Laissez vibrer (let ring)

A laissez-vibrer, or l.v., tie curves away from a note without joining another notehead. Let the sound ring and decay naturally instead of damping it at the written end.

Laissez vibrer (let ring): music notation symbol placed above the note. Let it ring on; do not stop the sound.
Family
Articulation
Where it sits
Above the note
What it looks like
A curve or arc

Do not confuse it with

A normal tie joins equal pitches and adds their durations; an l.v. tie has no destination note.

What the sources say

  • Laissez vibrer ties MuseScore
    short ties starting on a note and hanging into space, indicating that the sound is to be allowed to resonate.
  • Notation Reference — L.v. ties GNU LilyPond
    L.v. ties (laissez vibrer) indicate that notes must not be damped at the end.
  • SMuFL — Articulation W3C Music Notation Community Group
    articLaissezVibrerAbove — Laissez vibrer (l.v.) above

All notation signs

Top Write to me