LilyPond Learning Manual: 2.1.4 Articulations and dynamics

### 2.1.4 Articulations and dynamics

Articulations and dynamics are indicated by adding special codes after the notes to which they apply,

#### Articulations

Music Glossary: articulation.

Common articulations can be added to a note using a dash `-` and a single character:

>     \relative {
>       c''4-^ c-+ c-- c-!
>       c4-> c-. c2-_
>     }

#### Fingerings

Music Glossary: fingering.

Similarly, fingering indications can be added to a note using a dash (`-`) and the digit to be printed:

>     \relative { c''4-3 e-5 b-2 a-1 }

Articulations and fingerings are usually placed automatically, but you can specify a direction by replacing the dash (`-`) with `^` (up) or `_` (down). You can also use multiple articulations on the same note. However, in most cases it is best to let LilyPond determine the articulation directions.

>     \relative { c''4_-^1 d^. f^4_2-> e^-_+ }

#### Dynamics

Music Glossary: dynamics, crescendo, decrescendo.

Dynamic signs are made by adding the markings (with a backslash) to the note:

>     \relative { c''4\ff c\mf c\p c\pp }

Crescendi and decrescendi are started with the commands `\<` and `\>`. The next dynamics sign, for example `\f`, will end the (de)crescendo, or the command `\!` can be used:

>     \relative { c''4\< c\ff\> c c\! }

#### See also

Notation Reference: Articulations and ornamentations, Fingering instructions, Dynamics.

#### LilyPond — Learning Manual v2.22.2 (stable-branch).