Lilypond v2.19 - How do I overlap noteheads?

Question

I would like to have the notes overlap each other, so that only the stems are turned upward.

Here is the lilybin link http://lilybin.com/fr648f/1

Answer 1

The fix is to use \mergeDifferentlyDottedOn.

\version "2.19.55"
\score{
  {
    \time 2/4
    \relative c'' {
      \mergeDifferentlyDottedOn
      << {e16. f32 e e d16} \\ {e16 f e d c^5 b^3 c^5 e^0} >> 
    }
  }

  \layout{}
  \midi{}
}

Answer 2

Note: Consult the quicker, cleaner, and better fix in the other answer!

---

One fix here is to use LilyPond's \override NoteColumn.force-hshift = command as shown below. This moves the notehead your requested distance (0.5 here). And since we only want to move this single notehead, we'll precede this command with \once, or else all subsequent noteheads will also be moved that distance.

\version "2.19.55"
\score{
  {
    \time 2/4
    \relative c'' {
      <<
        {
          e16. f32 e e d16
        }
        \\
        { 
          %%% SEE FIX BELOW
          \once \override NoteColumn.force-hshift = 0.5 e16 f e d
        }
      >> 
     }
  }
  \layout { }
}