Articulation: Staccato, Legato & Accents
The exact same four notes can sound completely different depending on how they're articulated. Pick a style below and hear the same phrase played four different ways.
What articulation controls
While dynamics control how loud a note is, articulation controls how a note starts, ends, and connects to its neighbors. Small marks placed directly on or near the note head tell the performer exactly how to shape it.
The four you'll see most
| Mark | Symbol | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Legato | Slur (curved line over notes) | Smooth and connected — no gap between notes |
| Staccato | Dot above/below note head | Short and detached — cut off early, with silence after |
| Tenuto | Short horizontal line | Full value, held firmly — slightly emphasized |
| Accent | Wedge (>) above/below note head | A sharp, punchy attack — noticeably louder onset |
Common questions
What is staccato?
Playing a note short and detached, cut off before its full value, marked with a dot above or below the note head.
What is legato?
Playing notes smoothly connected with no gap, usually marked with a curved slur over the notes.
What does an accent mark mean?
A wedge (>) telling the performer to hit that note noticeably harder than its neighbors.
What is tenuto?
A short line meaning to hold the note for its full value or slightly beyond, giving it firm weight.
Play every articulation accurately
Melody Monkey shows you exactly how a phrase should be shaped — free to try.
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