Pizzicato is a technique where strings such as the violin are plucked with the fingers instead of bowed. It is characterized by short, clearly defined notes.
The basic idea
Even on the same instrument, the attack and the sustain are very different from normal bowing. It is used for rhythmic accompaniment and for creating a light sense of tension.
Using it in performance and programming
In a string library, choose the pizzicato articulation. Combining it with staccato sharpens the outline of the short notes even further.
Difference from related terms
Pizzicato is a specific technique of plucking the string, while staccato is an expression that shortens notes. You can vary the length of pizzicato notes too.
When you want string sounds to work as rhythm, pizzicato is an easy choice.
