Articulation Markings
Symbols placed above or below notes to indicate how they should be attacked, sustained, or released.
Category
notation
Pronunciation
/ɑːˌtɪkjʊˈleɪʃən ˈmɑːkɪŋz/
Origin
Latin (articulatio)
Length
182 words · 1 min read
About Articulation Markings
Articulation markings are the notation symbols that tell performers exactly how to shape each note's beginning, duration, and ending. The most common markings include the staccato dot (short and detached), the tenuto line (held for full value), the accent (extra emphasis on the attack), the marcato wedge (a stronger accent), and the fermata (hold beyond written value).
More notation terms
Score
View all notationterms →A written document showing all parts of a musical composition aligned vertically on the page
Dynamic MarkingA symbol or abbreviation indicating the volume at which music should be played, from very soft to very loud.
Repeat SignA pair of dots and double barlines that instruct the performer to replay a section of music.
RestA notated period of silence of a specified duration.
StaffThe set of five horizontal lines and four spaces on which musical notes are written.
See Also
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →