reCatholic Chant

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Writing GABC

gabc is the text format behind GregoBase, Gregorio, and this app. Learn file structure, pitch letters, neume groups, lyrics alignment, and common syntax errors.

Text-based notation GregoBase compatible For transcribers

In preparation

This tutorial will teach gabc syntax from scratch — the same format used in the editor and stored in the library. You should be able to read square notation first; see Reading Square Notation.

Planned outline

  1. What is gabc? — Text format for Gregorian chant; Gregorio ecosystem.
  2. File structure — Header fields, %% separator, body.
  3. Clefs and pitch letters — (c4), a–n relative pitches.
  4. Neumes in gabc — Parentheses groups: podatus, clivis, torculus, mora, ictus.
  5. Lyrics and alignment — Syllables under neumes, hyphens, asterisk repeats.
  6. Divisions and bars — (,) (;) (:) (::).
  7. Rhythm signs — . ' _; link to arsis/thesis.
  8. Headers and metadata — name, mode, book, source.
  9. Common errors — Missing clef, syllable mismatch, unclosed groups.
  10. Round trip — Import, render, export; link to editor tutorial.

Prerequisites

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