unexpected digit with tied chords

[Jay Hamilton, Sound and Silence]

I'm getting an error message
syntax error, unexpected DIGIT, expecting DRUM_PITCH or NOTENAME_PITCH 
or '>'
a8 ges d2 <a

but I have entered
a8 ges d2 <a4 c> ~
\time 7/4
<a2. c> {(a2 bes)\\ d1}

2.6.1 windows

I've tried spacing and different ways of entering the material but 
nothing seems to get rid of the error.
Jay

--
Childhood is a Journey not a race- Emma Sadinsky aged 8
Jay Hamilton
Sound and Silence
206-328-7694
www.soundand.com