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 \tabChordRepeats
257 @funindex \chordRepeats
258 @cindex Chord, repetition
259 @cindex repetition, using @code{q}
261 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
262 @code{q}. In combination with tabulatures, its behavior of removing
263 string and finger numbers alongside with other events is cumbersome, so
266 \chordRepeats #'(string-number-event fingering-event)
268 explicitly on music expressions in tabulature using @ref{Chord
269 repetition}. This particular command is so common that it is available
270 as @code{\tabChordRepeats}.
272 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
273 guitar = \relative c' {
274 r8 <gis-6 cis-6 b-0>~ q4 q8~ q q4
283 \tabChordRepeats \guitar
288 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
289 the second alternative of a repeat.
291 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
292 ties = \relative c' {
299 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
326 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
328 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
329 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
331 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
332 ties = \relative c' {
338 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
354 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
366 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
367 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
368 @cindex slides in tablature notation
369 @cindex tablature and slides
370 @cindex chord glissandi
372 @funindex \harmonicByFret
373 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
375 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
378 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
386 \new Staff { \firstHarmonic }
387 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
392 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be attached to single
393 notes (possibly inside of a chord) instead of whole chords.
394 It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
395 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
396 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
397 fretting hand should touch a string.
399 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
401 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
402 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
403 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
404 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
408 \new Staff { \fretHarmonics }
409 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
414 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
415 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
417 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
419 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
420 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
421 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
425 \new Staff { \ratioHarmonics }
426 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
432 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
433 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
435 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
436 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
438 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
439 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
441 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
442 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
444 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
445 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
447 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
448 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
452 @ref{Chord repetition},
456 @ref{Written-out repeats}.
459 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
462 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
463 @rinternals{TabStaff},
464 @rinternals{TabVoice},
468 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
469 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
472 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
473 specially-created voices:
475 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
476 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
479 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
480 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
481 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
482 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
488 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
490 @node Custom tablatures
491 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
493 @cindex tablatures, custom
494 @cindex tablature, banjo
495 @cindex tablature, mandolin
496 @cindex tablature, guitar
497 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
498 @cindex tablature, ukulele
499 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
500 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
501 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
502 @cindex tablature, violin
503 @cindex tablature, viola
504 @cindex tablature, cello
505 @cindex tablature, bass
506 @cindex tablature, double bass
508 @funindex stringTunings
510 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
511 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
512 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
513 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
514 @code{stringTunings} property.
516 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
517 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
518 LilyPond automatically sets
519 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
520 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
523 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
532 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #bass-tuning
540 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
541 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
542 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
543 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
544 are found in @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}.
546 @funindex stringTuning
547 @funindex \stringTuning
548 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
549 @cindex custom string tunings
551 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
552 @code{\stringTuning} function can be
553 used to define a string tuning which can be used
554 to set @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
556 Its argument is a chord construct
557 defining the pitches of each string in the tuning.
558 The chord construct must be in absolute octave mode,
559 see @ref{Absolute octave entry}. The string
560 with the highest number (generally the lowest string) must
561 come first in the chord. For example, we can
562 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
563 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
565 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
578 \set stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
584 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
585 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
587 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
588 for predefined fret diagrams
589 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}).
591 The previous example could also be written as follows:
593 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
594 "custom-tuning" = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
607 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
613 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
614 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
615 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
616 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
617 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
618 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
620 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
621 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
622 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
624 @code{\stringTuning} creates such an object from chord input.
626 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
627 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
628 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
629 in @code{stringTunings}.
631 To let all TabStaff contexts use the same custom tuning by default,
638 stringTunings = \stringTuning \notemode @{ <c' g' d'' a''> @}
644 @cindex moderntab clef
645 @cindex clef, moderntab
649 A modern tab clef can also be used.
651 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
661 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
665 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
666 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
667 @ref{Scheme functions}.
670 @file{ly/string-tuning-init.ly}
671 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
674 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
677 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
680 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
681 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
682 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
1095 @cindex fret diagrams
1096 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1097 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1098 @cindex chord diagrams
1100 @funindex FretBoards
1101 @funindex stringTunings
1103 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1104 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1105 are stored in a lookup table:
1107 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1108 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1109 \context FretBoards {
1116 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1117 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1118 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1119 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1120 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1121 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1122 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1123 by following the examples found in
1124 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1126 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file
1127 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1129 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1130 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1132 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1139 \set stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1144 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file
1145 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1147 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1148 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1150 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1157 \set stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1162 Chord pitches can be entered
1163 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1164 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1166 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1167 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1168 \context FretBoards {
1174 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1175 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1177 @funindex ChordNames
1179 @funindex \chordmode
1181 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1182 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1183 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1185 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1186 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1187 mychords = \chordmode{
1192 \context ChordNames {
1195 \context FretBoards {
1201 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1202 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1203 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1205 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1206 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1208 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1209 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1210 mychords = \chordmode{
1216 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1219 \context ChordNames {
1222 \context FretBoards {
1229 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1230 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1231 for each of 17 keys.
1232 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1233 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1235 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1236 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1237 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1238 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1239 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1241 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1242 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1243 mychords = \chordmode{
1248 \context ChordNames {
1251 \context FretBoards {
1257 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1258 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1259 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1261 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1262 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1263 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1264 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1265 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1266 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1269 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1270 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1272 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1273 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1277 mychords = \chordmode {
1282 \context ChordNames {
1285 \context FretBoards {
1291 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1292 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1293 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1294 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1296 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1297 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1299 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1302 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1304 mychords = \chordmode {
1309 \context ChordNames {
1312 \context FretBoards {
1318 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1319 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1321 @funindex \addChordShape
1322 @funindex addChordShape
1323 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1324 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1326 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1327 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1328 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1329 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1330 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1331 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1332 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1333 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1336 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1337 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1339 % Add a new chord shape
1341 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1343 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1345 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1348 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1349 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1352 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1354 mychords = \chordmode{
1359 \context ChordNames {
1362 \context FretBoards {
1368 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1369 user preference through the properties of the
1370 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1371 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1372 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1376 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1377 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1379 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1380 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1382 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1383 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1385 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1386 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1391 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1392 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1393 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1394 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1397 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly},
1398 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly},
1399 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly},
1400 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1403 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1405 Internals Reference:
1406 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1409 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1410 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1412 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1413 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1414 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1415 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1417 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1418 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1419 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1420 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1422 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1424 \context ChordNames {
1429 \context FretBoards {
1441 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1442 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1443 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1444 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1446 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1447 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1448 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1451 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1453 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1456 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1458 \context ChordNames {
1463 \context FretBoards {
1465 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1467 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1481 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1482 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1483 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1484 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1485 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1486 @code{FretBoards} context.
1488 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1489 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1491 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1493 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1495 \context ChordNames {
1500 \context FretBoards {
1501 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1512 @funindex minimumFret
1514 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1515 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1518 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1520 \context ChordNames {
1525 \context FretBoards {
1527 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1538 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1539 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1540 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1541 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1543 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1544 user preference through the properties of the
1545 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1546 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1547 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1548 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1552 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1553 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1559 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1562 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1564 Internals Reference:
1565 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1568 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1569 with non-monotonic tunings.
1572 @node Right-hand fingerings
1573 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1575 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1576 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1577 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1579 @funindex rightHandFinger
1580 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1582 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered within a
1583 chord construct @code{<>} for them to be printed in the score,
1584 even when applied to a single note.
1586 @warning{There @strong{must} be a hyphen before
1587 @code{@bs{}rightHandFinger} and a space before the closing @code{>}.}
1589 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=0]
1591 <c-\rightHandFinger #1 >4
1592 <e-\rightHandFinger #2 >
1593 <g-\rightHandFinger #3 >
1594 <c-\rightHandFinger #4 >
1595 <c,-\rightHandFinger #1 e-\rightHandFinger #2
1596 g-\rightHandFinger #3 c-\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1599 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1600 short, for example @code{RH},
1603 #(define RH rightHandFinger)
1609 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1610 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1612 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1613 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1618 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1620 Internals Reference:
1621 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1627 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1628 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1629 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1630 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1631 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1632 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1633 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1634 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1637 * Indicating position and barring::
1638 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1639 * Indicating power chords::
1642 @node Indicating position and barring
1643 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1645 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1646 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1648 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1649 barring indications.
1651 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,relative=0]
1655 \override TextSpanner #'(bound-details left text) = #"XII "
1657 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1664 @ref{Text spanners}.
1667 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1668 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1671 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1672 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1674 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1675 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1676 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1677 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1679 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1680 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1683 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1686 \override Staff.NoteHead #'style = #'harmonic-mixed
1687 d^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1691 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1692 within normal and tablature staves:
1694 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1695 music = \relative c' {
1696 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1697 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1698 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1700 \times 2/3 { g8 b e }
1715 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1716 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1717 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1718 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1721 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1722 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1723 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1724 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1729 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1732 e e \palmMute e e e |
1733 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1734 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1741 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1744 @ref{Special note heads},
1745 @ref{Note head styles}.
1748 @node Indicating power chords
1749 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1751 @funindex powerChords
1752 @funindex \powerChords
1754 @cindex power chords
1755 @cindex chords, power
1757 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1760 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1761 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1766 \set minimumFret = #8
1770 \set minimumFret = #5
1790 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1791 other common chord modifier is used:
1793 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1794 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1819 @rglos{power chord}.
1822 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1823 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1826 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1833 * Banjo tablatures::
1836 @node Banjo tablatures
1837 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1839 @cindex banjo tablatures
1840 @cindex tablature, banjo
1842 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1843 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1844 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1846 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1848 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1850 \set TabStaff.tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1851 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1854 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1855 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1861 @cindex banjo tunings
1862 @cindex tunings, banjo
1864 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1865 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1866 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1867 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1868 @funindex four-string-banjo
1870 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1871 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1872 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
1875 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
1876 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
1879 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
1884 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1887 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}