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
258 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
259 @code{q}. To use this feature in combination with tablature,
260 @code{\tabChordRepetition} is provided. It preserves the string
261 information explicitly given within chord constructs so repeated chords
262 get identical tablature representations.
264 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
267 guitar = \relative c' {
268 r8 <gis\4 cis\3 b\2>~ q4 q8~ q q4
274 \override Voice.StringNumber #'transparent = ##t
284 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
285 the second alternative of a repeat.
287 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
288 ties = \relative c' {
295 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
322 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
324 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
325 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
327 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
328 ties = \relative c' {
334 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
350 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
362 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
363 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
364 @cindex slides in tablature notation
365 @cindex tablature and slides
366 @cindex chord glissandi
368 @funindex \harmonicByFret
369 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
371 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
374 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
382 \new Staff { \firstHarmonic }
383 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
388 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be defined
389 inside a chord construct. It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
390 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
391 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
392 fretting hand should touch a string.
394 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
396 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
397 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
398 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
399 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
403 \new Staff { \fretHarmonics }
404 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
409 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
410 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
412 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
414 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
415 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
416 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
420 \new Staff { \ratioHarmonics }
421 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
429 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
430 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
432 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
433 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
435 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
436 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
438 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
439 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
441 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
442 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
444 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
445 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
455 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
458 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
459 @rinternals{TabStaff},
460 @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.
488 @node Custom tablatures
489 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
491 @cindex tablatures, custom
492 @cindex tablature, banjo
493 @cindex tablature, mandolin
494 @cindex tablature, guitar
495 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
496 @cindex tablature, ukulele
497 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
498 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
499 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
500 @cindex tablature, violin
501 @cindex tablature, viola
502 @cindex tablature, cello
503 @cindex tablature, bass
504 @cindex tablature, double bass
506 @funindex StringTunings
508 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
509 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
510 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
511 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
512 @code{stringTunings} property.
514 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
515 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
516 LilyPond automatically sets
517 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
518 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
521 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
530 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #bass-tuning
538 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
539 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
540 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
541 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
542 are found in @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}.
544 @funindex contextStringTunings
545 @funindex \contextStringTunings
546 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
547 @cindex custom string tunings
549 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
550 @code{\contextStringTuning} function can be
551 used to define a string tuning and set it as the
552 @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
553 @code{\contextStringTuning} takes two arguments: the
554 symbol in which the string tuning will be stored,
555 and a chord construct
556 that defines 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 \contextStringTuning #'custom-tuning <c' g' d'' a''>
583 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
584 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
586 @funindex makeStringTuning
587 @funindex \makeStringTuning
589 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
590 for predefined fret diagrams
591 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}). The @code{\makeStringTuning}
592 function is used to create a string tuning without setting the
593 @code{stringTunings} property in the current context. The
594 arguments to @code{\makeStringTuning} are the symbol to be
595 used for the new string tuning and a chord construct used
596 to define the tuning.
597 The previous example could also be written as follows:
599 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
600 \makeStringTuning #'custom-tuning <c' g' d'' a''>
613 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
619 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
620 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
621 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
622 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
623 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
624 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
626 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
627 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
628 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
630 If desired, a string tuning can be created as a Scheme
631 literal. The example below recreates the examples above,
632 but the string tuning is not saved as a separate object:
634 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
646 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #`(,(ly:make-pitch 1 5 0)
647 ,(ly:make-pitch 1 1 0)
648 ,(ly:make-pitch 0 4 0)
649 ,(ly:make-pitch 0 0 0))
655 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
656 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
657 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
658 in @code{stringTunings}.
660 @cindex moderntab clef
661 @cindex clef, moderntab
665 A modern tab clef can also be used.
667 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
677 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
681 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
682 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
683 @ref{Scheme functions}.
686 @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}
687 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
690 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
693 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
696 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
697 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
698 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
700 @node Fret diagram markups
701 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
703 @cindex fret diagrams
704 @cindex chord diagrams
705 @cindex diagrams, fret
706 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
707 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
708 @cindex custom fret diagrams
710 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
711 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
712 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
713 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
714 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
715 information in the markup string. Details about the
716 syntax of the different markup strings used to define
717 fret diagrams are found at @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
719 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
720 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
721 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
723 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
725 \context ChordNames {
732 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
733 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
735 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
736 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
742 @cindex barre indications
744 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
745 the fret-diagram markup string.
747 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
749 \context ChordNames {
756 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
757 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
759 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
760 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
766 @cindex fret-diagram markup
769 @funindex fret-diagram
770 @funindex \fret-diagram
772 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
773 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
775 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
777 \context ChordNames {
784 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
785 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
787 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
788 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
794 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
795 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
798 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
800 \context ChordNames {
806 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
808 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
814 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
815 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
817 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
819 \context ChordNames {
826 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
827 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
829 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
830 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
836 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
839 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
841 \context ChordNames {
848 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
849 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
851 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
852 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
858 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
860 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
861 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
863 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
864 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
865 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
866 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
867 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
869 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
871 \context ChordNames {
878 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
879 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
881 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
882 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
888 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
890 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
892 \context ChordNames {
899 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
900 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
902 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
903 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
909 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
911 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
912 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
914 \context ChordNames {
920 \override Voice.TextScript
921 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
923 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
924 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
926 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
927 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
933 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
934 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-terse markup.
936 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
939 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
940 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
942 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
943 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
945 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
947 \context ChordNames {
954 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
955 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
964 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
965 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
978 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
979 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
980 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
981 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
982 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
983 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
985 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
986 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
988 \context ChordNames {
995 \override Voice.TextScript
996 #'(fret-diagram-details finger-code) = #'below-string
997 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
998 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1008 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
1009 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1018 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
1019 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1031 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1032 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
1035 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
1036 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
1037 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
1038 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
1039 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
1042 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1046 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
1050 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
1051 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
1052 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
1063 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
1064 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
1065 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
1066 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
1076 @cindex customized fret diagram
1077 @cindex fret diagram, customized
1078 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
1080 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
1082 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1083 user preference through the properties of the
1084 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1085 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
1086 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
1090 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1091 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
1093 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1094 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
1098 @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
1101 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1103 Internals Reference:
1104 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
1107 @node Predefined fret diagrams
1108 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
1111 @cindex fret diagrams
1112 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1113 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1114 @cindex chord diagrams
1116 @funindex FretBoards
1117 @funindex stringTunings
1119 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1120 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1121 are stored in a lookup table:
1123 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1124 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1125 \context FretBoards {
1132 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1133 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1134 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1135 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1136 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1137 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1138 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1139 by following the examples found in
1140 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1142 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file
1143 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1145 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1146 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1148 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1155 \set stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1160 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file
1161 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1163 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1164 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1166 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1173 \set stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1178 Chord pitches can be entered
1179 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1180 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1182 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1183 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1184 \context FretBoards {
1190 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1191 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1193 @funindex ChordNames
1195 @funindex \chordmode
1197 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1198 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1199 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1201 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1202 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1203 mychords = \chordmode{
1208 \context ChordNames {
1211 \context FretBoards {
1217 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1218 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1219 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1221 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1222 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1224 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1225 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1226 mychords = \chordmode{
1232 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1235 \context ChordNames {
1238 \context FretBoards {
1245 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1246 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1247 for each of 17 keys.
1248 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1249 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1251 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1252 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1253 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1254 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1255 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1257 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1258 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1259 mychords = \chordmode{
1264 \context ChordNames {
1267 \context FretBoards {
1273 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1274 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1275 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1277 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1278 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1279 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1280 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1281 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1282 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1285 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1286 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1288 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1289 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1293 mychords = \chordmode {
1298 \context ChordNames {
1301 \context FretBoards {
1307 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1308 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1309 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1310 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1312 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1313 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1315 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1318 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1320 mychords = \chordmode {
1325 \context ChordNames {
1328 \context FretBoards {
1334 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1335 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1337 @funindex \addChordShape
1338 @funindex addChordShape
1339 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1340 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1342 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1343 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1344 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1345 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1346 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1347 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1348 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1349 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1352 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1353 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1355 % Add a new chord shape
1357 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1359 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1361 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1364 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1365 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1368 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1370 mychords = \chordmode{
1375 \context ChordNames {
1378 \context FretBoards {
1384 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1385 user preference through the properties of the
1386 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1387 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1388 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1392 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1393 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1395 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1396 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1398 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1399 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1401 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1402 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1407 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1408 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1409 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1410 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1413 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly},
1414 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly},
1415 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly},
1416 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1419 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1421 Internals Reference:
1422 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1425 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1426 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1428 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1429 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1430 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1431 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1433 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1434 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1435 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1436 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1438 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1440 \context ChordNames {
1445 \context FretBoards {
1457 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1458 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1459 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1460 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1462 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1463 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1464 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1467 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1469 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1472 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1474 \context ChordNames {
1479 \context FretBoards {
1481 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1483 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1497 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1498 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1499 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1500 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1501 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1502 @code{FretBoards} context.
1504 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1505 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1507 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1509 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1511 \context ChordNames {
1516 \context FretBoards {
1517 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1528 @funindex minimumFret
1530 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1531 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1534 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1536 \context ChordNames {
1541 \context FretBoards {
1543 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1554 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1555 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1556 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1557 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1559 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1560 user preference through the properties of the
1561 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1562 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1563 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1564 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1568 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1569 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1575 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1578 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1580 Internals Reference:
1581 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1584 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1585 with non-monotonic tunings.
1588 @node Right-hand fingerings
1589 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1591 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1592 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1593 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1595 @funindex rightHandFinger
1596 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1598 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered within a
1599 chord construct @code{<>} for them to be printed in the score,
1600 even when applied to a single note.
1602 @warning{There @strong{must} be a hyphen before
1603 @code{@bs{}rightHandFinger} and a space before the closing @code{>}.}
1605 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1607 <c-\rightHandFinger #1 >4
1608 <e-\rightHandFinger #2 >
1609 <g-\rightHandFinger #3 >
1610 <c-\rightHandFinger #4 >
1611 <c,-\rightHandFinger #1 e-\rightHandFinger #2
1612 g-\rightHandFinger #3 c-\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1615 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1616 short, for example @code{RH},
1619 #(define RH rightHandFinger)
1625 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1626 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1628 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1629 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1634 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1636 Internals Reference:
1637 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1643 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1644 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1645 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1646 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1647 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1648 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1649 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1650 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1653 * Indicating position and barring::
1654 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1655 * Indicating power chords::
1658 @node Indicating position and barring
1659 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1661 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1662 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1664 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1665 barring indications.
1667 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=0]
1671 \override TextSpanner #'(bound-details left text) = #"XII "
1673 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1680 @ref{Text spanners}.
1683 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1684 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1687 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1688 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1690 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1691 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1692 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1693 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1695 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1696 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1699 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1702 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1703 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1707 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1708 within normal and tablature staves:
1710 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1711 music = \relative c' {
1712 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1713 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1714 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1716 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1731 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1732 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1733 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1734 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1737 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1738 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1739 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1740 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1745 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1748 e e \palmMute e e e |
1749 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1750 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1757 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1760 @ref{Special note heads},
1761 @ref{Note head styles}.
1764 @node Indicating power chords
1765 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1767 @funindex powerChords
1768 @funindex \powerChords
1770 @cindex power chords
1771 @cindex chords, power
1773 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1776 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1777 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1782 \set minimumFret = #8
1786 \set minimumFret = #5
1806 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1807 other common chord modifier is used:
1809 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1810 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1835 @rglos{power chord}.
1838 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1839 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1842 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1849 * Banjo tablatures::
1852 @node Banjo tablatures
1853 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1855 @cindex banjo tablatures
1856 @cindex tablature, banjo
1858 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1859 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1860 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1862 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1864 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1866 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1867 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1870 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1871 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1877 @cindex banjo tunings
1878 @cindex tunings, banjo
1880 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1881 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1882 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1883 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1884 @funindex four-string-banjo
1886 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1887 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1888 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1891 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
1892 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1895 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1900 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1903 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}