Pizzicato
Plucked with the finger rather than bowed.
Category
articulation
Pronunciation
pih-tsih-KAH-toh
Origin
Italian
Length
82 words · 1 min read
About Pizzicato
Pizzicato, abbreviated "pizz.," is a string technique where the player plucks the string with the fingertip instead of using the bow. It produces a short, percussive tone quite different from the sustained sound of bowing.
More articulation terms
Sul tasto
View all articulationterms →On the fingerboard; bowing over the fingerboard for a soft tone.
MarcatoMarked; each note played with strong emphasis.
SordamenteA direction to play in a muted, dampened manner, suppressing the natural resonance of the instrument.
PesanteHeavily, with weight.
TratteggiatoAn articulation marking indicating short, detached strokes drawn lightly across the string.
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →