How to tell the difference between slurs and ties

[guitarwolf]

For me the lines look the same so how do you know when to use legato or just combine their rythmic values?

[allchopin]

if its the same note, just hold it out-
else, legato

[NetherMagic]

ties = when the line is connecting between 2 same notes of the same pitch, which means if the first note is a Bb and the second is a Bb but one octave lower than it is NOT a tie.  You play the first note and then hold it for the joined notes' time values.  Basically, don't play the second note, just continue to hold it.

slur = when the line is from one note and connected to another note that is not the same pitch, and there may or may not be notes under the slur.  Generally, you play all the notes under the slur in legato style (depends on your piece).  And most of the time you play from loud to soft (i'm speaking relatively).  Like if there were 2 notes connected by slur, most chances you wouldn't play the 2nd note louder than 1st

[guitarwolf]

Thnx guys that clears up ALOT of confusion, you have no idea.

[guitarwolf]

What about when it ties notes together in a different bar? Is that legato or a tie? Songs like Chopin waltz op34 no2 confuse me because if u look at the 2nd page the first few bars confuse me because it shows the tie for the right hand but shows fingering for holding 2 notes. Why is that? Or in chopin Ballade op23 there are ties for almost all the left hand notes but they are clearly played when listening, only difference I see there is they are dotted. Does that make any difference?

[guitarwolf]

What do those dots mean? There are some that are right under the notes while others are right after. DOes that mean no tie?

[chopinetta]

if it's a dot beside the note, it means to increase the note's duration for one half its normal value. if it's below the note, it's staccato. for example, you've got a whole note and a dotted half note for sol tied together, then this means that you'll have to play sol for the duration of 1 and 3/4 whole notes...

[guitarwolf]

thnx chopinetta