How to Use Musical Slurs

Slurs are used in musical notation to indicate a group of notes that must be played smoothly, or legato. When playing the keyboard, you must play each note smoothly by pressing the next key as you are releasing the previous key. Slurs are written as a curved line that connects the first note head of the slur to the last note in the group.

Instructions

1. Practice playing a scale on the keyboard legato by playing the next note in the scale while releasing the previous one. You must be able to play consecutive notes smoothly in order to properly play notes grouped by a slur.

2. Begin playing a piece of music, paying attention to the musical notations.

3. Play the first note in a written slur and continue playing legato notes through the ending note of the slur.

4. Release your finger from the last key to end the phrase created by the slur.

5. Continue playing the piece, following Steps 2 through 4 for each slur.

Tips & Warnings

• Slurs are written above the group of notes if the note stems are pointing down, or if there are a combination of note head directions. Slurs are below the group of notes if the note stems are pointing upward.

• Slurs do not indicate use of the pedal. You should play legato without the pedal unless the music specifically indicates pedal usage.

• Do not confuse slurs with ties. Ties are used to join two notes or chords together and are written between two note heads. Slurs are below or above the note heads and allow the notes to sound separately.