The <chord> element

Parent element: <note>

The chord element indicates that this note is an additional chord tone with the preceding note.

The duration of a chord note does not move the musical position within a measure. That is done by the duration of the first preceding note without a chord element. Thus the duration of a chord note cannot be longer than the preceding note.

In most cases the duration will be the same as the preceding note. However it can be shorter in situations such as multiple stops for string instruments.