sul tasto

music

Also known as: sulla tastiera

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

"Sul tasto" is an Italian musical term used as a direction for stringed instruments. It instructs the player to keep the bow over the fingerboard, which produces a soft, thin tone. This technique is a form of musical expression, which involves elements beyond just the notes themselves, such as dynamics, tempo, and specific playing techniques.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

instrumentation
String techniques
…the bridge of the instrument), sul tasto (bowing on the fingerboard), the use of harmonics (dividing the string in such a way as to produce a high flutelike tone), col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow), and many special bowing techniques.
Read More
…the bridge of the instrument), sul tasto (bowing on the fingerboard), the use of harmonics (dividing the string in such a way as to produce a high flutelike tone), col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow), and many special bowing techniques.
Read More