1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
3 Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH
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12 @node Fretted string instruments
13 @section Fretted string instruments
15 @lilypondfile[quote]{fretted-headword.ly}
17 This section discusses several aspects of music notation that are unique
18 to fretted string instruments.
21 @cindex tablature, guitar
22 @cindex tablature, banjo
23 @cindex guitar tablature
24 @cindex banjo tablature
27 * Common notation for fretted strings::
32 @node Common notation for fretted strings
33 @subsection Common notation for fretted strings
35 This section discusses common notation that is unique
36 to fretted string instruments.
39 * References for fretted strings::
40 * String number indications::
41 * Default tablatures::
43 * Fret diagram markups::
44 * Predefined fret diagrams::
45 * Automatic fret diagrams::
46 * Right-hand fingerings::
49 @node References for fretted strings
50 @unnumberedsubsubsec References for fretted strings
52 Music for fretted string instruments is normally notated on
53 a single staff, either in traditional music notation or in
54 tablature. Sometimes the two types are combined, and it is
55 especially common in popular music to use chord diagrams above
56 a staff of traditional notation. The guitar and the banjo are
57 transposing instruments, sounding an octave lower than written.
58 Scores for these instruments should use the @code{"treble_8"} clef
59 (or @code{\transposition c} to get correct MIDI output).
60 Some other elements pertinent to fretted string instruments
61 are covered elsewhere:
64 @item Fingerings are indicated as shown in
65 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
67 @item Instructions for @notation{Laissez vibrer} ties
68 as well as ties on arpeggios and tremolos can be found in
71 @item Instructions for handling multiple voices can be found
72 in @ref{Collision resolution}.
74 @item Instructions for indicating harmonics can be found in
82 @ref{Fingering instructions},
84 @ref{Collision resolution},
85 @ref{Instrument names},
86 @ref{Writing music in parallel},
88 @ref{List of articulations},
90 @ref{Instrument transpositions}.
93 @node String number indications
94 @unnumberedsubsubsec String number indications
96 @cindex string numbers
97 @cindex string vs. fingering numbers
98 @cindex fingering vs. string numbers
100 The string on which a note should be played may be indicated by
101 appending @code{\@var{number}} to a note inside a chord construct
104 @warning{String numbers @strong{must} be defined inside a chord
105 construct even if there is only a single note.}
107 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=0]
113 When fingerings and string indications are used together, their
114 placement is controlled by the order in which the two items appear
117 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
125 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
126 {controlling-the-placement-of-chord-fingerings.ly}
128 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
129 {allowing-fingerings-to-be-printed-inside-the-staff.ly}
134 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
137 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
140 @rinternals{StringNumber},
141 @rinternals{Fingering}.
144 @node Default tablatures
145 @unnumberedsubsubsec Default tablatures
147 @cindex tablatures, basic
148 @cindex tablatures, default
153 Music for plucked string instruments is frequently notated using a
154 finger/touch notation or tablature. In contrast to traditional
155 notation pitches are not denoted with note heads, but by numbers (or
156 letter-like symbols in historical intavolatura). The staff lines
157 in tablature indicate the string on which the note is to be played,
158 and a number placed on a staff line indicated the fret at which
159 the corresponding string is to be pressed.
160 Notes that are to be played simultaneously are vertically aligned.
162 By default, string 1 is the highest string, and corresponds to the top
163 line on the @code{TabStaff}. The tuning of the @code{TabStaff}
164 strings defaults to the
165 standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings). The notes are printed as
166 tablature, by using @code{TabStaff} and @code{TabVoice} contexts. A
167 calligraphic tablature clef is added automatically.
169 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
170 \new TabStaff \relative c' {
176 Default tablatures do not contain any symbols for tone duration nor any
177 other musical symbols such as e.g. expressive marks.
179 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
191 \new Staff { \clef "G_8" \symbols }
192 \new TabStaff { \symbols }
197 @funindex \tabFullNotation
199 If all musical symbols used in traditional notation should also show up
200 in tablature one has to apply the command @code{\tabFullNotation} in a
201 @code{TabStaff}-context. Please bear in mind that half notes are
202 double-stemmed in tablature in order to distinguish them from quarter
205 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
225 @funindex minimumFret
227 By default pitches are assigned to the lowest playing position on the
228 fret-board (first position). Open strings are automatically preferred.
229 If you would like a certain pitch to be played on a specific string
230 you can add a string number indication to the pitch name. If you
231 define pitch names and string numbers without a chord construct
232 (@code{<>}) the string number indications do not appear in traditional
233 notation. It is much more comfortable to define the playing position
234 by using the value of @code{minimumFret}. The default value for
238 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
240 \new Staff \relative c {
244 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
247 \new TabStaff \relative c {
249 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
250 \set TabStaff.minimumFret = #5
256 @funindex \tabChordRepetition
257 @cindex Chord, repetition
258 @cindex repetition, using @code{q}
260 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
261 @code{q}. To use this feature in combination with tablature,
262 @code{\tabChordRepetition} is provided. It preserves the string
263 information explicitly given within chord constructs so repeated chords
264 get identical tablature representations.
266 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
269 guitar = \relative c' {
270 r8 <gis\4 cis\3 b\2>~ q4 q8~ q q4
276 \override Voice.StringNumber #'transparent = ##t
285 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
286 the second alternative of a repeat.
288 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
289 ties = \relative c' {
296 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
323 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
325 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
326 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
328 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
329 ties = \relative c' {
335 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
351 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
363 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
364 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
365 @cindex slides in tablature notation
366 @cindex tablature and slides
367 @cindex chord glissandi
369 @funindex \harmonicByFret
370 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
372 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
375 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
383 \new Staff { \firstHarmonic }
384 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
389 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be defined
390 inside a chord construct. It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
391 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
392 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
393 fretting hand should touch a string.
395 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
397 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
398 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
399 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
400 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
404 \new Staff { \fretHarmonics }
405 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
410 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
411 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
413 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
415 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
416 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
417 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
421 \new Staff { \ratioHarmonics }
422 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
428 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
429 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
431 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
432 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
434 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
435 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
437 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
438 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
440 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
441 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
443 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
444 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
448 @ref{Chord repetition},
452 @ref{Written-out repeats}.
455 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
458 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
459 @rinternals{TabStaff},
460 @rinternals{TabVoice},
464 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
465 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
468 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
469 specially-created voices:
471 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
472 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
475 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
476 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
477 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
478 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
484 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
486 @node Custom tablatures
487 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
489 @cindex tablatures, custom
490 @cindex tablature, banjo
491 @cindex tablature, mandolin
492 @cindex tablature, guitar
493 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
494 @cindex tablature, ukulele
495 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
496 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
497 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
498 @cindex tablature, violin
499 @cindex tablature, viola
500 @cindex tablature, cello
501 @cindex tablature, bass
502 @cindex tablature, double bass
504 @funindex stringTunings
506 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
507 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
508 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
509 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
510 @code{stringTunings} property.
512 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
513 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
514 LilyPond automatically sets
515 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
516 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
519 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
528 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #bass-tuning
536 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
537 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
538 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
539 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
540 are found in @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}.
542 @funindex stringTuning
543 @funindex \stringTuning
544 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
545 @cindex custom string tunings
547 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
548 @code{\stringTuning} function can be
549 used to define a string tuning which can be used
550 to set @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
552 Its argument is a chord construct
553 defining the pitches of each string in the tuning.
554 The chord construct must be in absolute octave mode,
555 see @ref{Absolute octave entry}. The string
556 with the highest number (generally the lowest string) must
557 come first in the chord. For example, we can
558 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
559 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
561 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
574 \set stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
580 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
581 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
583 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
584 for predefined fret diagrams
585 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}).
587 The previous example could also be written as follows:
589 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
590 "custom-tuning" = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
603 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
609 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
610 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
611 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
612 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
613 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
614 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
616 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
617 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
618 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
620 @code{\stringTuning} creates such an object from chord input.
622 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
623 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
624 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
625 in @code{stringTunings}.
627 To let all TabStaff contexts use the same custom tuning by default,
634 stringTunings = \stringTuning \notemode @{ <c' g' d'' a''> @}
640 @cindex moderntab clef
641 @cindex clef, moderntab
645 A modern tab clef can also be used.
647 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
657 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
661 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
662 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
663 @ref{Scheme functions}.
666 @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}
667 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
670 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
673 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
676 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
677 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
678 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
680 @node Fret diagram markups
681 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
683 @cindex fret diagrams
684 @cindex chord diagrams
685 @cindex diagrams, fret
686 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
687 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
688 @cindex custom fret diagrams
690 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
691 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
692 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
693 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
694 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
695 information in the markup string. Details about the
696 syntax of the different markup strings used to define
697 fret diagrams are found at @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
699 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
700 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
701 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
703 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
705 \context ChordNames {
712 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
713 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
715 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
716 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
722 @cindex barre indications
724 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
725 the fret-diagram markup string.
727 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
729 \context ChordNames {
736 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
737 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
739 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
740 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
746 @cindex fret-diagram markup
749 @funindex fret-diagram
750 @funindex \fret-diagram
752 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
753 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
755 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
757 \context ChordNames {
764 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
765 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
767 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
768 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
774 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
775 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
778 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
780 \context ChordNames {
786 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
788 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
794 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
795 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
797 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
799 \context ChordNames {
806 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
807 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
809 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
810 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
816 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
819 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
821 \context ChordNames {
828 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
829 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
831 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
832 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
838 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
840 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
841 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
843 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
844 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
845 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
846 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
847 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
849 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
851 \context ChordNames {
858 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
859 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
861 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
862 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
868 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
870 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
872 \context ChordNames {
879 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
880 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
882 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
883 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
889 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
891 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
892 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
894 \context ChordNames {
900 \override Voice.TextScript
901 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
903 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
904 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
906 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
907 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
913 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
914 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-terse markup.
916 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
919 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
920 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
922 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
923 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
925 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
927 \context ChordNames {
934 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
935 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
944 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
945 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
958 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
959 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
960 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
961 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
962 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
963 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
965 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
966 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
968 \context ChordNames {
975 \override Voice.TextScript
976 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
977 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
978 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
988 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
989 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
998 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
999 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1011 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1012 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
1015 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
1016 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
1017 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
1018 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
1019 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
1022 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1026 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
1030 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
1031 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
1032 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
1043 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
1044 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
1045 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
1046 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
1056 @cindex customized fret diagram
1057 @cindex fret diagram, customized
1058 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
1060 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
1062 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1063 user preference through the properties of the
1064 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1065 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
1066 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
1070 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1071 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
1073 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1074 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
1078 @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
1081 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1083 Internals Reference:
1084 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
1087 @node Predefined fret diagrams
1088 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
1091 @cindex fret diagrams
1092 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1093 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1094 @cindex chord diagrams
1096 @funindex FretBoards
1097 @funindex stringTunings
1099 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1100 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1101 are stored in a lookup table:
1103 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1104 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1105 \context FretBoards {
1112 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1113 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1114 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1115 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1116 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1117 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1118 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1119 by following the examples found in
1120 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1122 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file
1123 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1125 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1126 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1128 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1135 \set stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1140 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file
1141 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1143 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1144 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1146 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1153 \set stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1158 Chord pitches can be entered
1159 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1160 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1162 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1163 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1164 \context FretBoards {
1170 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1171 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1173 @funindex ChordNames
1175 @funindex \chordmode
1177 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1178 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1179 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1181 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1182 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1183 mychords = \chordmode{
1188 \context ChordNames {
1191 \context FretBoards {
1197 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1198 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1199 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1201 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1202 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1204 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1205 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1206 mychords = \chordmode{
1212 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1215 \context ChordNames {
1218 \context FretBoards {
1225 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1226 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1227 for each of 17 keys.
1228 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1229 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1231 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1232 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1233 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1234 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1235 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1237 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1238 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1239 mychords = \chordmode{
1244 \context ChordNames {
1247 \context FretBoards {
1253 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1254 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1255 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1257 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1258 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1259 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1260 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1261 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1262 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1265 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1266 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1268 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1269 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1273 mychords = \chordmode {
1278 \context ChordNames {
1281 \context FretBoards {
1287 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1288 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1289 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1290 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1292 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1293 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1295 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1298 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1300 mychords = \chordmode {
1305 \context ChordNames {
1308 \context FretBoards {
1314 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1315 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1317 @funindex \addChordShape
1318 @funindex addChordShape
1319 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1320 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1322 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1323 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1324 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1325 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1326 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1327 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1328 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1329 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1332 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1333 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1335 % Add a new chord shape
1337 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1339 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1341 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1344 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1345 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1348 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1350 mychords = \chordmode{
1355 \context ChordNames {
1358 \context FretBoards {
1364 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1365 user preference through the properties of the
1366 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1367 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1368 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1372 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1373 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1375 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1376 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1378 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1379 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1381 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1382 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1387 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1388 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1389 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1390 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1393 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly},
1394 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly},
1395 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly},
1396 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1399 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1401 Internals Reference:
1402 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1405 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1406 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1408 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1409 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1410 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1411 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1413 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1414 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1415 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1416 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1418 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1420 \context ChordNames {
1425 \context FretBoards {
1437 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1438 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1439 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1440 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1442 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1443 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1444 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1447 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1449 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1452 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1454 \context ChordNames {
1459 \context FretBoards {
1461 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1463 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1477 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1478 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1479 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1480 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1481 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1482 @code{FretBoards} context.
1484 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1485 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1487 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1489 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1491 \context ChordNames {
1496 \context FretBoards {
1497 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1508 @funindex minimumFret
1510 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1511 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1514 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1516 \context ChordNames {
1521 \context FretBoards {
1523 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1534 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1535 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1536 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1537 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1539 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1540 user preference through the properties of the
1541 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1542 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1543 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1544 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1548 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1549 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1555 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1558 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1560 Internals Reference:
1561 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1564 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1565 with non-monotonic tunings.
1568 @node Right-hand fingerings
1569 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1571 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1572 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1573 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1575 @funindex rightHandFinger
1576 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1578 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered within a
1579 chord construct @code{<>} for them to be printed in the score,
1580 even when applied to a single note.
1582 @warning{There @strong{must} be a hyphen before
1583 @code{@bs{}rightHandFinger} and a space before the closing @code{>}.}
1585 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1587 <c-\rightHandFinger #1 >4
1588 <e-\rightHandFinger #2 >
1589 <g-\rightHandFinger #3 >
1590 <c-\rightHandFinger #4 >
1591 <c,-\rightHandFinger #1 e-\rightHandFinger #2
1592 g-\rightHandFinger #3 c-\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1595 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1596 short, for example @code{RH},
1599 #(define RH rightHandFinger)
1605 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1606 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1608 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1609 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1614 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1616 Internals Reference:
1617 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1623 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1624 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1625 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1626 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1627 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1628 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1629 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1630 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1633 * Indicating position and barring::
1634 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1635 * Indicating power chords::
1638 @node Indicating position and barring
1639 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1641 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1642 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1644 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1645 barring indications.
1647 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=0]
1651 \override TextSpanner #'(bound-details left text) = #"XII "
1653 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1660 @ref{Text spanners}.
1663 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1664 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1667 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1668 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1670 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1671 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1672 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1673 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1675 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1676 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1679 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1682 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1683 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1687 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1688 within normal and tablature staves:
1690 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1691 music = \relative c' {
1692 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1693 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1694 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1696 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1711 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1712 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1713 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1714 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1717 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1718 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1719 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1720 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1725 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1728 e e \palmMute e e e |
1729 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1730 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1737 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1740 @ref{Special note heads},
1741 @ref{Note head styles}.
1744 @node Indicating power chords
1745 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1747 @funindex powerChords
1748 @funindex \powerChords
1750 @cindex power chords
1751 @cindex chords, power
1753 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1756 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1757 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1762 \set minimumFret = #8
1766 \set minimumFret = #5
1786 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1787 other common chord modifier is used:
1789 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1790 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1815 @rglos{power chord}.
1818 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1819 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1822 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1829 * Banjo tablatures::
1832 @node Banjo tablatures
1833 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1835 @cindex banjo tablatures
1836 @cindex tablature, banjo
1838 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1839 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1840 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1842 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1844 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1846 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1847 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1850 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1851 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1857 @cindex banjo tunings
1858 @cindex tunings, banjo
1860 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1861 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1862 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1863 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1864 @funindex four-string-banjo
1866 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1867 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1868 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1871 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
1872 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1875 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1880 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1883 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}