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Dynamics & ExpressionA–Z index
Dynamics & Expression

Velocity

The short version

How hard a single note was struck, stored as a number.

A little more

In MIDI every note carries a velocity from 1 to 127. Low velocity usually means quieter AND softer in tone — a gently played hi-hat sounds darker, not just smaller.

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Velocity vs volume

Velocity changes how the hit was played. Volume just changes how loud you hear everything.

Why you'd careTurning down the volume makes the whole track quieter. Lowering velocity changes one hit and keeps the performance human. That's the difference.
Where you'll see this in BDT
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DynamicsHow loud or soft the music is, moment to moment.MIDIInstructions for notes — not sound itself.AccentOne note played noticeably harder than its neighbours.VolumeHow loud the finished sound is played back.

88 words and counting in The Music Guide. Back to the guide