 @code{\phrasingSlurUp},
2033 @funindex \phrasingSlurDown
2034 @code{\phrasingSlurDown},
2035 @funindex \phrasingSlurNeutral
2036 @code{\phrasingSlurNeutral}.
2041 Program reference: @internalsref{PhrasingSlur}.
2044 @node Laissez vibrer ties
2045 @subsection Laissez vibrer ties
2046 @cindex Laissez vibrer
2047 @cindex Ties, laissez vibrer
2049 L.v. ties (laissez vibrer) indicate that notes must not be damped at the
2050 end. It is used in notation for piano, harp and other string and
2051 percussion instruments. They can be entered using @code{\laissezVibrer},
2053 @lilypond[fragment,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=1]
2054 <c f g>\laissezVibrer
2060 @internalsref{LaissezVibrerTie}
2061 @internalsref{LaissezVibrerTieColumn}
2064 @inputfileref{input/regression,laissez-vibrer-tie.ly}
2067 @node Automatic beams
2068 @subsection Automatic beams
2070 LilyPond inserts beams automatically
2072 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2073 \time 2/4 c8 c c c \time 6/8 c c c c8. c16 c8
2076 When these automatic decisions are not good enough, beaming can be
2077 entered explicitly. It is also possible to define beaming patterns
2078 that differ from the defaults. See @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior}
2081 Individual notes may be marked with @code{\noBeam} to prevent them
2084 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2085 \time 2/4 c8 c\noBeam c c
2091 Program reference: @internalsref{Beam}.
2095 @subsection Manual beams
2097 @cindex beams, manual
2101 In some cases it may be necessary to override the automatic beaming
2102 algorithm. For example, the autobeamer will not put beams over rests
2103 or bar lines. Such beams are specified manually by marking the begin
2104 and end point with @code{[} and @code{]}
2106 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2108 r4 r8[ g' a r8] r8 g[ | a] r8
2115 @funindex stemLeftBeamCount
2116 @funindex stemRightBeamCount
2118 Normally, beaming patterns within a beam are determined automatically.
2119 If necessary, the properties @code{stemLeftBeamCount} and
2120 @code{stemRightBeamCount} can be used to override the defaults. If
2121 either property is set, its value will be used only once, and then it
2124 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2129 \set stemLeftBeamCount = #1
2134 The property @code{subdivideBeams} can be set in order to subdivide
2135 all 16th or shorter beams at beat positions, as defined by the
2136 @code{beatLength} property.
2138 @lilypond[fragment,quote,relative=2,verbatim]
2140 \set subdivideBeams = ##t
2142 \set Score.beatLength = #(ly:make-moment 1 8)
2145 @funindex subdivideBeams
2148 For more information about @code{make-moment}, see
2149 @ref{Time administration}.
2151 Line breaks are normally forbidden when beams cross bar lines. This
2152 behavior can be changed by setting @code{allowBeamBreak}.
2154 @funindex allowBeamBreak
2155 @cindex beams and line breaks
2156 @cindex beams, kneed
2158 @cindex auto-knee-gap
2163 Kneed beams are inserted automatically when a large gap is detected
2164 between the note heads. This behavior can be tuned through the object.
2166 Automatically kneed cross-staff beams cannot be used together with
2167 hidden staves. See @ref{Hiding staves}.
2169 Beams do not avoid collisions with symbols around the notes, such as
2170 texts and accidentals.
2174 @subsection Grace notes
2179 @cindex appoggiatura
2180 @cindex acciaccatura
2182 Grace notes are ornaments that are written out. The most common ones
2183 are acciaccatura, which should be played as very short. It is denoted
2184 by a slurred small note with a slashed stem. The appoggiatura is a
2185 grace note that takes a fixed fraction of the main note, and is
2186 denoted as a slurred note in small print without a slash. They
2187 are entered with the commands @code{\acciaccatura} and
2188 @code{\appoggiatura}, as demonstrated in the following example
2190 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2191 b4 \acciaccatura d8 c4 \appoggiatura e8 d4
2192 \acciaccatura { g16[ f] } e4
2195 Both are special forms of the @code{\grace} command. By prefixing this
2196 keyword to a music expression, a new one is formed, which will be
2197 printed in a smaller font and takes up no logical time in a measure.
2199 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2201 \grace { c16[ d16] } c2 c4
2205 Unlike @code{\acciaccatura} and @code{\appoggiatura}, the
2206 @code{\grace} command does not start a slur.
2208 Internally, timing for grace notes is done using a second, `grace'
2209 timing. Every point in time consists of two rational numbers: one
2210 denotes the logical time, one denotes the grace timing. The above
2211 example is shown here with timing tuples
2213 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right]
2216 c4 \grace c16 c4 \grace {
2219 \new Lyrics \lyricmode {
2220 \override LyricText #'font-family = #'typewriter
2224 ( \fraction 1 4 , \fraction -1 16 ) } 16 }
2225 \markup { (\fraction 1 4 , 0 ) } 4
2227 \markup { (\fraction 2 4 , \fraction "-1" 8 ) } 16
2228 \markup { (\fraction 2 4 , \fraction "-1" 16 ) } 16
2230 \markup { ( \fraction 2 4 , 0 ) }
2235 The placement of grace notes is synchronized between different staves.
2236 In the following example, there are two sixteenth grace notes for
2237 every eighth grace note
2239 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2240 << \new Staff { e4 \grace { c16[ d e f] } e4 }
2241 \new Staff { c4 \grace { g8[ b] } c4 } >>
2244 @funindex \afterGrace
2246 If you want to end a note with a grace, use the @code{\afterGrace}
2247 command. It takes two arguments: the main note, and the grace notes
2248 following the main note.
2250 @lilypond[ragged-right, verbatim,relative=2,fragment]
2251 c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c4
2254 This will put the grace notes after a ``space'' lasting 3/4 of the
2255 length of the main note. The fraction 3/4 can be changed by setting
2256 @code{afterGraceFraction}, ie.
2259 afterGraceFraction = #(cons 7 8)
2263 will put the grace note at 7/8 of the main note.
2265 The same effect can be achieved manually by doing
2267 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2270 { s2 \grace { c16[ d] } } >>
2276 By adjusting the duration of the skip note (here it is a half-note),
2277 the space between the main-note and the grace is adjusted.
2279 A @code{\grace} section will introduce special typesetting settings,
2280 for example, to produce smaller type, and set directions. Hence, when
2281 introducing layout tweaks, they should be inside the grace section,
2284 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2296 The overrides should also be reverted inside the grace section.
2298 The layout of grace sections can be changed throughout the music using
2299 the function @code{add-grace-property}. The following example
2300 undefines the @code{Stem} direction for this grace, so
2301 that stems do not always point up.
2305 #(add-grace-property 'Voice 'Stem 'direction '())
2311 Another option is to change the variables @code{startGraceMusic},
2312 @code{stopGraceMusic}, @code{startAcciaccaturaMusic},
2313 @code{stopAcciaccaturaMusic}, @code{startAppoggiaturaMusic},
2314 @code{stopAppoggiaturaMusic}. More information is in the file
2315 @file{ly/@/grace@/-init@/.ly}.
2318 The slash through the stem in acciaccaturas can be obtained
2319 in other situations by @code{\override Stem #'stroke-style = #"grace"}.
2324 Grace notes may be forced to use floating spacing,
2326 @lilypond[relative=2,ragged-right]
2328 \override Score.SpacingSpanner #'strict-grace-spacing = ##t
2337 c'16[ c'16 c'16 c'16]
2338 c'16[ c'16 c'16 c'16]
2347 Program reference: @internalsref{GraceMusic}.
2352 A score that starts with a @code{\grace} section needs an explicit
2353 @code{\new Voice} declaration, otherwise the main note and the grace
2354 note end up on different staves.
2356 Grace note synchronization can also lead to surprises. Staff notation,
2357 such as key signatures, bar lines, etc., are also synchronized. Take
2358 care when you mix staves with grace notes and staves without, for example,
2360 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment]
2361 << \new Staff { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d4 }
2362 \new Staff { c4 \bar "|:" d4 } >>
2366 This can be remedied by inserting grace skips of the corresponding
2367 durations in the other staves. For the above example
2370 \new Staff @{ c4 \bar "|:" \grace s16 d4 @}
2373 Grace sections should only be used within sequential music
2374 expressions. Nesting or juxtaposing grace sections is not supported,
2375 and might produce crashes or other errors.
2379 @node Expressive marks
2380 @section Expressive marks
2382 Expressive marks help musicians to bring more to the music than simple
2387 * Fingering instructions::
2398 @subsection Articulations
2400 @cindex Articulations
2404 A variety of symbols can appear above and below notes to indicate
2405 different characteristics of the performance. They are added to a note
2406 by adding a dash and the character signifying the
2407 articulation. They are demonstrated here
2409 @lilypondfile[quote,ragged-right]{script-abbreviations.ly}
2411 The meanings of these shorthands can be changed. See
2412 @file{ly/@/script@/-init@/.ly} for examples.
2414 The script is automatically placed, but the direction can be forced as
2415 well. Like other pieces of LilyPond code, @code{_} will place them
2416 below the staff, and @code{^} will place them above.
2418 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim]
2422 Other symbols can be added using the syntax
2423 @var{note}@code{\}@var{name}. Again, they
2424 can be forced up or down using @code{^} and @code{_},
2427 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=2]
2428 c\fermata c^\fermata c_\fermata
2433 @cindex staccatissimo
2443 @cindex organ pedal marks
2452 @cindex prallmordent
2456 @cindex thumb marking
2461 Here is a chart showing all scripts available,
2463 @lilypondfile[ragged-right,quote]{script-chart.ly}
2468 The vertical ordering of scripts is controlled with the
2469 @code{script-priority} property. The lower this number, the closer it
2470 will be put to the note. In this example, the
2471 @internalsref{TextScript} (the sharp symbol) first has the lowest
2472 priority, so it is put lowest in the first example. In the second, the
2473 prall trill (the @internalsref{Script}) has the lowest, so it is on the
2474 inside. When two objects have the same priority, the order in which
2475 they are entered decides which one comes first.
2477 @lilypond[verbatim,relative=3,ragged-right,fragment,quote]
2478 \once \override TextScript #'script-priority = #-100
2479 a4^\prall^\markup { \sharp }
2481 \once \override Script #'script-priority = #-100
2482 a4^\prall^\markup { \sharp }
2488 Program reference: @internalsref{Script}.
2493 These signs appear in the printed output but have no effect on the
2494 MIDI rendering of the music.
2497 @node Fingering instructions
2498 @subsection Fingering instructions
2501 @cindex finger change
2503 Fingering instructions can be entered using
2505 @var{note}-@var{digit}
2507 For finger changes, use markup texts
2509 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1]
2511 c^\markup { \finger "2 - 3" }
2514 You can use the thumb-script to indicate that a note should be
2515 played with the thumb (e.g., in cello music)
2516 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2]
2517 <a_\thumb a'-3>8 <b_\thumb b'-3>
2520 Fingerings for chords can also be added to individual notes
2521 of the chord by adding them after the pitches
2522 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2]
2523 < c-1 e-2 g-3 b-5 >4
2529 You may exercise greater control over fingering chords by
2530 setting @code{fingeringOrientations}
2532 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1]
2533 \set fingeringOrientations = #'(left down)
2534 <c-1 es-2 g-4 bes-5 > 4
2535 \set fingeringOrientations = #'(up right down)
2536 <c-1 es-2 g-4 bes-5 > 4
2539 Using this feature, it is also possible to put fingering instructions
2540 very close to note heads in monophonic music,
2542 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment]
2543 \set fingeringOrientations = #'(right)
2550 Program reference: @internalsref{Fingering}.
2552 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,finger@/-chords@/.ly}.
2556 @subsection Dynamics
2577 Absolute dynamic marks are specified using a command after a note
2578 @code{c4\ff}. The available dynamic marks are @code{\ppppp},
2579 @code{\pppp}, @code{\ppp},
2580 @code{\pp}, @code{\p}, @code{\mp}, @code{\mf}, @code{\f}, @code{\ff},
2581 @code{\fff}, @code{\ffff}, @code{\fp}, @code{\sf}, @code{\sff},
2582 @code{\sp}, @code{\spp}, @code{\sfz}, and @code{\rfz}.
2584 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2]
2585 c\ppp c\pp c \p c\mp c\mf c\f c\ff c\fff
2586 c2\fp c\sf c\sff c\sp c\spp c\sfz c\rfz
2593 A crescendo mark is started with @code{\<} and terminated with
2594 @code{\!} or an absolute dynamic. A decrescendo is started with
2595 @code{\>} and is also terminated with @code{\!} or an absolute
2596 dynamic. @code{\cr} and @code{\decr} may be used instead of
2597 @code{\<} and @code{\>}. Because these marks are bound to notes, you must
2598 use spacer notes if multiple marks are needed during one note
2600 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2602 << f1 { s4 s4\< s4\! \> s4\! } >>
2606 A hairpin starts at the left edge of the beginning note and ends on the
2607 right edge of the ending note. This may be modified by setting
2608 the @code{hairpinToBarline} property,
2610 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2611 \set hairpinToBarline = ##t
2615 In some situations the @code{\espressivo} articulation mark may
2616 be suitable to indicate a crescendo and decrescendo on the one note,
2618 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2619 c2 b4 a g1\espressivo
2622 This may give rise to very short hairpins. Use @code{minimum-length}
2623 in @internalsref{Voice}.@internalsref{Hairpin} to lengthen them, for
2627 \override Voice.Hairpin #'minimum-length = #5
2633 Hairpins may be printed with a circled tip (al niente notation) by
2634 setting the @code{circled-tip} property,
2636 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
2637 \override Hairpin #'circled-tip = ##t
2647 You can also use text saying @emph{cresc.} instead of hairpins
2649 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
2660 You can also supply your own texts
2661 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2662 \set crescendoText = \markup { \italic "cresc. poco" }
2663 \set crescendoSpanner = #'dashed-line
2667 To create new dynamic marks or text that should be aligned
2668 with dynamics, see @ref{New dynamic marks}.
2673 Dynamics that occur at, begin on, or end on, the same note
2674 will be vertically aligned. If you want to ensure that dynamics
2675 are aligned when they do not occur on the same note, you can
2676 increase the @code{staff-padding} property.
2679 \override DynamicLineSpanner #'staff-padding = #4
2682 You may also use this property if the dynamics are colliding
2683 with other notation.
2685 Crescendi and decrescendi that end on the first note of a
2686 new line are not printed. To change this behavior, use
2689 \override Score.Hairpin #'after-line-breaking = ##t
2692 Text style dynamic changes (such as @emph{cresc.} and @emph{dim.})
2694 dashed line showing their extent. To surpress printing this line, use
2697 \override DynamicTextSpanner #'dash-period = #-1.0
2703 @funindex \dynamicUp
2705 @funindex \dynamicDown
2706 @code{\dynamicDown},
2707 @funindex \dynamicNeutral
2708 @code{\dynamicNeutral}.
2713 Program reference: @internalsref{DynamicText}, @internalsref{Hairpin}.
2714 Vertical positioning of these symbols is handled by
2715 @internalsref{DynamicLineSpanner}.
2719 @subsection Breath marks
2721 Breath marks are entered using @code{\breathe}
2723 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2730 The glyph of the breath mark can be tuned by overriding the
2731 @code{text} property of the @code{BreathingSign} layout object with
2732 any markup text. For example,
2733 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1]
2735 \override BreathingSign #'text
2736 = #(make-musicglyph-markup "scripts.rvarcomma")
2743 Program reference: @internalsref{BreathingSign}.
2745 Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,breathing@/-sign@/.ly}.
2751 Short trills are printed like normal articulation; see @ref{Articulations}.
2753 Long running trills are made with @code{\startTrillSpan} and
2754 @code{\stopTrillSpan},
2756 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,relative=2,quote,fragment]
2758 << { c1 \startTrillSpan }
2759 { s2. \grace { d16[\stopTrillSpan e] } } >>
2763 @cindex Pitched trills
2765 Trills that should be executed on an explicitly specified pitch can be
2766 typeset with the command @code{pitchedTrill},
2768 @lilypond[ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=1,quote]
2769 \pitchedTrill c4\startTrillSpan fis
2773 The first argument is the main note. The pitch of the second
2774 is printed as a stemless note head in parentheses.
2779 @code{\startTrillSpan},
2780 @funindex \startTrillSpan
2781 @code{\stopTrillSpan}.
2782 @funindex \stopTrillSpan
2787 Program reference: @internalsref{TrillSpanner}.
2791 @subsection Glissando
2794 @funindex \glissando
2796 A glissando is a smooth change in pitch. It is denoted by a line or a
2797 wavy line between two notes. It is requested by attaching
2798 @code{\glissando} to a note
2800 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim]
2802 \override Glissando #'style = #'zigzag
2809 Program reference: @internalsref{Glissando}.
2811 Example files: @file{input/@/regression/@/glissando@/.ly}.
2816 Printing text over the line (such as @emph{gliss.}) is not supported.
2820 @subsection Arpeggio
2823 @cindex broken chord
2826 You can specify an arpeggio sign (also known as broken chord) on a
2827 chord by attaching an @code{\arpeggio} to a chord
2829 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2833 A square bracket on the left indicates that the player should not
2834 arpeggiate the chord
2836 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2841 The direction of the arpeggio is sometimes denoted by adding an
2842 arrowhead to the wiggly line
2844 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2856 When an arpeggio crosses staves, you may attach an arpeggio to the chords
2857 in both staves and set
2858 @internalsref{PianoStaff}.@code{connectArpeggios}
2860 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim]
2862 \set PianoStaff.connectArpeggios = ##t
2863 \new Staff { <c' e g c>\arpeggio }
2864 \new Staff { \clef bass <c,, e g>\arpeggio }
2872 @funindex \arpeggioUp
2874 @funindex \arpeggioDown
2875 @code{\arpeggioDown},
2876 @funindex \arpeggioNeutral
2877 @code{\arpeggioNeutral},
2878 @funindex \arpeggioBracket
2879 @code{\arpeggioBracket}.
2884 Notation manual: @ref{Ties}, for writing out arpeggios.
2886 Program reference: @internalsref{Arpeggio}.
2891 It is not possible to mix connected arpeggios and unconnected
2892 arpeggios in one @internalsref{PianoStaff} at the same point in time.
2895 @node Falls and doits
2896 @subsection Falls and doits
2898 Falls and doits can be added to notes using the @code{\bendAfter}
2901 @lilypond[fragment,ragged-right,relative=2]
2902 \override Score.SpacingSpanner #'shortest-duration-space = #3.0
2911 Repetition is a central concept in music, and multiple notations exist
2917 * Repeats and MIDI::
2918 * Manual repeat commands::
2920 * Tremolo subdivisions::
2926 @subsection Repeat types
2931 The following types of repetition are supported
2935 Repeated music is fully written (played) out. This is useful when
2936 entering repetitious music. This is the only kind of repeat that
2937 is included in MIDI output.
2940 Repeats are not written out, but alternative endings (volte) are
2941 printed, left to right with brackets. This is the standard notation
2942 for repeats with alternatives. These are not played in MIDI output by
2947 Alternative endings are written stacked. This has limited use but may be
2948 used to typeset two lines of lyrics in songs with repeats, see
2949 @inputfileref{input,star-spangled-banner@/.ly}.
2953 Make tremolo beams. These are not played in MIDI output by default.
2956 Make beat or measure repeats. These look like percent signs. These
2957 are not played in MIDI output by default. Percent repeats must be
2958 declared within a @code{Voice} context.
2964 @subsection Repeat syntax
2966 LilyPond has one syntactic construct for specifying different types of
2967 repeats. The syntax is
2970 \repeat @var{variant} @var{repeatcount} @var{repeatbody}
2973 If you have alternative endings, you may add
2974 @funindex \alternative
2985 where each @var{alternative} is a music expression. If you do not
2986 give enough alternatives for all of the repeats, the first alternative
2987 is assumed to be played more than once.
2989 Standard repeats are used like this
2990 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2992 \repeat volta 2 { c4 d e f }
2993 \repeat volta 2 { f e d c }
2996 With alternative endings
2997 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
2999 \repeat volta 2 {c4 d e f}
3000 \alternative { {d2 d} {f f,} }
3003 In the following example, the first ending is not a complete
3004 bar (it only had 3 beats). The beginning of the second ending
3005 contains the 4th beat from the first ending. This ``extra''
3006 beat in the second ending is due to the first time ending,
3007 and has nothing to do with the @code{\partial} at the
3008 beginning of the example.
3010 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
3013 \repeat volta 4 { e | c2 d2 | e2 f2 | }
3014 \alternative { { g4 g g } { a | a a a a | b2. } }
3018 @funindex \repeatTie
3020 Ties may be added to a second ending,
3022 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2]
3024 \repeat volta 2 {c4 d e f ~ }
3025 \alternative { {f2 d} {f\repeatTie f,} }
3028 It is possible to shorten volta brackets
3029 by setting @code{voltaSpannerDuration}. In the next example, the
3030 bracket only lasts one measure, which is a duration of 3/4.
3032 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
3036 \set Staff.voltaSpannerDuration = #(ly:make-moment 3 4)
3037 \repeat "volta" 5 { d d d }
3038 \alternative { { e e e f f f }
3048 Brackets for the repeat are normally only printed over the topmost
3049 staff. This can be adjusted by setting the @code{voltaOnThisStaff}
3050 property; see @inputfileref{input/@/regression,volta@/-multi@/-staff@/.ly}.
3055 @cindex repeat, ambiguous
3057 A nested repeat like
3066 is ambiguous, since it is is not clear to which @code{\repeat} the
3067 @code{\alternative} belongs. This ambiguity is resolved by always
3068 having the @code{\alternative} belong to the inner @code{\repeat}.
3069 For clarity, it is advisable to use braces in such situations.
3071 Timing information is not remembered at the start of an alternative,
3072 so after a repeat timing information must be reset by hand; for
3073 example, by setting @code{Score.measurePosition} or entering
3074 @code{\partial}. Similarly, slurs or ties are also not repeated.
3077 @node Repeats and MIDI
3078 @subsection Repeats and MIDI
3080 @cindex expanding repeats
3081 @funindex \unfoldRepeats
3083 With a little bit of tweaking, all types of repeats can be present
3084 in the MIDI output. This is achieved by applying the
3085 @code{\unfoldRepeats} music function. This function changes all
3086 repeats to unfold repeats.
3088 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,line-width=8.0\cm]
3090 \repeat tremolo 8 {c'32 e' }
3091 \repeat percent 2 { c''8 d'' }
3092 \repeat volta 2 {c'4 d' e' f'}
3101 When creating a score file using @code{\unfoldRepeats} for MIDI,
3102 it is necessary to make two @code{\score} blocks: one for MIDI (with
3103 unfolded repeats) and one for notation (with volta, tremolo, and
3104 percent repeats). For example,
3112 \unfoldRepeats @var{..music..}
3118 @node Manual repeat commands
3119 @subsection Manual repeat commands
3121 @funindex repeatCommands
3123 The property @code{repeatCommands} can be used to control the layout of
3124 repeats. Its value is a Scheme list of repeat commands.
3127 @item @code{start-repeat}
3128 Print a @code{|:} bar line.
3130 @item @code{end-repeat}
3131 Print a @code{:|} bar line.
3133 @item @code{(volta @var{text})}
3134 Print a volta bracket saying @var{text}: The text can be specified as
3135 a text string or as a markup text, see @ref{Text markup}. Do not
3136 forget to change the font, as the default number font does not contain
3137 alphabetic characters;
3139 @item @code{(volta #f)}
3140 Stop a running volta bracket.
3143 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=2]
3145 \set Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta "93") end-repeat)
3147 \set Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta #f))
3154 Program reference: @internalsref{VoltaBracket},
3155 @internalsref{RepeatedMusic},
3156 @internalsref{VoltaRepeatedMusic},
3157 @internalsref{UnfoldedRepeatedMusic}, and
3158 @internalsref{FoldedRepeatedMusic}.
3161 @node Tremolo repeats
3162 @subsection Tremolo repeats
3164 @cindex tremolo beams
3166 To place tremolo marks between notes, use @code{\repeat} with tremolo
3168 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right]
3169 \new Voice \relative c' {
3170 \repeat "tremolo" 8 { c16 d16 }
3171 \repeat "tremolo" 4 { c16 d16 }
3172 \repeat "tremolo" 2 { c16 d16 }
3176 Tremolo marks can also be put on a single note. In this case, the
3177 note should not be surrounded by braces.
3178 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right]
3179 \repeat "tremolo" 4 c'16
3182 Similar output is obtained using the tremolo subdivision, described in
3183 @ref{Tremolo subdivisions}.
3188 In this manual: @ref{Tremolo subdivisions}, @ref{Repeats}.
3190 Program reference: @internalsref{Beam}, @internalsref{StemTremolo}.
3192 Example files: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,chord@/-tremolo@/.ly},
3193 @inputfileref{input/@/regression,stem@/-tremolo@/.ly}.
3196 @node Tremolo subdivisions
3197 @subsection Tremolo subdivisions
3199 @cindex tremolo marks
3200 @funindex tremoloFlags
3202 Tremolo marks can be printed on a single note by adding
3203 `@code{:}[@var{number}]' after the note. The number indicates the
3204 duration of the subdivision, and it must be at least 8. A
3205 @var{length} value of 8 gives one line across the note stem. If the
3206 length is omitted, the last value (stored in @code{tremoloFlags}) is
3209 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment]
3210 c'2:8 c':32 | c': c': |
3216 Tremolos entered in this way do not carry over into the MIDI output.
3221 In this manual: @ref{Tremolo repeats}.
3223 Elsewhere: @internalsref{StemTremolo}.
3226 @node Measure repeats
3227 @subsection Measure repeats
3229 @cindex percent repeats
3230 @cindex measure repeats
3232 In the @code{percent} style, a note pattern can be repeated. It is
3233 printed once, and then the pattern is replaced with a special sign.
3234 Patterns of one and two measures are replaced by percent-like signs,
3235 patterns that divide the measure length are replaced by slashes.
3236 Percent repeats must be declared within a @code{Voice} context.
3238 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right]
3239 \new Voice \relative c' {
3240 \repeat "percent" 4 { c4 }
3241 \repeat "percent" 2 { c2 es2 f4 fis4 g4 c4 }
3245 Measure repeats of more than 2 measures get a counter, if you switch
3246 on the @code{countPercentRepeats} property,
3248 @lilypond[relative=2,fragment,quote,verbatim,ragged-right]
3250 \set countPercentRepeats = ##t
3251 \repeat "percent" 4 { c1 }
3257 Isolated percents can also be printed. This is done by putting a
3258 multi-measure rest with a different print function,
3260 @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,quote]
3261 \override MultiMeasureRest #'stencil
3262 = #ly:multi-measure-rest::percent
3271 Program reference: @internalsref{RepeatSlash},
3272 @internalsref{PercentRepeat}, @internalsref{DoublePercentRepeat},
3273 @internalsref{DoublePercentRepeatCounter},
3274 @internalsref{PercentRepeatCounter},
3275 @internalsref{PercentRepeatedMusic}.