GNU LilyPond Learning Manual: 2.2.3 Articulation and dynamics

### 2.2.3 Articulation and dynamics

### Articulations

Music Glossary: articulation.

Common articulations can be added to a note using a dash `-` and a single character:

>     c-. c-- c-> c-^ c-+ c-_

### Fingerings

Music Glossary: fingering.

Similarly, fingering indications can be added to a note using a dash (`-`) and the digit to be printed:

>     c-3 e-5 b-2 a-1

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.

>     c_-^1 d^. f^4_2-> e^-_+

### Dynamics

Music Glossary: dynamics, crescendo, decrescendo.

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

>     c\ff c\mf c\p c\pp

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

>     c2\< c2\ff\> c2 c2\!

#### See also

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

Other languages: français, español, deutsch.

#### Learning Manual