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.
102 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,fragment]
108 When fingerings and string indications are used together, their
109 placement can be controlled by the order in which the two items appear
110 in the code @emph{only} if they appear inside of an explicit chord:
111 applied to whole chords or single notes @emph{outside} of chords,
112 fingerings are placed using a different mechanism.
114 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,fragment]
122 String numbers may also, as is customary with unfretted strings,
123 be printed in Roman numerals and placed below the staff rather
126 @lilypond[verbatim,quote,fragment]
132 \set stringNumberOrientations = #'(down)
140 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
141 {controlling-the-placement-of-chord-fingerings.ly}
143 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
144 {allowing-fingerings-to-be-printed-inside-the-staff.ly}
147 @code{\arabicStringNumbers},
148 @code{\romanStringNumbers}.
153 @ref{Fingering instructions}.
156 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
159 @rinternals{StringNumber},
160 @rinternals{Fingering}.
163 @node Default tablatures
164 @unnumberedsubsubsec Default tablatures
166 @cindex tablatures, basic
167 @cindex tablatures, default
172 Music for plucked string instruments is frequently notated using a
173 finger/touch notation or tablature. In contrast to traditional
174 notation pitches are not denoted with note heads, but by numbers (or
175 letter-like symbols in historical intavolatura). The staff lines
176 in tablature indicate the string on which the note is to be played,
177 and a number placed on a staff line indicated the fret at which
178 the corresponding string is to be pressed.
179 Notes that are to be played simultaneously are vertically aligned.
181 By default, string 1 is the highest string, and corresponds to the top
182 line on the @code{TabStaff}. The tuning of the @code{TabStaff}
183 strings defaults to the
184 standard guitar tuning (with 6 strings). The notes are printed as
185 tablature, by using @code{TabStaff} and @code{TabVoice} contexts. A
186 calligraphic tablature clef is added automatically.
188 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
189 \new TabStaff \relative {
195 Default tablatures do not contain any symbols for tone duration nor any
196 other musical symbols such as e.g. expressive marks.
198 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
210 \new Staff { \clef "G_8" \symbols }
211 \new TabStaff { \symbols }
216 @funindex \tabFullNotation
218 If all musical symbols used in traditional notation should also show up
219 in tablature one has to apply the command @code{\tabFullNotation} in a
220 @code{TabStaff}-context. Please bear in mind that half notes are
221 double-stemmed in tablature in order to distinguish them from quarter
224 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
244 @funindex minimumFret
245 @funindex restrainOpenStrings
247 By default pitches are assigned to the lowest playing position on the
248 fret-board (first position). Open strings are automatically preferred.
249 If you would like a certain pitch to be played on a specific string you
250 can add a string number indication to the pitch name. If you don't want
251 to have string number indications appear in traditional notation, you
252 can override the respective stencil. Usually it will be more
253 comfortable to define the playing position by using the value of
254 @code{minimumFret}. The default value for minimumFret is 0.
256 Even when @code{minimumFret} is set, open strings are used whenever
257 possible. This behaviour can be changed by setting @code{restrainOpenStrings}
260 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
261 \layout { \omit Voice.StringNumber }
263 \new Staff \relative {
267 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
270 \new TabStaff \relative {
272 c,16\5 d\5 e\4 f\4 g4\4
273 \set TabStaff.minimumFret = #5
274 \set TabStaff.restrainOpenStrings = ##t
280 @funindex \tabChordRepeats
281 @funindex \chordRepeats
282 @cindex chord, repetition
283 @cindex repetition, using @code{q}
284 @cindex @code{q}, chord repetition
286 Chord constructs can be repeated by the chord repetition symbol
287 @code{q}. In combination with tabulatures, its behavior of removing
288 string and finger numbers alongside with other events is cumbersome, so
291 \chordRepeats #'(string-number-event fingering-event)
293 explicitly on music expressions in tabulature using @ref{Chord
294 repetition}. This particular command is so common that it is available
295 as @code{\tabChordRepeats}.
297 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
299 r8 <gis-2 cis-3 b-0>~ q4 q8~ 8 q4
308 \tabChordRepeats \guitar
313 Ties over a line break are parenthesized by default. The same holds for
314 the second alternative of a repeat.
316 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
324 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
351 @funindex \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
353 The command @code{\hideSplitTiedTabNotes} cancels the behavior of
354 engraving fret numbers in parentheses:
356 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
363 { g4\repeatTie c,2. }
379 \hideSplitTiedTabNotes
391 @cindex harmonic indications in tablature notation
392 @cindex tablature and harmonic indications
394 @funindex \harmonicByFret
395 @funindex \harmonicByRatio
397 Harmonic indications can be added to tablature notation as sounding
400 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
401 \layout { \omit Voice.StringNumber }
413 \new TabStaff { \firstHarmonic }
418 Note that the command @code{\harmonic} must always be attached to single
419 notes (possibly inside of a chord) instead of whole chords.
420 It only makes sense for open-string harmonics
421 in the 12th fret. All other harmonics should be calculated by LilyPond.
422 This can be achieved by indicating the fret where a finger of the
423 fretting hand should touch a string.
425 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
427 \harmonicByFret #5 d16\4
428 \harmonicByFret #4 d16\4
429 \harmonicByFret #3 d8\4
430 \harmonicByFret #5 <g\3 b\2>2.
438 \new TabStaff { \fretHarmonics }
443 Alternatively, harmonics can be computed by defining the ratio of
444 string lengths above and below the harmonic fingering.
446 @lilypond[verbatim,quote]
448 \harmonicByRatio #1/2 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
449 \harmonicByRatio #1/3 <g\3 b\2 e'\1>4
450 \harmonicByRatio #1/4 { g8\3 b8\2 e'4\1 }
458 \new TabStaff { \ratioHarmonics }
464 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
465 {stem-and-beam-behavior-in-tablature.ly}
467 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
468 {polyphony-in-tablature.ly}
470 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
471 {open-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
473 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
474 {fretted-string-harmonics-in-tablature.ly}
476 @cindex slides in tablature notation
477 @cindex tablature and slides
479 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
480 {slides-in-tablature.ly}
482 @cindex chord glissandi
484 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
485 {chord-glissando-in-tablature.ly}
490 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
491 {hammer-on-and-pull-off.ly}
493 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
494 {hammer-on-and-pull-off-using-voices.ly}
496 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
497 {hammer-on-and-pull-off-using-chords.ly}
501 @ref{Chord repetition},
505 @ref{Written-out repeats}.
508 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
511 @rinternals{TabNoteHead},
512 @rinternals{TabStaff},
513 @rinternals{TabVoice},
517 Chords are not handled in a special way, and hence the automatic
518 string selector may easily select the same string for two notes in
521 In order to handle @code{\partcombine}, a @code{TabStaff} must use
522 specially-created voices:
524 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
525 melodia = \partcombine { e4 g g g } { e4 e e e }
528 \new TabVoice = "one" s1
529 \new TabVoice = "two" s1
530 \new TabVoice = "shared" s1
531 \new TabVoice = "solo" s1
537 Guitar special effects are limited to harmonics and slides.
540 @node Custom tablatures
541 @unnumberedsubsubsec Custom tablatures
543 @cindex tablatures, custom
544 @cindex tablature, banjo
545 @cindex tablature, mandolin
546 @cindex tablature, guitar
547 @cindex tablature, bass guitar
548 @cindex tablature, ukulele
549 @cindex tablature, predefined string tunings
550 @cindex fretted instruments, predefined string tunings
551 @cindex predefined string tunings for fretted instruments
552 @cindex tablature, violin
553 @cindex tablature, viola
554 @cindex tablature, cello
555 @cindex tablature, bass
556 @cindex tablature, double bass
558 @funindex stringTunings
560 LilyPond tablature automatically calculates the fret for
561 a note based on the string to which the note is assigned.
562 In order to do this, the tuning of the strings must be
563 specified. The tuning of the strings is given in the
564 @code{stringTunings} property.
566 LilyPond comes with predefined string tunings for banjo, mandolin,
567 guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
568 LilyPond automatically sets
569 the correct transposition for predefined tunings. The following
570 example is for bass guitar, which sounds an octave lower than
573 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
583 \new TabStaff \with {
584 stringTunings = #bass-tuning
593 The default string tuning is @code{guitar-tuning}, which
594 is the standard EADGBE tuning. Some other predefined tunings are
595 @code{guitar-open-g-tuning}, @code{mandolin-tuning} and
596 @code{banjo-open-g-tuning}. The predefined string tunings
597 are found in @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}.
599 @funindex stringTuning
600 @funindex \stringTuning
601 @cindex tablature, custom string tunings
602 @cindex custom string tunings
604 Any desired string tuning can be created. The
605 @code{\stringTuning} function can be
606 used to define a string tuning which can be used
607 to set @code{stringTunings} for the current context.
609 Its argument is a chord construct
610 defining the pitches of each string in the tuning.
611 The chord construct must be in absolute octave mode,
612 see @ref{Absolute octave entry}. The string
613 with the highest number (generally the lowest string) must
614 come first in the chord. For example, we can
615 define a string tuning for a four-string instrument with pitches
616 of @code{a''}, @code{d''}, @code{g'}, and @code{c'}:
618 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
631 \set Staff.stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
637 The @code{stringTunings} property is also used by
638 @code{FretBoards} to calculate automatic fret diagrams.
640 String tunings are used as part of the hash key
641 for predefined fret diagrams
642 (see @ref{Predefined fret diagrams}).
644 The previous example could also be written as follows:
646 @lilypond[quote,verbatim]
647 custom-tuning = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
660 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #custom-tuning
666 Internally, a string tuning is a Scheme list of string pitches,
667 one for each string, ordered by string number from 1 to N,
668 where string 1 is at the top of the tablature staff and
669 string N is at the bottom. This ordinarily results in ordering
670 from highest pitch to lowest pitch, but some instruments
671 (e.g. ukulele) do not have strings ordered by pitch.
673 A string pitch in a string tuning list is a LilyPond pitch
674 object. Pitch objects are created with the Scheme function
675 @code{ly:make-pitch} (see @ref{Scheme functions}).
677 @code{\stringTuning} creates such an object from chord input.
679 LilyPond automatically calculates the number of lines in the
680 @code{TabStaff} and the number of strings in an automatically
681 calculated @code{FretBoard} as the number of elements
682 in @code{stringTunings}.
684 To let all TabStaff contexts use the same custom tuning by default,
691 stringTunings = \stringTuning <c' g' d'' a''>
697 @cindex moderntab clef
698 @cindex clef, moderntab
702 A modern tab clef can also be used.
704 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
714 The modern tab clef supports tablatures from 4 to 7 strings.
716 @cindex micro-tones, tab
717 @cindex quarter-tones, tab
718 @cindex tab micro-tones
719 @cindex tab quarter-tones
721 @code{TabStaff} may support micro-tones like quarter-tones, which
722 can be played using bendings.
723 @code{noteToFretFunction = #(determine-frets #t)} needs to be set in
724 Score-context. However, micro-tones are not supported in @code{FretBoards}.
726 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
730 noteToFretFunction = #(determine-frets #t)
734 custom-tuning = \stringTuning <e, a, d ges beh eeh'>
749 \new Staff << \clef "G_8" \mus >>
750 \new TabStaff \with { stringTunings = \custom-tuning } \mus
756 @ref{Absolute octave entry},
757 @ref{Predefined fret diagrams},
758 @ref{Scheme functions}.
761 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly},
762 @file{scm/tablature.scm}.
765 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
768 @rinternals{Tab_note_heads_engraver}.
771 Automatic tablature calculations do not work properly in most
772 cases for instruments where string pitches do not vary
773 monotonically with string number, such as ukuleles.
776 @node Fret diagram markups
777 @unnumberedsubsubsec Fret diagram markups
779 @cindex fret diagrams
780 @cindex chord diagrams
781 @cindex diagrams, fret
782 @cindex diagrams, chord for fretted instruments
783 @cindex fret diagrams, custom
784 @cindex custom fret diagrams
786 Fret diagrams can be added to music as a markup to the desired
787 note. The markup contains information about the desired fret
788 diagram. There are three different fret-diagram markup
789 interfaces: standard, terse, and verbose. The three interfaces
790 produce equivalent markups, but have varying amounts of
791 information in the markup string. Details about the
792 syntax of the different markup strings used to define
793 fret diagrams are found at @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
795 The standard fret diagram markup string indicates the string
796 number and the fret number for each dot to be placed on the string.
797 In addition, open and unplayed (muted) strings can be indicated.
799 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
808 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
809 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
811 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
812 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
818 @cindex barre indications
820 Barre indications can be added to the diagram from
821 the fret-diagram markup string.
823 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
832 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
833 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
835 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
836 \fret-diagram #"c:6-1-3;6-3;5-5;4-5;3-4;2-3;1-3;"
842 @cindex fret-diagram markup
845 @funindex fret-diagram
846 @funindex \fret-diagram
848 The size of the fret diagram, and the number of frets in the diagram
849 can be changed in the fret-diagram markup string.
851 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
860 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
861 \fret-diagram #"s:1.5;c:6-1-1;6-1;5-3;4-3;3-2;2-1;1-1;"
863 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
864 \fret-diagram #"h:6;6-3;5-2;4-o;3-o;2-o;1-3;"
870 The number of strings in a fret diagram can be changed to accommodate
871 different instruments such as banjos and ukuleles with the fret-diagram
874 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
882 % An 'A' chord for ukulele
884 \fret-diagram #"w:4;4-2-2;3-1-1;2-o;1-o;"
890 Fingering indications can be added, and the location of fingering labels
891 can be controlled by the fret-diagram markup string.
893 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
902 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
903 \fret-diagram #"f:1;6-x;5-3-3;4-2-2;3-o;2-1-1;1-o;"
905 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
906 \fret-diagram #"f:2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2-2;2-3-3;1-1-1;"
912 Dot radius and dot position can be controlled with the fret-diagram
915 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
924 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
925 \fret-diagram #"d:0.35;6-x;5-3;4-2;3-o;2-1;1-o;"
927 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
928 \fret-diagram #"p:0.2;6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-1;"
934 @cindex fret-diagram-terse markup
936 @funindex fret-diagram-terse
937 @funindex \fret-diagram-terse
939 The fret-diagram-terse markup string omits string numbers; the string
940 number is implied by the presence of semicolons. There is one semicolon
941 for each string in the diagram. The first semicolon corresponds to the
942 highest string number and the last semicolon corresponds to the first string.
943 Mute strings, open strings, and fret numbers can be indicated.
945 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
954 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
955 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3;2;o;1;o;"
957 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
958 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2;3;1;"
964 Barre indicators can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
966 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
975 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
976 \fret-diagram-terse #"1-(;3;3;2;1;1-);"
978 <g, d g b d' g'>1^\markup {
979 \fret-diagram-terse #"3-(;5;5;4;3;3-);"
985 Fingering indications can be included in the fret-diagram-terse markup string.
987 @c Need to use override to enable fingerings to show this -- can we do so?
988 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
996 \override Voice.TextScript.fret-diagram-details.finger-code = #'below-string
998 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
999 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-3;2-2;o;1-1;o;"
1001 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
1002 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;x;o;2-2;3-3;1-1;"
1008 Other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1009 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-terse markup.
1011 @cindex fret-diagram-verbose markup
1014 @funindex fret-diagram-verbose
1015 @funindex \fret-diagram-verbose
1017 The fret-diagram-verbose markup string is in the format of a Scheme list. Each
1018 element of the list indicates an item to be placed on the fret diagram.
1020 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1029 <c e g c' e'>1^\markup {
1030 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1039 <d a d' f'>1^\markup {
1040 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1053 Fingering indications and barres can be included in a
1054 fret-diagram-verbose markup string. Unique to the
1055 fret-diagram-verbose interface is a capo indication that
1056 can be placed on the fret diagram. The capo indication is
1057 a thick bar that covers all strings. The fret with the
1058 capo will be the lowest fret in the fret diagram.
1060 Fingering indication dots can be colored as well as parenthesized;
1061 the parenthesis's color can also be altered independently.
1063 Markups can be placed into the dots as well.
1065 @c \override is necessary to make fingering visible
1066 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1075 \override Voice.TextScript.fret-diagram-details.finger-code = #'below-string
1076 <f, c f a c' f'>1^\markup {
1077 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1087 <g, b, d g b g'>1^\markup {
1088 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1097 <c g c' e' g'>1^\markup {
1098 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1106 \override Voice.TextScript.size = 1.4
1107 <c g c' e' g'>1^\markup {
1108 \fret-diagram-verbose #'(
1109 (place-fret 6 3 1 red parenthesized default-paren-color)
1110 (place-fret 5 3 1 inverted)
1111 (place-fret 4 5 2 blue parenthesized)
1112 (place-fret 3 5 3 blue)
1113 (place-fret 2 5 4 blue)
1114 (place-fret 1 3 1 inverted)
1117 \override Voice.TextScript.size = 1.5
1118 <b, fis b dis' fis'>1^\markup {
1119 \override #'(fret-diagram-details . ((finger-code . in-dot)))
1120 \fret-diagram-verbose #`(
1122 (place-fret 4 4 "fis" red)
1123 (place-fret 3 4 "b" red)
1130 \musicglyph #"accidentals.sharp"} #}
1139 All other fret diagram properties must be adjusted using
1140 @code{\override} when using the fret-diagram-verbose markup.
1143 The following example shows the three fret-diagram markup
1144 interfaces, along with examples of common tweaks. For example,
1145 the size of the verbose fret diagram is reduced to 0.75, and the
1146 finger indications are specified to appear below the diagram. The
1147 terse diagram includes tweaks to specify placement of finger code
1150 @lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right,quote]
1154 \fret-diagram #"6-x;5-x;4-o;3-2;2-3;1-2;"
1158 \override #'(size . 0.75) {
1159 \override #'(finger-code . below-string) {
1160 \fret-diagram-verbose #'((place-fret 6 2 1) (barre 6 1 2)
1171 \override #'(dot-radius . 0.35) {
1172 \override #'(finger-code . in-dot) {
1173 \override #'(dot-color . white) {
1174 \fret-diagram-terse #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-);"
1184 @cindex customized fret diagram
1185 @cindex fret diagram, customized
1186 @cindex diagram, fret, customized
1188 @funindex fret-diagram-interface
1190 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1191 user preference through the properties of the
1192 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1193 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a fret diagram
1194 markup, the interface properties belong to @code{Voice.TextScript}.
1198 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1199 {changing-fret-orientations.ly}
1201 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1202 {customizing-markup-fret-diagrams.ly}
1206 @ref{Instrument Specific Markup}.
1209 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1211 Internals Reference:
1212 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}.
1215 @node Predefined fret diagrams
1216 @unnumberedsubsubsec Predefined fret diagrams
1218 @cindex fret diagrams
1219 @cindex fret diagrams, ukulele
1220 @cindex fret diagrams, mandolin
1221 @cindex chord diagrams
1223 @funindex FretBoards
1224 @funindex stringTunings
1226 Fret diagrams can be displayed using the @code{FretBoards} context. By
1227 default, the @code{FretBoards} context will display fret diagrams that
1228 are stored in a lookup table:
1230 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1231 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1239 The default predefined fret diagrams are contained in the file
1240 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}. Fret diagrams are
1241 stored based on the pitches of a chord and the value of
1242 @code{stringTunings} that is currently in use.
1243 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly} contains predefined
1244 fret diagrams only for @code{guitar-tuning}. Predefined fret
1245 diagrams can be added for other instruments or other tunings
1246 by following the examples found in
1247 @file{predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}.
1249 Fret diagrams for the ukulele are contained in the file @*
1250 @file{predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}.
1252 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1253 \include "predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly"
1255 myChords = \chordmode { a1 a:m a:aug }
1262 \set Staff.stringTunings = #ukulele-tuning
1267 Fret diagrams for the mandolin are contained in the file @*
1268 @file{predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1270 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1271 \include "predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly"
1273 myChords = \chordmode { c1 c:m7.5- c:aug }
1280 \set Staff.stringTunings = #mandolin-tuning
1285 Chord pitches can be entered
1286 either as simultaneous music or using chord mode (see
1287 @ref{Chord mode overview}).
1289 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right,quote]
1290 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1297 @cindex chord names with fret diagrams
1298 @cindex fret diagrams with chord names
1300 @funindex ChordNames
1302 @funindex \chordmode
1304 It is common that both chord names and fret diagrams are displayed together.
1305 This is achieved by putting a @code{ChordNames} context in parallel with
1306 a @code{FretBoards} context and giving both contexts the same music.
1308 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1309 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1310 mychords = \chordmode{
1324 @cindex transposing fret diagrams
1325 @cindex fret diagrams, transposing
1326 @cindex diagrams, fret, transposing
1328 Predefined fret diagrams are transposable, as long as a diagram for the
1329 transposed chord is stored in the fret diagram table.
1331 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1332 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1333 mychords = \chordmode{
1339 \transpose c e { \mychords }
1352 The predefined fret diagram table for guitar contains eight chords (major, minor,
1353 augmented, diminished, dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant ninth)
1354 for each of 17 keys.
1355 The predefined fret diagram table for ukulele contains these chords
1356 plus an additional three chords (major sixth, suspended second, and
1358 A complete list of the predefined fret diagrams is
1359 shown in @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}. If there is no entry in
1360 the table for a chord, the FretBoards engraver will calculate a
1361 fret-diagram using the automatic fret diagram functionality described in
1362 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams}.
1364 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1365 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1366 mychords = \chordmode{
1380 @cindex fret diagrams, adding custom
1381 @cindex custom fret diagrams, adding
1382 @cindex adding custom fret diagrams
1384 Fret diagrams can be added to the fret diagram table. To add a diagram,
1385 you must specify the hash table for the diagram, the chord for the
1386 diagram, the tuning to be used, and
1387 a definition for the diagram. Normally, the hash table will be
1388 @var{default-fret-table}. The diagram definition can be either a
1389 fret-diagram-terse definition string or a fret-diagram-verbose
1392 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1393 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1395 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1396 \chordmode { c:maj9 }
1400 mychords = \chordmode {
1414 Different fret diagrams for the same chord name can be stored using different
1415 octaves of pitches. The different octave should be at least two octaves
1416 above or below the default octave, because the octaves above and below the
1417 default octave are used for transposing fretboards.
1419 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1420 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1422 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1425 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'bes guitar-tuning))
1427 mychords = \chordmode {
1441 @cindex fretted instruments, chord shapes
1442 @cindex chord shapes for fretted instruments
1444 @funindex \addChordShape
1445 @funindex addChordShape
1446 @funindex storePredefinedDiagram
1447 @funindex \storePredefinedDiagram
1449 In addition to fret diagrams, LilyPond stores an internal list of chord
1450 shapes. The chord shapes are fret diagrams that can be shifted along
1451 the neck to different positions to provide different chords. Chord
1452 shapes can be added to the internal list and then used to define
1453 predefined fret diagrams. Because they can be moved to various
1454 positions on the neck, chord shapes will normally not contain
1455 any open strings. Like fret diagrams, chord shapes can be
1456 entered as either fret-diagram-terse strings or fret-diagram-verbose
1459 @lilypond[verbatim, ragged-right, quote]
1460 \include "predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly"
1462 % Add a new chord shape
1464 \addChordShape #'powerf #guitar-tuning #"1-1;3-3;3-4;x;x;x;"
1466 % add some new chords based on the power chord shape
1468 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1471 #(chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning)
1472 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1475 #(offset-fret 2 (chord-shape 'powerf guitar-tuning))
1477 mychords = \chordmode{
1491 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1492 user preference through the properties of the
1493 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1494 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a predefined fret diagram,
1495 the interface properties belong to @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1499 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1500 {customizing-fretboard-fret-diagrams.ly}
1502 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1503 {defining-predefined-fretboards-for-other-instruments.ly}
1505 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle,ragged-right]
1506 {chordchanges-for-fretboards.ly}
1508 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1509 {fretboards-alternate-tables.ly}
1513 @ref{Custom tablatures},
1514 @ref{Automatic fret diagrams},
1515 @ref{Chord mode overview},
1516 @ref{Predefined fretboard diagrams}.
1519 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-fretboards.ly}, @*
1520 @file{ly/predefined-guitar-ninth-fretboards.ly}, @*
1521 @file{ly/predefined-ukulele-fretboards.ly}, @*
1522 @file{ly/predefined-mandolin-fretboards.ly}.
1525 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1527 Internals Reference:
1528 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1531 @node Automatic fret diagrams
1532 @unnumberedsubsubsec Automatic fret diagrams
1534 @cindex fret diagrams, automatic
1535 @cindex chord diagrams, automatic
1536 @cindex automatic fret diagrams
1537 @cindex automatic chord diagrams
1539 Fret diagrams can be automatically created from entered notes using the
1540 @code{FretBoards} context. If no predefined diagram is available for
1541 the entered notes in the active @code{stringTunings}, this context
1542 calculates strings and frets that can be used to play the notes.
1544 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1563 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOff
1564 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOff
1565 @funindex predefinedFretboardsOn
1566 @funindex \predefinedFretboardsOn
1568 As no predefined diagrams are loaded by default, automatic calculation
1569 of fret diagrams is the default behavior. Once default diagrams are
1570 loaded, automatic calculation can be enabled and disabled with predefined
1573 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1575 \storePredefinedDiagram #default-fret-table
1578 #"x;3-1-(;5-2;5-3;5-4;3-1-1-);"
1587 \predefinedFretboardsOff
1589 \predefinedFretboardsOn
1603 Sometimes the fretboard calculator will be unable to find
1604 an acceptable diagram. This can often be remedied by
1605 manually assigning a note to a string. In many cases, only one
1606 note need be manually placed on a string; the rest of
1607 the notes will then be placed appropriately by the
1608 @code{FretBoards} context.
1610 @cindex fret diagrams, adding fingerings
1611 @cindex fingerings, adding to fret diagrams
1613 Fingerings can be added to FretBoard fret diagrams.
1615 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1623 <c-3 e-2 g c'-1 e'>1
1634 @funindex minimumFret
1636 The minimum fret to be used in calculating strings and frets for
1637 the FretBoard context can be set with the @code{minimumFret}
1640 @lilypond[quote, verbatim]
1649 \set FretBoards.minimumFret = #5
1660 The strings and frets for the @code{FretBoards} context depend
1661 on the @code{stringTunings} property, which has the same meaning
1662 as in the TabStaff context. See @ref{Custom tablatures} for
1663 information on the @code{stringTunings} property.
1665 The graphical layout of a fret diagram can be customized according to
1666 user preference through the properties of the
1667 @code{fret-diagram-interface}. Details are found at
1668 @rinternals{fret-diagram-interface}. For a @code{FretBoards} fret
1669 diagram, the interface properties belong to
1670 @code{FretBoards.FretBoard}.
1674 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOff},
1675 @code{\predefinedFretboardsOn}.
1680 @ref{Custom tablatures}.
1683 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1685 Internals Reference:
1686 @rinternals {fret-diagram-interface}.
1689 Automatic fretboard calculations do not work properly for instruments
1690 with non-monotonic tunings.
1693 @node Right-hand fingerings
1694 @unnumberedsubsubsec Right-hand fingerings
1696 @cindex fretted instruments, right hand fingerings
1697 @cindex fingerings, right hand for fretted instruments
1698 @cindex right hand fingerings for fretted instruments
1700 @funindex rightHandFinger
1701 @funindex \rightHandFinger
1703 Right-hand fingerings @var{p-i-m-a} must be entered using
1704 @code{\rightHandFinger} followed by a number.
1706 @warning{If the number is entered in Scheme notation, remember to append
1707 a space before following it with a closing @code{>} or similar.}
1709 @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment]
1711 c4\rightHandFinger #1
1712 e\rightHandFinger #2
1713 g\rightHandFinger #3
1714 c'\rightHandFinger #4
1715 <c\rightHandFinger #1 e\rightHandFinger #2
1716 g\rightHandFinger #3 c'\rightHandFinger #4 >1
1719 For convenience, you can abbreviate @code{\rightHandFinger} to something
1720 short, for example @code{RH},
1729 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1730 {placement-of-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1732 @lilypondfile[verbatim,quote,texidoc,doctitle]
1733 {fingerings,-string-indications,-and-right-hand-fingerings.ly}
1737 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1739 Internals Reference:
1740 @rinternals{StrokeFinger}.
1746 Most of the notational issues associated with guitar music are
1747 covered sufficiently in the general fretted strings section, but there
1748 are a few more worth covering here. Occasionally users want to
1749 create songbook-type documents having only lyrics with chord
1750 indications above them. Since LilyPond is a music typesetter,
1751 it is not recommended for documents that have no music notation
1752 in them. A better alternative is a word processor, text editor,
1753 or, for experienced users, a typesetter like GuitarTeX.
1756 * Indicating position and barring::
1757 * Indicating harmonics and dampened notes::
1758 * Indicating power chords::
1761 @node Indicating position and barring
1762 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating position and barring
1764 @cindex indicating position and barring for fretted instruments
1765 @cindex fretted instruments, indicating position and barring
1767 This example demonstrates how to include guitar position and
1768 barring indications.
1770 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim,fragment]
1775 \override TextSpanner.bound-details.left.text = #"XII "
1777 b16 e g e b g\stopTextSpan
1784 @ref{Text spanners}.
1787 @rlsr{Fretted strings},
1788 @rlsr{Expressive marks}.
1791 @node Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1792 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating harmonics and dampened notes
1794 @cindex fretted instruments, dampened notes
1795 @cindex fretted instruments, harmonics
1796 @cindex dampened notes on fretted instruments
1797 @cindex harmonics on fretted instruments
1799 Special note heads can be used to indicate dampened notes or
1800 harmonics. Harmonics are normally further explained with a
1803 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1806 \override Staff.NoteHead.style = #'harmonic-mixed
1807 d'^\markup { \italic { \fontsize #-2 { "harm. 12" }}} <g b>1
1811 Dampened notes (also called @notation{dead notes}) are supported
1812 within normal and tablature staves:
1814 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1816 < a\3 \deadNote c\2 a'\1 >4
1817 < b\3 \deadNote d\2 b'\1 >
1818 < c\3 \deadNote e\2 c'\1 >
1820 \tuplet 3/2 { g8 b e }
1835 Another playing technique (especially used on electric guitars) is
1836 called @notation{palm mute}. The string is hereby partly muted by the
1837 palm of the striking hand (hence the name). Lilypond supports
1838 the notation of palm mute-style notes by changing the note head to a
1841 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1842 \new Voice { % Warning: explicit Voice instantiation is
1843 % required to have palmMuteOff work properly
1844 % when palmMuteOn comes at the beginning of
1849 e8^\markup { \musicglyph #"noteheads.u2do" = palm mute }
1852 e e \palmMute e e e |
1853 e8 \palmMute { e e e } e e e e |
1854 < \palmMute e b' e >8 \palmMute { e e e } < \palmMute e b' e >2
1861 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1864 @ref{Special note heads},
1865 @ref{Note head styles}.
1868 @node Indicating power chords
1869 @unnumberedsubsubsec Indicating power chords
1871 @funindex powerChords
1872 @funindex \powerChords
1874 @cindex power chords
1875 @cindex chords, power
1877 Power chords and their symbols can be engraved in chord mode or as chord
1880 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1881 ChordsAndSymbols = {
1886 \set minimumFret = #8
1890 \set minimumFret = #5
1910 Power chord symbols are automatically switched off as soon as one of the
1911 other common chord modifier is used:
1913 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1914 mixedChords = \chordmode {
1939 @rglos{power chord}.
1942 @ref{Extended and altered chords},
1943 @ref{Printing chord names}.
1946 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.
1953 * Banjo tablatures::
1956 @node Banjo tablatures
1957 @unnumberedsubsubsec Banjo tablatures
1959 @cindex banjo tablatures
1960 @cindex tablature, banjo
1962 LilyPond has basic support for the five-string banjo. When making tablatures
1963 for five-string banjo, use the banjo tablature format function to get
1964 correct fret numbers for the fifth string:
1966 @c due to crazy intervals of banjo music, absolute pitch is recommended
1968 @lilypond[quote,ragged-right,verbatim]
1970 g8 d' g'\5 a b g e d' |
1971 g4 d''8\5 b' a'\2 g'\5 e'\2 d' |
1976 \new Staff \with { \omit StringNumber }
1977 { \clef "treble_8" \music }
1978 \new TabStaff \with {
1979 tablatureFormat = #fret-number-tablature-format-banjo
1980 stringTunings = #banjo-open-g-tuning
1986 @cindex banjo tunings
1987 @cindex tunings, banjo
1989 @funindex banjo-c-tuning
1990 @funindex banjo-modal-tuning
1991 @funindex banjo-open-d-tuning
1992 @funindex banjo-open-dm-tuning
1993 @funindex four-string-banjo
1995 A number of common tunings for the five-string banjo are predefined:
1996 @code{banjo-c-tuning} (gCGBD), @code{banjo-modal-tuning} (gDGCD),
1997 @code{banjo-open-d-tuning} (aDF#AD) and @code{banjo-open-dm-tuning}
2000 These may be converted to four-string tunings using the
2001 @code{four-string-banjo} function:
2004 \set TabStaff.stringTunings = #(four-string-banjo banjo-c-tuning)
2009 @file{ly/string-tunings-init.ly}.
2012 @rlsr{Fretted strings}.