Staccato - Definition and Overview

In musical notation, staccato indicates that notes are sounded in a detached and distinctly separate manner with their lengths shortened; that is, a short silence should be between the notes, without affecting the rhythm. Notes identified as "staccato" should be played or sung abruptly and short. Usually notated by a dot over the head of the note when the stem is downward, or by a dot below the head of the note when the stem is upward:

The term for the opposite articulation is legato.

Music samples

• The above music played without staccato (Vorbis format, 15 KB, 2 seconds)
• The same music, but played staccato (Vorbis format, 15 KB, 2 seconds)