Marcato
A marcato wedge (^) asks for a note to be strongly marked. It is usually more pointed than a simple accent, but the exact weight and length depend on the score, instrument and style.
- symbol: ^
- marked attack
- context shapes length
What does the symbol look like?
The small upright wedge ^ appears above or below a note. Do not read it as a pitch arrow. It changes how the note is shaped, not which piano key you press. A written instruction marcato over a passage can instead ask for an overall marked character across several notes.
Is marcato always short?
A single marcato note is often played firmly and somewhat separated, but “exactly this short” is not a notation rule. In a slow phrase it can have more body; in a fast rhythmic figure it may be compact. The surrounding notes tell you how much contrast makes sense.
How does it differ from an accent?
The common Accent sign > gives local emphasis. Marcato usually asks for a stronger outline. Play the same four-note rhythm twice and exaggerate the distinction until you can hear it, then reduce the difference to fit the phrase.
One practical check
If every note is played maximally hard, no individual note sounds marked. Start with a steady baseline and shape the marcato note relative to it. This avoids turning a useful articulation instruction into a volume contest.