Dynamics
Dynamics tell you how loudly or softly to play, and where to grow or fade.
Dynamics explained
- Piano (p)
- Play softly. From the Italian for "soft".
- Forte (f)
- Play loudly. From the Italian for "strong".
- Mezzo-piano (mp)
- Moderately soft — a little louder than piano.
- Mezzo-forte (mf)
- Moderately loud — a little softer than forte.
- Pianissimo (pp)
- Very soft.
- Fortissimo (ff)
- Very loud.
- Crescendo
- An opening hairpin: gradually get louder across the passage.
- Diminuendo
- A closing hairpin: gradually get softer. Also called decrescendo.
- Sforzando (s)
- A sudden strong accent on a single note or chord, usually written sf or sfz.
Dynamics — frequently asked questions
What dynamics are used in sheet music?
This page covers 9: Piano (p), Forte (f), Mezzo-piano (mp), Mezzo-forte (mf), Pianissimo (pp), Fortissimo (ff), Crescendo, Diminuendo, Sforzando (s).
What does the piano (p) symbol mean?
Play softly. From the Italian for "soft".
What does the forte (f) symbol mean?
Play loudly. From the Italian for "strong".
What does the mezzo-piano (mp) symbol mean?
Moderately soft — a little louder than piano.
What does the mezzo-forte (mf) symbol mean?
Moderately loud — a little softer than forte.
Is the dynamics chart free to print?
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