Carl,
I've read and absorbed the first two sections of the Notation reference
on chords and only have a few minor suggestions. Overall, the
documentation is very clear and easy to follow. I think these few
clarifications would avoid any confusion on the part of users who may
not be as familiar with chord notation.
Notation Reference 2.7.1
Common chords
The section beginning with "The table below shows..."
add "All alterations are based on a major triad (or Dominant 7th
chord if the 7th is present)"
somewhere in there. This will clarify the starting basis from which
all triad and 7th chord alterations are derived from a naming
standpoint.
m, m7 "This modifier lowers the..."
Change to "This modifier lowers the 3rd and (if desired) adds a 7th."
These two changes together will cause the example for 'maj, maj7' to
not be in conflict with the example for 'm, m7.' In the example for 'm,
m7,' you say that 'm7' will 'lower the 7th step.' Similarly in the
example for 'maj, maj7,' you say that either of those modifiers will add
a 'raised 7th step.' These two disagree with each other since they
appear to be operating on two different premises. Incidentally, this
will also make the example for 'dim, dim7' true as well, when if you
start with a dominant 7th (in this case, B-flat), then using the
modifier 'dim7' will actually lower the 7th degree (to B-double flat).
Also, this generally validates the way those of us who read lead sheets
think about chord naming--that alterations are named according to their
relationships to the dominant 7th chord. This also works for 9, 11 and
13 chords as well.
Notation Reference 2.7.2
Customizing chord names
The first paragraph beginning "There is no unique system..."
might be more descriptive if it read "There are many unique systems
for naming chords." -or- "There is no universally accepted
standard for naming chords."
I hope these suggestions are useful.
Also, I have some comments about the general behavior of chords
(placement, spacing, etc.) which I will post in a separate thread within
the next few days.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised by LilyPond's functionality with
regards to printing chords. Thanks to all who have worked to make this
functionality what it is and also to those who have made the
documentation so clear and easy to follow.
Regards,
Dave
Carl D. Sorensen wrote:
On 12/16/08 8:14 AM, "David Stocker" <dstoc...@thenotesetter.com> wrote:
Carl,
My confusion comes from not having a firm grasp on how LilyPond handles
chords. I'm only now exploring that functionality and I need to read the
manuals.
Please do read the notation reference on chords. Before I rewrote it, I
didn't understand about chords at all. I learned about them, and rewrote
the section. I think it explains everything, with examples to clarify.
I'm working on a project right now that involves using chord symbols and
expect to be at it for a couple days. If I find discrepancies in the
documentation or can suggest improvements, I'll try to do it as I work.
OK, I'll look forward to your comments. Even if you can't suggest
improvements, but only report on confusion, that would be helpful.
Thanks,
Carl
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