Glissando

Glissando, abbreviated gliss., is a continuous slide between two pitches. The exact technique varies by instrument: on piano, the player sweeps a finger across the keys, producing a rapid scale; on harp, the strings are similarly swept; on bowed strings or trombone, the pitch is altered continuously by sliding the finger or slide.

The glissando differs from portamento in implication and notation. A portamento is typically a brief expressive slide, often understated. A glissando is usually a deliberate, audible sweep — sometimes virtuoso, sometimes coloristic, always conspicuous.

Notation varies. A wavy or straight line connects the start and end notes, often labeled gliss. The line tells the player how to slide — quickly or slowly, smoothly or with audible discrete steps (on piano, the discrete steps are the individual keys swept).

Italian/French, from French glisser (‘to slide’), Italianized with the -ando gerund suffix.

On piano and harp, sweep with the fingernail (back of finger) for a clean glide. On bowed strings, slide the finger smoothly with the bow continuing. On trombone, coordinate the slide and the breath.