Every musical instrument has fundamental rules on how it should be played. Musicians internalize these guidelines to be able to express themselves by playing their chosen instrument. In contrast, extended techniques are performance techniques used in music which refer to unconventional methods of playing instruments in order to attain uncommon sounds or instrumental pitches. To be able to play the extended techniques, one should be familiar with the musical notations which correspond to it. For example, there are several violin extended techniques notation that a beginner should know.
It is important however for beginners to be familiar first with the basic extended techniques for stringed instruments prior to learning violin extended techniques notation. One of the basic extended techniques for the violin is the pizzicato.
Pizzicato is a technique which involves plucking of the string with a finger. This kind of technique creates a completely different sound. It produces a short and rapid sound instead of a sustained one.
The pizzicato playing technique has three types. First is the buzz pizzicato, which when the left hand finger is placed parallel to the direction of the string then plucked with force, will create a sound. Thus, the strings that were plucked produce a sound through their ringing against the fingernails. The second type is called the snap pizzicato. This is also popularly known as Bartók pizzicato since this was invented by the musician Béla Bartók and is extensively used in his compositions.
This technique is done by plucking the string far from the fingerboard using the right hand having enough force which causes it to snap in return and strike the fingerboard. This creates a snapping sound aside from the pitch itself. Third is the nail pizzicato also developed by Bartók and is elaborately used in his music. The nail pizzicato involves the plucking of the string with the fingernail only. The sound produced by this technique is a little harsh and metallic.
The violin extended techniques notation specifically for pizzicato is “pizz.” Throughout the music sections where pizzicato is used, the symbol “pizz” appear prior the note in that section. At the end of the pizzicato section, the symbol “arco” is found which signifies that pizzicato is already finished and bowing should be resumed. The buzz pizzicato is usually specified by a minor cross on top of the note. The snap pizzicato on the other hand is directed by a circle with a small vertical line on top of it situated above the note. Lastly, the nail pizzicato is indicated by a circle with a dot inside it appears above the note.
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