The expressive control of volume—loudness and softness in music—is called dynamics. Dynamics help shape the emotional expressiveness of music. For example, an increase in volume may create excitement. A decrease in volume may suggest relaxation.
Dynamic Symbols
Here are the basic dynamic terms and abbreviations from very soft to very loud:
pianissimo or pp (very soft)
piano or p (soft)
mezzo piano or mp (medium soft)
mezzo forte or mf (medium loud)
forte or f (loud)
fortissimo or ff (very loud)
Terms for gradual changes in dynamics are crescendo, decrescendo and diminuendo. Crescendo is a gradual increase in volume whereas decrescendo and diminuendo indicate a gradual decrease in volume. These terms are often abbreviated in musical scores:
crescendo or cresc. (gradually louder)
decrescendo or decresc. (gradually softer)
diminuendo or dim. (gradually softer)
Crescendo and decrescendo may also be written as large greater than (<) and less than (>) symbols, sometimes called hairpins. Hairpins are a visual representation of how to perform a crescendo or decrescendo.
Hairpins | Greater than symbol = crescendo | Less than symbol = decrescendo
Accent Symbol
A small less than symbol (>) placed over or under a single notes indicates an accent: play that note louder than surrounding notes.
Accent Symbol | The fourth note in each measure is accented (accent in red).
Practicing Dynamics
Use of dynamics makes you a more expressive musician!
Learn the mechanics of a solo first.
Add dynamics during the refining stages of practicing.
Dynamics are used to underline the emotional content and phrasing of a piece. Other dynamic interpretations are possible, and even a small amount of dynamic expressiveness is better than none at all.
Study Tips
Arpeggio Pattern
Prelude in E Minor by Matteo Carcassi (1792-1853) is a triple meter arpeggio piece based on the P-i-m-a-i-m pattern.
Prelude in E Minor | Matteo Carcassi | Peter Kun Frary
P-i-m-a-i-m Arpeggio | Practice this pattern on the open strings before playing Prelude in E Minor.
Implied Chords
We learned earlier in this course that arpeggio technique is based on holding a chord while executing a right-hand pattern such as P-i-m-a-i-m.
When arpeggios are written in music notation, they are presented in timeline form, i.e., one note at a time. You must read ahead to "see" implied chord shapes. Once you know what the implied chord is, you simply hold the chord shape and play p-i-m-a-i-m in each measure of Prelude.
How do you know what the chord shape is? For example, combine all the notes in measure 3 and you'll see a D7 chord (with E in the bass). With experience, you'll recognize common chords written on the staff and tablature.
Implied Chords | The surrounding arpeggio notes form a chord shape.
Prelude mostly uses one chord shape per measure. In some cases, measures 3 to 5, the same chord is used for two or more measures.
Bring out Melody
Although Prelude in E Minor is based on the p-i-m-a-i-m pattern, it is not a mere arpeggio accompaniment. The fourth note of each arpeggio—highest pitch in the measure—is an implied melody note. Pluck this note a little louder than the other arpeggio notes. Also, the thumb strokes on the downbeat create a bass line.
Pay attention to the key signature: all F notes should be sharp unless canceled by a natural. Finally, Prelude is at its best in a moderato tempo.
Ritardando
A ritardando—gradual slowing of tempo—may be used at the end of a piece for a dramatic finish. Ritardando use is often left to the discretion of the performer but, if indicated, is abbreviated as rit. Normally the ritardando begins in the second to last measure. In my video, a ritardando is used in the final measure of Prelude in E Minor. It is your choice whether or not to use a ritardando.
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Dynamics
Practicing Dynamics
Study Tips
Arpeggio Pattern
Implied Chords
Bring out Melody
Ritardando
