An extended technique is an unconventional or non-traditional method of playing a musical instrument or singing that is employed to obtain unusual sounds or timbres.
Composers have long been interested in expanding the range of sounds that they could use in their composition. Traditionally this was done mainly by developing new instruments or new versions of existing ones. A second way has been by using extended techniques. Extended techniques have become common in contemporary music, and, in fact, they are used almost exclusively in some compositions. The most recent way of creating new sounds has been through the use of electronic circuitry.
One of the best known historic applications of an extended technique was the use of col legno violin playing by Hector Berlioz in his 1830 Symphonie Fantastique. Col legno consists of drawing the wood of the bow across the strings, thereby creating a soft, eerie, otherworldly effect. Other examples of extended techniques for bowed string instruments include using two bows simultaneously, bowing behind the bridge, and striking with percussion sticks or other objects.
Examples of extended techniques for the piano include playing with fists or arms instead of the fingers, playing with objects placed on top of the strings, striking or plucking the strings directly, and unconventional uses of the pedals.