Some useful lilypond input syntax

beam:  a8 [ b8 ]
slur:  c ( d e )
phrasing slur: c \( c ( d ) e \)
tie:  c4 ~ c4
chord:  < c e g >
spacer rests: s2 s4 s8
upstep:  \partial 4
triplets:  \times 2/3 { f g a }

Example Lilypond input file with four part harmony, chords, and lyrics

\version "2.10.33"

#(set-global-staff-size 19)
#(set-default-paper-size "letter")
#(ly:set-option 'point-and-click #f)

\header
{
   title = "Song Title"
   poet = "John Doe (1900-1975)"
   composer = "Fred Doe (1850-1919)"
   meter= "6.6.9.6.6.9.Ref."
   style = "Hymn"
   tagline = "Typeset with LilyPond - October 17, 2008"
}

voiceone =
{
   \key f \major
   \partial 4
   f'8 g'8
}

voicetwo =
{
   \key f \major
   \partial 4
   c'8 c'8
}

voicethree =
{
   \key f \major
   \partial 4
   a8 bes8
}

voicefour =
{
   \key f \major
   \partial 4
   f8 f8
}

verseOne = \lyricmode
{
   \set stanza = "1. "
   Verse one
}
verseTwo = \lyricmode
{
   \set stanza = "2. "
   Verse two
}
verseThree = \lyricmode
{
   \set stanza = "3. "
   Verse three
}
verseFour = \lyricmode
{
   \set stanza = "4. "
   Last verse
}


\score
{
   <<
      \override Score.MetronomeMark #'padding = #6
      \tempo 4=100
      \chords
      {
         \set chordChanges = ##t
         f2
      }
      \new Staff
      <<
         \clef treble
         \time 4/4
         \new Voice = "melody" { << \voiceone \voicetwo >> }
      >>

      \new Lyrics \lyricsto melody \verseOne
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto melody \verseTwo
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto melody \verseThree
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto melody \verseFour

      \new Staff
      <<
         \clef bass
         \new Voice { << \voicethree \voicefour >> }
      >>
   >>
   \layout {  }
   \midi  {  }
}