pizzicato

articulationpit-sih-KAH-tohfrom Italian

A technique where strings are plucked with the fingers instead of bowed.

In Depth

Pizzicato (abbreviated pizz.) instructs string players to pluck the strings with their fingers rather than using the bow. The resulting sound is short, percussive, and quite different from the sustained, singing tone of bowed playing. Pizzicato passages add rhythmic energy and textural variety to string writing. There are several types of pizzicato beyond the basic technique. Left-hand pizzicato, indicated by a plus sign, allows the player to pluck with the fretting hand while continuing to bow. Bartók pizzicato (snap pizzicato) involves pulling the string vertically and releasing it so it snaps against the fingerboard with a sharp crack. The pizzicato movement from Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 is performed entirely without bows.
Did you know?

The entire fourth movement of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 is played pizzicato by the strings — every single note is plucked, not bowed. The effect is both playful and eerie.

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staccatissimo

An extreme form of staccato, indicating notes should be played as short and detached as possible.

trill explained

A rapid alternation between a written note and the note above it, creating a shimmering ornamental effect

portato

Between legato and staccato; notes slightly separated but not as short as staccato.

turn explained

An ornament consisting of four notes: the note above, the main note, the note below, and the main note again

trill

A rapid alternation between a note and the note above it.

spiccato

A bowing technique where the bow bounces lightly off the string.

appoggiatura

A grace note that takes time from the following main note, creating a brief dissonance.

grace note

A small ornamental note played quickly before or after a main note.

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