Distinguish a tie from a slur.

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Multiple Choice

Distinguish a tie from a slur.

Ties and slurs serve two different purposes in notation. A tie is about extending duration: when two notes share the same pitch, a tie joins them into one sustained note, adding their rhythmic values together and not rearticulating the note. A slur indicates a smooth, connected phrase across different pitches, guiding you to play those notes in a legato fashion as a single musical idea, while still articulating each individual note. So if you see two identical notes connected by a curved line, that’s a tie—you hold the pitch for the combined length. If you see different pitches connected by a curved line, that’s a slur—you play the notes in a flowing, connected way. The other statements mix up articulation, dynamics, or instrument roles, which aren’t the defining features of ties and slurs.

Ties and slurs serve two different purposes in notation. A tie is about extending duration: when two notes share the same pitch, a tie joins them into one sustained note, adding their rhythmic values together and not rearticulating the note. A slur indicates a smooth, connected phrase across different pitches, guiding you to play those notes in a legato fashion as a single musical idea, while still articulating each individual note.

So if you see two identical notes connected by a curved line, that’s a tie—you hold the pitch for the combined length. If you see different pitches connected by a curved line, that’s a slur—you play the notes in a flowing, connected way. The other statements mix up articulation, dynamics, or instrument roles, which aren’t the defining features of ties and slurs.

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