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5.4.1 Input modes

The way in which the notation contained within an input file is interpreted is determined by the current input mode.

Chord mode

This is activated with the \chordmode command, and causes input to be interpreted with the syntax of chord notation, see Chord notation. Chords are rendered as notes on a staff.

Chord mode is also activated with the \chords command. This also creates a new ChordNames context and causes the following input to be interpreted with the syntax of chord notation and rendered as chord names in the ChordNames context, see Printing chord names.

Drum mode

This is activated with the \drummode command, and causes input to be interpreted with the syntax of drum notation, see Basic percussion notation.

Drum mode is also activated with the \drums command. This also creates a new DrumStaff context and causes the following input to be interpreted with the syntax of drum notation and rendered as drum symbols on a drum staff, see Basic percussion notation.

Figure mode

This is activated with the \figuremode command, and causes input to be interpreted with the syntax of figured bass, see Entering figured bass.

Figure mode is also activated with the \figures command. This also creates a new FiguredBass context and causes the following input to be interpreted with the figured bass syntax and rendered as figured bass symbols in the FiguredBass context, see Introduction to figured bass.

Fret and tab modes

There are no special input modes for entering fret and tab symbols.

To create tab diagrams, enter notes or chords in note mode and render them in a TabStaff context, see Default tablatures.

To create fret diagrams above a staff, you have two choices. You can either use the FretBoards context (see Automatic fret diagrams or you can enter them as a markup above the notes using the \fret-diagram command (see Fret diagram markups).

Lyrics mode

This is activated with the \lyricmode command, and causes input to be interpreted as lyric syllables with optional durations and associated lyric modifiers, see Vocal music.

Lyric mode is also activated with the \addlyrics command. This also creates a new Lyrics context and an implicit \lyricsto command which associates the following lyrics with the preceding music.

Markup mode

This is activated with the \markup command, and causes input to be interpreted with the syntax of markup, see Text markup commands.

Note mode

This is the default mode or it may be activated with the \notemode command. Input is interpreted as pitches, durations, markup, etc and typeset as musical notation on a staff.

It is not normally necessary to specify note mode explicitly, but it may be useful to do so in certain situations, for example if you are in lyric mode, chord mode or any other mode and want to insert something that only can be done with note mode syntax.

For example, to indicate dynamic markings for the verses of a choral pieces it is necessary to enter note mode to interpret the markings:

{ c4 c4 c4 c4 }
\addlyrics {
  \notemode{\set stanza = \markup{ \dynamic f 1. } }
  To be sung loudly
}
\addlyrics {
  \notemode{\set stanza = \markup{ \dynamic p 2. } }
  To be sung quietly
}

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LilyPond — Notation Reference v2.18.2 (stable-branch).