Staccato is an expression that plays notes short and detached. Space appears between the notes, which emphasizes the outline of the rhythm and a sense of lightness.
The basic idea
Even at the same pitch, holding a note or cutting it short changes the impression. Thinking of attack strength and note length separately lets you create finer nuance.
Using it in performance and programming
In the piano roll, shorten the notes and adjust velocity if needed. Adding an accent to some of them makes the groove of the pattern clearer.
How it differs from related terms
Staccato creates shortness, while legato connects notes. Both shape the outline of a phrase.
Try using short notes on just part of a comping pattern or a string rhythm and listen to the difference.
