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Unison means that two or more musicians perform the same melody at the same time. They may play exactly the same pitch or the same melody in different octaves.
What is unison?
In unison playing, all performers follow the same melodic line instead of creating harmony with different notes. This produces a strong, focused and unified sound that is widely used in many styles of music.
Unison passages are common in pop, rock, jazz and orchestral music, where they emphasize important melodies, riffs or musical themes.
How is unison used in piano playing?
Piano players often perform melodies in unison by playing the same notes with both hands an octave apart. This technique creates a fuller, more powerful sound and helps important musical ideas stand out.
Understanding unison also improves ensemble playing, since musicians must match rhythm, articulation and phrasing with precision.