What is Articulation?

Articulation tells musicians how individual notes should be played.

Common Articulations

Staccato

Symbol:

•

Meaning:

Play notes short and detached.

Example:

C • D • E • F •

Legato

Symbol: 

Curved line (slur)

Meaning:

Play notes smoothly and connected.

Accent

Symbol: >

Meaning:

Emphasize a note.

The note should sound stronger than surrounding notes.