- Home >
- Online Academy >
- Getting to Grips with Octaves >
- Types of Octaves
Getting to Grips with Octaves
Types of Octaves
There are several different types (or species) of octaves, which one we use is dependent on the musical context. Here are the main types, with examples and practice suggestions. Legato (quasi-legato) Octaves To achieve legato, we hold each octave as long as possible. The touch will be tenuto, no breaking at the wrist. In order to hold the top note as long as possible, it is often helpful to feel a rotary motion of the forearm, where the thumb releases first and the 5th finger (or top finger) comes up shortly after, rotating across. The tonal balance is very much...Sign in to view if you have purchased access to this content or see purchase options below.
Purchase options
This content is available as a separate, once-off purchase or as part of a subscription. Click "Buy" to purchase it or on "Subscribe" to get access to this content in addition to our growing library of over 300 articles for as little as £13.99 per month or £119.99 per year.