@c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*- @ignore Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH When revising a translation, copy the HEAD committish of the version that you are working on. See TRANSLATION for details. @end ignore @c \version "2.12.0" @node Rhythms @section Rhythms @lilypondfile[quote]{rhythms-headword.ly} This section discusses rhythms, rests, durations, beaming and bars. @menu * Writing rhythms:: * Writing rests:: * Displaying rhythms:: * Beams:: * Bars:: * Special rhythmic concerns:: @end menu @node Writing rhythms @subsection Writing rhythms @menu * Durations:: * Tuplets:: * Scaling durations:: * Ties:: @end menu @node Durations @unnumberedsubsubsec Durations @cindex durations, of notes @cindex note durations @cindex length of notes @cindex note lengths @funindex \longa @funindex longa @funindex \breve @funindex breve @funindex \maxima @funindex maxima 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), and 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} (a double breve) and @code{\breve} commands. Durations as short as 128th notes may be specified. Shorter values are possible, but only as beamed notes. @c Two 64th notes are needed to obtain beams @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 8/1 c\longa c\breve c1 c2 c4 c8 c16 c32 c64 c64 @end lilypond @noindent Here are the same durations with automatic beaming turned off. @c not strictly "writing rhythms"; more of a "displaying" thing, @c but it's ok here. -gp @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 8/1 \autoBeamOff c\longa c\breve c1 c2 c4 c8 c16 c32 c64 c64 @end lilypond A note with the duration of a quadruple breve may be entered with @code{\maxima}, but this is supported only within ancient music notation. For details, see @ref{Ancient notation}. If the duration is omitted, it is set to the previously entered duration. The default for the first note is a quarter note. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] a a a2 a a4 a a1 a @end lilypond @cindex notes, dotted @cindex dotted notes @cindex notes, double-dotted @cindex double-dotted notes @funindex . To obtain dotted note lengths, place a dot (@code{.}) after the duration. Double-dotted notes are specified by appending two dots, and so on. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] a4 b c4. b8 a4. b4.. c8. @end lilypond Some durations cannot be represented with just binary durations and dots; they can be represented only by tying two or more notes together. For details, see @ref{Ties}. For ways of specifying durations for the syllables of lyrics and ways of aligning lyrics to notes, see @ref{Vocal music}. Optionally, notes can be spaced strictly proportionately to their duration. For details of this and other settings which control proportional notation, see @ref{Proportional notation}. @funindex \dotsUp @funindex dotsUp @funindex \dotsDown @funindex dotsDown @funindex \dotsNeutral @funindex dotsNeutral Dots are normally moved up to avoid staff lines, except in polyphonic situations. Predefined commands are available to force a particular direction manually, for details see @ref{Direction and placement}. @predefined @code{\autoBeamOff}, @code{\dotsUp}, @code{\dotsDown}, @code{\dotsNeutral}. @endpredefined @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{breve}, @rglos{longa}, @rglos{maxima}, @rglos{note value}, @rglos{Duration names notes and rests}. Notation Reference: @ref{Automatic beams}, @ref{Ties}, @ref{Writing rhythms}, @ref{Writing rests}, @ref{Vocal music}, @ref{Ancient notation}, @ref{Proportional notation}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{Dots}, @rinternals{DotColumn}. @knownissues @c Deliberately duplicated in Durations and Rests. -gp There is no fundamental limit to rest durations (both in terms of longest and shortest), but the number of glyphs is limited: rests from 128th to maxima (8 x whole) may be printed. @node Tuplets @unnumberedsubsubsec Tuplets @cindex tuplets @cindex triplets @funindex \times @funindex times Tuplets are made from a music expression by multiplying all the durations with a fraction: @example \times @var{fraction} @{ @var{music} @} @end example @noindent The duration of @var{music} will be multiplied by the fraction. The fraction's denominator will be printed over or under the notes, optionally with a bracket. The most common tuplet is the triplet in which 3 notes have the duration of 2, so the notes are 2/3 of their written length. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] a2 \times 2/3 { b4 b b } c4 c \times 2/3 { b4 a g } @end lilypond @funindex \tupletUp @funindex tupletUp @funindex \tupletDown @funindex tupletDown @funindex \tupletNeutral @funindex tupletNeutral The automatic placement of the tuplet bracket above or below the notes may be overridden manually with predefined commands, for details see @ref{Direction and placement}. Tuplets may be nested: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \autoBeamOff c4 \times 4/5 { f8 e f \times 2/3 { e[ f g] } } f4 | @end lilypond Modifying nested tuplets which begin at the same musical moment must be done with @code{\tweak}. To modify the duration of notes without printing a tuplet bracket, see @ref{Scaling durations}. @predefined @code{\tupletUp}, @code{\tupletDown}, @code{\tupletNeutral}. @endpredefined @snippets @cindex tuplet formatting @cindex triplet formatting @funindex tupletNumberFormatFunction @funindex tupletSpannerDuration @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {entering-several-tuplets-using-only-one--times-command.ly} @funindex TupletNumber @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {changing-the-tuplet-number.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {permitting-line-breaks-within-beamed-tuplets.ly} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{triplet}, @rglos{tuplet}, @rglos{polymetric}. Learning Manual: @rlearning{Tweaking methods}. Notation Reference: @ref{Time administration}, @ref{Scaling durations}, @ref{The tweak command}, @ref{Polymetric notation}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{TupletBracket}, @rinternals{TupletNumber}, @rinternals{TimeScaledMusic}. @knownissues @cindex grace notes within tuplet brackets When the first note on a staff is a grace note followed by a tuplet the grace note must be placed before the @code{\times} command to avoid errors. Anywhere else, grace notes may be placed within tuplet brackets. @node Scaling durations @unnumberedsubsubsec Scaling durations @cindex scaling durations @cindex durations, scaling You can alter the duration of single notes, rests or chords by a fraction @code{N/M} by appending @code{*N/M} (or @code{*N} if @code{M} is 1) to the duration. This will not affect the appearance of the notes or rests produced, but the altered duration will be used in calculating the position within the measure and setting the duration in the MIDI output. Multiplying factors may be combined such as @code{*L*M/N}. In the following example, the first three notes take up exactly two beats, but no triplet bracket is printed. @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] \time 2/4 % Alter durations to triplets a4*2/3 gis4*2/3 a4*2/3 % Normal durations a4 a4 % Double the duration of chord 4*2 % Duration of quarter, appears like sixteenth b16*4 c4 @end lilypond The duration of skip or spacing notes may also be modified by a multiplier. This is useful for skipping many measures, e.g., @code{s1*23}. @cindex compressing music @funindex \scaleDurations @funindex scaleDurations Longer stretches of music may be compressed by a fraction in the same way, as if every note, chord or rest had the fraction as a multiplier. This leaves the appearance of the music unchanged but the internal duration of the notes will be multiplied by the fraction @emph{num}/@emph{den}. The spaces around the dot are required. Here is an example showing how music can be compressed and expanded: @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] \time 2/4 % Normal durations 4 c8 a % Scale music by *2/3 \scaleDurations #'(2 . 3) { 4. c8 a f } % Scale music by *2 \scaleDurations #'(2 . 1) { 4 c8 b } @end lilypond @noindent One application of this command is in polymetric notation, see @ref{Polymetric notation}. @seealso Notation Reference: @ref{Tuplets}, @ref{Invisible rests}, @ref{Polymetric notation}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. @node Ties @unnumberedsubsubsec Ties @cindex tie @funindex ~ A tie connects two adjacent note heads of the same pitch. The tie in effect extends the duration of a note. @warning{Ties should not be confused with @emph{slurs}, which indicate articulation, or @emph{phrasing slurs}, which indicate musical phrasing. A tie is just a way of extending a note duration, similar to the augmentation dot.} A tie is entered using the tilde symbol @code{~} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] a2 ~ a @end lilypond @noindent Ties are used either when the note crosses a bar line, or when dots cannot be used to denote the rhythm. Ties should also be used when note values cross larger subdivisions of the measure: @lilypond[verbatim,quote] \relative c' { r8 c8 ~ c2 r4 | r8^"not" c2 ~ c8 r4 } @end lilypond If you need to tie many notes across bar lines, 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. @cindex ties and chords @cindex chords and ties 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,verbatim,relative=1] ~ @end lilypond @cindex repeating ties @cindex ties, repeating @cindex volta brackets and ties @cindex ties and volta brackets @funindex \repeatTie @funindex repeatTie When a second alternative of a repeat starts with a tied note, you have to specify the repeated tie as follows: @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] \repeat volta 2 { c g 2 ~ } \alternative { % First alternative: following note is tied normally { 2. r4 } % Second alternative: following note has a repeated tie { 2\repeatTie d4 c } } @end lilypond @cindex laissez vibrer @cindex ties, laissez vibrer @funindex \laissezVibrer @funindex laissezVibrer @notation{L.v.} ties (@notation{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 as follows: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1] 1\laissezVibrer @end lilypond @cindex ties, placement @funindex \tieUp @funindex tieUp @funindex \tieDown @funindex tieDown @funindex \tieNeutral @funindex tieNeutral The vertical placement of ties may be controlled, see Predefined commands, or for details, see @ref{Direction and placement}. @cindex ties, appearance @cindex ties, dotted @cindex ties, dashed @cindex dashed ties @cindex dotted ties @funindex \tieDotted @funindex tieDotted @funindex \tieDashed @funindex tieDashed @funindex \tieSolid @funindex tieSolid Solid, dotted or dashed ties may be specified, see Predefined commands. @predefined @code{\tieUp}, @code{\tieDown}, @code{\tieNeutral}, @code{\tieDotted}, @code{\tieDashed}, @code{\tieSolid}. @endpredefined @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {using-ties-with-arpeggios.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {engraving-ties-manually.ly} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{tie}, @rglos{laissez vibrer}. Notation Reference: @ref{Automatic note splitting}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{LaissezVibrerTie}, @rinternals{LaissezVibrerTieColumn}, @rinternals{TieColumn}, @rinternals{Tie}. @knownissues Switching staves when a tie is active will not produce a slanted tie. Changing clefs or octavations during a tie is not really well-defined. In these cases, a slur may be preferable. @node Writing rests @subsection Writing rests Rests are entered as part of the music in music expressions. @menu * Rests:: * Invisible rests:: * Full measure rests:: @end menu @node Rests @unnumberedsubsubsec Rests @cindex rest @cindex rest, entering durations @cindex maxima rest @cindex longa rest @cindex breve rest @funindex \rest @funindex rest @funindex r @funindex \maxima @funindex maxima @funindex \longa @funindex longa @funindex \breve @funindex breve Rests are entered like notes with the note name @code{r}. Durations longer than a whole rest use the predefined commands shown: @c \time 16/1 is used to avoid spurious bar lines @c and long tracts of empty measures @lilypond[fragment,quote,verbatim] \new Staff { % These two lines are just to prettify this example \time 16/1 \override Staff.TimeSignature #'stencil = ##f % Print a maxima rest, equal to four breves r\maxima % Print a longa rest, equal to two breves r\longa % Print a breve rest r\breve r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r128 } @end lilypond @cindex rest, multi-measure @cindex rest, whole-measure Whole measure rests, centered in the middle of the measure, must be entered as multi-measure rests. They can be used for a single measure as well as many measures and are discussed in @ref{Full measure rests}. @cindex rest, specifying vertical position To explicitly specify a rest's vertical position, write a note followed by @code{\rest}. A rest of the duration of the note will be placed at the staff position where the note would appear. This allows for precise manual formatting of polyphonic music, since the automatic rest collision formatter will not move these rests. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] a4\rest d4\rest @end lilypond @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {rest-styles.ly} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{breve}, @rglos{longa}, @rglos{maxima}. Notation Reference: @ref{Full measure rests}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{Rest}. @knownissues @c Deliberately duplicated in Durations and Rests. -gp There is no fundamental limit to rest durations (both in terms of longest and shortest), but the number of glyphs is limited: there are rests from 128th to maxima (8 x whole). @node Invisible rests @unnumberedsubsubsec Invisible rests @cindex skip @cindex invisible rest @cindex rest, invisible @cindex spacer note @cindex spacer rest @funindex s @funindex \skip @funindex skip An invisible rest (also called a @q{spacer rest}) can be entered like a note with the note name@tie{}@code{s}: @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=2] c4 c s c s2 c @end lilypond @cindex lyrics, skip Spacer rests are available only in note mode and chord mode. In other situations, for example, when entering lyrics, @code{\skip} is used to skip a musical moment. @code{\skip} requires an explicit duration. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] << { a2 \skip2 a2 a2 } \new Lyrics { \lyricmode { foo2 \skip 1 bla2 } } >> @end lilypond A spacer rest implicitly causes @code{Staff} and @code{Voice} contexts to be created if none exist, just like notes and rests do: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] s1 s s @end lilypond @code{\skip} simply skips musical time; it creates no output of any kind. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] % This is valid input, but does nothing \skip 1 \skip1 \skip 1 @end lilypond @seealso Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{SkipMusic} @node Full measure rests @unnumberedsubsubsec Full measure rests @cindex multi-measure rests @cindex full-measure rests @cindex rest, multi-measure @cindex rest, full-measure @cindex whole rest for a full measure @cindex rest, whole for a full measure @funindex R Rests for one or more full measures are entered like notes with the note name uppercase @code{R}: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] % Rest measures contracted to single measure \compressFullBarRests R1*4 R1*24 R1*4 b2^"Tutti" b4 a4 @end lilypond The duration of full-measure rests is identical to the duration notation used for notes. The duration in a multi-measure rest must always be an integral number of measure-lengths, so augmentation dots or fractions must often be used: @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim] \compressFullBarRests \time 2/4 R1 | R2 | \time 3/4 R2. | R2.*2 | \time 13/8 R1*13/8 | R1*13/8*12 | \time 10/8 R4*5*4 | @end lilypond A full-measure rest is printed as either a whole or breve rest, centered in the measure, depending on the time signature. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] \time 4/4 R1 | \time 6/4 R1*3/2 | \time 8/4 R1*2 | @end lilypond @cindex multi-measure rest, expanding @cindex multi-measure rest, contracting @funindex \expandFullBarRests @funindex expandFullBarRests @funindex \compressFullBarRests @funindex compressFullBarRests By default a multi-measure rest is expanded in the printed score to show all the rest measures explicitly. Alternatively, a multi-measure rest can be shown as a single measure containing a multi-measure rest symbol, with the number of measures of rest printed above the measure: @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim] % Default behavior \time 3/4 r2. | R2.*2 | \time 2/4 R2 | \time 4/4 % Rest measures contracted to single measure \compressFullBarRests r1 | R1*17 | R1*4 | % Rest measures expanded \expandFullBarRests \time 3/4 R2.*2 | @end lilypond @cindex text on multi-measure rest @cindex multi-measure rest, attaching text @cindex script on multi-measure rest @cindex multi-measure rest, script @cindex fermata on multi-measure rest @cindex multi-measure rest, attaching fermata @funindex \fermataMarkup @funindex fermataMarkup Markups can be added to multi-measure rests. The predefined command @code{\fermataMarkup} is provided for adding fermatas. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] \compressFullBarRests \time 3/4 R2.*10^\markup { \italic "ad lib." } R2.^\fermataMarkup @end lilypond @warning{ Markups attached to a multi-measure rest are objects of type @code{MultiMeasureRestText}, not @code{TextScript}. Overrides must be directed to the correct object, or they will be ignored. See the following example. } @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] % This fails, as the wrong object name is specified \override TextScript #'padding = #5 R1^"wrong" % This is correct and works \override MultiMeasureRestText #'padding = #5 R1^"right" @end lilypond When a multi-measure rest immediately follows a @code{\partial} setting, resulting bar-check warnings may not be displayed. @predefined @code{\textLengthOn}, @code{\textLengthOff}, @code{\fermataMarkup}, @code{\compressFullBarRests}, @code{\expandFullBarRests}. @endpredefined @snippets @cindex church rest @cindex rest, church @cindex kirchenpausen @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {changing-form-of-multi--measure-rests.ly} @cindex multi-measure rests, positioning @cindex positioning multi-measure rests @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {positioning-multi--measure-rests.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {multi--measure-rest-markup.ly} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{multi-measure rest}. Notation Reference: @ref{Durations}, @ref{Text}, @ref{Formatting text}, @ref{Text scripts}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{MultiMeasureRest}, @rinternals{MultiMeasureRestNumber}, @rinternals{MultiMeasureRestText}. @cindex fingerings and multi-measure rests @cindex multi-measure rests and fingerings @knownissues If an attempt is made to use fingerings (e.g., @code{R1*10-4}) to put numbers over multi-measure rests, the fingering numeral (4) may collide with the bar counter numeral (10). @cindex condensing rests @cindex rest, condensing ordinary There is no way to automatically condense multiple ordinary rests into a single multi-measure rest. @cindex rest, collisions of Multi-measure rests do not take part in rest collisions. @node Displaying rhythms @subsection Displaying rhythms @menu * Time signature:: * Upbeats:: * Unmetered music:: * Polymetric notation:: * Automatic note splitting:: * Showing melody rhythms:: @end menu @node Time signature @unnumberedsubsubsec Time signature @cindex time signature @cindex meter @funindex \time @funindex time The time signature is set as follows: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 c2 \time 3/4 c2. @end lilypond @cindex time signature, visibility of Time signatures are printed at the beginning of a piece and whenever the time signature changes. If a change takes place at the end of a line a warning time signature sign is printed there. This default behavior may be changed, see @ref{Visibility of objects}. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 c2 c \break c c \break \time 4/4 c c c c @end lilypond @cindex time signature style @cindex meter style @funindex \numericTimeSignature @funindex numericTimeSignature @funindex \defaultTimeSignature @funindex defaultTimeSignature The time signature symbol that is used in 2/2 and 4/4 time can be changed to a numeric style: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] % Default style \time 4/4 c1 \time 2/2 c1 % Change to numeric style \numericTimeSignature \time 4/4 c1 \time 2/2 c1 % Revert to default style \defaultTimeSignature \time 4/4 c1 \time 2/2 c1 @end lilypond Mensural time signatures are covered in @ref{Mensural time signatures}. @predefined @code{\numericTimeSignature}, @code{\defaultTimeSignature}. @endpredefined @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {changing-the-time-signature-without-affecting-the-beaming.ly} @cindex compound time signatures @cindex time signature, compound @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {compound-time-signatures.ly} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{time signature} Notation Reference: @ref{Mensural time signatures}, @ref{Time administration}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{TimeSignature}, @rinternals{Timing_translator}. @node Upbeats @unnumberedsubsubsec Upbeats @cindex anacrusis @cindex upbeat @cindex partial measure @cindex measure, partial @cindex pickup measure @cindex measure, change length @cindex measurePosition @funindex \partial @funindex partial Partial or pick-up measures, such as an anacrusis or upbeat, are entered using the @code{\partial} command, with the syntax @example \partial @var{duration} @end example where @code{duration} is the rhythmic length of the interval before the start of the first complete measure: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \partial 4 e4 | a2. c,4 | @end lilypond The partial measure can be any duration less than a full measure: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \partial 8*3 c8 d e | a2. c,4 | @end lilypond Internally, this is translated into @example \set Timing.measurePosition = -@var{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 set to a negative number by the @code{\partial} command: i.e., @code{\partial 4} is internally translated to @code{-4}, meaning @qq{there is a quarter note left in the measure.} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{anacrusis}. Notation Reference: @ref{Grace notes}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internal Reference: @rinternals{Timing_translator}. @knownissues The @code{\partial} command is intended to be used only at the beginning of a piece. If you use it after the beginning, some odd warnings may occur. @node Unmetered music @unnumberedsubsubsec Unmetered music @cindex bar lines, turning off @cindex bar numbering, turning off @cindex cadenza @cindex unmetered music @funindex \cadenzaOn @funindex cadenzaOn @funindex \cadenzaOff @funindex cadenzaOff Bar lines and bar numbers are calculated automatically. For unmetered music (some cadenzas, for example), this is not desirable. To turn off automatic calculation of bar lines and bar numbers, use the command @code{\cadenzaOn}, and use @code{\cadenzaOff} to turn them on again. @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,fragment] c4 d e d \cadenzaOn c4 c d8 d d f4 g4. \cadenzaOff \bar "|" d4 e d c @end lilypond Bar numbering is resumed at the end of the cadenza as if the cadenza were not there: @lilypond[verbatim,relative=2,fragment] % Show all bar numbers \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #all-visible c4 d e d \cadenzaOn c4 c d8 d d f4 g4. \cadenzaOff \bar "|" d4 e d c @end lilypond @predefined @code{\cadenzaOn}, @code{\cadenzaOff}. @endpredefined @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{cadenza}. Notation Reference: @c ref{Controlling visibility of objects}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. @knownissues LilyPond will insert line breaks and page breaks only at a bar line. Unless the unmetered music ends before the end of the staff line, you will need to insert invisible bar lines with @example \bar "" @end example @noindent to indicate where breaks can occur. @node Polymetric notation @unnumberedsubsubsec Polymetric notation @c This section necessarily uses \set @c This is acceptable -td @cindex double time signatures @cindex signatures, polymetric @cindex time signatures, polymetric @cindex time signatures, double @cindex polymetric signatures @cindex meter, polymetric @funindex timeSignatureFraction @funindex \scaleDurations @funindex scaleDurations @funindex \times @funindex times Polymetric notation is supported, either explicitly or by modifying the visible time signature symbol and scaling the note durations. @strong{@i{Staves with different time signatures, equal measure lengths}} This notation can be created by setting a common time signature for each staff but replacing the symbol manually by setting @code{timeSignatureFraction} to the desired fraction and scaling the printed durations in each staff to the common time signature; see @ref{Time signature}. The scaling is done with @code{\scaleDurations}, which is used in a similar way to @code{\times}, but does not create a tuplet bracket; see @ref{Scaling durations}. @cindex beaming in polymetric music @cindex beaming in polymetric meter In this example, music with the time signatures of 3/4, 9/8, and 10/8 are used in parallel. In the second staff, shown durations are multiplied by 2/3, as 2/3 * 9/8 = 3/4, and in the third staff, shown durations are multiplied by 3/5, as 3/5 * 10/8 = 3/4. It will often be necessary to insert beams manually, as the duration scaling affects the autobeaming rules. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment] \relative c' << \new Staff { \time 3/4 c4 c c | c c c | } \new Staff { \time 3/4 \set Staff.timeSignatureFraction = #'(9 . 8) \scaleDurations #'(2 . 3) \repeat unfold 6 { c8[ c c] } } \new Staff { \time 3/4 \set Staff.timeSignatureFraction = #'(10 . 8) \scaleDurations #'(3 . 5) { \repeat unfold 2 { c8[ c c] } \repeat unfold 2 { c8[ c] } | c4. c4. \times 2/3 { c8[ c c] } c4 } } >> @end lilypond @strong{@i{Staves with different time signatures, unequal bar lengths}} Each staff can be given its own independent time signature by moving the @code{Timing_translator} and the @code{Default_bar_line_engraver} to the @code{Staff} context. @lilypond[quote,verbatim] \layout { \context { \Score \remove "Timing_translator" \remove "Default_bar_line_engraver" } \context { \Staff \consists "Timing_translator" \consists "Default_bar_line_engraver" } } % Now each staff has its own time signature. \relative c' << \new Staff { \time 3/4 c4 c c | c c c | } \new Staff { \time 2/4 c4 c | c c | c c | } \new Staff { \time 3/8 c4. | c8 c c | c4. | c8 c c | } >> @end lilypond @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {compound-time-signatures.ly} @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{polymetric}, @rglos{polymetric time signature}, @rglos{meter}. Notation Reference: @ref{Time signature}, @ref{Scaling durations}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{TimeSignature}, @rinternals{Timing_translator}, @rinternals{Default_bar_line_engraver}, @rinternals{Staff}. @knownissues When using different time signatures in parallel, notes at the same moment will be be placed at the same horizontal location. However, the bar lines in the different staves will cause the note spacing to be less regular in each of the individual staves than would be normal without the different time signatures. @node Automatic note splitting @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic note splitting @cindex notes, splitting @cindex splitting notes @funindex Note_heads_engraver @funindex Completion_heads_engraver Long notes which overrun bar lines can be converted automatically to tied notes. This is done by replacing the @code{Note_heads_engraver} with the @code{Completion_heads_engraver}. In the following example, notes crossing the bar lines are split and tied. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1] \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 show exactly how much each measure is off. @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{tie} Learning Manual: @rlearning{Engravers explained}, @rlearning{Adding and removing engravers}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{Note_heads_engraver}, @rinternals{Completion_heads_engraver}, @rinternals{Forbid_line_break_engraver}. @knownissues Not all durations (especially those containing tuplets) can be represented exactly with normal notes and dots, but the @code{Completion_heads_engraver} will not insert tuplets. The @code{Completion_heads_engraver} only affects notes; it does not split rests. @node Showing melody rhythms @unnumberedsubsubsec Showing melody rhythms @cindex melody rhythms, showing @cindex rhythms, showing melody Sometimes you might want to show only the rhythm of a melody. This can be done with the rhythmic staff. All pitches of notes on such a staff are squashed, and the staff itself has a single line @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] << \new RhythmicStaff { \new Voice = "myRhythm" { \time 4/4 c4 e8 f g2 r4 g g f g1 } } \new Lyrics { \lyricsto "myRhythm" { This is my song I like to sing } } >> @end lilypond @cindex guitar chord charts @cindex strumming rhythms, showing @cindex guitar strumming rhythms, showing @funindex Pitch_squash_engraver @funindex \improvisationOn @funindex improvisationOn @funindex \improvisationOff @funindex improvisationOff Guitar chord charts often show the strumming rhythms. This can be done with the @code{Pitch_squash_engraver} and @code{\improvisationOn}. @lilypond[quote,verbatim] << \new ChordNames { \chordmode { c1 f g c } } \new Voice \with { \consists Pitch_squash_engraver } \relative c'' { \improvisationOn c4 c8 c c4 c8 c f4 f8 f f4 f8 f g4 g8 g g4 g8 g c4 c8 c c4 c8 c } >> @end lilypond @predefined @code{\improvisationOn}, @code{\improvisationOff}. @endpredefined @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {guitar-strum-rhythms.ly} @seealso Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{RhythmicStaff}, @rinternals{Pitch_squash_engraver}. @node Beams @subsection Beams @menu * Automatic beams:: * Setting automatic beam behavior:: * Manual beams:: * Feathered beams:: @end menu @node Automatic beams @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic beams By default, beams are inserted automatically: @cindex beams, manual @cindex manual beams @cindex beams, setting rules for @cindex beams, custom rules for @funindex measureLength @funindex beatLength @funindex beatGrouping @funindex \autoBeamOn @funindex autoBeamOn @funindex \autoBeamOff @funindex autoBeamOff @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 c8 c c c \time 6/8 c c c c8. c16 c8 @end lilypond If these automatic decisions are not satisfactory, beaming can be entered explicitly; see @ref{Manual beams}. It is also possible to define beaming patterns that differ from the defaults. The default beaming rules for most common time signatures are defined in @file{scm/@/auto@/-beam@/.scm}. If there are no beaming rules defined for a particular beam's duration in the time signature being used, its beaming is controlled by the values of three context properties, @code{measureLength}, @code{beatLength} and @code{beatGrouping}. Both the beaming rules and the context properties can be overridden, see @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior}. @warning{If beams are used to indicate melismata in songs, then automatic beaming should be switched off with @code{\autoBeamOff} and the beams indicated manually.} @noindent Automatic beaming may be turned off and on with @code{\autoBeamOff} and @code{\autoBeamOn} commands: @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] c4 c8 c8. c16 c8. c16 c8 \autoBeamOff c4 c8 c8. c16 c8. \autoBeamOn c16 c8 @end lilypond @predefined @code{\autoBeamOff}, @code{\autoBeamOn}. @endpredefined @snippets @cindex line breaks and beams @cindex beams and line breaks @funindex breakable @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {beams-across-line-breaks.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {changing-beam-knee-gap.ly} @seealso Notation Reference: @ref{Manual beams}, @ref{Setting automatic beam behavior}. Installed Files: @file{scm/@/auto@/-beam@/.scm}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{Beam}. @knownissues Automatically kneed cross-staff beams cannot be used together with hidden staves. See @ref{Hiding staves}. Beams can collide with note heads and accidentals in other voices @node Setting automatic beam behavior @unnumberedsubsubsec Setting automatic beam behavior @cindex automatic beams, tuning @cindex tuning automatic beaming @cindex automatic beam generation @cindex autobeam @cindex lyrics and beaming @funindex autoBeaming @funindex autoBeamSettings @funindex (end * * * *) @funindex (begin * * * *) @funindex measureLength @funindex beatLength @funindex beatGrouping @funindex \time @funindex time @funindex \set @funindex set The placement of automatic beams is determined by the rules described in @ref{Automatic beams}. There are two mutually exclusive ways in which these rules may be modified. The first, modifying the grouping of beats, applies to uncommon time signatures, i.e. those for which there are no predefined rules defining the beam end points. The second method, modifying the specification of the beam end points, can be used for any time signature. This second method @strong{must} be used for those time signatures and beam durations combinations for which beam ending rules are pre-defined, unless these have all been reverted. There are predefined rules for time signatures of 3/2, 3/4, 4/4, 2/4, 4/8, 4/16, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8. @i{@strong{Modifying the grouping of beats}} If there are no beam-ending rules defined for the beam duration of a particular beam in the time signature in use, its beaming is controlled by three context properties: @code{measureLength}, @code{beatLength} and @code{beatGrouping}. These properties may be set in the @code{Score}, @code{Staff} or @code{Voice} contexts to delimit their scope. The default values are set while processing @code{\time} commands, so the @code{\set} commands must be placed after all @code{\time} commands. These determine the beaming as follows: Beams may begin anywhere (unless a beam is already active). Beams end at a time determined by the values of @code{beatGrouping} and @code{beatLength}, as follows: @itemize @item If @code{beatGrouping} and @code{beatLength} are consistent with @code{measureLength}, @code{beatGrouping} is used to determine the end points of beams. @item If @code{beatGrouping} and @code{beatLength} are inconsistent with @code{measureLength}, @code{beatLength} is used to determine the end points of beams. @end itemize @warning{These three properties become effective for a particular beam @strong{only} if there are no beam-ending rules predefined for that beam's duration in the time signature in use, or if these beam-ending rules have all been reverted.} By default the @code{measureLength} and @code{beatLength} are derived from the time signature set by the @code{\time} command. The @code{measureLength} is set to be exactly the same length as the measure length given by the time signature, and the @code{beatLength} is set to be the same as one over the denominator of the time signature. The default value of @code{beatGrouping} is taken from a table in @file{scm/@/music@/-functions@/.scm}. To find this, see @rlearning{Other sources of information}. It defines the beat grouping for 5/8, 6/8, 8/8, 9/8 and 12/8 time signatures. Both @code{measureLength} and @code{beatLength} are @i{moments}, units of musical duration. A quantity of type @i{moment} is created by the scheme function @code{ly:make-moment}. For more information about this function, see @ref{Time administration}. @code{beatGrouping} is a list of integers giving the number of beats in each group. @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {grouping-beats.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {specifying-context-with-beatgrouping.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {using-beatlength-and-beatgrouping.ly} @funindex subdivideBeams @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {sub-dividing-beams.ly} @cindex measure groupings @cindex beats, grouping @cindex grouping beats @cindex measure sub-grouping @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {conducting-signs,-measure-grouping-signs.ly} @strong{@i{Modifying the beam end points}} In common time signatures, automatic beams can start on any note but can end at only a few positions within the measure, namely at durations specified by the properties in @code{autoBeamSettings}. These properties consist of a list of rules defining where beams can end. The default @code{autoBeamSettings} rules are defined in @file{scm/@/auto@/-beam@/.scm}. To find this, see @rlearning{Other sources of information}. This method @strong{must} be used for the time signatures for which beam-ending rules are defined by default, unless these have all been reverted. It is also particularly suitable for many other time signatures if the time signature of the measures changes frequently, or if the beaming should be different for different beam durations. In order to add a rule to the list, use @example #(override-auto-beam-setting '(beam-limit beam-numerator beam-denominator time-signature-numerator time-signature-denominator) moment-numerator moment-denominator [context]) @end example @noindent where @itemize @item @code{beam-limit} is the type of automatic beam limit defined. This can be either @code{begin} or @code{end} but only @code{end} is effective. @item @code{beam-numerator/beam-denominator} is the beam duration to which the rule is to apply. A beam is considered to have the duration of its shortest note. Set @code{beam-numerator} and @code{beam-denominator} to @code{'*'} to have this rule apply to beams of any duration. @item @code{time-signature-numerator/time-signature-denominator} specifies the time signature to which this rule should apply. If @code{time-signature-numerator} and @code{time-signature-denominator} are set to @code{'*'} this rule will apply in any time signature. @item @code{monent-numerator/moment-denominator} is the position in the bar at which the beam should end. @item @code{context} is optional, and it specifies the context at which the change should be made. The default is @code{'Voice}. @code{#(score-override-auto-beam-setting '(A B C D) E F)} is equivalent to @code{#(override-auto-beam-setting '(A B C D) E F 'Score)}. @end itemize For example, if automatic beams should always end on the first quarter note, whatever the time signature or beam duration, use @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] a8 a a a a a a a #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * * *) 1 4) a8 a a a a a a a @end lilypond You can force the beam settings to take effect only on beams whose shortest note is a certain duration @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 % end 1/16 beams for all time signatures at the 1/16 moment #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end 1 16 * *) 1 16) a16 a a a a a a a | a32 a a a a16 a a a a a | % end 1/32 beams for all time signatures at the 1/16 moment #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end 1 32 * *) 1 16) a32 a a a a16 a a a a a | @end lilypond You can force the beam settings to take effect only in certain time signatures @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 5/8 % end beams of all durations in 5/8 time signature at the 2/8 moment #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 5 8) 2 8) c8 c d d d \time 4/4 e8 e f f e e d d \time 5/8 c8 c d d d @end lilypond When multiple voices are used the @code{Staff} context must be specified if the beaming is to be applied to all voices in the staff: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 7/8 % rhythm 3-1-1-2 % Context not specified - does not work correctly #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 7 8) 3 8) #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 7 8) 4 8) #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 7 8) 5 8) << {a8 a a a16 a a a a8 a} \\ {f4. f8 f f f} >> % Works correctly with context specified #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 7 8) 3 8 'Staff) #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 7 8) 4 8 'Staff) #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end * * 7 8) 5 8 'Staff) << {a8 a a a16 a a a a8 a} \\ {f4. f8 f f f} >> @end lilypond @warning{If any unexpected beam behavior occurs, check the default automatic beam settings in @file{scm/@/auto@/-beam@/.scm} for possible interference, because the beam endings defined there will still apply in addition to your own.} Any unwanted or conflicting default endings must be reverted for your time signature(s). Existing auto-beam rules are removed by using @example #(revert-auto-beam-setting '(beam-limit beam-numerator beam-denominator time-signature-numerator time-signature-denominator) moment-numerator moment-denominator [context]) @end example @noindent @code{beam-limit}, @code{beam-numerator}, @code{beam-denominator}, @code{time-signature-numerator}, @code{time-signature-denominator}, @code{moment-numerator}, @code{moment-denominator} and @code{context} are the same as above. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 4/4 a16 a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a % undo a rule ending 1/16 beams in 4/4 time at 1/4 moment #(revert-auto-beam-setting '(end 1 16 4 4) 1 4) a16 a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a @end lilypond The rule in a @code{revert-auto-beam-setting} statement must exactly match the original rule. That is, no wildcard expansion is taken into account. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 1/4 #(override-auto-beam-setting '(end 1 16 1 4) 1 8) a16 a a a #(revert-auto-beam-setting '(end 1 16 * *) 1 8) % this won't revert it! a a a a #(revert-auto-beam-setting '(end 1 16 1 4) 1 8) % this will a a a a @end lilypond @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {beam-grouping-in-7-8-time.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {reverting-default-beam-endings.ly} @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {beam-endings-in-score-context.ly} @funindex \autoBeamOff @funindex autoBeamOff @funindex \autoBeamOn @funindex autoBeamOn @predefined @code{\autoBeamOff}, @code{\autoBeamOn}. @endpredefined @cindex beam, last in score @cindex beam, last in polyphonic voice @knownissues If a score ends while an automatic beam has not been ended and is still accepting notes, this last beam will not be typeset at all. The same holds for polyphonic voices, entered with @code{<< @dots{} \\ @dots{} >>}. If a polyphonic voice ends while an automatic beam is still accepting notes, it is not typeset. @seealso Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. @node Manual beams @unnumberedsubsubsec Manual beams @cindex beams, manual @cindex manual beams @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, and in choral scores the beaming is often set to follow the meter of the lyrics rather than the notes. Such beams can be specified manually by marking the begin and end point with @code{[} and @code{]} @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] { r4 r8[ g' a r8] r8 g[ | a] r8 } @end lilypond @funindex \noBeam @funindex noBeam Individual notes may be marked with @code{\noBeam} to prevent them from being beamed: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \time 2/4 c8 c\noBeam c c @end lilypond @funindex stemLeftBeamCount @funindex stemRightBeamCount Even more strict manual control with the beams can be achieved by setting the properties @code{stemLeftBeamCount} and @code{stemRightBeamCount}. They specify the number of beams to draw on the left and right side, respectively, of the next note. If either property is set, its value will be used only once, and then it is erased. In this example, the last @code{f} is printed with only one beam on the left side, i.e., the eighth-note beam of the group as a whole. @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] a8[ r16 f g a] a8[ r16 \set stemLeftBeamCount = #2 \set stemRightBeamCount = #1 f \set stemLeftBeamCount = #1 g a] @end lilypond @snippets @lilypondfile[verbatim,lilyquote,ragged-right,texidoc,doctitle] {flat-flags-and-beam-nibs.ly} @node Feathered beams @unnumberedsubsubsec Feathered beams @cindex beams, feathered @funindex \featherDurations @funindex featherDurations @funindex grow-direction Feathered beams are used to indicate that a small group of notes should be played at an increasing (or decreasing) tempo, without changing the overall tempo of the piece. The extent of the feathered beam must be indicated manually using @code{[} and @code{]}, and the beam feathering is turned on by specifying a direction to the @code{Beam} property @code{grow-direction}. If the placement of the notes and the sound in the MIDI output is to reflect the ritardando or accelerando indicated by the feathered beam the notes must be grouped as a music expression delimited by braces and preceded by a @code{featheredDurations} command which specifies the ratio between the durations of the first and last notes in the group. The square brackets show the extent of the beam and the braces show which notes are to have their durations modified. Normally these would delimit the same group of notes, but this is not required: the two commands are independent. In the following example the eight 16th notes occupy exactly the same time as a half note, but the first note is one half as long as the last one, with the intermediate notes gradually lengthening. The first four 32nd notes gradually speed up, while the last four 32nd notes are at a constant tempo. @lilypond[relative=1,verbatim,quote] \override Beam #'grow-direction = #LEFT \featherDurations #(ly:make-moment 2 1) { c16[ c c c c c c c] } \override Beam #'grow-direction = #RIGHT \featherDurations #(ly:make-moment 2 3) { c32[ d e f] } % revert to non-feathered beams \override Beam #'grow-direction = #'() { g32[ a b c] } @end lilypond @noindent The spacing in the printed output represents the note durations only approximately, but the MIDI output is exact. @knownissues The @code{\featherDurations} command only works with very short music snippets, and when numbers in the fraction are small. @seealso Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. @node Bars @subsection Bars @menu * Bar lines:: * Bar numbers:: * Bar and bar number checks:: * Rehearsal marks:: @end menu @node Bar lines @unnumberedsubsubsec Bar lines @cindex bar lines @cindex measure lines @cindex repeat bars @funindex \bar @funindex bar Bar lines delimit measures, and are also used to indicate repeats. Normally, simple bar lines are automatically inserted into the printed output at places based on the current time signature. The simple bar lines inserted automatically can be changed to other types with the @code{\bar} command. For example, a closing double bar line is usually placed at the end of a piece: @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] e4 d c2 \bar "|." @end lilypond It is not invalid if the final note in a measure does not end on the automatically entered bar line: the note is assumed to carry over into the next measure. But if a long sequence of such carry-over measures appears the music can appear compressed or even flowing off the page. This is because automatic line breaks happen only at the end of complete measures, i.e., where all notes end before the end of a measure. @warning{An incorrect duration can cause line breaks to be inhibited, leading to a line of highly compressed music or music which flows off the page.} @cindex line breaks @cindex bar lines, invisible @cindex measure lines, invisible Line breaks are also permitted at manually inserted bar lines even within incomplete measures. To allow a line break without printing a bar line, use @example \bar "" @end example @noindent This will insert an invisible bar line and allow (but not force) a line break to occur at this point. The bar number counter is not increased. To force a line break see @ref{Line breaking}. @cindex manual bar lines @cindex manual measure lines @cindex bar lines, manual @cindex measure lines, manual This and other special bar lines may be inserted manually at any point. When they coincide with the end of a measure they replace the simple bar line which would have been inserted there automatically. When they do not coincide with the end of a measure the specified bar line is inserted at that point in the printed output. Such insertions do not affect the calculation and placement of subsequent automatic bar lines. The simple bar line and five types of double bar line are available for manual insertion: @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] f1 \bar "|" g \bar "||" a \bar ".|" b \bar ".|." c \bar "|.|" d \bar "|." e @end lilypond @noindent together with dotted and dashed bar lines: @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] f1 \bar ":" g \bar "dashed" a @end lilypond @noindent and five types of repeat bar line: @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim] f1 \bar "|:" g \bar ":|:" a \bar ":|.|:" b \bar ":|.:" c \bar ":|" d @end lilypond @cindex repeats Although the bar line types signifying repeats may be inserted manually they do not in themselves cause LilyPond to recognize a repeated section. Such repeated sections are better entered using the various repeat commands (see @ref{Repeats}), which automatically print the appropriate bar lines. 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. @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] \override Score.RehearsalMark #'padding = #3 c c c c \bar "||:" c c c c \break \bar "||:" c c c c @end lilypond 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{GrandStaff}. @lilypond[quote,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 @snippets @funindex whichBar @funindex defaultBarType @funindex \bar @funindex bar @funindex bartype The command @code{\bar }@var{bartype} is a shortcut for @code{\set Timing.whichBar = }@var{bartype}. A bar line is created whenever the @code{whichBar} property is set. The default bar type used for automatically inserted bar lines is @code{"|"}. This may be changed at any time with @code{\set Timing.defaultBarType = }@var{bartype}. @seealso Notation Reference: @ref{Line breaking}, @ref{Repeats}, @ref{Grouping staves}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{BarLine} (created at @rinternals{Staff} level), @rinternals{SpanBar} (across staves), @rinternals{Timing_translator} (for Timing properties). @node Bar numbers @unnumberedsubsubsec Bar numbers @cindex bar numbers @cindex measure numbers @cindex numbers, bar @cindex numbers, measure @funindex currentBarNumber Bar numbers are typeset by default at the start of every line except the first line. The number itself is stored in the @code{currentBarNumber} property, which is normally updated automatically for every measure. It may also be set manually: @lilypond[verbatim,quote,fragment,relative=1] c1 c c c \break \set Score.currentBarNumber = #50 c1 c c c @end lilypond @snippets @cindex bar numbers, regular spacing @funindex barNumberVisibility Bar numbers can be typeset at regular intervals instead of just at the beginning of every line. To do this the default behavior must be overridden to permit bar numbers to be printed at places other than the start of a line. This is controlled by the @code{break-visibility} property of @code{BarNumber}. This takes three values which may be set to @code{#t} or @code{#f} to specify whether the corresponding bar number is visible or not. The order of the three values is @code{end of line visible}, @code{middle of line visible}, @code{beginning of line visible}. In the following example bar numbers are printed at all possible places: @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1] \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #'#(#t #t #t) \set Score.currentBarNumber = #11 \bar "" % Permit first bar number to be printed c1 c c c \break c c c c @end lilypond @c All the rest of these examples will be added to LSR @c and moved into the Snippets. -gp @noindent and here the bar numbers are printed every two measures except at the end of the line: @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1] \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #'#(#f #t #t) \set Score.currentBarNumber = #11 \bar "" % Permit first bar number to be printed % Print a bar number every second measure \set Score.barNumberVisibility = #(every-nth-bar-number-visible 2) c1 c c c c \break c c c c c @end lilypond @cindex measure number, format @cindex bar number, format The size of the bar number may be changed. This is illustrated in the following example, which also shows how to enclose bar numbers in boxes and circles, and shows an alternative way of specifying @code{#(#f #t #t)} for @code{break-visibility}. @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1] % Prevent bar numbers at the end of a line and permit them elsewhere \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #end-of-line-invisible % Increase the size of the bar number by 2 \override Score.BarNumber #'font-size = #2 \repeat unfold 3 { c1 } \bar "|" % Draw a box round the following bar number(s) \override Score.BarNumber #'stencil = #(make-stencil-boxer 0.1 0.25 ly:text-interface::print) \repeat unfold 3 { c1 } \bar "|" % Draw a circle round the following bar number(s) \override Score.BarNumber #'stencil = #(make-stencil-circler 0.1 0.25 ly:text-interface::print) \repeat unfold 4 { c1 } \bar "|." @end lilypond @cindex bar number alignment Bar numbers by default are left-aligned to their parent object. This is usually the left edge of a line or, if numbers are printed within a line, the left bar line of the measure. The numbers may also be positioned directly on the bar line or right-aligned to the bar line: @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1] \set Score.currentBarNumber = #111 \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #'#(#t #t #t) % Increase the size of the bar number by 2 \override Score.BarNumber #'font-size = #2 % Print a bar number every second measure \set Score.barNumberVisibility = #(every-nth-bar-number-visible 2) c1 c1 % Center-align bar numbers \override Score.BarNumber #'self-alignment-X = #0 c1 c1 % Right-align bar numbers \override Score.BarNumber #'self-alignment-X = #-1 c1 c1 @end lilypond Bar numbers can be removed entirely by removing the @code{Bar_number_engraver} from the @code{Score} context. @lilypond[verbatim,quote] \layout { \context { \Score \remove "Bar_number_engraver" } } \relative c''{ c4 c c c \break c4 c c c } @end lilypond @seealso Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{BarNumber}. @cindex bar number collision @cindex collision, bar number @knownissues Bar numbers may collide with the top of the @rinternals{StaffGroup} bracket, if there is one. To solve this, the @code{padding} property of @rinternals{BarNumber} can be used to position the number correctly. Bar numbers may only be printed at bar lines; to print a bar number at the beginning of a piece, an empty bar line must be inserted there, and a value other than @code{1} must be placed in @code{currentBarNumber}: @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1] \set Score.currentBarNumber = #50 \bar "" c1 c c c c1 c c c \break @end lilypond @node Bar and bar number checks @unnumberedsubsubsec Bar and bar number checks @cindex bar check @cindex bar number check @cindex measure check @cindex measure number check @funindex barCheckSynchronize @funindex | Bar checks help detect errors in the entered durations. A bar check may be entered using the bar symbol, @code{|}, at any place where a bar line is expected to fall. If bar check lines are encountered at other places, a list of warnings is printed in the log file, showing the line numbers and lines in which the bar checks failed. 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 An incorrect duration can result in a completely garbled 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. If successive bar checks are off by the same musical interval, only the first warning message is displayed. This allows the warning to focus on the source of the timing error. @funindex | @funindex pipeSymbol It is also possible to redefine the action taken when a bar check or pipe symbol, @code{|}, is encountered in the input, so that it does something other than a bar check. This is done by assigning a music expression to @code{pipeSymbol}. In the following example @code{|} is set to insert a double bar line wherever it appears in the input, rather than checking for end of bar. @lilypond[quote,verbatim] pipeSymbol = \bar "||" { c'2 c'2 | c'2 c'2 c'2 | c'2 c'2 c'2 } @end lilypond @funindex \barNumberCheck @funindex barNumberCheck 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. @seealso Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. @node Rehearsal marks @unnumberedsubsubsec Rehearsal marks @cindex rehearsal marks @cindex mark, rehearsal @funindex \mark @funindex mark To print a rehearsal mark, use the @code{\mark} command @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] c1 \mark \default c1 \mark \default c1 \mark #8 c1 \mark \default c1 \mark \default @end lilypond @noindent The letter@tie{}@q{I} is skipped in accordance with engraving traditions. If you wish to include the letter @q{I}, then use @example \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-alphabet @end example The mark is incremented automatically if you use @code{\mark \default}, but you can also use an integer argument to set the mark manually. The value to use is stored in the property @code{rehearsalMark}. @cindex rehearsal mark format @cindex rehearsal mark style @cindex style, rehearsal mark @cindex format, rehearsal mark @cindex mark, rehearsal, style @cindex mark, rehearsal, format @cindex rehearsal mark, manual @cindex mark, rehearsal, manual @cindex custom rehearsal mark The style is defined by the property @code{markFormatter}. It is a function taking the current mark (an integer) and the current context as argument. It should return a markup object. In the following example, @code{markFormatter} is set to a pre-defined procedure. After a few measures, it is set to a procedure that produces a boxed number. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-numbers c1 \mark \default c1 \mark \default \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-box-numbers c1 \mark \default \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-circle-numbers c1 \mark \default \set Score.markFormatter = #format-mark-circle-letters c1 @end lilypond The file @file{scm/@/translation@/-functions@/.scm} contains the definitions of @code{format-mark-numbers} (the default format), @code{format-mark-box-numbers}, @code{format-mark-letters} and @code{format-mark-box-letters}. These can be used as inspiration for other formatting functions. You may use @code{format-mark-barnumbers}, @code{format-mark-box-barnumbers}, and @code{format-mark-circle-barnumbers} to get bar numbers instead of incremented numbers or letters. Other styles of rehearsal mark can be specified manually @example \mark "A1" @end example @noindent @code{Score.markFormatter} does not affect marks specified in this manner. However, it is possible to apply a @code{\markup} to the string. @example \mark \markup@{ \box A1 @} @end example @cindex segno @cindex coda @cindex D.S al Fine @cindex fermata @cindex music glyphs @cindex glyphs, music @funindex \musicglyph @funindex musicglyph Music glyphs (such as the segno sign) may be printed inside a @code{\mark} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1] c1 \mark \markup { \musicglyph #"scripts.segno" } c1 \mark \markup { \musicglyph #"scripts.coda" } c1 \mark \markup { \musicglyph #"scripts.ufermata" } c1 @end lilypond @noindent See @ref{The Feta font}, for a list of symbols which may be printed with @code{\musicglyph}. For common tweaks to the positioning of rehearsal marks, see @ref{Formatting text}. @seealso Notation Reference: @ref{The Feta font}, @ref{Formatting text}. Installed Files: @file{scm/@/translation@/-functions@/.scm} contains the definition of @code{format-mark-numbers} and @code{format-mark-letters}. They can be used as inspiration for other formatting functions. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{RehearsalMark}. @node Special rhythmic concerns @subsection Special rhythmic concerns @menu * Grace notes:: * Aligning to cadenzas:: * Time administration:: @end menu @node Grace notes @unnumberedsubsubsec Grace notes @cindex ornaments @cindex grace notes @cindex appoggiatura @cindex acciaccatura @funindex \grace @funindex grace Grace notes are ornaments that are written out. Grace notes are printed in a smaller font and take up no logical time in a measure. @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] c4 \grace c16 c4 \grace { c16[ d16] } c2 @end lilypond Lilypond also supports two special types of grace notes, the @emph{acciaccatura}--an unmeasured grace note indicated by a slurred small note with a slashed stem--and the @emph{appoggiatura}, which takes a fixed fraction of the main note and appears in small print without a slash. @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] \grace c8 b4 \acciaccatura d8 c4 \appoggiatura e8 d4 \acciaccatura { g16[ f] } e4 @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,relative=2,verbatim] << \new Staff { e2 \grace { c16[ d e f] } e2 } \new Staff { c2 \grace { g8[ b] } c2 } >> @end lilypond @cindex grace notes, following @funindex \afterGrace @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[quote,verbatim,relative=2] c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1 @end lilypond This will put the grace notes after a space lasting 3/4 of the length of the main note. The default fraction 3/4 can be changed by setting @code{afterGraceFraction}. The following example shows the results from setting the space at the default, at 15/16, and finally at 1/2 of the main note. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] << \new Staff { c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1 } \new Staff { #(define afterGraceFraction (cons 15 16)) c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1 } \new Staff { #(define afterGraceFraction (cons 1 2)) c1 \afterGrace d1 { c16[ d] } c1 } >> @end lilypond The space between the main note and the grace note may also be specified using spacers. The following example places the grace note after a space lasting 7/8 of the main note. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \new Voice { << { d1^\trill_( } { s2 s4. \grace { c16[ d] } } >> c1) } @end lilypond A @code{\grace} music expression will introduce special typesetting settings, for example, to produce smaller type, and set directions. Hence, when introducing layout tweaks to override the special settings, they should be placed inside the grace expression. The overrides should also be reverted inside the grace expression. Here, the grace note's default stem direction is overriden and then reverted. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \new Voice { \acciaccatura { \stemDown f16-> \stemNeutral } g4 e c2 } @end lilypond @cindex stem, with slash @snippets The slash through the stem found in @emph{acciaccatura}s can be applied in other situations: @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \relative c'' { \override Stem #'stroke-style = #"grace" c8( d2) e8( f4) } @end lilypond The layout of grace expressions 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. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] \relative c'' { \new Staff { #(add-grace-property 'Voice 'Stem 'direction ly:stem::calc-direction) #(remove-grace-property 'Voice 'Stem 'direction) \new Voice { \acciaccatura { f16 } g4 \grace { d16[ e] } f4 \appoggiatura { a,32[ b c d] } e2 } } } @end lilypond Another option is to change the variables @code{startGraceMusic}, @code{stopGraceMusic}, @code{startAcciaccaturaMusic}, @code{stopAcciaccaturaMusic}, @code{startAppoggiaturaMusic}, @code{stopAppoggiaturaMusic}. The default values of these can be seen in the file @code{ly/@/grace@/-init@/.ly}. By redefining them other effects may be obtained. Grace notes may be forced to align with regular notes in other staves: @lilypond[verbatim,quote] \relative c'' { << \override Score.SpacingSpanner #'strict-grace-spacing = ##t \new Staff { c4 \afterGrace c4 { c16[ c8 c16] } c4 r } \new Staff { c16 c c c c c c c c4 r } >> } @end lilypond @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{grace notes}, @rglos{acciaccatura}, @rglos{appoggiatura}. Installed Files: @file{ly/@/grace@/-init@/.ly}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{GraceMusic}. @knownissues A multi-note beamed @i{acciaccatura} is printed without a slash, and looks exactly the same as a multi-note beamed @i{appoggiatura}. @c TODO Add link to LSR snippet to add slash when available 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,relative=2,verbatim] << \new Staff { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d2. } \new Staff { c4 \bar "|:" d2. } >> @end lilypond @noindent This can be remedied by inserting grace skips of the corresponding durations in the other staves. For the above example @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim] << \new Staff { e4 \bar "|:" \grace c16 d2. } \new Staff { c4 \bar "|:" \grace s16 d2. } >> @end lilypond 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 Aligning to cadenzas @unnumberedsubsubsec Aligning to cadenzas @cindex cadenza @cindex cadenza, aligning to @cindex aligning to cadenza In an orchestral context, cadenzas present a special problem: when constructing a score that includes a measured cadenza or other solo passage, all other instruments should skip just as many notes as the length of the cadenza, otherwise they will start too soon or too late. One solution to this problem is to use the functions @code{mmrest-of-length} and @code{skip-of-length}. These Scheme functions take a defined piece of music as an argument and generate a multi-measure rest or @code{\skip} exactly as long as the piece. @lilypond[verbatim,quote] MyCadenza = \relative c' { c4 d8 e f g g4 f2 g4 g } \new GrandStaff << \new Staff { \MyCadenza c'1 \MyCadenza c'1 } \new Staff { #(ly:export (mmrest-of-length MyCadenza)) c'1 #(ly:export (skip-of-length MyCadenza)) c'1 } >> @end lilypond @seealso Music Glossary: @rglos{cadenza}. Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. @node Time administration @unnumberedsubsubsec Time administration @cindex time administration @cindex timing (within the score) @cindex music, unmetered @cindex unmetered music @funindex currentBarNumber @funindex measurePosition @funindex measureLength Time is administered by the @code{Timing_translator}, which by default is to be found in the @code{Score} context. An alias, @code{Timing}, is added to the context in which the @code{Timing_translator} is placed. The following properties of @code{Timing} are used to keep track of timing within the score. @cindex bar number @cindex measure number @table @code @item currentBarNumber The current measure number. For an example showing the use of this property see @ref{Bar numbers}. @item measureLength The length of the measures in the current time signature. For a 4/4 time this is@tie{}1, and for 6/8 it is 3/4. Its value determines when bar lines are inserted and how automatic beams should be generated. @item measurePosition The point within the measure where we currently are. This quantity is reset by subtracting @code{measureLength} whenever @code{measureLength} is reached or exceeded. When that happens, @code{currentBarNumber} is incremented. @item timing If set to true, the above variables are updated for every time step. When set to false, the engraver stays in the current measure indefinitely. @end table Timing can be changed by setting any of these variables explicitly. In the next example, the default 4/4 time signature is printed, but @code{measureLength} is set to 5/4. At 4/8 through the third measure, the @code{measurePosition} is advanced by 1/8 to 5/8, shortening that bar by 1/8. The next bar line then falls at 9/8 rather than 5/4. @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1] \set Score.measureLength = #(ly:make-moment 5 4) c1 c4 c1 c4 c4 c4 \set Score.measurePosition = #(ly:make-moment 5 8) b4 b4 b8 c4 c1 @end lilypond @noindent As the example illustrates, @code{ly:make-moment n m} constructs a duration of n/m of a whole note. For example, @code{ly:make-moment 1 8} is an eighth note duration and @code{ly:make-moment 7 16} is the duration of seven sixteenths notes. @seealso This manual: @ref{Bar numbers}, @ref{Unmetered music} Snippets: @rlsr{Rhythms}. Internals Reference: @rinternals{Timing_translator}, @rinternals{Score}