Table of Contents
Notation reference
Articulations
Articulations are markings that are drawn above or below notes and chords. Articulations tell a performer how to attack a note or how long to play a note relative to its notated duration.
Positions of articulations
There are established conventions for the position and placement of articulations relative to notes, the staff, and staff lines, which ensure articulations are always clearly visible. For the smallest articulations, such as staccato marks, correct placement relative to staff lines in particular is vital.
Order of articulations
If there are multiple articulations on the same notes, their vertical position and proximity to noteheads/stems depends on their type.

Order of articulations

If there are multiple articulations on the same notes, their vertical position and proximity to noteheads/stems depends on their type.

Articulations are positioned in the following order:

Articulations of duration are positioned closest to notehead/stems.
Articulations of force are positioned outside articulations of duration.
Articulations of stress are positioned furthest from noteheads/stems.

Order of articulations in relation to slurs

Articulations of duration are positioned as follows:

Inside slurs that start/end on a note or chord with an articulation.
Inside the curvature of a slur.
Inside tuplet brackets.

Articulations of force are positioned as follows:

Outside slurs that start/end on a note or chord with an articulation, except if they can be positioned within the staff.
Inside the curvature of a slur if they fit between the slur and the note or stem, to which they belong, without colliding.
Outside tuplet brackets.


Figure 1. Force and stress articulations outside the ends of the slur	Figure 2. Duration articulations inside the ends of the slur