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Ornaments

Grace notes

Add a quick ornamental lead-in around the principal written note.

See it in the score

A slashed grace note in Bach's Air

The small B leads quickly into the principal melodic note.

Open measure 3 in the piece
A slashed grace note in Bach's Air From Air on the G String by J.S. Bach, source measure 3.

Passage playback follows the literal encoded notes, rhythm, tempo, and written directions in this excerpt. It is a study aid, not a model of a pianist's touch, phrasing, ornament realization, or pedal technique.

In a sentence

Add a quick ornamental lead-in around the principal written note.

Grace notes are printed smaller because they decorate a principal note rather than occupy an ordinary measured slot in the same way. Their exact placement depends on context and convention.

A single slashed note, an unslashed group, and a low decorative sweep can all be grace notation. The main note should remain the listener's point of arrival.