Degree (music)In music theory, the scale degree is the position of a particular note on a scale relative to the tonic—the first and main note of the scale from which each octave is assumed to begin. Degrees are useful for indicating the size of intervals and chords and whether an interval is major or minor. In the most general sense, the scale degree is the number given to each step of the scale, usually starting with 1 for tonic. Defining it like this implies that a tonic is specified.
Diminished triadIn music theory, a diminished triad is a triad with a minor third and a diminished fifth above the root. When using chord symbols, it may be indicated by the symbols "dim", "", "m", or "MI". However, in most popular-music chord books, the symbol "dim" or "" represents a diminished seventh chord (a four-tone chord), which in some modern jazz books and music theory books is represented by the "dim7" or "" symbols.
Tonic (music)In music, "tonic" refers to the originating note or chord of a particular key. Scales are based on their tonic pitch, or tonic note, which is why they begin and end with their tonic pitch. This is also why scales are named after their tonics: for instance, the tonic of the C major scale is the note C. In the movable do solfège system, the tonic note is sung as do.
Minor chordA minor chord is a triad with a minor third and a perfect fifth above the root. The minor triad built on C is spelled C–E♭–G. StructureThe primary intervals in a minor chord are the minor third above the root, and the perfect fifth above the root. There is a major third between the third and fifth. It is a tertian chord because it is built in thirds.A minor triad is represented by the integer notation {0,3,7}.
Diatonic scaleIn music theory, a diatonic scale is a heptatonic (seven-note) scale that includes five whole steps (whole tones) and two half steps (semitones) in each octave, in which the two half steps are separated from each other by either two or three whole steps. In other words, the half steps are maximally separated from each other. The seven pitches of any diatonic scale can also be obtained by using a chain of six perfect fifths.
Roman numeral analysisIn music theory, Roman numeral analysis is a type of harmonic analysis in which chords are represented by Roman numerals, which encode the chord's degree and harmonic function within a given musical key. Specific notation conventions vary: some theorists use uppercase numerals (e.g. I, IV, V) to represent major chords, and lowercase numerals (e.g. ii, iii, vi) to represent minor chords. Others use uppercase numerals for all chords regardless of their quality.Triad (music)In music, a triad is a set of three notes (or "pitch classes") that can be stacked vertically in thirds. Triads are the most common chords in Western music. When stacked in thirds, notes produce triads. The triad's members, from lowest-pitched tone to highest, are called: the root Note: Inversion does not change the root. (The third or fifth can be the lowest note.)First inversionThe first inversion of a chord is the voicing of a triad or seventh chord in which the third of the chord is the bass note and the root is a sixth (or corresponding compound interval) above it. In the first inversion of a C major triad, the bass note is E—the third of the triad—with the fifth and the root above it, forming the intervals of a minor third and a minor sixth (or corresponding compound intervals) above E, respectively.
Key (music)In Western tonal music, a key represents the most common pitches and the center of tonal stability in a song or other composition. A key has two components: a tonic pitch and a mode. The tonic pitch is represented by a letter from A through G, sometimes modified by the accidental symbols ♯ (sharp) and ♭ (flat). This tonic represents the musical pitch which a piece will be oriented around and almost always conclude with.Bass noteIn music theory, the bass note of a chord or sonority is the lowest note played or notated. If there are multiple voices it is the note played or notated in the lowest voice (the note furthest in the bass.) Three situations are possible: The bass note is the root or fundamental of the chord. The chord is in root position.One of the other pitches of the chord is in the bass. This makes it an inverted chordThe bass note is not one of the notes in the chord.
SolfègeIn music, solfège (UK: or US: ; French:) or solfeggio (; Italian:), also called sol-fa, solfa, solfeo, among many names, is a mnemonic used in teaching aural skills, pitch and sight-reading of Western European music. Solfège is a form of solmization, although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Consonance and dissonanceIn music, consonance and dissonance are categorizations of simultaneous or successive sounds. Within the Western tradition, some listeners associate consonance with sweetness, pleasantness, and acceptability, and dissonance with harshness, unpleasantness, or unacceptability, although there is broad acknowledgement that this depends also on familiarity and musical expertise.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.