LilyPond Notation Reference: 5.4.1 Input modes

### 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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