Segue
Definition. Follow — proceed immediately to the next section without break.
Detailed Explanation
Segue is Italian for ‘follow’. As a performance direction it instructs the performer to proceed immediately to the next section or movement without break — similar to attacca. The direction creates dramatic continuity by eliminating the natural pause between sections.
Segue is most commonly used in popular music, jazz, and theatre scores, where pieces are often grouped into medleys or continuous sequences. In a band score, ‘segue’ between two pieces tells the performers to play one immediately after the other without stopping.
In classical music, attacca is more common; segue tends to be used in more popular or theatrical contexts. Both have essentially the same meaning — don’t pause between sections.
Etymology
Italian, third person singular of seguire (‘to follow’), from Latin sequi (‘to follow’).
In Practice
Don’t pause. Move directly into the next section, maintaining tempo and energy as appropriate. The transition should feel inevitable.
Notable Examples
- Musical theatre — Common usage (frequent segue between numbers)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Segue mean in music?
Follow — proceed immediately to the next section without break.
Where does the word Segue come from?
Italian, third person singular of seguire (‘to follow’), from Latin sequi (‘to follow’).
How is Segue performed in practice?
Don’t pause. Move directly into the next section, maintaining tempo and energy as appropriate. The transition should feel inevitable.
What musical terms are related to Segue?
Related terms include: Attacca, Simile.
Practice with Songtive's free tools
Hear this term applied — explore chord charts, fingerings and the music engine.
Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano
