Aftertouch is a term that is commonly used in the field of music. It refers to the ability of a musician to alter the sound of a note or chord after it has been played on a keyboard instrument. Aftertouch is a powerful tool that allows musicians to add a unique touch to their performances. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aftertouch, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.
Definitions
Aftertouch is defined as the ability of a musician to apply pressure on a key of a keyboard instrument after it has been played to alter the sound of the note or chord. This pressure can be applied in various ways, including by pressing down harder on the key, by sliding the finger up and down the key, or by tilting the key sideways.
Origin
The origin of aftertouch can be traced back to the early 1970s, when electronic music instruments were first introduced. The first electronic keyboard instrument to feature aftertouch was the Oberheim Synthesizer, which was released in 1975.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, aftertouch is “the ability of a keyboard instrument to respond to pressure applied to a key after it has been played, altering the sound produced.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines aftertouch as “the ability of a keyboard instrument to respond to pressure applied to a key after it has been struck.”
Associations
Aftertouch is commonly associated with keyboard instruments, such as synthesizers, electric pianos, and digital pianos. It is also associated with the music genres of rock, pop, and electronic dance music.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aftertouch include:
- Pressure sensitivity.
- Key pressure.
- Touch sensitivity.
- Key velocity.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of aftertouch, as it is a unique feature of keyboard instruments. However, some antonyms of related terms include:
- Static touch.
- Fixed velocity.
- Non-responsive keys.
The same root words
There are no direct root words of aftertouch, as it is a unique term in the field of music. However, some related terms that share similar roots include:
- Touch-sensitive.
- Pressure-sensitive.
- Velocity-sensitive.
Example Sentences
- The aftertouch feature on my digital piano allows me to add expression to my performances.
- The musician used aftertouch to create a unique sound effect on the synthesizer.
- The lack of aftertouch on the keyboard made it difficult for the pianist to add expression to their playing.
- The pressure sensitivity of the keys allowed the musician to create a range of dynamics using aftertouch.