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
81 @ref{Fingering instructions},
83 @ref{Collision resolution},
84 @ref{Instrument names},
85 @ref{Writing music in parallel},
87 @ref{List of articulations},
89 @ref{Instrument transpositions}.
92 @node String number indications
93 @unnumberedsubsubsec String number indications
95 @cindex string numbers
96 @cindex string vs. fingering numbers
97 @cindex fingering vs. string numbers
99 The string on which a note should be played may be indicated by
100 appending @code{\@var{number}} to a note inside a chord construct
103 @warning{String numbers @strong{must} be defined inside a chord
104 construct even if there is only a single note.}
106 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=0]
112 When fingerings and string indications are used together, their
113 placement is controlled by the order in which the two items appear
116 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,relative=1]
124 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
125 {controlling-the-placement-of-chord-fingerings.ly}
127 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
128 {allowing-fingerings-to-be-printed-inside-the-staff.ly}
132 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
135 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
138 @rinternals{StringNumber},
139 @rinternals{Fingering}.
142 @node Default tablatures
143 @unnumberedsubsubsec Default tablatures
145 @cindex tablatures, basic
146 @cindex tablatures, default
151 Music for plucked string instruments is frequently notated using a
152 finger/touch notation or tablature. In contrast to traditional
153 notation pitches are not denoted with note heads, but by numbers (or
154 letter-like symbols in historical intavolatura). The staff lines
155 in tablature indicate the string on which the note is to be played,
156 and a number placed on a staff line indicated the fret at which
157 the corresponding string is to be pressed.
158 Notes that are to be played simultaneously are vertically aligned.
160 By default, string 1 is the highest string, and corresponds to the top
161 line on the @code{TabStaff}. The tuning of the @code{TabStaff}
162 strings defaults to the
163 standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings). The notes are printed as
164 tablature, by using @code{TabStaff} and @code{TabVoice} contexts. A
165 calligraphic tablature clef is added automatically.
167 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
168 \new TabStaff \relative c' {
174 Default tablatures do not contain any symbols for tone duration nor any
175 other musical symbols such as e.g. expressive marks.
177 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
189 \new Staff { \clef "G_8" \symbols }
190 \new TabStaff { \symbols }
195 @funindex \tabFullNotation
197 If all musical symbols used in traditional notation should also show up
198 in tablature one has to apply the command @code{\tabFullNotation} in a
199 @code{TabStaff}-context. Please bear in mind that half notes are
200 double-stemmed in tablature in order to distinguish them from quarter
203 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
223 @funindex minimumFret
225 By default pitches are assigned to the lowest playing position on the
226 fret-board (first position). Open strings are automatically preferred.
227 If you would like a certain pitch to be played on a specific string
228 you can add a string number indication to the pitch name. If you
229 define pitch names and string numbers without a chord construct
230 (@code{<>}) the string number indications do not appear in traditional
231 notation. It is much more comfortable to define the playing position
232 by using the value of @code{minimumFret}. The default value for
236 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
238 \new Staff \relative c {
242 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
245 \new TabStaff \relative c {
247 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
248 \set TabStaff.minimumFret = #5
254 @funindex \tabChordRepeats
255 @funindex \chordRepeats
256 @cindex Chord, repetition
257 @cindex repetition, using @code{q}
259 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
260 @code{q}. In combination with tabulatures, its behavior of removing
261 string and finger numbers alongside with other events is cumbersome, so
264 \chordRepeats #'(string-number-event fingering-event)
266 explicitly on music expressions in tabulature using @ref{Chord
267 repetition}. This particular command is so common that it is available
268 as @code{\tabChordRepeats}.
270 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
271 guitar = \relative c' {
272 r8 <gis-6 cis-6 b-0>~ q4 q8~ q q4
281 \tabChordRepeats \guitar
286 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
287 the second alternative of a repeat.
289 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
290 ties = \relative c' {
297 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
324 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
326 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
327 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
329 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
330 ties = \relative c' {
336 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
352 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
364 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
365 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
366 @cindex slides in tablature notation
367 @cindex tablature and slides
368 @cindex chord glissandi
370 @funindex \harmonicByFret
371 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
373 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
376 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
384 \new Staff { \firstHarmonic }
385 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
390 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be attached to single
391 notes (possibly inside of a chord) instead of whole chords.
392 It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
393 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
394 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
395 fretting hand should touch a string.
397 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
399 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
400 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
401 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
402 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
406 \new Staff { \fretHarmonics }
407 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
412 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
413 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
415 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
417 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
418 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
419 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
423 \new Staff { \ratioHarmonics }
424 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
430 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
431 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
433 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
434 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
436 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
437 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
439 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
440 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
442 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
443 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
445 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
446 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
450 @ref{Chord repetition},
454 @ref{Written-out repeats}.
457 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
460 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
461 @rinternals{TabStaff},
462 @rinternals{TabVoice},
466 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
467 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
470 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
471 specially-created voices:
473 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
474 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
477 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
478 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
479 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
480 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
486 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
489 @node Custom tablatures
490 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
492 @cindex tablatures, custom
493 @cindex tablature, banjo
494 @cindex tablature, mandolin
495 @cindex tablature, guitar
496 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
497 @cindex tablature, ukulele
498 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
499 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
500 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
501 @cindex tablature, violin
502 @cindex tablature, viola
503 @cindex tablature, cello
504 @cindex tablature, bass
505 @cindex tablature, double bass
507 @funindex stringTunings
509 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
510 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
511 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
512 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
513 @code{stringTunings} property.
515 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
516 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
517 LilyPond automatically sets
518 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
519 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
522 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
531 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #bass-tuning
539 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
540 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
541 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
542 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
543 are found in @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}.
545 @funindex stringTuning
546 @funindex \stringTuning
547 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
548 @cindex custom string tunings
550 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
551 @code{\stringTuning} function can be
552 used to define a string tuning which can be used
553 to set @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
555 Its argument is a chord construct
556 defining the pitches of each string in the tuning.
557 The chord construct must be in absolute octave mode,
558 see @ref{Absolute octave entry}. The string
559 with the highest number (generally the lowest string) must
560 come first in the chord. For example, we can
561 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
562 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
564 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
577 \set stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
583 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
584 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
586 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
587 for predefined fret diagrams
588 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}).
590 The previous example could also be written as follows:
592 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
593 "custom-tuning" = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
606 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
612 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
613 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
614 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
615 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
616 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
617 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
619 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
620 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
621 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
623 @code{\stringTuning} creates such an object from chord input.
625 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
626 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
627 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
628 in @code{stringTunings}.
630 To let all TabStaff contexts use the same custom tuning by default,
637 stringTunings = \stringTuning \notemode @{ <c' g' d'' a''> @}
643 @cindex moderntab clef
644 @cindex clef, moderntab
648 A modern tab clef can also be used.
650 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
660 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
664 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
665 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
666 @ref{Scheme functions}.
669 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly},
670 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
673 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
676 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
679 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
680 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
681 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
684 @node Fret diagram markups
685 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
687 @cindex fret diagrams
688 @cindex chord diagrams
689 @cindex diagrams, fret
690 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
691 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
692 @cindex custom fret diagrams
694 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
695 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
696 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
697 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
698 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
699 information in the markup string. Details about the
700 syntax of the different markup strings used to define
701 fret diagrams are found at @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
703 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
704 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
705 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
707 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
709 \context ChordNames {
716 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
717 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
719 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
720 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
726 @cindex barre indications
728 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
729 the fret-diagram markup string.
731 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
733 \context ChordNames {
740 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
741 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
743 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
744 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
750 @cindex fret-diagram markup
753 @funindex fret-diagram
754 @funindex \fret-diagram
756 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
757 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
759 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
761 \context ChordNames {
768 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
769 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
771 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
772 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
778 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
779 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
782 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
784 \context ChordNames {
790 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
792 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
798 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
799 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
801 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
803 \context ChordNames {
810 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
811 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
813 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
814 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
820 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
823 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
825 \context ChordNames {
832 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
833 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
835 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
836 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
842 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
844 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
845 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
847 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
848 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
849 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
850 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
851 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
853 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
855 \context ChordNames {
862 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
863 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
865 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
866 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
872 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
874 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
876 \context ChordNames {
883 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
884 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
886 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
887 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
893 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
895 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
896 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
898 \context ChordNames {
904 \override Voice.TextScript
905 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
907 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
908 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
910 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
911 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
917 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
918 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-terse markup.
920 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
923 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
924 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
926 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
927 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
929 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
931 \context ChordNames {
938 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
939 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
948 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
949 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
962 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
963 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
964 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
965 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
966 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
967 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
969 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
970 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
972 \context ChordNames {
979 \override Voice.TextScript
980 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
981 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
982 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
992 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
993 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1002 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
1003 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1015 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1016 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
1019 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
1020 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
1021 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
1022 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
1023 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
1026 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1030 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
1034 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
1035 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
1036 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
1047 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
1048 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
1049 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
1050 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
1060 @cindex customized fret diagram
1061 @cindex fret diagram, customized
1062 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
1064 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
1066 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1067 user preference through the properties of the
1068 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1069 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
1070 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
1074 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1075 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
1077 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1078 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
1082 @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
1085 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1087 Internals Reference:
1088 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
1091 @node Predefined fret diagrams
1092 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
1094 @cindex fret diagrams
1095 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1096 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1097 @cindex chord diagrams
1099 @funindex FretBoards
1100 @funindex stringTunings
1102 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1103 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1104 are stored in a lookup table:
1106 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1107 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1108 \context FretBoards {
1115 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1116 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1117 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1118 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1119 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1120 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1121 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1122 by following the examples found in
1123 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1125 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file
1126 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1128 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1129 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1131 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1138 \set stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1143 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file
1144 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1146 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1147 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1149 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1156 \set stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1161 Chord pitches can be entered
1162 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1163 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1165 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1166 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1167 \context FretBoards {
1173 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1174 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1176 @funindex ChordNames
1178 @funindex \chordmode
1180 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1181 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1182 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1184 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1185 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1186 mychords = \chordmode{
1191 \context ChordNames {
1194 \context FretBoards {
1200 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1201 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1202 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1204 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1205 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1207 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1208 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1209 mychords = \chordmode{
1215 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1218 \context ChordNames {
1221 \context FretBoards {
1228 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1229 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1230 for each of 17 keys.
1231 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1232 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1234 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1235 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1236 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1237 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1238 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1240 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1241 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1242 mychords = \chordmode{
1247 \context ChordNames {
1250 \context FretBoards {
1256 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1257 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1258 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1260 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1261 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1262 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1263 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1264 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1265 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1268 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1269 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1271 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1272 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1276 mychords = \chordmode {
1281 \context ChordNames {
1284 \context FretBoards {
1290 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1291 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1292 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1293 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1295 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1296 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1298 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1301 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1303 mychords = \chordmode {
1308 \context ChordNames {
1311 \context FretBoards {
1317 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1318 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1320 @funindex \addChordShape
1321 @funindex addChordShape
1322 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1323 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1325 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1326 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1327 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1328 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1329 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1330 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1331 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1332 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1335 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1336 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1338 % Add a new chord shape
1340 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1342 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1344 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1347 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1348 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1351 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1353 mychords = \chordmode{
1358 \context ChordNames {
1361 \context FretBoards {
1367 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1368 user preference through the properties of the
1369 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1370 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1371 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1375 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1376 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1378 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1379 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1381 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1382 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1384 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1385 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1389 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1390 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1391 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1392 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1395 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly},
1396 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly},
1397 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly},
1398 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1401 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1403 Internals Reference:
1404 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1407 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1408 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1410 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1411 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1412 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1413 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1415 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1416 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1417 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1418 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1420 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1422 \context ChordNames {
1427 \context FretBoards {
1439 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1440 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1441 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1442 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1444 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1445 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1446 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1449 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1451 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1454 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1456 \context ChordNames {
1461 \context FretBoards {
1463 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1465 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1479 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1480 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1481 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1482 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1483 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1484 @code{FretBoards} context.
1486 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1487 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1489 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1491 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1493 \context ChordNames {
1498 \context FretBoards {
1499 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1510 @funindex minimumFret
1512 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1513 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1516 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1518 \context ChordNames {
1523 \context FretBoards {
1525 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1536 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1537 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1538 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1539 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1541 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1542 user preference through the properties of the
1543 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1544 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1545 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1546 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1550 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1551 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1556 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1559 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1561 Internals Reference:
1562 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1565 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1566 with non-monotonic tunings.
1569 @node Right-hand fingerings
1570 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1572 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1573 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1574 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1576 @funindex rightHandFinger
1577 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1579 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered within a
1580 chord construct @code{<>} for them to be printed in the score,
1581 even when applied to a single note.
1583 @warning{There @strong{must} be a hyphen before
1584 @code{@bs{}rightHandFinger} and a space before the closing @code{>}.}
1586 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1588 <c-\rightHandFinger #1 >4
1589 <e-\rightHandFinger #2 >
1590 <g-\rightHandFinger #3 >
1591 <c-\rightHandFinger #4 >
1592 <c,-\rightHandFinger #1 e-\rightHandFinger #2
1593 g-\rightHandFinger #3 c-\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1596 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1597 short, for example @code{RH},
1600 #(define RH rightHandFinger)
1606 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1607 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1609 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1610 {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
1659 @ref{Text spanners}.
1662 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1663 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1666 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1667 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1669 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1670 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1671 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1672 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1674 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1675 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1678 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1681 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1682 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1686 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1687 within normal and tablature staves:
1689 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1690 music = \relative c' {
1691 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1692 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1693 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1695 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1710 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1711 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1712 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1713 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1716 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1717 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1718 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1719 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1724 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1727 e e \palmMute e e e |
1728 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1729 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1736 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1739 @ref{Special note heads},
1740 @ref{Note head styles}.
1743 @node Indicating power chords
1744 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1746 @funindex powerChords
1747 @funindex \powerChords
1749 @cindex power chords
1750 @cindex chords, power
1752 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1755 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1756 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1761 \set minimumFret = #8
1765 \set minimumFret = #5
1785 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1786 other common chord modifier is used:
1788 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1789 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1814 @rglos{power chord}.
1817 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1818 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1821 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1828 * Banjo tablatures::
1831 @node Banjo tablatures
1832 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1834 @cindex banjo tablatures
1835 @cindex tablature, banjo
1837 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1838 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1839 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1841 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1843 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1845 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1846 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1849 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1850 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1856 @cindex banjo tunings
1857 @cindex tunings, banjo
1859 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1860 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1861 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1862 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1863 @funindex four-string-banjo
1865 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1866 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1867 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1870 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
1871 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1874 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1879 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}.
1882 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.