Glissando
A glissando is a slide from one pitch toward another. On a score it is usually shown by a line connecting the start and end notes, sometimes with “gliss.” beside it. The written endpoints tell you where to begin and arrive; the instrument determines how the motion between them is made.
- start pitch
- connecting line
- destination pitch
How do you recognize it?
Look for a straight or wavy line running between two noteheads. Check both pitches before playing: a glissando without its endpoints is just a direction. A score may specify the intended scale or chromatic path, and the instrument's technique also matters.
Is every glissando a perfectly smooth pitch bend?
No. A singer or trombonist can make a nearly continuous glide. On a piano, the hand rapidly passes over available keys, so you hear many discrete notes. A harp glissando follows the strings and pedal setting. The notation names the gesture, while the sounding path depends on the instrument.
What is the difference from an arpeggio?
An arpeggio breaks the notes of a chord into an order. A glissando travels between two pitch points, often crossing more notes than a single chord contains. Do not confuse the wavy arpeggio sign placed before a vertical chord with a line drawn between two noteheads.
Try a slow version first
Play or sing a C-to-G glissando slowly enough to hear the intermediate pitches. Then make it faster. Ask whether the arrival still lands clearly on G. Articulation places this gesture among other instructions that shape how notes sound.