There are many techniques for plucking string instruments. This article lists and describes the main types. Demonstrations and discussion of various techniques can be found in the video and audio clips in the articles below....[more]
Cello Pizzicato
Description: plucking the string, as opposed to bowing
Notation: pizz
Comments: At the end of a pizzicato passage the instruction arco is used to indicate that players change to bowing instead of plucking.
clip 1 -
Rhydian Shaxon of the Philharmonia Orchestra discusses and demonstrates pizzicato.
clip 2 -
Pizzicato phrase from the Sample Library...
clip 3 -
A loud pizzicato phrase from the Sample Library...
Pizzicato Chords
Description: two or more notes plucked together.
Notation: pizz
Comments: When chords appear in a pizzicato passage they are usually strummed. Chords will be strummed from the lowest note upwards unless indicated otherwise (perhaps by a downward arrow beside the chord).
Listen/View: In the following clips Rhydian demonstrates different methods of chord playing.
clip 1 -
Pizzicato chords...
clip 2 -
Strumming - also called quasi guitar.
Pizzicato Glissando
Description: after the note is plucked the left hand finger slides up or down the string.
Notation: the same as a bowed example, but with the word pizz underneath
Comments: A quiet effect. If you listen to the examples below you will notice that the glissando part is very quiet compared to the plucking sound at the start of the note.
clip 1 -
Rhydian demonstrates pizzicato glissando...
Snap Pizz
Description: Snap or 'Bartok' Pizzicato involves pulling the string upwards and allowing it to 'snap' sharply against the fingerboard.
Notation: snap pizz written instruction or the symbol shown opposite - a circle with a vertical line at 12 o'clock
Comments: Often used by Béla Bartók, hence the nickname.
clip 1 -
snap pizzicato - the loudest type of pizzicato...
clip 2 -
A snap pizz phrase from the Sample Library...
clip 3 -
Another snap pizzicato phrase from the Sample Library...
Nail Pizz
Description: plucking with the fingernail
Notation: nail pizz
Comments: Can be painful, but gives a crisp start to the pizzicato sound. Cellists will use a guitar plectrum if there is a lot of nail pizz to do.
clip 1 -
Nail pizz - Rhydian compares the difference in sound between nail pizz and normal pizz.
Left Hand Pizz
Description: plucked with left hand rather than the bowing hand.
Notation: a + sign above the note
Comments: Can be combined with arco so that players produce both plucked and bowed notes simultaneously.
clip 1 -
Left hand pizzicato - see a demonstration of simultaneous arco playing and left hand pizz.