grace note

Grace notes are printed in small type and take their time value either from the preceding note or from the main note they decorate. They add decoration, emphasis, or expressive nuance to a melodic line. The two main types are the acciaccatura (a quick crushed note) and the appoggiatura (a leaned note that takes time from the main note). Grace notes appear in virtually every style of Western music. In Baroque music, they were an expected part of performance even when not written out. In Irish and Scottish fiddle music, grace notes (called cuts and taps) are essential to the style. In jazz, grace notes add the scoops and slides that give the music its characteristic vocal quality.