How to Write Articulation Marks — Staccato, Accent, Tenuto

Master staccato dots, accent marks, tenuto lines, marcato, sforzando and fermata — the complete guide to articulation notation on the staff.

What Are Articulation Marks?

Articulation marks tell the performer how to play each note — short or long, accented or smooth, connected or separated. They are the expressive punctuation of written music, and writing them clearly is essential for your intentions to be understood.

Staccato ( • )

A small dot placed above or below the note head. Play the note short and detached — about half its written length. Place above for stems-down notes, below for stems-up notes.

Accent ( > )

A sideways V or wedge mark above/below the note. Attack the note with extra force. Not to be confused with marcato (^), which is even stronger.

Tenuto ( — )

A short horizontal line above/below the note head. Hold the note for its full value — or slightly longer — with a slight emphasis. The opposite of staccato.