Instruments & Performance

Mordent

Japanese name
モルデント

A mordent is a small ornament that moves quickly from the main note to the note next to it and straight back.

How to use it

Choose a neighboring note that fits the chord and try it briefly within the scale to stay safe.

How it differs from related terms

A mordent is a brief ornament, while a trill alternates two notes for longer.

Check that it is fast enough to be heard clearly at the tempo you are playing.

Sources & review

Last reviewed July 16, 2026

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