Slur Positioning Rules

Slurs have a specific meaning dependant upon the context that they are used in. For Example, String music, Slurs usually specify bowing and not phrasing and in Wind music, Slurs usually signify play the notes within the slur in one breath. It is only in Keyboard and sustained pitch-percussion that slurs actually indicate the phrasing.

Notation and Position

The placement of the slur or tie is governed by the direction of the note-head. If the note heads point up(stems down) the slur goes above and if the note head points down(stems up) the slur goes below.

Example 1

If a mixture of note head directions occur the slur must go above.

Example 2

Combiations of Slurs and Ties

The Curve of the tie is governed by the up or down position of the tied note. i.e.

Example 3

If one of the tied notes points up the tie curves upwards

Example 4

Slurs and Ties on Polyphonic Music

Single Stem Polyphony

Only one slur is required but all tied notes must have their own ties.

Double Stem Polyphony

Slurs must be placed above and below each part

Example 5

When only one part is tied, or in three part polyphony one or two parts have ties, the tied and untied notes should have separate stems.

Example 6

For Polyphony Rules click here.

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