Snap pizzicato Snap **pizzicato** is a type of **pizzicato** where the string is plucked with such force that it snaps back against the fingerboard , producing a snapping sound when it hits the fingerboard in addition to the pitch. This technique is called "Bartók pizzicato" after the composer Béla Bartók, who frequently used it in his string music.
When notated, snap **pizzicato** is indicated by a regular **pizzicato** marking (an asterisk or arc over the notes) along with a wavy line extending upward from the notes. The wavy line indicates that the finger should pluck the string vertically and release it to snap against the fingerboard.
An example of snap **pizzicato** can be heard in the opening of Bartók's *Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta*, where the celli play a snap **pizzicato** rhythm.
A bowing effect that directs the performer of a string instrument to pluck the string away from the fingerboard with the right hand with sufficient force to cause it to snap back and strike the fingerboard creating a snapping sound in addition to the pitch itself. This is notated by the circle with an upwards line symbol shown over the note.
This effect is also known as the Bartók pizz, named after composer Béla Bartók from his use of the effect in his 4th String Quartet.
A similar technique (although not used in classical music), called slap bass, is used on the double bass in jazz, swing, polka, bluegrass, Rock n' Roll and other music genres. This slap bass technique, although similar, is somewhat different in character to the current Funk style of slap bass.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [Abbreviation] pizz.
- [English] snap pizz
- [English] buzz pizzicato
- [English] nail pizzicato
- [Italian] Bartók pizz
- [Italian] pizzicato
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