You might probably be asking yourself just what does a line over a note means?

Well, in this article we will specifically address this particular query.

In musical notation, this phrase is usually referred to as the tenuto.

In the literal sense of the term, the tenuto signifies that the musician should hold the note marked in this way for its entire value and restrain from cutting it off too soon.

In essence, a line that appears above a musical note happens to be a direction that musicians playing a musical piece are obliged to follow.

It is important to point out that the tenuto is one of the very earliest marks that have ever been utilized in musical theory.

The exact meaning of a line over a note in musical notation

The exact significance of the tenuto is contextual in nature.

On one hand, it is used to indicate, like earlier mention, that the musician should hold the note that has been marked in this manner to its entire length.

On the other hand, a line over a note can signify that the musician is required to play that particular note in a slightly louder tone.

Generally speaking, the tenuto is meant to change the dynamics and even the exact length of time a musical note can be played.

This in plain language just means that a note that appears marked in this way ought to be emphasized more than the other notes in a musical composition.

The other musical marks that influence a line over a note

A line which appears above a musical note meaning can, at the same time, be significantly influenced when it is further articulated by some specific musical marks.

For example, whenever the tenuto appears in conjunction with a staccato dot, the musician will then understand that it signifies “non legato” or simply detached.

Alternatively, when a line over a note is made use of along with an accent mark, its exact meaning also changes.

For those who might perhaps not be in the know, an accent mark in musical notation indicates dynamics.

Therefore whenever a line above a note is utilized with an accent mark, the musician is directed to play that particular note for its entire length.

In some certain circumstances it can also indicate that the musician is required to play such a note for an additional duration rather than its full length.

Well, now you definitely understand just what does a line over a note means? Particularly when it comes to the usages of musical notation, and extension musical theory.