Lilypond cheat sheet

Basic notation

Note notation: [note][duration]
- Note can be a to g, or r for rest.
  - s suffix for sharp, f for flat.
  - ' suffix for an octave up, , for an octave down.
- Duration can be 1, 2, 4, 8, etc.
  - . suffix works.
  - When duration is not specified, the last one is used.
~ for a tie, ( opens a slur, ) closes a slur.
Chords are enclosed in < >.
Add a | at the end of a bar for validation.
Lyrics notation: separate syllables with -- (including spaces).
Chord notation: [note][duration]:[modifier]/[bass], e.g. fs8:maj7/as. Modifiers:
- m
- 7
- maj7
- m7
- aug
- dim
- m7.5-
- m7+ (minor major seventh)
- More exotic ones: 7sus4, 11, 13.11, 13.9-, 6, 7.5-, 7.9, 7.9-, 7.9+, 9, maj9, m6, m7+.5-, m9, m13

Tips and tricks

Triplets: \tuplet 3/2 { }
Second voice: << { } \new Voice {\voiceTwo } >>
Pick-up bar: \partial 4 in the global section
Repeat: \repeat volta 2 { }
- With alternative endings: \repeat volta 2 { } \alternative { { } { } }
Transposition: \transpose c f in the \score section
Grace notes: \appoggiatura { } for a non-slashed stem, \acciaccatura { } for a slashed stem. More options
Staccato: -.
Things you can use inline:
- \tempo ""
- \time 3/4
- \key f \minor
- \fermata
- \segno
- \coda
- \arpeggio (after the chord)
- \stemUp/\stemDown (before the notes)
Bars:
- \bar "||"
- \bar "|."
- \bar ":|."
- All the rest
Time signature as 4/4 instead of C symbol: \numericTimeSignature in the global section