Formatting Songsheets Using Chordpro
I prepare my ukulele arrangements in chordpro format, and create songbooks using Songsheet Generator. Recent versions of the software have a ukulele mode which allow four-string chords to be printed, rather than the usual six. To get this to work, check the "Ukulele mode" box under "Options -> Chords/Grids". I put together a database of ukulele chords for use with the program. To install:
- Download chordrc file. Right click and "Save File As..."
- For PCs running Windows, move the file to '%APPDATA%/Ten by Ten/chordrc'.
- For Macs, rename the file to 'com.tenbyten.SG02.chordc', and move it to 'Library/Preferences' in your home folder.
In my workshops I've been using Songsheet Generator's full-screen display mode. The formatting options can be tailored separately for print and screen display. This allows me to project the chords and lyrics from the same document that generates printed songs. Neat!
The ChordPro format dates back to about 1991 where it was used in the unix shareware program "chord", developed by Martin Leclerc and Mario Dorion. The format is used by many software packages for formatting and printing guitar lyrics. There are many tools around for converting to PDF, postscript, HTML, etc.
Here is a summary of the elements of ChordPro syntax. A simple example:
{title: If I Had Words}
{subtitle: Johnathan Hodge}
[G]If [D]I [G]had [Em]words [D]to [G]make a [C]day for [G]you,
[G]I'd [Em]sing [Am]you [E7]a [Am]mor[D]ning [G]golden and [D]new
[G]I [D]would [G]make [Em]this [D]day [G]last for [C]all [B]time
[C]Give [Am]you [E7]a [Am]night deep in [G]moon[D][C]shine