Dash Insert drop-down menu. Dash The dash is a punctuation mark that is similar in appearance to and , but differs from these symbols in both length and height. The most common versions of the dash are the en dash (–), equal to half the height of the font; the em dash (—), twice as long as the en dash; and the horizontal bar (―), whose length varies across typefaces. Historically, the names of en dash and em dash were loosely related to the width of a lower-case "n" and upper-case "M", respectively, in commonly used typefaces. Usage varies both within
Rule of the octave Rule of the octave The rule of the octave is a way of harmonizing each note of the diatonic scale, reflecting common practice, and has its origin in the practice of thorough bass, or basso continuo. The rule of the octave also formed the cornerstone of the "regole" (rules) of partimento collections. The rule of the octave was first mentioned in the 17th century in treatises for thorough bass written for lute-like instruments. There is normally a different harmonization for ascending and descending bass lines, and, although called a rule, there are several variants with different chords. Different versions for