adjective / noun / adverb

pizzicato

pit-sih-KAH-toh/ˌpɪtsɪˈkɑːtəʊ/

Playing a stringed instrument by plucking rather than bowing.

The violinist plays pizzicato, plucking a string with his index finger.

A violinist visibly hooks and displaces a violin string with his right index fingertip while his left hand fingers the neck; the unused bow rests separately beside him.

Etymology

Pizzicare means “to pluck” or “to pinch,” and its participle describes something plucked. In string playing, this names the finger action that sounds the string instead of drawing a bow across it.

In context

Philharmonia Orchestra1:23

we can use the finger, which is plucking or pizzicato. (cello playing pizzicato) Or, we could use the bow.

Instrument: Cello

More examples

Short pizzicato notes accompany the singer.
The quiet pizzicato gives the melody a gentle pulse.
The cellists play pizzicato during the opening measures.

Forms

pizzicato · pizzicatos · pizzicati

pluck verb — Pull and release a string, producing sound.

Similar words

plucked: Describes how strings sound, without necessarily naming a musical technique.
plucking: Names the physical action, including on instruments normally played without bows.