What does "note-bash" mean?

To learn the most basic aspects of a piece of music (such as the notes and rhythm) via rote repetition, without regard for tempo, dynamics, style or musicality; typically done when first learning a new piece, as a way to understand it and build muscle memory.

How do you pronounce "note-bash"?

Pronounced //ˈnəʊtˌbæʃ//.

Note-bash

//ˈnəʊtˌbæʃ// verb, slang

verb, slang ·Uncommon ·College level

Definitions

Verb

1
To learn the most basic aspects of a piece of music (such as the notes and rhythm) via rote repetition, without regard for tempo, dynamics, style or musicality; typically done when first learning a new piece, as a way to understand it and build muscle memory. UK, informal, intransitive
"I hate note-bashing - we've been doing it all afternoon!"

Example

More examples

"I hate note-bashing - we've been doing it all afternoon!"

Etymology

From note + bash, as an allusion to bashing the keys of a piano in an unmusical fashion when first learning a piece.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.