Dynamic signs are abbreviations used to signify the volume (loudness or softness) of a piece of music; it also indicates whether there is a change in volume (gradually louder or gradually softer). The table below lists the commonly used dynamic signs.
Dynamic Signs
| Dynamic Signs |
| Sign |
In Italian |
Definition |
| pp |
pianissimo |
very soft |
| p |
piano |
soft |
| mp |
mezzo piano |
moderately soft |
| mf |
mezzo forte |
moderately loud |
| f |
forte |
loud |
| ff |
fortissimo |
very loud |
| > |
decrescendo |
gradually softer |
| < |
crescendo |
gradually louder |
| rf |
rinforzando |
sudden increase in loudness |
| sfz |
sforzando |
play the note with sudden emphasis |
