Re: Layout chord diagrams

Thanks Simon for the mods and ref to docs.  Code is way easier to read
too.  ++


On Mon, 10 Aug 2026 at 18:01, Simon Albrecht <[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi Nel,
>
> On 10/08/2026 17:55, Lee wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > I've been trying to use Lily to produce guitar chord diagrams - both
> > left and right.
> >
> > I'm pretty much there but wondered what is the best way to add spacing
> > between the chord rows and include text centred : Right above the
> > second chord row.
> >
> > It's quite a big file hence attached.
> >
> > I've had a play with markup with no joy.
>
> You can’t use methods for \markup because this is inside of one \score
> {}. So you need “Flexible vertical spacing paper variables”, which is
> explained in Notation Reference 26.4. The basic introduction in Learning
> Manual 5.6 only covers spacing within systems, which would matter if you
> wanted more space between the tabs and chord names.
>
> I have attached your file with a suggestion for this, and I’ve taken the
> liberty of suggesting a few more changes, mostly to make the file easier
> to read according to standards in the community.
>
> The \set majorSevenSymbol command is only needed once, it persists. You
> could even move this to a layout block, as well as the hiding of the bar
> numbers, which I have also demonstrated.
>
> I would recommend not to abbreviate the \override command, since it is a
> very basic construct. For example if you use Frescobaldi or another
> editor with syntax highlighting, it will understand to show it in the
> right way.
>
> HTH (Hope that helps),
> Simon