Ties and Slurs

Ties and slurs are kind of articulations in music. Although a tie is not actually an articulation but still we are okay to call it so because of its similarity with the slur on the music sheet. Let me describe each of them separately so that you can understand what are they and the difference between them.

THE TIE

A tie is a curved line connecting two or more notes of the same pitch. Just like tying one piece of string to another gives you a longer piece of string, so tying two notes together makes a longer note. There is no break between tied notes. Ties are often used to join notes over the bar line.

Below is an example of how a tie looks on the staff.

THE SLUR

A slur is a curved line connecting two or more notes of different pitches. Notes of different pitches with the curvy line over or under them are articulated as smoothly as possible. For guitar players it means hammer- ons and pull offs. Means whenever you see those curved lines over the notes, you should note pick them up as it will give the notes a discrete feeling. The slur means you need to play it in such a way that the notes flow by as much smoothly as possible. Hammer ons and pull offs are the best ways to perform the desired action.

Below is an example showing slur.

I hope now you very well know the difference and similarity between ties and slurs.