Percussion notation

Percussion instruments are generally grouped into two categories: pitched and non-pitched.

It is usual to label each instrument and technique the first time it is introduced, or to add an explanatory footnote, to clarify this.

Typically this involves emphasizing the accented note simply by raising the dynamic level.

The image above shows the accent notations most commonly used by composers of percussion music.

The tenuto sign is often used to indicate an only slightly raised dynamic level, less than a normal accent.

Marcato signs typically indicate a dramatically raised dynamic level.

It is important to note that these markings, especially the tenuto sign, often have different meanings in the musical notation for other instruments.