Turn
A turn is a short figure that circles a main note using a neighbor above and below it. One common realization around C is D-C-B-C. A small curled sign above the note asks you to make that motion within the phrase.
- upper neighbor
- main note
- lower neighbor
- return
What does the sign look like?
The turn sign resembles a sideways S or curled flourish. It may sit over a note or between notes. Its exact placement affects where in the rhythm you fit the extra pitches. An inverted turn reverses the usual order, so check the sign before assuming every curl starts above.
Which notes are the neighbors?
Use the written main note, key signature and any small accidentals attached to the ornament. Around C, an upper D and lower B are one diatonic example; in a different key the same staff letters may be altered. The sign tells you a pattern, not a universal set of piano keys.
Is a turn a mordent?
A Mordent touches one neighbor and comes back. A turn visits both sides of the main pitch in one small figure. Compare C-D-C with D-C-B-C: the second dips below C before returning.
How should you practice it?
Play the main note on a beat, then add the turn slowly while keeping the next beat in place. Vary the tempo only after the four pitches and their order are clear. An ornament should decorate the line, not make you lose the line.