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A fade out is a production and performance technique in which the volume gradually decreases until the music becomes silent. It is a common way to end songs in popular music.
What is a fade out?
In recorded music, a fade out is typically created during mixing by gradually lowering the volume of the entire track while the musicians continue performing. Many fade outs are built on a repeated chorus, groove or chord progression.
Fade outs became especially popular in pop and rock music during the second half of the twentieth century and remain a familiar production technique today.
How is a fade out used in piano playing?
In live performance, pianists can imitate a fade out by gradually reducing their dynamics while repeating the closing musical phrase. This requires careful coordination with the other musicians so the entire ensemble decreases in volume together.
A well-executed fade out creates a smooth and natural ending without the need for a final sustained chord.