Some other signs that may appear on sheet music refer to specific techniques. For example, on the piano we can have:
Legato
Legato indicates that you should play the notes well connected, holding one until the beginning of the other. It conveys the sensation of a continuous sound.
Trill
Trill indicates that you must play a very fast repetition between the note that is written on the sheet music and the note located a semitone or a whole tone above it.
Ligature
Ligature joins identical notes. In practice, you will add the time of the notes that the line is joining, playing them as if they were one.
Appoggiatura
The small note on the side is played very quickly, almost along with the large note. It is an “ornament”, a small garnish.
Note: On the guitar, the symbols used for the techniques are similar to those used in tabs, so we will not repeat them here.
Go to: Chords and Arpeggios in sheet music
Back to: Sheet music guide
