A grace note is a melodic ornament in the form of one or several small, “passing” notes that precede the main note. In the score it is written as a small note (often with a slash), which seems to “slip” into the principal sound, taking up almost no time of its own.
A grace note may be short (an instant, light push before the note) or long (taking part of the duration of the main note, giving it an expressive “sighing” quality). This ornament lends a melody grace, refinement, and living breath — fittingly, its very name is kindred to the notion of “grace.” Grace notes run through the music of the Baroque and Classicism, sound widely in folk music (notably in the playing of the Ukrainian fiddle and sopilka), and in jazz and pop. It is a small but eloquent detail that distinguishes a “living” performance from a mechanical one.
