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List of musical symbols facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Musical symbols are special marks and symbols used in musical notation. They tell musicians how to play a piece of music. These symbols give information about many things, like the pitch (how high or low a note is), duration (how long a note lasts), dynamics (how loud or soft to play), or how to play notes clearly (called articulation).

They also show the tempo (speed), metre (the beat), and form (if parts are repeated). Some symbols even explain specific ways to play, like which fingers or pedals to use, or if a string instrument should be bowed or plucked.

Lines on the Music Staff

Musical lines help us understand how music is written.

Music-staff
The five lines of a music staff
Staff

The staff (or stave) has five lines. It shows the pitch of notes. Each line or space stands for a note with a letter name: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. As you go up the staff, the notes go up in pitch and follow the alphabet. A clef is usually added to show which specific note goes on which line.

Music-ledger-edited
Ledger lines above and below the staff
Ledger lines

These are extra lines that appear above or below the staff. They are used when notes are too high or too low to fit on the main five lines. You can use one or many ledger lines.

Music-bar
A single bar line
Bar line

Bar lines divide music into measures (or "bars"). The time signature tells you how many beats are in each measure. Sometimes, bar lines go through several staffs to group instruments together, like in a grand staff for piano.

Music-doublebar
A double bar line
Double bar line

These lines show a change in the music. This could be a new section, a new key, or a new time signature.

Music-endbar
A bold double bar line
Bold double bar line

This thick double bar line means the end of a piece of music or a major part of it.

Music-dottedbar
A dotted bar line
Dotted bar line

Dotted bar lines help break up long or complex measures into smaller, easier-to-read parts.

Accolade
A brace connecting two staffs
Brace

A brace connects two or more lines of music that are played at the same time, usually by one player. This is common for instruments like the piano, harp, or organ that use a grand staff.

Staff-bracket
A bracket connecting two staffs
Bracket

A bracket also connects two or more lines of music played at the same time. It usually links staffs for different instruments, like a flute and a clarinet. The brace is for one instrument with multiple parts, while the bracket is for different instruments.

Clefs: Showing Pitch Ranges

A clef is a symbol at the start of the staff. It tells you which specific note goes on a certain line. This helps define the range of pitches for the music on that staff.

Music-GClef
The G clef, also known as the treble clef
G clef (Treble clef)

The G clef's spiral shows where the G note above middle C is located. When it's on the second line of the staff, it's called the treble clef. This is the most common clef in modern music.

Alto clef
Alto-clef
The alto clef


Tenor clef
Tenor-clef
The tenor clef
C clef (Alto and Tenor clefs)

The middle of a C clef points to the line that represents middle C. If it's on the third line, it's the alto clef, often used for the viola. If it's on the fourth line, it's the tenor clef. This clef is used for instruments like the bassoon or cello when their notes get very high, to avoid too many ledger lines.

Music-Fclef
The F clef, also known as the bass clef
F clef (Bass clef)

An F clef places the F note below middle C on the line between its two dots. When this F is on the fourth line, it's called the bass clef. This clef is almost as common as the treble clef.

Octaveclef3
An octave clef indicating notes sound one octave lower
Octave clef

These clefs change the pitch of notes by one or two octaves. An "8" below the clef means the notes sound an octave lower. An "8" above means they sound an octave higher. A "15" means two octaves. The treble clef with an "8" below is common for guitar or tenor voices.

Octaveclef4
Another example of an octave clef
Octaveclef
An octave clef with an 8 above
Octaveclef5
An octave clef with a 15 above
Music-GClef2
An octave clef with a 15 below
On a 5-line staff
Music-neutralclef
A neutral clef on a five-line staff


On a single-line staff
Music-unpitchedclef
A neutral clef on a single-line staff
Neutral clef

This clef is for instruments that don't have a specific pitch, like most percussion instruments. The lines and spaces don't show pitch, but rather different instruments in a drum set. It can also be on a single line for one percussion instrument.

Music-TabClef
A tablature clef
Tablature

This is not a true clef either. It's used for some string instruments, like the guitar. The lines represent the strings of the instrument. Numbers on the lines show which fret to press.

Breaks in Music

These symbols tell you to pause or create a small gap in the music.

Music-breath
A breath mark
Breath mark

This symbol tells a musician to take a breath (for singers or wind instruments) or make a small pause. It doesn't change the speed of the music. For bowed instruments, it means to lift the bow.

Music-caesura
A caesura mark
Caesura

A caesura means a short, silent pause where the rhythm stops for a moment.

Accidentals and Key Signatures

These symbols change the pitch of notes or set the main key of a piece.

Common Accidentals

Accidentals change the pitch of notes for a short time, usually within one measure.

Music-flat
A flat symbol
Flat

The flat symbol lowers a note's pitch by one semitone (the smallest step in Western music).

Music-sharp
A sharp symbol
Sharp

The sharp symbol raises a note's pitch by one semitone.

Music-natural
A natural symbol
Natural

A natural symbol cancels a sharp or flat. It makes the note return to its original pitch.

Music-doubleflat
A double flat symbol
Double flat

A double flat lowers a note's pitch by two semitones (a whole step).

Music-doublesharp3
A double sharp symbol
Double sharp

A double sharp raises a note's pitch by two semitones (a whole step).

Key Signatures

Key signatures are found at the beginning of a piece of music. They show which notes should always be played as sharps or flats. This saves the composer from writing an accidental next to every single note. A key signature tells you the main key of the music.

Flat key signatures

Key-Signatures-flats
Flat key signatures in treble clef

Sharp key signatures

Key-Signatures-sharps
Sharp key signatures in treble clef

Time Signatures

Time signatures tell you how many beats are in each measure and what kind of note gets one beat.

Music-timesig
A 3/4 time signature
Simple time signatures

This example shows 3
4
time, pronounced "three-four time". It means each measure has three quarter notes.

Compound duple drum pattern
A 6/8 time signature
Compound time signatures

In compound time, beats are grouped in a special way. This example shows 6
8
time. It means there are six eighth notes per measure, but they are usually felt as two groups of three eighth notes.

Music-commontime
The common time symbol
Common time

This symbol is a shortcut for 4
4
time. It means four beats per measure, with a quarter note getting one beat.

Music-cuttime
The cut time symbol
Alla breve or cut time

This symbol is a shortcut for 2
2
time. It means two beats per measure, with a half note getting one beat.

Music-metronome
A metronome mark
Metronome mark

This tells you the exact speed (tempo) of the music. For example, "120 quarter notes per minute" means you should play 120 quarter notes in one minute.

How Notes Relate to Each Other

These symbols show how notes connect or group together.

Tie-music
A tie connecting two notes
Tie

A tie connects two notes of the same pitch. You play them as one longer note, adding their durations together.

Music-slur
A slur connecting several notes

Music-legato
Another example of a slur
Slur

A slur connects two or more notes of different pitches. It means to play the notes smoothly, without stopping the sound between them. For singers, it means singing notes on one syllable. A tie only connects two notes of the same pitch, but a slur can connect many notes of any pitch.

Music-glissando
A glissando mark
Glissando or Portamento

This means to slide smoothly from one note to the next, playing all the notes in between. Some instruments, like a trombone, can do this continuously. Others, like a piano, play the notes very quickly to sound like a slide.

Music-triplet
A tuplet (triplet) of quarter notes
Tuplet

A tuplet is a group of notes that fit into a space where a different number of notes would normally go. A common example is a triplet, where three notes are played in the time of two.

Music-triad
A chord of three notes
Chord

A chord is when several notes are played at the same time. A two-note chord is a dyad. A three-note chord built with thirds is a triad.

Music-arpeggio
An arpeggiated chord
Arpeggiated chord

This is a chord where the notes are played one after another very quickly, usually going up. Each note is held as the next one is played. It's also called a broken chord.

Dynamics: How Loud or Soft

Dynamics tell you how loud or soft to play the music.

Music dynamic pianississimo
Pianississimo symbol
Pianississimo

Extremely soft.

Music dynamic pianissimo
Pianissimo symbol
Pianissimo

Very soft.

Music dynamic piano
Piano symbol
Piano

Soft.

Music dynamic mezzo piano
Mezzo piano symbol
Mezzo piano

Moderately soft.

Music dynamic mezzo forte
Mezzo forte symbol
Mezzo forte

Moderately loud. If no other dynamic is written, this is usually the assumed volume.

Music dynamic forte
Forte symbol
Forte

Loud.

Music dynamic fortissimo
Fortissimo symbol
Fortissimo

Very loud.

Music dynamic fortississimo
Fortississimo symbol
Fortississimo

Extremely loud.

Music expression sforzando sfz
Sforzando symbol
Sforzando

This means to play a single note or chord with a sudden, strong accent.

Music dynamic fortepiano
Fortepiano symbol
Fortepiano

Play the note loudly at first, then immediately become soft.

Music-crescendo
Crescendo symbol
Crescendo

A gradual increase in volume. It can be extended to show a long increase in loudness.

Music-diminuendo
Diminuendo symbol
Diminuendo

Also decrescendo. A gradual decrease in volume.

Musical symbols for "niente"
Niente symbol
Niente

Means "nothing". Used to show starting from silence (crescendo from niente) or fading to silence (diminuendo to niente).

The exact meaning of dynamics can change depending on the performer or conductor.

Articulation Marks: How to Play Notes

Articulations tell you how to play individual notes, like their length, volume, and attack style. These marks can be above or below a note.

Music-staccato
A staccato mark
Staccato

Play the note shorter than its written value, leaving a short silence after it.

Music-staccatissimo
A staccatissimo mark
Staccatissimo

Play the note even shorter than staccato. For string instruments, it can mean the bow bounces lightly.

Music-tenuto
A tenuto mark
Tenuto

Hold the note for its full value, or slightly longer. It can also mean to give the note a bit more emphasis.

Music-fermata
A fermata mark
Fermata or Pause

Hold a note, chord, or rest longer than its written value. The performer or conductor decides how long to hold it.

Music-marcato
An accent mark
Accent

Play the note louder or with a stronger attack than the notes around it.

Music-strong-marcato
A marcato mark
Marcato

Play the note even louder or more forcefully than a regular accent.

Ornaments: Decorating Notes

Ornaments change the pitch pattern of individual notes, adding decoration.

Music-tremolo
A tremolo mark

Music Tremolo shortcut
Another tremolo mark
Tremolo

A very fast repetition of a single note. If it's between two notes, you play them in rapid alternation. The number of slashes shows how fast to repeat. For percussion, tremolos can mean rolls or drags.

Music-trill
A trill mark
Trill

A rapid back-and-forth playing between the written note and the note just above it. A wavy line after it means a longer trill.

Music-mordent
An upper mordent mark
Upper mordent

Quickly play the main note, then the note above it, then return to the main note.

Music-inverted-mordent
A lower mordent mark
Lower mordent (inverted)

Quickly play the main note, then the note below it, then return to the main note.

Music-turn-2
A turn mark
Music-turn (inverted)
Another turn mark
Music-inverted turn
An inverted turn mark
Gruppetto or Turn

When above a note, it means to play the note above, then the main note, then the note below, then back to the main note. If it's to the right of the note, you play the main note first. An inverted turn reverses the order of the notes above and below.

Music-appoggiatura
An appoggiatura grace note
Appoggiatura

A small grace note that takes up part of the main note's time. The main note starts on the pitch of the grace note.

Music-acciaccatura
An acciaccatura grace note
Acciaccatura

A very short grace note that is played quickly, almost at the same time as the main note. The main note gets almost all of its written duration. In percussion, this can mean a "flam".

Octave Signs: Playing Higher or Lower

These signs tell you to play notes one or two octaves higher or lower than written.

One octave up
Ottava alta symbol
Ottava alta

8va above the staff means play the passage one octave higher.

One octave down
Ottava bassa symbol
Ottava bassa

8vb below the staff means play the passage one octave lower.

Two octaves up
Quindicesima alta symbol
Quindicesima alta

15ma above the staff means play the passage two octaves higher.

Two octaves down
Quindicesima bassa symbol
Quindicesima bassa

15mb below the staff means play the passage two octaves lower.

Repetition and Endings

These symbols help composers avoid writing out repeated sections of music.

Music-repeat
Repeat signs
Repeat signs

These marks enclose a section of music that should be played more than once. If there's no left repeat sign, you repeat from the very beginning of the piece.

Music-simile
Simile marks
Simile marks

These mean to repeat the previous group of beats or measures. The first example usually means repeat the last measure, and the second means repeat the last two measures.

Music-volte
Volta brackets (1st and 2nd endings)
Volta brackets (1st and 2nd endings)

If a repeated section has different endings, these brackets show which ending to play each time. The "1st ending" is played the first time, and the "2nd ending" is played the second time.

Music-dacapo
Da capo symbol
Da capo

Means "from the top". It tells you to go back and repeat the music from the very beginning. It's often followed by al fine (repeat to the word fine and stop) or al coda (repeat to the coda sign, then jump to the coda).

Music-dalsegno
Dal segno symbol
Dal segno

Means "from the sign". It tells you to repeat the music starting from the nearest segno symbol. Like da capo, it's followed by al fine or al coda.

SegnoTeken
Segno symbol
Segno

This is the sign used with dal segno.

Coda sign
Coda sign
Coda sign

This symbol marks a forward jump in the music to the ending section, also called the coda. You only jump here after seeing a D.S. al coda or D.C. al coda instruction.

Fine

This word means "end". It marks the very end of a piece or movement, especially after a repeat instruction like D.C. al fine.

Instrument-Specific Notation

Some symbols are used for particular instruments.

Bowed String Instruments

Music-pizzicato
Left-hand pizzicato symbol
Left-hand pizzicato

On string instruments, this means to pluck the string with the left hand (the hand that usually presses the strings down).

Music-snappizzicato
Snap pizzicato symbol
Snap pizzicato

On string instruments, this means to pluck the string so hard that it snaps against the instrument's body. It's also called a Bartók pizzicato.

Music-harmonic
Natural harmonic symbol
Natural harmonic

On string instruments, this means to play a natural harmonic, which creates a clear, ringing sound.

Music-upbow
Up bow symbol
Up bow

On a bowed string instrument, this means to draw the bow upward. On a guitar, it means an upstroke with the pick.

Music-downbow
Down bow symbol
Down bow

On a bowed string instrument, this means to draw the bow downward. On a guitar, it means a downstroke with the pick.

Con sordino
Con sordino symbol
Con sordino ("with mute")

This symbol tells the musician to use a mute on their instrument.

Senza sordino
Senza sordino symbol
Senza sordino ("without mute")

This symbol tells the musician to remove the mute. It's usually seen after a muted section.

Guitar Fingerpicking

Guitar music sometimes uses letters to show which finger to use for plucking strings. These come from Spanish or Latin names for fingers.

Symbol English
p thumb
i index
m middle
a ring

Piano Pedal Marks

These marks are for instruments with sustain pedals, like the piano.

Pedal Mark 1
Engage pedal symbol
Engage pedal

Tells the player to press the sustain pedal down.

Music-pedalup
Release pedal symbol
Release pedal

Tells the player to lift the sustain pedal up.

Music-pedal0
Variable pedal mark
Variable pedal mark

This shows exactly how to use the sustain pedal. The long line means to keep the pedal down. The inverted "V" (Λ) means to quickly lift and press the pedal again.

Music-pedal
Another variable pedal mark
U.C. una corda or U.C.

Tells the player to press the soft pedal down.

T.C. tre corde or T.C.

Tells the player to lift the soft pedal up.

Piano Hand and Finger Notation

Left hand Right hand
English l.h. or left hand R.H. or right hand
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Finger identifications:
  • 1 = thumb
  • 2 = index finger
  • 3 = middle finger
  • 4 = ring finger
  • 5 = little finger

Other Stringed Instruments (not harp)

0, 1, 2, 3, 4 Finger identifications:
  • 0 = open string (no finger used)
  • 1 = index finger
  • 2 = middle finger
  • 3 = ring finger
  • 4 = little finger

Four-Mallet Percussion

1, 2, 3, 4 Mallet identifications:
  • 1 = Far left mallet
  • 2 = Inner-left mallet
  • 3 = Inner-right mallet
  • 4 = Far right mallet

Six-Mallet Percussion

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Mallet identifications:
  • 1 = Far-left mallet
  • 2 = Middle-left mallet
  • 3 = Inner-left mallet
  • 4 = Inner-right mallet
  • 5 = Middle-right mallet
  • 6 = Far-right mallet

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Signos musicales para niños

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List of musical symbols Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.