What does fp mean in music?

In music, "fp" stands for "forte piano", which means "loud then soft". It is a musical direction indicating that a note or passage should be played loudly, followed immediately by a softer dynamic. This effect can be achieved by accenting the note or passage, and then quickly reducing the volume.

The term "forte piano" is derived from the Italian words for "loud" and "soft". It is often used in conjunction with other dynamic markings, such as "ff" (fortissimo, very loud) and "pp" (pianissimo, very soft).

"Fp" is a common dynamic marking in classical music, and can be found in works by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. It is also used in jazz and other contemporary genres of music.

In addition to its use as a dynamic marking, "fp" can also be used as an abbreviation for "fingerpicking", a guitar technique that involves plucking the strings of the guitar with the fingers rather than a pick.