A little

As Printed on a Score

Placed before the word it softens inside an English direction — a little slower, a little louder, a little held back — and in force as long as that word is. Tempo phrases sit above the staff, dynamic phrases below. Even English-language scores more often print the Italian poco or un poco.

How Composers Use It

Use it for a change the listener should feel rather than notice: a little slower lets a cadence settle without announcing a new tempo. It only works relative to something, so make clear what is being reduced and, for tempo, where the earlier speed returns. Slightly means almost the same; pick one and use it consistently within a piece.

Related Terms