@c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*- @c This file is part of lilypond.tely @c A menu is needed before every deeper *section nesting of @node's; run @c M-x texinfo-all-menus-update @c to automatically fill in these menus before saving changes @node Basic notation @chapter Basic notation This chapter explains how to use basic notation features. @menu * Pitches:: * Rhythms:: * Multiple notes at once:: * Staff notation:: * Connecting notes:: * Expressive marks:: * Repeats:: @end menu @node Pitches @section Pitches This section discusses how to specify the pitch of notes. @menu * Normal pitches:: * Accidentals:: * Cautionary accidentals:: * Micro tones:: * Notes names in other languages:: * Relative octaves:: * Octave check:: * Transpose:: * Rests:: * Skips:: @end menu @node Normal pitches @subsection Normal pitches @cindex Pitch names @cindex pitches A pitch name is specified using lowercase letters @code{a} through @code{g}. An ascending C-major scale is engraved with @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,ragged-right] \clef bass c d e f g a b c' @end lilypond The note name @code{c} is engraved one octave below middle C. @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,ragged-right] \clef treble c1 \clef bass c1 @end lilypond @funindex ' @funindex , The optional octave specification takes the form of a series of single quote (`@code{'}') characters or a series of comma (`@code{,}') characters. Each @code{'} raises the pitch by one octave; each @code{,} lowers the pitch by an octave. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] \clef treble c' c'' e' g d'' d' d c \clef bass c, c,, e, g d,, d, d c @end lilypond An alternate method may be used to declare which octave to engrave a pitch; this method does not require as many octave specifications (@code{'} and @code{,}). See @ref{Relative octaves}. @node Accidentals @subsection Accidentals @cindex note names, Dutch @cindex note names, default A sharp is formed by adding @code{-is} to the end of a pitch name and a flat is formed by adding @code{-es}. Double sharps and double flats are obtained by adding @code{-isis} or @code{-eses} to a note name. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] a2 ais a aes a2 aisis a aeses @end lilypond @noindent These are the Dutch note names. In Dutch, @code{aes} is contracted to @code{as}, but both forms are accepted. Similarly, both @code{es} and @code{ees} are accepted @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2] a2 as e es @end lilypond A natural will cancel the effect of an accidental or key signature. However, naturals are not encoded into the note name syntax with a suffix; a natural pitch is shown as a simple note name @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] a4 aes a2 @end lilypond The input @code{d e f} is interpreted as ``print a D-natural, E-natural, and an F-natural,'' regardless of the key signature. For more information about the distinction between musical content and the presentation of that content, see @ref{More about pitches}. @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative] \key d \major d e f g d e fis g @end lilypond @commonprop In accordance with standard typesetting rules, a natural sign is printed before a sharp or flat if a previous accidental needs to be cancelled. To change this behavior, use @code{\set Staff.extraNatural = ##f} @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2] ceses4 ces cis c \set Staff.extraNatural = ##f ceses4 ces cis c @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{LedgerLineSpanner}, @internalsref{NoteHead}. @node Cautionary accidentals @subsection Cautionary accidentals @cindex accidental, reminder @cindex accidental, cautionary @cindex accidental, parenthesized @cindex reminder accidental @funindex ? @cindex cautionary accidental @cindex parenthesized accidental @funindex ! Normally accidentals are printed automatically, but you may also print them manually. A reminder accidental can be forced by adding an exclamation mark @code{!} after the pitch. A cautionary accidental (i.e., an accidental within parentheses) can be obtained by adding the question mark `@code{?}' after the pitch. These extra accidentals can be used to produce natural signs, too. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1] cis cis cis! cis? c c? c! c @end lilypond @seealso The automatic production of accidentals can be tuned in many ways. For more information, see @ref{Automatic accidentals}. @node Micro tones @subsection Micro tones @cindex quarter tones @cindex semi-flats, semi-sharps Half-flats and half-sharps are formed by adding @code{-eh} and @code{-ih}; the following is a series of Cs with increasing pitches @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,relative=2,fragment] \set Staff.extraNatural = ##f ceseh ceh cih cisih @end lilypond Micro tones are also exported to the MIDI file. @refbugs There are no generally accepted standards for denoting three-quarter flats, so LilyPond's symbol does not conform to any standard. @node Notes names in other languages @subsection Notes names in other languages There are predefined sets of note names for various other languages. To use them, include the language specific init file. For example, add @code{\include "english.ly"} to the top of the input file. The available language files and the note names they define are @c what about micro-tunes, double-sharps, and double-flats? add @c more columns to the table? @c Oh, and should this be made into a multitable? @cindex note names, other languages @example Note Names sharp flat nederlands.ly c d e f g a bes b -is -es english.ly c d e f g a bf b -s/-sharp -f/-flat -x (double) deutsch.ly c d e f g a b h -is -es norsk.ly c d e f g a b h -iss/-is -ess/-es svenska.ly c d e f g a b h -iss -ess italiano.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d -b catalan.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d/-s -b espanol.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -s -b @end example @node Relative octaves @subsection Relative octaves @cindex Relative @cindex Relative octave specification @funindex \relative Octaves are specified by adding @code{'} and @code{,} to pitch names. When you copy existing music, it is easy to accidentally put a pitch in the wrong octave and hard to find such an error. The relative octave mode prevents these errors by making the mistakes much larger: a single error puts the rest of the piece off by one octave @example \relative @var{startpitch} @var{musicexpr} @end example @noindent or @example \relative @var{musicexpr} @end example @noindent @code{c'} is used as the default if no starting pitch is defined. The octave of notes that appear in @var{musicexpr} are calculated as follows: if no octave changing marks are used, the basic interval between this and the last note is always taken to be a fourth or less. This distance is determined without regarding alterations; a @code{fisis} following a @code{ceses} will be put above the @code{ceses}. In other words, a doubly-augmented fourth is considered a smaller interval than a diminished fifth, even though the doubly-augmented fourth spans seven semitones while the diminished fifth only spans six semitones. The octave changing marks @code{'} and @code{,} can be added to raise or lower the pitch by an extra octave. Upon entering relative mode, an absolute starting pitch can be specified that will act as the predecessor of the first note of @var{musicexpr}. If no starting pitch is specified, then middle C is used as a start. Here is the relative mode shown in action @lilypond[quote,fragment,ragged-right,verbatim] \relative c'' { b c d c b c bes a } @end lilypond Octave changing marks are used for intervals greater than a fourth @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] \relative c'' { c g c f, c' a, e'' } @end lilypond If the preceding item is a chord, the first note of the chord is used to determine the first note of the next chord @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] \relative c' { c } @end lilypond The pitch after @code{\relative} contains a note name. The relative conversion will not affect @code{\transpose}, @code{\chordmode} or @code{\relative} sections in its argument. To use relative within transposed music, an additional @code{\relative} must be placed inside @code{\transpose}. @node Octave check @subsection Octave check @cindex Octave check Octave checks make octave errors easier to correct: a note may be followed by @code{=}@var{quotes} which indicates what its absolute octave should be. In the following example, @example \relative c'' @{ c='' b=' d,='' @} @end example @noindent the @code{d} will generate a warning, because a @code{d''} is expected (because @code{b'} to @code{d''} is only a third), but a @code{d'} is found. In the output, the octave is corrected to be a @code{d''} and the next note is calculated relative to @code{d''} instead of @code{d'}. There is also an octave check that produces no visible output. The syntax @example \octave @var{pitch} @end example This checks that @var{pitch} (without quotes) yields @var{pitch} (with quotes) in @code{\relative} mode compared to the note given in the @code{\relative} command. If not, a warning is printed, and the octave is corrected. The @var{pitch} is not printed as a note. In the example below, the first check passes without incident, since the @code{e} (in @code{relative} mode) is within a fifth of @code{a'}. However, the second check produces a warning, since the @code{e} is not within a fifth of @code{b'}. The warning message is printed, and the octave is adjusted so that the following notes are in the correct octave once again. @example \relative c' @{ e \octave a' \octave b' @} @end example The octave of a note following an octave check is determined with respect to the note preceding it. In the next fragment, the last note is an @code{a'}, above middle C. That means that the @code{\octave} check passes successfully, so the check could be deleted without changing the output of the piece. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment] \relative c' { e \octave b a } @end lilypond @node Transpose @subsection Transpose @cindex Transpose @cindex Transposition of pitches @funindex \transpose A music expression can be transposed with @code{\transpose}. The syntax is @example \transpose @var{from} @var{to} @var{musicexpr} @end example This means that @var{musicexpr} is transposed by the interval between the pitches @var{from} and @var{to}: any note with pitch @code{from} is changed to @code{to}. For example, consider a piece written in the key of D-major. If this piece is a little too low for its performer, it can be transposed up to E-major with @example \transpose d e @dots{} @end example Consider a part written for violin (a C instrument). If this part is to be played on the A clarinet (for which an A is notated as a C, and which sounds a minor third lower than notated), the following transposition will produce the appropriate part @example \transpose a c @dots{} @end example @code{\transpose} distinguishes between enharmonic pitches: both @code{\transpose c cis} or @code{\transpose c des} will transpose up half a tone. The first version will print sharps and the second version will print flats @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] mus = { \key d \major cis d fis g } \new Staff { \clef "F" \mus \clef "G" \transpose c g' \mus \transpose c f' \mus } @end lilypond @code{\transpose} may also be used to input written notes for a transposing instrument. Pitches are normally entered into LilyPond in C (or ``concert pitch''), but they may be entered in another key. For example, when entering music for a B-flat trumpet which begins on concert D, one would write @example \transpose c bes @{ e4 @dots{} @} @end example To print this music in B-flat again (i.e., producing a trumpet part, instead of a concert pitch conductor's score) you would wrap the existing music with another @code{transpose} @example \transpose bes c @{ \transpose c bes @{ e4 @dots{} @} @} @end example @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{TransposedMusic}. Example: @inputfileref{input/@/test,smart@/-transpose@/.ly}. @refbugs If you want to use both @code{\transpose} and @code{\relative}, you must put @code{\transpose} outside of @code{\relative}, since @code{\relative} will have no effect on music that appears inside a @code{\transpose}. @node Rests @subsection Rests @cindex Rests @funindex \rest @funindex r Rests are entered like notes with the note name @code{r} @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim] r1 r2 r4 r8 @end lilypond Whole bar rests, centered in middle of the bar, must be done with multi-measure rests. They can be used for a single bar as well as many bars, and are discussed in @ref{Multi measure rests}. To explicitly specify a rest's vertical position, write a note followed by @code{\rest}. A rest will be placed in the position where the note would appear, @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim] a'4\rest d'4\rest @end lilypond @noindent This makes manual formatting of polyphonic music much easier, since the automatic rest collision formatter will leave these rests alone. @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{Rest}. @node Skips @subsection Skips @cindex Skip @cindex Invisible rest @cindex Space note @funindex \skip @funindex s An invisible rest (also called a `skip') can be entered like a note with note name `@code{s}' or with @code{\skip @var{duration}} @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2] a4 a4 s4 a4 \skip 1 a4 @end lilypond The @code{s} syntax is only available in note mode and chord mode. In other situations, for example, when entering lyrics, you should use the @code{\skip} command @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] << \relative { a'2 a2 } \new Lyrics \lyricmode { \skip 2 bla2 } >> @end lilypond The skip command is merely an empty musical placeholder. It does not produce any output, not even transparent output. The @code{s} skip command does create @internalsref{Staff} and @internalsref{Voice} when necessary, similar to note and rest commands. For example, the following results in an empty staff. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] { s4 } @end lilypond The fragment @code{@{ \skip 4 @} } would produce an empty page. @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{SkipMusic}. @node Rhythms @section Rhythms This section discusses rhythms, durations, and bars. @menu * Durations:: * Augmentation dots:: * Tuplets:: * Scaling durations:: * Bar check:: * Barnumber check:: * Automatic note splitting:: @end menu @node Durations @subsection Durations @cindex duration @funindex \longa @funindex \breve @funindex \maxima In Note, Chord, and Lyrics mode, durations are designated by numbers and dots: durations are entered as their reciprocal values. For example, a quarter note is entered using a @code{4} (since it is a 1/4 note), while a half note is entered using a @code{2} (since it is a 1/2 note). For notes longer than a whole you must use the @code{\longa} and @code{\breve} commands @example c'\breve c'1 c'2 c'4 c'8 c'16 c'32 c'64 c'64 r\longa r\breve r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64 @end example @lilypond[quote] \score { \relative c'' { a\breve*1/2 \autoBeamOff a1 a2 a4 a8 a16 a32 a64 a64 \bar "empty" \break r\longa*1/4 r\breve *1/2 r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64 } \layout { ragged-right = ##t indent=0\mm \context { \Score \remove "Bar_number_engraver" } \context { \Staff \remove "Clef_engraver" \override StaffSymbol #'transparent = ##t \override TimeSignature #'transparent = ##t \override BarLine #'transparent = ##t \consists "Pitch_squash_engraver" } } } @end lilypond If the duration is omitted then it is set to the previously entered duration. The default for the first note is a quarter note. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment] { a a a2 a a4 a a1 a } @end lilypond @node Augmentation dots @subsection Augmentation dots @funindex . To obtain dotted note lengths, simply add a dot (`@code{.}') to the number. Double-dotted notes are produced in a similar way. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] a'4 b' c''4. b'8 a'4. b'4.. c''8. @end lilypond @refcommands Dots are normally moved up to avoid staff lines, except in polyphonic situations. The following commands may be used to force a particular direction manually @funindex \dotsUp @code{\dotsUp}, @funindex \dotsDown @code{\dotsDown}, @funindex \dotsNeutral @code{\dotsNeutral}. @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{Dots}, and @internalsref{DotColumn}. @node Tuplets @subsection Tuplets @cindex tuplets @cindex triplets @funindex \times Tuplets are made out of a music expression by multiplying all durations with a fraction @example \times @var{fraction} @var{musicexpr} @end example @noindent The duration of @var{musicexpr} will be multiplied by the fraction. The fraction's denominator will be printed over the notes, optionally with a bracket. The most common tuplet is the triplet in which 3 notes have the length of 2, so the notes are 2/3 of their written length @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] g'4 \times 2/3 {c'4 c' c'} d'4 d'4 @end lilypond Tuplets may be nested, for example, @lilypond[fragment,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2] \override TupletNumber #'text = #tuplet-number::calc-fraction-text \times 4/6 { a4 a \times 3/5 { a a a a a } } @end lilypond @refcommands @funindex \tupletUp @code{\tupletUp}, @funindex \tupletDown @code{\tupletDown}, @funindex \tupletNeutral @code{\tupletNeutral}. @commonprop @funindex tupletNumberFormatFunction @cindex tuplet formatting The property @code{tupletSpannerDuration} specifies how long each bracket should last. With this, you can make lots of tuplets while typing @code{\times} only once, thus saving lots of typing. In the next example, there are two triplets shown, while @code{\times} was only used once @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,ragged-right,verbatim] \set tupletSpannerDuration = #(ly:make-moment 1 4) \times 2/3 { c8 c c c c c } @end lilypond @noindent For more information about @code{make-moment}, see @ref{Time administration}. The format of the number is determined by the property @code{text} in @code{TupletNumber}. The default prints only the denominator, but if it is set to the function @code{tuplet-number::calc-fraction-text}, @var{num}:@var{den} will be printed instead. To avoid printing tuplet numbers, use @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,ragged-right,verbatim] \times 2/3 { c8 c c } \times 2/3 { c8 c c } \override TupletNumber #'transparent = ##t \times 2/3 { c8 c c } \times 2/3 { c8 c c } @end lilypond Tuplet brackets can be made to run to prefatory matter or the next note @lilypond[ragged-right] \new RhythmicStaff { \set tupletFullLength = ##t \time 4/4 \times 4/5 { c4 c1 } \set tupletFullLengthNote = ##t \time 2/4 \times 2/3 { c4 c c } \time 3/4 c4 } @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{TupletBracket}, @internalsref{TupletNumber}, and @internalsref{TimeScaledMusic}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,tuplet@/-nest@/.ly}. @node Scaling durations @subsection Scaling durations You can alter the length of duration by a fraction @var{N/M} appending `@code{*}@var{N/M}' (or `@code{*}@var{N}' if @var{M=1}). This will not affect the appearance of the notes or rests produced. In the following example, the first three notes take up exactly two beats, but no triplet bracket is printed. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] \time 2/4 a4*2/3 gis4*2/3 a4*2/3 a4 a4 a4*2 b16*4 c4 @end lilypond @seealso This manual: @ref{Tuplets} @node Bar check @subsection Bar check @cindex Bar check @funindex barCheckSynchronize @funindex | Bar checks help detect errors in the durations. A bar check is entered using the bar symbol, `@code{|}'. Whenever it is encountered during interpretation, it should fall on a measure boundary. If it does not, a warning is printed. In the next example, the second bar check will signal an error @example \time 3/4 c2 e4 | g2 | @end example Bar checks can also be used in lyrics, for example @example \lyricmode @{ \time 2/4 Twin -- kle | Twin -- kle @} @end example Failed bar checks are caused by entering incorrect durations. Incorrect durations often completely garble up the score, especially if the score is polyphonic, so a good place to start correcting input is by scanning for failed bar checks and incorrect durations. @funindex | @funindex pipeSymbol It is also possible to redefine the meaning of @code{|}. This is done by assigning a music expression to @code{pipeSymbol}, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] pipeSymbol = \bar "||" { c'2 c' | c'2 c' } @end lilypond @node Barnumber check @subsection Barnumber check When copying large pieces of music, it can be helpful to check that the LilyPond bar number corresponds to the original that you are entering from. This can be checked with @code{\barNumberCheck}, for example, @verbatim \barNumberCheck #123 @end verbatim @noindent will print a warning if the @code{currentBarNumber} is not 123 when it is processed. @node Automatic note splitting @subsection Automatic note splitting Long notes can be converted automatically to tied notes. This is done by replacing the @internalsref{Note_heads_engraver} by the @internalsref{Completion_heads_engraver}. In the following examples, notes crossing the bar line are split and tied. @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,relative=1,line-width=12\cm] \new Voice \with { \remove "Note_heads_engraver" \consists "Completion_heads_engraver" } { c2. c8 d4 e f g a b c8 c2 b4 a g16 f4 e d c8. c2 } @end lilypond This engraver splits all running notes at the bar line, and inserts ties. One of its uses is to debug complex scores: if the measures are not entirely filled, then the ties exactly show how much each measure is off. @refbugs Not all durations (especially those containing tuplets) can be represented exactly with normal notes and dots, but the engraver will not insert tuplets. @code{Completion_heads_engraver} only affects notes; it does not split rests. @seealso Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,completion@/-heads@/.ly}. @noindent Program reference: @internalsref{Completion_heads_engraver}. @node Multiple notes at once @section Multiple notes at once Polyphony in music refers to having more than one voice occurring in a piece of music. Polyphony in LilyPond refers to having more than one voice on the same staff. @menu * Chords:: * Stems:: * Basic polyphony:: * Explicitly instantiating voices:: * Collision Resolution:: @end menu @node Chords @subsection Chords @cindex Chords A chord is formed by a enclosing a set of pitches between @code{<} and @code{>}. A chord may be followed by a duration, and a set of articulations, just like simple notes @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,quote,relative=1] 4 8 @end lilypond For more information about chords, see @ref{Chord names}. @node Stems @subsection Stems Whenever a note is found, a @internalsref{Stem} object is created automatically. For whole notes and rests, they are also created but made invisible. @refcommands @funindex \stemUp @code{\stemUp}, @funindex \stemDown @code{\stemDown}, @funindex \stemNeutral @code{\stemNeutral}. @commonprop To change the direction of stems in the middle of the staff, use @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] a4 b c b \override Stem #'neutral-direction = #up a4 b c b \override Stem #'neutral-direction = #down a4 b c b @end lilypond @node Basic polyphony @subsection Basic polyphony @cindex polyphony The easiest way to enter fragments with more than one voice on a staff is to enter each voice as a sequence (with @code{@{...@}}), and combine them simultaneously, separating the voices with @code{\\} @funindex \\ @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] \new Staff \relative c' { c16 d e f << { g4 f e | d2 e2 } \\ { r8 e4 d c8 ~ | c b16 a b8 g ~ g2 } \\ { s2. | s4 b4 c2 } >> } @end lilypond The separator causes @internalsref{Voice} contexts@footnote{Polyphonic voices are sometimes called ``layers'' in other notation packages} @cindex layers to be instantiated. They bear the names @code{"1"}, @code{"2"}, etc. In each of these contexts, vertical direction of slurs, stems, etc., is set appropriately. These voices are all separate from the voice that contains the notes just outside the @code{<< \\ >>} construct. This should be noted when making changes at the voice level. This also means that slurs and ties cannot go into or out of a @code{<< \\ >>} construct. Conversely, parallel voices from separate @code{<< \\ >>} constructs on the same staff are the the same voice. Here is the same example, with different noteheads for each voice. Note that the change to the note-head style in the main voice does not affect the inside of the @code{<< \\ >>} constructs. Also, the change to the second voice in the first @code{<< \\ >>} construct is effective in the second @code{<< \\ >>}, and the voice is tied across the two constructs. @cindex note heads, styles @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] \new Staff \relative c' { \override NoteHead #'style = #'cross c16 d e f << { g4 f e } \\ { \override NoteHead #'style = #'triangle r8 e4 d c8 ~ } >> | << { d2 e2 } \\ { c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2 } \\ { \override NoteHead #'style = #'slash s4 b4 c2 } >> } @end lilypond Polyphony does not change the relationship of notes within a @code{\relative @{ @}} block. Each note is calculated relative to the note immediately preceding it. @example \relative @{ noteA << noteB \\ noteC >> noteD @} @end example @code{noteC} is relative to @code{noteB}, not @code{noteA}; @code{noteD} is relative to @code{noteC}, not @code{noteB} or @code{noteA}. @node Explicitly instantiating voices @subsection Explicitly instantiating voices @internalsref{Voice} contexts can also be instantiated manually inside a @code{<< >>} block to create polyphonic music, using @code{\voiceOne}, up to @code{\voiceFour} to assign stem directions and a horizontal shift for each part. Specifically, @example << \upper \\ \lower >> @end example @noindent is equivalent to @example << \new Voice = "1" @{ \voiceOne \upper @} \new Voice = "2" @{ \voiceTwo \lower @} >> @end example The @code{\voiceXXX} commands set the direction of stems, slurs, ties, articulations, text annotations, augmentation dots of dotted notes, and fingerings. @code{\voiceOne} and @code{\voiceThree} make these objects point upwards, while @code{\voiceTwo} and @code{\voiceFour} make them point downwards. The command @code{\oneVoice} will revert back to the normal setting. An expression that appears directly inside a @code{<< >>} belongs to the main voice. This is useful when extra voices appear while the main voice is playing. Here is a more correct rendition of the example from the previous section. The crossed noteheads demonstrate that the main melody is now in a single voice context. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] \new Staff \relative c' { \override NoteHead #'style = #'cross c16 d e f \voiceOne << { g4 f e | d2 e2 } \new Voice="1" { \voiceTwo r8 e4 d c8 ~ | c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2 \oneVoice } \new Voice { \voiceThree s2. | s4 b4 c2 \oneVoice } >> \oneVoice } @end lilypond The correct definition of the voices allows the melody to be slurred. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] \new Staff \relative c' { c16^( d e f \voiceOne << { g4 f e | d2 e2) } \context Voice="1" { \voiceTwo r8 e4 d c8 ~ | c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2 \oneVoice } \new Voice { \voiceThree s2. s4 b4 c2 \oneVoice } >> \oneVoice } @end lilypond Avoiding the @code{\\} separator also allows nesting polyphony constructs, which in some case might be a more natural way to typeset the music. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] \new Staff \relative c' { c16^( d e f \voiceOne << { g4 f e | d2 e2) } \context Voice="1" { \voiceTwo r8 e4 d c8 ~ | << {c8 b16 a b8 g ~ g2} \new Voice { \voiceThree s4 b4 c2 \oneVoice } >> \oneVoice } >> \oneVoice } @end lilypond @node Collision Resolution @subsection Collision Resolution Normally, note heads with a different number of dots are not merged, but when the object property @code{merge-differently-dotted} is set in the @internalsref{NoteCollision} object, they are merged @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,ragged-right,relative=2] \new Voice << { g8 g8 \override Staff.NoteCollision #'merge-differently-dotted = ##t g8 g8 } \\ { g8.[ f16] g8.[ f16] } >> @end lilypond Similarly, you can merge half note heads with eighth notes, by setting @code{merge-differently-headed} @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] \new Voice << { c8 c4. \override Staff.NoteCollision #'merge-differently-headed = ##t c8 c4. } \\ { c2 c2 } >> @end lilypond LilyPond also vertically shifts rests that are opposite of a stem, for example @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] \new Voice << c''4 \\ r4 >> @end lilypond @refcommands @funindex \oneVoice @code{\oneVoice}, @funindex \voiceOne @code{\voiceOne}, @funindex \voiceTwo @code{\voiceTwo}, @funindex \voiceThree @code{\voiceThree}, @funindex \voiceFour @code{\voiceFour}. @funindex \shiftOn @code{\shiftOn}, @funindex \shiftOnn @code{\shiftOnn}, @funindex \shiftOnnn @code{\shiftOnnn}, @funindex \shiftOff @code{\shiftOff}: these commands specify in what chords of the current voice should be shifted. The outer voices (normally: voice one and two) have @code{\shiftOff}, while the inner voices (three and four) have @code{\shiftOn}. @code{\shiftOnn} and @code{\shiftOnnn} define further shift levels. When LilyPond cannot cope, the @code{force-hshift} property of the @internalsref{NoteColumn} object and pitched rests can be used to override typesetting decisions. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right] \relative << { } \\ { \once \override NoteColumn #'force-hshift = #1.7 } >> @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: the objects responsible for resolving collisions are @internalsref{NoteCollision} and @internalsref{RestCollision}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-dots@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-head-chords@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-heads@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collision@/-mesh@/.ly}, and @inputfileref{input/@/regression,collisions@/.ly}. @refbugs When using @code{merge-differently-headed} with an upstem eighth or a shorter note, and a downstem half note, the eighth note gets the wrong offset. There is no support for clusters where the same note occurs with different accidentals in the same chord. In this case, it is recommended to use enharmonic transcription, or to use special cluster notation (see @ref{Clusters}). @node Staff notation @section Staff notation @cindex Staff notation This section describes music notation that occurs on staff level, such as key signatures, clefs and time signatures. @menu * Clef:: * Key signature:: * Time signature:: * Partial measures:: * Bar lines:: * Unmetered music:: * System start delimiters:: * Staff symbol:: * Writing music in parallel:: @end menu @node Clef @subsection Clef @funindex \clef The clef indicates which lines of the staff correspond to which pitches. The clef is set with the @code{\clef} command @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] { c''2 \clef alto g'2 } @end lilypond @cindex treble clef @cindex violin clef @cindex alto clef @cindex tenor clef @cindex bass clef @cindex french clef @cindex soprano clef @cindex mezzosoprano clef @cindex baritone clef @cindex varbaritone clef @cindex subbass clef Supported clefs include @multitable @columnfractions .33 .66 @headitem Clef @tab Position @item @code{treble}, violin, G, G2 @tab G clef on 2nd line @item @code{alto, C} @tab C clef on 3rd line @item @code{tenor} @tab C clef on 4th line. @item @code{bass, F} @tab F clef on 4th line @item @code{french} @tab G clef on 1st line, so-called French violin clef @item @code{soprano} @tab C clef on 1st line @item @code{mezzosoprano} @tab C clef on 2nd line @item @code{baritone} @tab C clef on 5th line @item @code{varbaritone} @tab F clef on 3rd line @item @code{subbass} @tab F clef on 5th line @item @code{percussion} @tab percussion clef @item @code{tab} @tab tablature clef @end multitable By adding @code{_8} or @code{^8} to the clef name, the clef is transposed one octave down or up, respectively, and @code{_15} and @code{^15} transposes by two octaves. The argument @var{clefname} must be enclosed in quotes when it contains underscores or digits. For example, @cindex choral tenor clef @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=1] \clef "G_8" c4 @end lilypond @commonprop The command @code{\clef "treble_8"} is equivalent to setting @code{clefGlyph}, @code{clefPosition} (which controls the Y position of the clef), @code{middleCPosition} and @code{clefOctavation}. A clef is printed when any of these properties are changed. The following example shows possibilities when setting properties manually. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] { \set Staff.clefGlyph = #"clefs.F" \set Staff.clefPosition = #2 c'4 \set Staff.clefGlyph = #"clefs.G" c'4 \set Staff.clefGlyph = #"clefs.C" c'4 \set Staff.clefOctavation = #7 c'4 \set Staff.clefOctavation = #0 \set Staff.clefPosition = #0 c'4 \clef "bass" c'4 \set Staff.middleCPosition = #4 c'4 } @end lilypond @seealso Manual: @ref{Grace notes}. Program reference: @internalsref{Clef}. @node Key signature @subsection Key signature @cindex Key signature @funindex \key The key signature indicates the tonality in which a piece is played. It is denoted by a set of alterations (flats or sharps) at the start of the staff. Setting or changing the key signature is done with the @code{\key} command @example @code{\key} @var{pitch} @var{type} @end example @funindex \minor @funindex \major @funindex \minor @funindex \ionian @funindex \locrian @funindex \aeolian @funindex \mixolydian @funindex \lydian @funindex \phrygian @funindex \dorian @cindex church modes Here, @var{type} should be @code{\major} or @code{\minor} to get @var{pitch}-major or @var{pitch}-minor, respectively. You may also use the standard mode names (also called ``church modes''): @code{\ionian}, @code{\locrian}, @code{\aeolian}, @code{\mixolydian}, @code{\lydian}, @code{\phrygian}, and @code{\dorian}. This command sets the context property @code{Staff.keySignature}. Non-standard key signatures can be specified by setting this property directly. Accidentals and key signatures often confuse new users, because unaltered notes get natural signs depending on the key signature. For more information, see @ref{Accidentals} or @ref{More about pitches}. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=2,fragment] \key g \major f1 fis @end lilypond @commonprop A natural sign is printed to cancel any previous accidentals. This can be suppressed by setting the @code{Staff.printKeyCancellation} property. @lilypond[quote,fragment,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \key d \major a b cis d \key g \minor a bes c d \set Staff.printKeyCancellation = ##f \key d \major a b cis d \key g \minor a bes c d @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{KeyCancellation}, @internalsref{KeySignature}. @node Time signature @subsection Time signature @cindex Time signature @cindex meter @funindex \time Time signature indicates the metrum of a piece: a regular pattern of strong and weak beats. It is denoted by a fraction at the start of the staff. The time signature is set with the @code{\time} command @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] \time 2/4 c'2 \time 3/4 c'2. @end lilypond @commonprop The symbol that is printed can be customized with the @code{style} property. Setting it to @code{#'()} uses fraction style for 4/4 and 2/2 time, @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,verbatim] \time 4/4 c'1 \time 2/2 c'1 \override Staff.TimeSignature #'style = #'() \time 4/4 c'1 \time 2/2 c'1 @end lilypond There are many more options for its layout. See @ref{Ancient time signatures} for more examples. @code{\time} sets the property @code{timeSignatureFraction}, @code{beatLength} and @code{measureLength} in the @code{Timing} context, which is normally aliased to @internalsref{Score}. The property @code{measureLength} determines where bar lines should be inserted, and how automatic beams should be generated. Changing the value of @code{timeSignatureFraction} also causes the symbol to be printed. More options are available through the Scheme function @code{set-time-signature}. In combination with the @internalsref{Measure_grouping_engraver}, it will create @internalsref{MeasureGrouping} signs. Such signs ease reading rhythmically complex modern music. In the following example, the 9/8 measure is subdivided in 2, 2, 2 and 3. This is passed to @code{set-time-signature} as the third argument @code{(2 2 2 3)} @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim] \score { \relative c'' { #(set-time-signature 9 8 '(2 2 2 3)) g8[ g] d[ d] g[ g] a8[( bes g]) | #(set-time-signature 5 8 '(3 2)) a4. g4 } \layout { \context { \Staff \consists "Measure_grouping_engraver" } } } @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{TimeSignature}, and @internalsref{Timing_translator}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/test,compound@/-time@/.ly}. @refbugs Automatic beaming does not use the measure grouping specified with @code{set-time-signature}. @node Partial measures @subsection Partial measures @cindex anacrusis @cindex upbeat @cindex partial measure @cindex measure, partial @cindex shorten measures @funindex \partial Partial measures, such as an anacrusis or upbeat, are entered using the @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \partial 16*5 c16 cis d dis e | a2. c,4 | b2 @end lilypond The syntax for this command is @example \partial @var{duration} @end example where @code{duration} is the rhythmic length to be added before the next bar. This is internally translated into @example \set Timing.measurePosition = -@var{length of duration} @end example The property @code{measurePosition} contains a rational number indicating how much of the measure has passed at this point. Note that this is a negative number; @code{\partial 4} is internally translated to mean ``there is a quarter note left in the bar''. @refbugs This command does not take into account grace notes at the start of the music. When a piece starts with graces notes in the pickup, then the @code{\partial} should follow the grace notes @lilypond[verbatim,quote,ragged-right,relative,fragment] \grace f16 \partial 4 g4 a2 g2 @end lilypond @node Bar lines @subsection Bar lines @cindex Bar lines @funindex \bar @cindex measure lines @cindex repeat bars Bar lines delimit measures, but are also used to indicate repeats. Normally they are inserted automatically. Line breaks may only happen on bar lines. Special types of bar lines can be forced with the @code{\bar} command @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,fragment,verbatim] c4 \bar "|:" c4 @end lilypond The following bar types are available @lilypondfile[ragged-right,quote]{bar-lines.ly} In addition, you can specify @code{"||:"}, which is equivalent to @code{"|:"} except at line breaks, where it gives a double bar line at the end of the line and a start repeat at the beginning of the next line. To allow a line break where there is no visible bar line, use @example \bar "" @end example @noindent This will insert an invisible bar line and allow line breaks at this point. This also increases the bar number counter. In scores with many staves, a @code{\bar} command in one staff is automatically applied to all staves. The resulting bar lines are connected between different staves of a @code{StaffGroup}, @code{PianoStaff}, or @code{ChoirStaff}. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] << \new StaffGroup << \new Staff { e'4 d' \bar "||" f' e' } \new Staff { \clef bass c4 g e g } >> \new Staff { \clef bass c2 c2 } >> @end lilypond @commonprop @funindex whichBar @funindex repeatCommands @funindex defaultBarType The command @code{\bar }@var{bartype} is a short cut for doing @code{\set Timing.whichBar = }@var{bartype}. Whenever @code{whichBar} is set to a string, a bar line of that type is created. A bar line is created whenever the @code{whichBar} property is set. At the start of a measure it is set to the contents of @code{Timing.defaultBarType}. The contents of @code{repeatCommands} are used to override default measure bars. You are encouraged to use @code{\repeat} for repetitions. See @ref{Repeats}. @seealso In this manual: @ref{Repeats}, @ref{System start delimiters}. Program reference: @internalsref{BarLine} (created at @internalsref{Staff} level), @internalsref{SpanBar} (across staves). Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/test,bar@/-lines@/.ly}, @node Unmetered music @subsection Unmetered music @cindex cadenza @funindex \cadenzaOn @funindex \cadenzaOff Bar lines and bar numbers are calculated automatically. For unmetered music (cadenzas, for example), this is not desirable. To turn off automatic bar lines and bar numbers, use the commands @code{\cadenzaOn} and @code{\cadenzaOff}. @lilypond[verbatim,quote,ragged-right,relative=2,fragment] c4 d e d \cadenzaOn c4 c d8 d d f4 g4. \cadenzaOff \bar "|" d4 e d c @end lilypond @refbugs LilyPond will only insert line breaks and page breaks at a barline. Unless the unmetered music ends before the end of the staff line, you will need to insert invisible bar lines @example \bar "" @end example @noindent to indicate where breaks can occur. @node System start delimiters @subsection System start delimiters @cindex start of system @cindex Staff, multiple @cindex bracket, vertical @cindex brace, vertical @cindex grand staff @cindex staff group @cindex staff, choir Many scores consist of more than one staff. These staves can be joined in four different ways @itemize @bullet @item The group is started with a brace at the left, and bar lines are connected. This is done with the @internalsref{GrandStaff} context. @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote] \new GrandStaff \relative << \new Staff { c1 c } \new Staff { c c } >> @end lilypond @item The group is started with a bracket, and bar lines are connected. This is done with the @internalsref{StaffGroup} context @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote] \new StaffGroup \relative << \new Staff { c1 c } \new Staff { c c } >> @end lilypond @item The group is started with a bracket, but bar lines are not connected. This is done with the @internalsref{ChoirStaff} context. @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote] \new ChoirStaff \relative << \new Staff { c1 c } \new Staff { c c } >> @end lilypond @item The group is started with a vertical line. Bar lines are not connected. This is the default for the score. @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote] \relative << \new Staff { c1 c } \new Staff { c c } >> @end lilypond @end itemize @seealso The bar lines at the start of each system are @internalsref{SystemStartBar}, @internalsref{SystemStartBrace}, and @internalsref{SystemStartBracket}. Only one of these types is created in every context, and that type is determined by the property @internalsref{systemStartDelimiter}. @node Staff symbol @subsection Staff symbol @cindex adjusting staff symbol Notes, dynamic signs, etc., are grouped with a set of horizontal lines, called a staff (plural `staves'). In LilyPond, these lines are drawn using a separate layout object called @code{staff symbol}. The staff symbol may be tuned in the number, thickness and distance of lines, using properties. This is demonstrated in the example files @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-lines@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-size@/.ly}. In addition, staves may be started and stopped at will. This is done with @code{\startStaff} and @code{\stopStaff}. @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,fragment] b4 b \override Staff.StaffSymbol #'line-count = 2 \stopStaff \startStaff b b \revert Staff.StaffSymbol #'line-count \stopStaff \startStaff b b @end lilypond In combination with Frenched staves, this may be used to typeset ossia sections. An example is in @inputfileref{input/@/test@/,ossia.ly}, shown here @cindex ossia @lilypondfile{ossia.ly} @cindex staff lines, setting number of @cindex staff lines, setting thickness of @cindex thickness of staff lines, setting @cindex number of staff lines, setting @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{StaffSymbol}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-lines@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/test@/,ossia.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/test,staff@/-size@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/regression,staff@/-line@/-positions@/.ly}. @node Writing music in parallel @subsection Writing music in parallel @cindex Writing music in parallel @cindex Interleaved music Music for multiple parts can be interleaved @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim] \parallelMusic #'(voiceA voiceB) { r8 g'16[ c''] e''[ g' c'' e''] r8 g'16[ c''] e''[ g' c'' e''] | c'2 c'2 | r8 a'16[ d''] f''[ a' d'' f''] r8 a'16[ d''] f''[ a' d'' f''] | c'2 c'2 | } \new StaffGroup << \new Staff \new Voice \voiceA \new Staff \new Voice \voiceB >> @end lilypond @node Connecting notes @section Connecting notes This section deals with notation that affects groups of notes. @menu * Ties:: * Slurs:: * Phrasing slurs:: * Laissez vibrer ties:: * Automatic beams:: * Manual beams:: * Grace notes:: @end menu @node Ties @subsection Ties @cindex tie @funindex ~ A tie connects two adjacent note heads of the same pitch. The tie in effect extends the length of a note. Ties should not be confused with slurs, which indicate articulation, or phrasing slurs, which indicate musical phrasing. A tie is entered using the tilde symbol `@code{~}' @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] e' ~ e' ~ @end lilypond When a tie is applied to a chord, all note heads whose pitches match are connected. When no note heads match, no ties will be created. Chords may be partially tied by placing the tie inside the chord, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1] @end lilypond A tie is just a way of extending a note duration, similar to the augmentation dot. The following example shows two ways of notating exactly the same concept @lilypond[quote,fragment,ragged-right] \time 3/4 c'2. c'2 ~ c'4 @end lilypond @noindent Ties are used either when the note crosses a bar line, or when dots cannot be used to denote the rhythm. When using ties, larger note values should be aligned to subdivisions of the measure, such as @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right] \relative { r8 c8 ~ c2 r4 | r8^"not" c2 ~ c8 r4 } @end lilypond If you need to tie a lot of notes over bars, it may be easier to use automatic note splitting (see @ref{Automatic note splitting}). This mechanism automatically splits long notes, and ties them across bar lines. @funindex \repeatTie When a second alternative of a repeat starts with a tied note, you have to repeat the tie. This can be achieved with @code{\repeatTie}, @lilypond[fragment,quote,ragged-right,relative=2] r \repeatTie @end lilypond @cindex repeating ties @cindex volta brackets and ties @commonprop Ties are sometimes used to write out arpeggios. In this case, two tied notes need not be consecutive. This can be achieved by setting the @code{tieWaitForNote} property to true. The same feature is also useful, for example, to tie a tremolo to a chord. For example, @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,relative=1,ragged-right] \set tieWaitForNote = ##t \grace { c16[~ e~ g]~ } 2 \repeat "tremolo" 8 { c32~ c'~ } 1 e8~ c~ a~ f~ 2 @end lilypond @refcommands @funindex \tieUp @code{\tieUp}, @funindex \tieDown @code{\tieDown}, @funindex \tieNeutral @code{\tieNeutral}, @funindex \tieDotted @code{\tieDotted}, @funindex \tieDashed @code{\tieDashed}, @funindex \tieSolid @code{\tieSolid}. @seealso In this manual: @ref{Automatic note splitting}. Program reference: @internalsref{Tie}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,tie-arpeggio.ly} @inputfileref{input/@/regression,tie-manual.ly} @refbugs Switching staves when a tie is active will not produce a slanted tie. @node Slurs @subsection Slurs @cindex Slurs A slur indicates that notes are to be played bound or @emph{legato}. They are entered using parentheses @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,fragment,verbatim] f( g a) a8 b( a4 g2 f4) 2( 2) @end lilypond The direction of a slur can be specified with @code{\slur@emph{DIR}}, where @code{@emph{DIR}} is either @code{Up}, @code{Down}, or @code{Neutral} (automatically selected). However, there is a convenient shorthand for forcing slur directions. By adding @code{_} or @code{^} before the opening parentheses, the direction is also set. For example, @lilypond[relative=2,ragged-right,quote,verbatim,fragment] c4_( c) c^( c) @end lilypond Only one slur can be printed at once. If you need to print a long slur over a few small slurs, please see @ref{Phrasing slurs}. @commonprop Some composers write two slurs when they want legato chords. This can be achieved in LilyPond by setting @code{doubleSlurs}, @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,relative,fragment,quote] \set doubleSlurs = ##t 4 ( ) @end lilypond @refcommands @funindex \slurUp @code{\slurUp}, @funindex \slurDown @code{\slurDown}, @funindex \slurNeutral @code{\slurNeutral}, @funindex \slurDashed @code{\slurDashed}, @funindex \slurDotted @code{\slurDotted}, @funindex \slurSolid @code{\slurSolid}. @seealso Program reference: @seeinternals{Slur}. @node Phrasing slurs @subsection Phrasing slurs @cindex phrasing slurs @cindex phrasing marks A phrasing slur (or phrasing mark) connects notes and is used to indicate a musical sentence. It is written using @code{\(} and @code{\)} respectively @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1] \time 6/4 c'\( d( e) f( e) d\) @end lilypond Typographically, the phrasing slur behaves almost exactly like a normal slur. However, they are treated as different objects. A @code{\slurUp} will have no effect on a phrasing slur; instead, use @code{\phrasingSlurUp}, @code{\phrasingSlurDown}, and @code{\phrasingSlurNeutral}. You cannot have simultaneous phrasing slurs. @refcommands @funindex \phrasingSlurUp @code{\phrasingSlurUp}, @funindex \phrasingSlurDown @code{\phrasingSlurDown}, @funindex \phrasingSlurNeutral @code{\phrasingSlurNeutral}. @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{PhrasingSlur}. @node Laissez vibrer ties @subsection Laissez vibrer ties @cindex Laissez vibrer @cindex Ties, laissez vibrer L.v. ties (laissez vibrer) indicate that notes must not be damped at the end. It is used in notation for piano, harp and other string and percussion instruments. They can be entered using @code{\laissezVibrer}, @lilypond[fragment,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=1] \laissezVibrer @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{LaissezVibrerTie} @internalsref{LaissezVibrerTieColumn} Example files: @inputfileref{input/regression,laissez-vibrer-tie.ly} @node Automatic beams @subsection Automatic beams LilyPond inserts beams automatically @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 c8 c c c \time 6/8 c c c c8. c16 c8 @end lilypond When these automatic decisions are not good enough, beaming can be entered explicitly. It is also possible to define beaming patterns that differ from the defaults. See @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior} for details. Individual notes may be marked with @code{\noBeam} to prevent them from being beamed @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 c8 c\noBeam c c @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{Beam}. @node Manual beams @subsection Manual beams @cindex beams, manual @funindex ] @funindex [ In some cases it may be necessary to override the automatic beaming algorithm. For example, the autobeamer will not put beams over rests or bar lines. Such beams are specified manually by marking the begin and end point with @code{[} and @code{]} @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] { r4 r8[ g' a r8] r8 g[ | a] r8 } @end lilypond @commonprop @funindex stemLeftBeamCount @funindex stemRightBeamCount Normally, beaming patterns within a beam are determined automatically. If necessary, the properties @code{stemLeftBeamCount} and @code{stemRightBeamCount} can be used to override the defaults. If either property is set, its value will be used only once, and then it is erased @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] { f8[ r16 f g a] f8[ r16 \set stemLeftBeamCount = #1 f g a] } @end lilypond The property @code{subdivideBeams} can be set in order to subdivide all 16th or shorter beams at beat positions, as defined by the @code{beatLength} property. @lilypond[fragment,quote,relative=2,verbatim] c16[ c c c c c c c] \set subdivideBeams = ##t c16[ c c c c c c c] \set Score.beatLength = #(ly:make-moment 1 8) c16[ c c c c c c c] @end lilypond @funindex subdivideBeams @noindent For more information about @code{make-moment}, see @ref{Time administration}. Line breaks are normally forbidden when beams cross bar lines. This behavior can be changed by setting @code{allowBeamBreak}. @funindex allowBeamBreak @cindex beams and line breaks @cindex beams, kneed @cindex kneed beams @cindex auto-knee-gap @refbugs Kneed beams are inserted automatically when a large gap is detected between the note heads. This behavior can be tuned through the object. Automatically kneed cross-staff beams cannot be used together with hidden staves. See @ref{Hiding staves}. Beams do not avoid collisions with symbols around the notes, such as texts and accidentals. @node Grace notes @subsection Grace notes @funindex \grace @cindex ornaments @cindex grace notes @cindex appoggiatura @cindex acciaccatura Grace notes are ornaments that are written out. The most common ones are acciaccatura, which should be played as very short. It is denoted by a slurred small note with a slashed stem. The appoggiatura is a grace note that takes a fixed fraction of the main note, and is denoted as a slurred note in small print without a slash. They are entered with the commands @code{\acciaccatura} and @code{\appoggiatura}, as demonstrated in the following example @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment] b4 \acciaccatura d8 c4 \appoggiatura e8 d4 \acciaccatura { g16[ f] } e4 @end lilypond Both are special forms of the @code{\grace} command. By prefixing this keyword to a music expression, a new one is formed, which will be printed in a smaller font and takes up no logical time in a measure. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment] c4 \grace c16 c4 \grace { c16[ d16] } c2 c4 @end lilypond @noindent Unlike @code{\acciaccatura} and @code{\appoggiatura}, the @code{\grace} command does not start a slur. Internally, timing for grace notes is done using a second, `grace' timing. Every point in time consists of two rational numbers: one denotes the logical time, one denotes the grace timing. The above example is shown here with timing tuples @lilypond[quote,ragged-right] << \relative c''{ c4 \grace c16 c4 \grace { c16[ d16] } c2 c4 } \new Lyrics \lyricmode { \override LyricText #'font-family = #'typewriter \markup { (0,0) } 4 \grace { \markup { ( \fraction 1 4 , \fraction -1 16 ) } 16 } \markup { (\fraction 1 4 , 0 ) } 4 \grace { \markup { (\fraction 2 4 , \fraction "-1" 8 ) } 16 \markup { (\fraction 2 4 , \fraction "-1" 16 ) } 16 } \markup { ( \fraction 2 4 , 0 ) } } >> @end lilypond The placement of grace notes is synchronized between different staves. In the following example, there are two sixteenth grace notes for every eighth grace note @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment] << \new Staff { e4 \grace { c16[ d e f] } e4 } \new Staff { c4 \grace { g8[ b] } c4 } >> @end lilypond @funindex \afterGrace If you want to end a note with a grace, use the @code{\afterGrace} command. It takes two arguments: the main note, and the grace notes following the main note. @lilypond[ragged-right, verbatim,relative=2,fragment] c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c4 @end lilypond This will put the grace notes after a ``space'' lasting 3/4 of the length of the main note. The fraction 3/4 can be changed by setting @code{afterGraceFraction}, ie. @example afterGraceFraction = #(cons 7 8) @end example @noindent will put the grace note at 7/8 of the main note. The same effect can be achieved manually by doing @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \new Voice { << { d1^\trill_( } { s2 \grace { c16[ d] } } >> c4) } @end lilypond @noindent By adjusting the duration of the skip note (here it is a half-note), the space between the main-note and the grace is adjusted. A @code{\grace} section will introduce special typesetting settings, for example, to produce smaller type, and set directions. Hence, when introducing layout tweaks, they should be inside the grace section, for example, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \new Voice { \acciaccatura { \stemDown f16-> \stemNeutral } g4 } @end lilypond @noindent The overrides should also be reverted inside the grace section. The layout of grace sections can be changed throughout the music using the function @code{add-grace-property}. The following example undefines the @code{Stem} direction for this grace, so that stems do not always point up. @example \new Staff @{ #(add-grace-property 'Voice 'Stem 'direction '()) @dots{} @} @end example @noindent Another option is to change the variables @code{startGraceMusic}, @code{stopGraceMusic}, @code{startAcciaccaturaMusic}, @code{stopAcciaccaturaMusic}, @code{startAppoggiaturaMusic}, @code{stopAppoggiaturaMusic}. More information is in the file @file{ly/@/grace@/-init@/.ly}. @noindent The slash through the stem in acciaccaturas can be obtained in other situations by @code{\override Stem #'stroke-style = #"grace"}. @commonprop Grace notes may be forced to use floating spacing, @lilypond[relative=2,ragged-right] << \override Score.SpacingSpanner #'strict-grace-spacing = ##t \new Staff { c'4 \afterGrace c'4 { c'16[ c'8 c'16] } c'4 } \new Staff { c'16[ c'16 c'16 c'16] c'16[ c'16 c'16 c'16] c'4 } >> @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{GraceMusic}. @refbugs A score that starts with a @code{\grace} section needs an explicit @code{\new Voice} declaration, otherwise the main note and the grace note end up on different staves. Grace note synchronization can also lead to surprises. Staff notation, such as key signatures, bar lines, etc., are also synchronized. Take care when you mix staves with grace notes and staves without, for example, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,relative=2,verbatim,fragment] << \new Staff { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d4 } \new Staff { c4 \bar "|:" d4 } >> @end lilypond @noindent This can be remedied by inserting grace skips of the corresponding durations in the other staves. For the above example @example \new Staff @{ c4 \bar "|:" \grace s16 d4 @} @end example Grace sections should only be used within sequential music expressions. Nesting or juxtaposing grace sections is not supported, and might produce crashes or other errors. @node Expressive marks @section Expressive marks Expressive marks help musicians to bring more to the music than simple notes and rhythms. @menu * Articulations:: * Fingering instructions:: * Dynamics:: * Breath marks:: * Trills:: * Glissando:: * Arpeggio:: * Falls and doits:: @end menu @node Articulations @subsection Articulations @cindex Articulations @cindex scripts @cindex ornaments A variety of symbols can appear above and below notes to indicate different characteristics of the performance. They are added to a note by adding a dash and the character signifying the articulation. They are demonstrated here @lilypondfile[quote,ragged-right]{script-abbreviations.ly} The meanings of these shorthands can be changed. See @file{ly/@/script@/-init@/.ly} for examples. The script is automatically placed, but the direction can be forced as well. Like other pieces of LilyPond code, @code{_} will place them below the staff, and @code{^} will place them above. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim] c''4^^ c''4_^ @end lilypond Other symbols can be added using the syntax @var{note}@code{\}@var{name}. Again, they can be forced up or down using @code{^} and @code{_}, e.g., @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=2] c\fermata c^\fermata c_\fermata @end lilypond @cindex accent @cindex marcato @cindex staccatissimo @cindex espressivo @cindex fermata @cindex stopped @cindex staccato @cindex portato @cindex tenuto @cindex upbow @cindex downbow @cindex foot marks @cindex organ pedal marks @cindex turn @cindex open @cindex flageolet @cindex reverseturn @cindex trill @cindex prall @cindex mordent @cindex prallprall @cindex prallmordent @cindex prall, up @cindex prall, down @cindex mordent @cindex thumb marking @cindex segno @cindex coda @cindex varcoda Here is a chart showing all scripts available, @lilypondfile[ragged-right,quote]{script-chart.ly} @commonprop The vertical ordering of scripts is controlled with the @code{script-priority} property. The lower this number, the closer it will be put to the note. In this example, the @internalsref{TextScript} (the sharp symbol) first has the lowest priority, so it is put lowest in the first example. In the second, the prall trill (the @internalsref{Script}) has the lowest, so it is on the inside. When two objects have the same priority, the order in which they are entered decides which one comes first. @lilypond[verbatim,relative=3,ragged-right,fragment,quote] \once \override TextScript #'script-priority = #-100 a4^\prall^\markup { \sharp } \once \override Script #'script-priority = #-100 a4^\prall^\markup { \sharp } @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{Script}. @refbugs These signs appear in the printed output but have no effect on the MIDI rendering of the music. @node Fingering instructions @subsection Fingering instructions @cindex fingering @cindex finger change Fingering instructions can be entered using @example @var{note}-@var{digit} @end example For finger changes, use markup texts @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1] c4-1 c-2 c-3 c-4 c^\markup { \finger "2 - 3" } @end lilypond You can use the thumb-script to indicate that a note should be played with the thumb (e.g., in cello music) @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2] 8 @end lilypond Fingerings for chords can also be added to individual notes of the chord by adding them after the pitches @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2] < c-1 e-2 g-3 b-5 >4 @end lilypond @commonprop You may exercise greater control over fingering chords by setting @code{fingeringOrientations} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1] \set fingeringOrientations = #'(left down) 4 \set fingeringOrientations = #'(up right down) 4 @end lilypond Using this feature, it is also possible to put fingering instructions very close to note heads in monophonic music, @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote,fragment] \set fingeringOrientations = #'(right) 4 @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{Fingering}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,finger@/-chords@/.ly}. @node Dynamics @subsection Dynamics @cindex Dynamics @funindex \pppp @funindex \ppp @funindex \pp @funindex \p @funindex \mp @funindex \mf @funindex \f @funindex \ff @funindex \fff @funindex \ffff @funindex \fp @funindex \sf @funindex \sff @funindex \sp @funindex \spp @funindex \sfz @funindex \rfz Absolute dynamic marks are specified using a command after a note @code{c4\ff}. The available dynamic marks are @code{\ppppp}, @code{\pppp}, @code{\ppp}, @code{\pp}, @code{\p}, @code{\mp}, @code{\mf}, @code{\f}, @code{\ff}, @code{\fff}, @code{\ffff}, @code{\fp}, @code{\sf}, @code{\sff}, @code{\sp}, @code{\spp}, @code{\sfz}, and @code{\rfz}. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2] c\ppp c\pp c \p c\mp c\mf c\f c\ff c\fff c2\fp c\sf c\sff c\sp c\spp c\sfz c\rfz @end lilypond @funindex \< @funindex \> @funindex \! A crescendo mark is started with @code{\<} and terminated with @code{\!} or an absolute dynamic. A decrescendo is started with @code{\>} and is also terminated with @code{\!} or an absolute dynamic. @code{\cr} and @code{\decr} may be used instead of @code{\<} and @code{\>}. Because these marks are bound to notes, you must use spacer notes if multiple marks are needed during one note @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] c\< c\! d\> e\! << f1 { s4 s4\< s4\! \> s4\! } >> @end lilypond @noindent A hairpin starts at the left edge of the beginning note and ends on the right edge of the ending note. This may be modified by setting the @code{hairpinToBarline} property, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \set hairpinToBarline = ##t c4\< c2. c4\! @end lilypond In some situations the @code{\espressivo} articulation mark may be suitable to indicate a crescendo and decrescendo on the one note, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] c2 b4 a g1\espressivo @end lilypond This may give rise to very short hairpins. Use @code{minimum-length} in @internalsref{Voice}.@internalsref{Hairpin} to lengthen them, for example @example \override Voice.Hairpin #'minimum-length = #5 @end example @cindex al niente @cindex niente, al Hairpins may be printed with a circled tip (al niente notation) by setting the @code{circled-tip} property, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] \override Hairpin #'circled-tip = ##t c2\< c\! c4\> c\< c2\! @end lilypond @cindex crescendo @cindex decrescendo @cindex diminuendo You can also use text saying @emph{cresc.} instead of hairpins @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] \setTextCresc c\< d e f\! \setHairpinCresc e\> d c b\! \setTextDecresc c\> d e f\! \setTextDim e\> d c b\! @end lilypond You can also supply your own texts @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] \set crescendoText = \markup { \italic "cresc. poco" } \set crescendoSpanner = #'dashed-line a'2\< a a a\!\mf @end lilypond To create new dynamic marks or text that should be aligned with dynamics, see @ref{New dynamic marks}. @commonprop Dynamics that occur at, begin on, or end on, the same note will be vertically aligned. If you want to ensure that dynamics are aligned when they do not occur on the same note, you can increase the @code{staff-padding} property. @example \override DynamicLineSpanner #'staff-padding = #4 @end example You may also use this property if the dynamics are colliding with other notation. Crescendi and decrescendi that end on the first note of a new line are not printed. To change this behavior, use @example \override Score.Hairpin #'after-line-breaking = ##t @end example Text style dynamic changes (such as @emph{cresc.} and @emph{dim.}) are printed with a dashed line showing their extent. To surpress printing this line, use @example \override DynamicTextSpanner #'dash-period = #-1.0 @end example @refcommands @funindex \dynamicUp @code{\dynamicUp}, @funindex \dynamicDown @code{\dynamicDown}, @funindex \dynamicNeutral @code{\dynamicNeutral}. @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{DynamicText}, @internalsref{Hairpin}. Vertical positioning of these symbols is handled by @internalsref{DynamicLineSpanner}. @node Breath marks @subsection Breath marks Breath marks are entered using @code{\breathe} @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] c'4 \breathe d4 @end lilypond @commonprop The glyph of the breath mark can be tuned by overriding the @code{text} property of the @code{BreathingSign} layout object with any markup text. For example, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=1] c'4 \override BreathingSign #'text = #(make-musicglyph-markup "scripts.rvarcomma") \breathe d4 @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{BreathingSign}. Examples: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,breathing@/-sign@/.ly}. @node Trills @subsection Trills Short trills are printed like normal articulation; see @ref{Articulations}. Long running trills are made with @code{\startTrillSpan} and @code{\stopTrillSpan}, @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,relative=2,quote,fragment] \new Voice { << { c1 \startTrillSpan } { s2. \grace { d16[\stopTrillSpan e] } } >> c4 } @end lilypond @cindex Pitched trills Trills that should be executed on an explicitly specified pitch can be typeset with the command @code{pitchedTrill}, @lilypond[ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=1,quote] \pitchedTrill c4\startTrillSpan fis f\stopTrillSpan @end lilypond The first argument is the main note. The pitch of the second is printed as a stemless note head in parentheses. @refcommands @code{\startTrillSpan}, @funindex \startTrillSpan @code{\stopTrillSpan}. @funindex \stopTrillSpan @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{TrillSpanner}. @node Glissando @subsection Glissando @cindex Glissando @funindex \glissando A glissando is a smooth change in pitch. It is denoted by a line or a wavy line between two notes. It is requested by attaching @code{\glissando} to a note @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] c2\glissando c' \override Glissando #'style = #'zigzag c2\glissando c, @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{Glissando}. Example files: @file{input/@/regression/@/glissando@/.ly}. @refbugs Printing text over the line (such as @emph{gliss.}) is not supported. @node Arpeggio @subsection Arpeggio @cindex Arpeggio @cindex broken chord @funindex \arpeggio You can specify an arpeggio sign (also known as broken chord) on a chord by attaching an @code{\arpeggio} to a chord @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] \arpeggio @end lilypond A square bracket on the left indicates that the player should not arpeggiate the chord @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] \arpeggioBracket \arpeggio @end lilypond The direction of the arpeggio is sometimes denoted by adding an arrowhead to the wiggly line @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] \new Voice { \arpeggioUp \arpeggio \arpeggioDown \arpeggio } @end lilypond @commonprop When an arpeggio crosses staves, you may attach an arpeggio to the chords in both staves and set @internalsref{PianoStaff}.@code{connectArpeggios} @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,relative=1,verbatim] \new PianoStaff << \set PianoStaff.connectArpeggios = ##t \new Staff { \arpeggio } \new Staff { \clef bass \arpeggio } >> @end lilypond @refcommands @code{\arpeggio}, @funindex \arpeggioUp @code{\arpeggioUp}, @funindex \arpeggioDown @code{\arpeggioDown}, @funindex \arpeggioNeutral @code{\arpeggioNeutral}, @funindex \arpeggioBracket @code{\arpeggioBracket}. @seealso Notation manual: @ref{Ties}, for writing out arpeggios. Program reference: @internalsref{Arpeggio}. @refbugs It is not possible to mix connected arpeggios and unconnected arpeggios in one @internalsref{PianoStaff} at the same point in time. @node Falls and doits @subsection Falls and doits Falls and doits can be added to notes using the @code{\bendAfter} command, @lilypond[fragment,ragged-right,relative=2] \override Score.SpacingSpanner #'shortest-duration-space = #3.0 c4-\bendAfter #+5 c4-\bendAfter #-3 @end lilypond @node Repeats @section Repeats Repetition is a central concept in music, and multiple notations exist for repetitions. @menu * Repeat types:: * Repeat syntax:: * Repeats and MIDI:: * Manual repeat commands:: * Tremolo repeats:: * Tremolo subdivisions:: * Measure repeats:: @end menu @node Repeat types @subsection Repeat types @cindex repeats @funindex \repeat The following types of repetition are supported @table @code @item unfold Repeated music is fully written (played) out. This is useful when entering repetitious music. This is the only kind of repeat that is included in MIDI output. @item volta Repeats are not written out, but alternative endings (volte) are printed, left to right with brackets. This is the standard notation for repeats with alternatives. These are not played in MIDI output by default. @ignore @item fold Alternative endings are written stacked. This has limited use but may be used to typeset two lines of lyrics in songs with repeats, see @inputfileref{input,star-spangled-banner@/.ly}. @end ignore @item tremolo Make tremolo beams. These are not played in MIDI output by default. @item percent Make beat or measure repeats. These look like percent signs. These are not played in MIDI output by default. Percent repeats must be declared within a @code{Voice} context. @end table @node Repeat syntax @subsection Repeat syntax LilyPond has one syntactic construct for specifying different types of repeats. The syntax is @example \repeat @var{variant} @var{repeatcount} @var{repeatbody} @end example If you have alternative endings, you may add @funindex \alternative @example \alternative @{ @var{alternative1} @var{alternative2} @var{alternative3} @dots{} @} @end example @noindent where each @var{alternative} is a music expression. If you do not give enough alternatives for all of the repeats, the first alternative is assumed to be played more than once. Standard repeats are used like this @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] c1 \repeat volta 2 { c4 d e f } \repeat volta 2 { f e d c } @end lilypond With alternative endings @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] c1 \repeat volta 2 {c4 d e f} \alternative { {d2 d} {f f,} } @end lilypond In the following example, the first ending is not a complete bar (it only had 3 beats). The beginning of the second ending contains the 4th beat from the first ending. This ``extra'' beat in the second ending is due to the first time ending, and has nothing to do with the @code{\partial} at the beginning of the example. @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] \new Staff { \partial 4 \repeat volta 4 { e | c2 d2 | e2 f2 | } \alternative { { g4 g g } { a | a a a a | b2. } } } @end lilypond @funindex \repeatTie Ties may be added to a second ending, @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,fragment,verbatim,relative=2] c1 \repeat volta 2 {c4 d e f ~ } \alternative { {f2 d} {f\repeatTie f,} } @end lilypond It is possible to shorten volta brackets by setting @code{voltaSpannerDuration}. In the next example, the bracket only lasts one measure, which is a duration of 3/4. @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote] \relative c''{ \time 3/4 c c c \set Staff.voltaSpannerDuration = #(ly:make-moment 3 4) \repeat "volta" 5 { d d d } \alternative { { e e e f f f } { g g g } } } @end lilypond @seealso Examples: Brackets for the repeat are normally only printed over the topmost staff. This can be adjusted by setting the @code{voltaOnThisStaff} property; see @inputfileref{input/@/regression,volta@/-multi@/-staff@/.ly}. @refbugs @cindex repeat, ambiguous A nested repeat like @example \repeat @dots{} \repeat @dots{} \alternative @end example @noindent is ambiguous, since it is is not clear to which @code{\repeat} the @code{\alternative} belongs. This ambiguity is resolved by always having the @code{\alternative} belong to the inner @code{\repeat}. For clarity, it is advisable to use braces in such situations. Timing information is not remembered at the start of an alternative, so after a repeat timing information must be reset by hand; for example, by setting @code{Score.measurePosition} or entering @code{\partial}. Similarly, slurs or ties are also not repeated. @node Repeats and MIDI @subsection Repeats and MIDI @cindex expanding repeats @funindex \unfoldRepeats With a little bit of tweaking, all types of repeats can be present in the MIDI output. This is achieved by applying the @code{\unfoldRepeats} music function. This function changes all repeats to unfold repeats. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,line-width=8.0\cm] \unfoldRepeats { \repeat tremolo 8 {c'32 e' } \repeat percent 2 { c''8 d'' } \repeat volta 2 {c'4 d' e' f'} \alternative { { g' a' a' g' } {f' e' d' c' } } } \bar "|." @end lilypond When creating a score file using @code{\unfoldRepeats} for MIDI, it is necessary to make two @code{\score} blocks: one for MIDI (with unfolded repeats) and one for notation (with volta, tremolo, and percent repeats). For example, @example \score @{ @var{..music..} \layout @{ .. @} @} \score @{ \unfoldRepeats @var{..music..} \midi @{ .. @} @} @end example @node Manual repeat commands @subsection Manual repeat commands @funindex repeatCommands The property @code{repeatCommands} can be used to control the layout of repeats. Its value is a Scheme list of repeat commands. @table @asis @item @code{start-repeat} Print a @code{|:} bar line. @item @code{end-repeat} Print a @code{:|} bar line. @item @code{(volta @var{text})} Print a volta bracket saying @var{text}: The text can be specified as a text string or as a markup text, see @ref{Text markup}. Do not forget to change the font, as the default number font does not contain alphabetic characters; @item @code{(volta #f)} Stop a running volta bracket. @end table @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment,relative=2] c4 \set Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta "93") end-repeat) c4 c4 \set Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta #f)) c4 c4 @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{VoltaBracket}, @internalsref{RepeatedMusic}, @internalsref{VoltaRepeatedMusic}, @internalsref{UnfoldedRepeatedMusic}, and @internalsref{FoldedRepeatedMusic}. @node Tremolo repeats @subsection Tremolo repeats @cindex tremolo beams To place tremolo marks between notes, use @code{\repeat} with tremolo style @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right] \new Voice \relative c' { \repeat "tremolo" 8 { c16 d16 } \repeat "tremolo" 4 { c16 d16 } \repeat "tremolo" 2 { c16 d16 } } @end lilypond Tremolo marks can also be put on a single note. In this case, the note should not be surrounded by braces. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right] \repeat "tremolo" 4 c'16 @end lilypond Similar output is obtained using the tremolo subdivision, described in @ref{Tremolo subdivisions}. @seealso In this manual: @ref{Tremolo subdivisions}, @ref{Repeats}. Program reference: @internalsref{Beam}, @internalsref{StemTremolo}. Example files: @inputfileref{input/@/regression,chord@/-tremolo@/.ly}, @inputfileref{input/@/regression,stem@/-tremolo@/.ly}. @node Tremolo subdivisions @subsection Tremolo subdivisions @cindex tremolo marks @funindex tremoloFlags Tremolo marks can be printed on a single note by adding `@code{:}[@var{number}]' after the note. The number indicates the duration of the subdivision, and it must be at least 8. A @var{length} value of 8 gives one line across the note stem. If the length is omitted, the last value (stored in @code{tremoloFlags}) is used @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment] c'2:8 c':32 | c': c': | @end lilypond @refbugs Tremolos entered in this way do not carry over into the MIDI output. @seealso In this manual: @ref{Tremolo repeats}. Elsewhere: @internalsref{StemTremolo}. @node Measure repeats @subsection Measure repeats @cindex percent repeats @cindex measure repeats In the @code{percent} style, a note pattern can be repeated. It is printed once, and then the pattern is replaced with a special sign. Patterns of one and two measures are replaced by percent-like signs, patterns that divide the measure length are replaced by slashes. Percent repeats must be declared within a @code{Voice} context. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,ragged-right] \new Voice \relative c' { \repeat "percent" 4 { c4 } \repeat "percent" 2 { c2 es2 f4 fis4 g4 c4 } } @end lilypond Measure repeats of more than 2 measures get a counter, if you switch on the @code{countPercentRepeats} property, @lilypond[relative=2,fragment,quote,verbatim,ragged-right] \new Voice { \set countPercentRepeats = ##t \repeat "percent" 4 { c1 } } @end lilypond Isolated percents can also be printed. This is done by putting a multi-measure rest with a different print function, @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,quote] \override MultiMeasureRest #'stencil = #ly:multi-measure-rest::percent R1 @end lilypond @seealso Program reference: @internalsref{RepeatSlash}, @internalsref{PercentRepeat}, @internalsref{DoublePercentRepeat}, @internalsref{DoublePercentRepeatCounter}, @internalsref{PercentRepeatCounter}, @internalsref{PercentRepeatedMusic}.