Mark Henderson answered
Legato is an Italian word which means "tied together".
In musical terminology it is used as an indication for the movement or entire composition to be played smoothly. Thus the musical notes that are connected and smooth are known as legato.
Legato is the polar opposite of staccato, and legato is played without a perceptible pause or intervening silence in between the notes. In contrast staccato means "detached" and requires the musician to play shortened notes with silences separating them, often creating an abrasive effect.
A legato is indicated with the help of a slur or curved line. These lines are to be joined in one legato group. It can also be expressed as the word "legato" itself. Slurred performances use legato techniques frequently, and it is an articulation like the staccato. (An articulation indicates a sign, direction or performance technique to explain the transition or continuity between notes or sounds.)
With regard to classical stringed instruments, legato refers to playing notes with a full bow. In order to achieve the effect, the violinist needs to play with controlled wrist movements of the bowing hand and often in conjunction with vibrato.
In guitar playing, legato generally denotes using a number of techniques to achieve the slurred or smooth sound. Hamer-ons, pull-offs and slides are the most common ways to produce a legato effect on a guitar - and famous guitarists who are known for their heavy use of legato include Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani.
In musical terminology it is used as an indication for the movement or entire composition to be played smoothly. Thus the musical notes that are connected and smooth are known as legato.
Legato is the polar opposite of staccato, and legato is played without a perceptible pause or intervening silence in between the notes. In contrast staccato means "detached" and requires the musician to play shortened notes with silences separating them, often creating an abrasive effect.
A legato is indicated with the help of a slur or curved line. These lines are to be joined in one legato group. It can also be expressed as the word "legato" itself. Slurred performances use legato techniques frequently, and it is an articulation like the staccato. (An articulation indicates a sign, direction or performance technique to explain the transition or continuity between notes or sounds.)
With regard to classical stringed instruments, legato refers to playing notes with a full bow. In order to achieve the effect, the violinist needs to play with controlled wrist movements of the bowing hand and often in conjunction with vibrato.
In guitar playing, legato generally denotes using a number of techniques to achieve the slurred or smooth sound. Hamer-ons, pull-offs and slides are the most common ways to produce a legato effect on a guitar - and famous guitarists who are known for their heavy use of legato include Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani.
