What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
portamento
Example
The violinist used portamento to create a seamless transition between the notes. [portamento: noun]
Example
She sang the melody with a beautiful portamento, sliding from one note to the next. [portamento: adjective]
slide
Example
The guitarist used a slide to produce a unique sound on the guitar. [slide: noun]
Example
He slid his finger up the fretboard to create a beautiful glissando effect. [slide: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slide is more commonly used than portamento in everyday language, especially in the context of popular music. Portamento is a more specialized term used mainly in classical and romantic music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between portamento and slide?
Both portamento and slide are formal terms used mainly in the context of music theory and performance. However, portamento is more commonly associated with classical and romantic music, which tends to have a more formal tone, while slide is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in popular music.
