Sideways S in music is a symbol that represents turns in music. The sideways s in music is a symbol that denotes a turn. Turns are usually executed by playing the note below or above the one with the symbol and then going back to the original note.
What is a Turn in Music?
A turn, or gruppetto, is an ornamentation technique where you move from one note to another and return to the starting note. It’s indicated by an S symbol placed above a note or between two notes.
The turn prompts the musician to swiftly play a set of notes. The speed varies based on the music and the musician’s choice.
Regular Turn
For regular turns, four notes play quickly: the note above the main note, the main note itself, the note below it, and then the main note again.
Inverted Turn
The inverted turn is similar to the regular turn, but the notes are played in reverse order. You start with the note below the main note, followed by the main note, then the note above, and finally the main note again. Its symbol looks like the regular turn but with a vertical line through it.
Offset Turn
Sometimes, the turn symbol is placed between two notes, affecting their play. This use of the symbol is called an offset gruppetto.
