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3.1.4 Articulations and dynamics

Articulations and dynamics are indicated by adding special codes after the notes to which they apply.

Articulations  
Fingerings  
Dynamics  
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Articulations

Music Glossary: articulation.

Common articulations can be added to a note using a dash (‘-’) followed by a single character. 

\relative {
  c''4-^ c-+ c-- c-!
  c4-> c-. c2-_
}

[image of music]

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Fingerings

Music Glossary: fingering.

Similarly to articulations, fingering indications can be added to a note using a dash (‘-’) followed by the digit to be printed: 

\relative { c''4-3 e-5 b-2 a-1 }

[image of music]

Articulations and fingerings are usually placed automatically, but you can specify a direction by replacing the dash (‘-’) with ‘^’ (up) or ‘_’ (down). You can also use multiple articulations on the same note. However, in most cases it is best to let LilyPond determine the articulation directions. 

\relative { c''4_-^1 d^. f^4_2-> e^-_+ }

[image of music]

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Dynamics

Music Glossary: dynamics, crescendo, decrescendo.

Dynamic signs are made by adding the markings (with a backslash) to the note: 

\relative { c''2\ff c\mf c\p c\pp }

[image of music]

Crescendi and decrescendi are started with the commands \< and \>. The next dynamics sign, for example \f, ends the (de)crescendo, or the command \! can be used: 

\relative { c''2\< c | c4\ff\> c c c\! }

[image of music]

See also

Notation Reference: Articulations and ornamentations, Fingering instructions, Dynamics.

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LilyPond — Learning Manual v2.25.1 (development-branch).