SAMPLE ABC FILE

X: 021996 % [All ABC files are required to have an X: field followed by a number. This identifies the file as an ABC file for the translation programs. The X: field must be first in the header.]
T: Breeze Across the Lake % [T: field = tune title; there can be more than one T: field in a file]
N: 123 % [N: = note, commentary, historical material, alternate file number, etc etc. H: serves the same function]
C: BB % [C: field = composer]
D: "Music's the Very Best Thing", Lumcloon Ceili Band 2007  % [D = discography]
N: Second tune of "Sandy's Jig Set" % [see note on N: above]
L: 1/8 % [L: = basic note unit for the piece; could be 1/4 or 1/16, but 1/8 is the default for dance music]
M: 6/8 % [M: = meter = time signature]
R: jig % [R: = tune type; also calls up "stress programs" if the translator is equipped with them]
Q: 1/8=320 % [Q: = tempo = 'mm' in printed music]
K: G [K: = key. Must be the last entry in the header, right before the notation.]
D | "G"G2B d^cd | "Em"edB "G"d2B | "F"cBA =FEF | "Dm"D=FA "F"cBA |
% [letters in quotation marks are chords; | are bar lines; ^ is sharp, = natural]
"G"G2B d^cd | "Em"edB "D"def | "G"gdB "D7"ABc | "G"BGF G2 :| % [:| = repeat bar line]
e|"G"gfg dcB | "G"gfg dcB | "F"=fef cBA | "F"=fef cBA |
"G"gfg dcB | "G"GBd "F"=fef | "G"gdB "D7"ABc |"G"BGF G2 :|
% [Capital letters represent notes from middle C to B in the staff; lower case is staff C to B above;
below middle C, letter is followed by a comma; above high B, note is followed by an apostrophe.]
% [Accidentals: _ is a flat, =is a natural, ^ is a sharp.]