GuitarTeX2 (often run via the gtx2tex command line filter) is an open-source graphical tool designed to convert standard ChordPro text files into high-quality, professional LaTeX documents. It automates the tedious task of positioning guitar chords perfectly above lyrics and can dynamically generate chord diagrams and songbooks. 1. Writing Chord Sheets (The Syntax)
GuitarTeX2 reads plain text files written in the widely accepted ChordPro format. You do not type chords above the text manually; instead, you embed them directly into the lyrics using brackets [ ].
Chords Inline: Place the chord directly before the syllable where the chord change happens.
Directives: Use instructions wrapped in curly braces { } to control metadata and song structure. Basic File Example (song.chopro)
{title: Amazing Grace} {subtitle: Traditional Hymn} {start_of_verse} Amazing [G]grace, how [C]sweet the [G]sound That saved a [G]wretch like [D7]me! I [G]once was lost, but [C]now am [G]found; Was blind, but [G]now [D7]I [G]see. {end_of_verse} Use code with caution. 2. Formatting Options
GuitarTeX2 provides special configuration parameters and directives to heavily customize your songbook layout.
Structure Markers: Use {start_of_chorus} (soc) and {end_of_chorus} (eoc) to automatically indent and format chorus blocks visually so they stand out from verses.
Page Geometry: You can configure custom page margins and dimensions using the {geometry: …} directive in your file or via your local guitartex.conf file.
Custom Chord Definitions: If you are using an unusual chord, you can define the exact fingering layout at the top or bottom of your file using the define directive:{define: Cmaj7 base-fret 1 frets x 3 2 0 0 0}
Tablature Support: For instrumental riffs, wrap the lines in {start_of_tab} (sot) and {end_of_tab} (eot). GuitarTeX2 handles these sections with its own built-in tablature rendering engine to bypass messy ASCII layouts. 3. Processing and Printing
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