What is a Slur?

A slur is a curved line placed above or below a group of notes that indicates the notes should be played smoothly and connected. When notes are under a slur, musicians perform them in a legato style, meaning there is little or no separation between the sounds. The goal is to create a flowing, continuous musical phrase rather than playing each note with a distinct break.

Slurs are used across many instruments and styles of music. On string instruments like the violin or cello, a slur often means the notes should be played within a single bow stroke. For wind instruments and singers, it signals that the notes should be performed in one breath with smooth transitions between pitches.

It is important not to confuse a slur with a tie, even though they both appear as curved lines. A tie connects two notes of the same pitch and combines their durations into one sustained note, while a slur connects different notes to indicate smooth phrasing. Slurs therefore help shape musical expression and phrasing within a melody.