What is Staccatissimo? Piano Technique and Practice Tips Explained!

Staccatissimo is a musical notation that indicates playing notes even shorter and sharper than staccato.

In Italian, it means “the shortest,” and by emphasizing already short notes, it adds a stronger impact and sharper rhythm to the performance.

• Etymology: Derived from the Italian word “staccare” (to detach) with the superlative suffix “-issimo”
• Characteristics: Requires notes that are even shorter and more detached than regular staccato

Staccatissimo Symbol and Notation in Sheet Music

Staccatissimo is indicated by a wedge mark (▼) placed above or below the note, instructing the player to play the note extremely short, even more so than with a staccato dot.

Recommended Article

Illustrated Guide: Easily Understand How to Read Piano Sheet Music with a Complete List of Musical Symbols!

When reading piano sheet music, it’s important to understand the meanings of various musical symbols. Once you grasp these correctly, you can broaden your range of expression, elevating your performance level. In this article, we have compiled a list of the musical symbols needed to read sheet music and explained their meanings and usage in […]

How to Play Staccatissimo: Beginner Steps

Focus on shortness
Staccatissimo demands even shorter notes than staccato.

Try to release the key immediately after striking it, even quicker than you would for staccato.

Quick key press and release
The key point of staccatissimo is executing both key press and release swiftly.

Not just your fingertips—relax your wrist and forearm as well, and imagine repeating small, quick motions.

Practice at a slower tempo
Playing too fast from the start can result in sloppy, unclear notes.

Start slowly to master extremely short articulation, then gradually increase the tempo for more control and consistency.

For Intermediate to Advanced Players: Staccatissimo Tips

Widen the dynamic range
Cutting notes sharply while controlling dynamics can create richer expression.

Try playing from pianissimo (pp) to fortissimo (ff)—you’ll notice how even short notes can leave different impressions.

Touch with your fingertips
Adjusting how and where your fingers touch the keys changes tone and articulation. Use this nuance depending on the musical atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. What’s the difference between staccatissimo and staccato?
Staccatissimo indicates a more extreme form of short, detached notes compared to staccato.

While staccato is shown with dots, staccatissimo often uses a wedge symbol (▼), signaling even shorter note lengths.

Q. Do I need to strike the keys strongly?
Staccatissimo is about cutting the sound short, not necessarily hitting the keys hard.

Depending on the piece, you might add forte or accents, but the key is speedy key press and release rather than strength.

Q. Can I use the sustain pedal with staccatissimo?
Using the damper pedal (right pedal) may extend the sound and weaken the staccatissimo effect.

However, with careful partial pedaling and quick changes, you can achieve unique effects depending on the piece and composer’s intention.

Conclusion

Staccatissimo is a performance indication that requires extremely short notes, even shorter than standard staccato.

Beginners should focus on mastering “quick key press and release” first, starting with slow-tempo metronome practice to build precision.

Use this article as your guide to mastering staccatissimo and enhancing your expressive performance!