The root type indicates a pitch like C, D, E vs. a scale degree like 1, 2, 3. It is used with chord symbols in popular music. The root element has a root-step and optional root-alter element similar to the step and alter elements, but renamed to distinguish the different musical meanings.
The
<root>element.The root type indicates a pitch like C, D, E vs. a scale degree like 1, 2, 3. It is used with chord symbols in popular music. The root element has a root-step and optional root-alter element similar to the step and alter elements, but renamed to distinguish the different musical meanings.
See
https://www.w3.org/2021/06/musicxml40/musicxml-reference/elements/root/