What is an articulation marking?

In Western musical notation, articulation markings (or, simply, articulations) are graphical symbols that indicate how a note or passage of music should be played. They are notated either below or directly above the note that they apply to. Articulations can indicate numerous attributes, such as the length, attack, release, pitch direction, and the way of joining notes. In this way, articulation marks are important for the interpretation of a musical piece.

Common articulation markings include:

- Staccato: A dot above or beneath the note indicates a short, detached note played separate from the next note.

- Tenuto: A horizontal line above the note, indicating that note should be held at full value

- Legato: A slur, an arch placed above or below a group of notes, indicating a smooth, connected articulation.

- Staccatissimo: A wedge-shape over a note, indicating a very short note, shorter than a staccato note.