Pizzicato

Pizzicato is a technique used to play stringed instruments—such as the violin, viola, cello, or double bass—by plucking the strings with the fingers instead of using a bow. This produces a short, percussive sound that is brighter and more rhythmic compared to the sustained sound of bowing. Pizzicato allows musicians to create different textures and dynamics within a piece, and it’s often marked in sheet music with the abbreviation "pizz." The technique can be used for expressive effects, accents, or to achieve a specific stylistic characteristic in an orchestral or solo performance.