In these Lilypond diads and triads, why do the final chords contain the wrong notes in the bass?

Question

Why does the last chord in both of the following \score blocks not display the correct note in the bass? In the dyad, the last chord should have D in the bass. In the triad, the last chord should have F in the bass. Instead, both chords are displaying the same as the first chord in their respective \score blocks.

Diads and Triads

\version "2.14.2"
\book {
\header {
  title = \markup \center-column {"Dyad, Triad Permutations"}
  arranger =  \markup \center-column { "Sean O'Donnell" }
}
  \score {
    \relative {
      <bes d>1
      <d bes>
    } 
  }
  \score {
    \relative {
      <bes d f>1
      <bes f d>
      <d bes f>
      <d f bes>
      <f bes d>
      <f d bes>
    }

  }
}

Please note that I do not want to use \chordmode to solve this problem. — seanreads, Oct 21 '12 at 21:42

sonicwizard · Accepted Answer · 2012-10-23T04:10:30.243

You have to specify the octave relative to current notes. You can do so by using the comma (,) (to go lower) and an apostrophe (') (to go higher). So, in the first example, relative to the chord before you need to drop the D down an octave (and then bring the Bb back up). Likewise in the other chord, drop the F and bring the D back up. See the follow code to achieve what you want...

enter image description here

\version "2.14.2"
\book {
\header {
  title = \markup \center-column {"Dyad, Triad Permutations"}
  arranger =  \markup \center-column { "Sean O'Donnell" }
}
  \score {
    \relative {
      <bes d>1
      <d, bes'>
    } 
  }
  \score {
    \relative {
      <bes d f>1
      <bes f d>
      <d bes f>
      <d f bes>
      <f bes d>
      <f, d' bes>
    }

  }
}

To fully understand how note positioning works in \relative mode, please see the Pitches section of the manual here:

http://lilypond.org/doc/v2.12/Documentation/user/lilypond-learning/Simple-notation#Simple-notation

which states:

The easiest way to enter notes is by using \relative mode. In this mode, the octave is chosen automatically by assuming the following note is always to be placed closest to the previous note, i.e., it is to be placed in the octave which is within three staff spaces of the previous note.

[...]

By adding (or removing) quotes ' or commas , from the \relative c' { command, we can change the starting octave

[...]

Relative mode can be confusing initially, but is the easiest way to enter most melodies.

The manual page also shows code examples of working in \relative mode.

Thanks for your extensive explanation. Every time I *think* I understand relative mode, I find out that I am still getting it. Your solution has helped me grasp better. Much thanks! — seanreads, Oct 23 '12 at 14:45

In these Lilypond diads and triads, why do the final chords contain the wrong notes in the bass?

1 Answers1