Definition

Noun: 1. An embellishing note, usually written in smaller size: A grace note is a musical note that is not essential to the melody or harmony but is added to decorate or ornament the main note. It is typically printed in a smaller size and has a very short duration, often "stealing" time from the note it precedes or follows.

Usage

• A is used to add expressive detail, flair, or ornamentation to a piece of music.
• It is performed quickly, leading into the main note.
• It is a specific type of musical ornament, distinct from other ornaments like trills or turns.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pianist added a delicate grace note before the final chord.
  • In Baroque music, grace notes are frequently used to decorate the melodic line.
  • The composer indicated the ornament with a small grace note printed before the main note.

Advanced Usage

• Acciaccatura: A specific type of that is played very quickly, almost simultaneously with the main note, and then immediately released. It is often notated with a diagonal line through the stem.
• Appoggiatura: Another type of that takes a portion of the rhythmic value from the main note it precedes. It is notated as a small note without a diagonal line through the stem.

Variants and Related Words

• Ornament (n): A general term for any decorative note or flourish in music, such as a trill, mordent, or .
• Embellishment (n): A broader term for any decorative addition, often used synonymously with "ornament" in music.

Synonyms

• Ornamental note
• Embellishing note
• Decorative note

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To add a grace note to something (figurative): To add a small, elegant, or decorative finishing touch to a non-musical situation.
  • Her heartfelt speech added a perfect grace note to the evening's celebrations.

Noun

1. an embellishing note usually written in smaller size