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An accent is a musical marking that tells you to play a note or chord with extra emphasis. By making certain notes stand out, accents help create rhythm, expression and musical energy.
What is an accent in music?
In sheet music, an accent is usually shown with a small > symbol placed above or below a note. It tells the performer to play that note more strongly than the surrounding notes without necessarily making it much longer.
Accents are an important part of musical expression. They shape the rhythm, highlight important beats and help define the feel or groove of a piece of music.
How are accents used in piano playing?
On the piano, accents are created by striking the keys with slightly more speed and energy. Good accent control allows a pianist to make melodies stand out while keeping the accompaniment balanced.
In pop, rock and jazz, accents are often used on strong beats or on off-beats to create syncopation and groove. Developing finger independence makes it possible to accent notes in one hand while the other hand maintains a smooth and even accompaniment.