The ABCs Of Music: All You Need To Know About Ties and Slurs

In music, the language of notation is the silent conductor that guides performers through a symphony of sound. Within this intricate script, two notation elements stand out for their ability to shape and define musical expression: ties and slurs.

In this blog post we are going to explore what they are, the difference between them and their significance in written music.

Ties

Definition, Features and Functions

In music notation, a musical tie is a curved line that is used to join the time values of two or more consecutive notes of the same pitch, creating a sustained, uninterrupted sound.

Here are 3 key features and functions of a musical tie:

1. Connecting Notes: A tie visually connects the note heads of two or more consecutive notes on the same pitch. This connection signifies that the notes should be played or sung as a single, sustained entity.
2. Duration Extension: The primary purpose of a tie is to extend the duration of a note. When a tie appears between two notes of the same pitch, the performer is expected to hold the sound for the cumulative duration of the tied notes.
3. Spans Across Barlines: Ties can also span across barlines, indicating that the sustained sound should continue into the next measure.

Types

There are two types of musical ties. They are:

1. Single Tie:
   • This is the most common type of tie.
   • It is represented by a single curved line connecting two note heads.
   • It extends the duration of the notes it connects, instructing the performer to play or sing them as a single, sustained note.

1. Double Tie:
   • In some cases, when the duration to be extended is quite long, you may encounter what is informally referred to as a double tie.
   • This involves two consecutive ties, one after the other, connecting a series of notes to further extend their cumulative duration.

While the concept of a “double tie” is not standardized in music notation, some composers and arrangers may use multiple ties in succession to convey an exceptionally long sustained duration. However, the primary function remains the same: to indicate that the connected notes should be played or sung continuously as a single, prolonged sound.

Slurs

Definition, Features and Functions

In music notation, a musical slur is a curved line that connects two or more notes of different pitches. Slurs are used to indicate a different kind of musical articulation and phrasing.

Here are the key features and functions of a musical slur:

1. Connection of Notes: A slur visually connects notes with a curved line, typically above or below the notes. The line is positioned to cover the range of the notes it connects.
2. Articulation and Phrasing: Slurs are used to indicate a legato articulation, instructing the musician to play or sing the connected notes smoothly and without separation. This contributes to a sense of connectedness and flow in the music.
3. Expression and Interpretation: Slurs also convey expressive information. A slur may suggest a phrase or musical idea, helping the performer understand how certain notes are musically related and should be shaped.
4. Notating Techniques: In string instrument notation, slurs can indicate bowing techniques. For wind and brass instruments, slurs guide musicians on how to articulate the notes with their breath.

Here’s a simple example to illustrate how a musical slur works:

• Suppose you have a series of four notes, and a slur is placed over them.
• The presence of the slur indicates that these notes should be played or sung smoothly, with a legato articulation, creating a sense of musical connection.

The Difference Between Ties and Slurs

Musical ties and musical slurs serve different purposes in notation. Ties connect consecutive notes of the same pitch, extending their combined duration and creating a seamless, sustained sound. They contribute to the temporal aspect of music by elongating the duration of specific notes.

On the other hand, musical slurs connect notes of different pitches, indicating a legato articulation and guiding musicians to play or sing the connected notes smoothly. Slurs contribute to the expressive and phrasing elements of music, emphasizing the connection between notes within a musical phrase. In essence, ties focus on duration and continuity, while slurs emphasize articulation, phrasing, and musical expression.

Conclusion

In musical notation, the roles played by ties and slurs are profound and distinctive. Ties, with their elegant curves, extend the temporal fabric of a composition, weaving together notes of the same pitch into a harmonious continuum. On the other hand, slurs, with their expressive arcs, guide us through the nuanced contours of phrasing and articulation, connecting notes of varying pitches to create a rich musical landscape.

As we unravel the artistry behind ties and slurs, we discover that they are not mere symbols on paper but conduits for musical expression and emotion. Ties stretch time, creating sustained moments, while slurs transcend pitch, fostering legato connections and shaping the very soul of a musical piece. Together, these notational elements serve as a silent language that performers decode, bringing compositions to life with grace, continuity, and expressive depth.

If you would like a free downloadable worksheet to test your knowledge on ties and slurs, click the link below.

Ties and Slurs Worksheet