Articulations and techniques
So you’ve downloaded a string sample library and now you’re ready to write some stirring string parts. But hang on, why do all the patches have Italian names and how do you pick the right one? There are a lot of different playing techniques to create different sounds, effects and textures from string instruments, and any sample library worth buying will include a generous selection of techniques and articulations. So to get the most out of your library, it’s worth spending some time to get a handle on what some of these techniques are called and when might be the best time to use them. In the long term, it’ll help you no end to know your flautando from your col legno battuto. Here’s a list of some of the terms you might encounter…
Articulations
Articulations are essentially different ways of playing notes on string instruments – long or short, hard or soft for instance – and we can categorise articulations either by duration or force. String sample libraries usually contain a variety of articulations, so let’s start by looking at articulations that affect note duration.
Tenuto
Tenuto is often defined as playing a note to its full length value, which in turn can often translate in real terms to a note that’s slightly longer than an ordinary, unmarked note.