What term refers to a short ornamental note printed smaller than the main notes, to be played quickly before the main note?

• A. Appoggiatura
• B. Grace note
• C. Mordent
• D. Trill

Answer: (B)

A grace note is a tiny note printed before the main note that is meant to be played very quickly, almost crushed into the moment you arrive at the main pitch. This decorative lead-in doesn’t take up the full rhythmic value of the measure, just a brief ornamental breath before the melody lands on the main note. That quick, preceding note fits the description perfectly, which is why it’s the best label here. An appoggiatura is also an ornament before the main note, but it’s typically longer and steals some of the main beat's time, not the ultra-short lead-in described. Mordent and trill are rapid pitch alternations during the main note itself, not a small note before it, so they’re a different kind of decoration.