acciaccatura explained
A very short ornamental note played as quickly as possible before the main note, taking no perceptible time
In Depth
Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas contain hundreds of acciaccaturas that imitate the rasgueado strumming technique of Spanish guitar.
Related Terms
More in Articulation
Browse allA stress or emphasis placed on a particular note.
A very short grace note played as quickly as possible before the main note.
A grace note that takes time from the following main note, creating a brief dissonance.
An ornamental note that falls on the beat, creating a dissonance that resolves by step to the main note
An instruction to return to bowing after a pizzicato passage.
Symbols placed above or below notes to indicate how they should be attacked, sustained, and released
Separate bow strokes for each note, but without the shortness of staccato.
A pause sign indicating a note or rest should be held beyond its normal value.