Spiccato

What it is: The bow bounces off the string between notes — lighter and faster than staccato. The bow's own weight + spring controls the rebound; the player just guides it.

What it sounds like: Crisp, light, springy — articulation with air around each note. The signature sound of fast classical-period string writing.

When to use it: Fast running passages, scherzo movements, accompaniment patterns at quick tempos. Spiccato is the natural articulation when staccato gets too fast for the bow to stay on the string.

Tip: Spiccato has a sweet-spot tempo zone — roughly quarter ≈ 100–160 for most players. Below that, the bow rebound is too slow and you get sluggish staccato. Above that, you're in sautillé territory (rapid bouncing driven by the wood of the bow itself, which is harder to control). For very fast articulation, mark sautillé or just write the rhythm and trust the player.

Listen: Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Scherzo — the spiccato Scherzo of all spiccato Scherzi.

See also: Staccato, Legato, Ricochet, Orchestration