Articulation refers to the different bowing gestures on the violin. In the middle of a long, sustained note, each vibration of the violin string is nearly identical to the one that preceded it. The violin is said to be in a steady state. Of greater importance are differences in violin sounds coming from the transients: the short lived effects at the beginning and end of each note. These are achieved by different articulations or bowing styles.
In western terminologies, some common articulation techniques include:
- Col legno
- Collé
- Pizzicato
- Spiccato
- Sul ponticello
- Sul tasto
- Tremolo
- Glissando
