Glossary

Chord

A set of 3 or more notes, played simultaneously or in sequence. See C Major Chord.

Dominant

Can refer to the Dominant Chord (the major chord built on the 5th note of the scale) or the harmonic function of many chords that seeks to resolve to tonic-function chords. See Music Theory - Diatonic Chord Progressions.

Interval

A set of 2 notes, played simultaneously or in sequence. See 1st and 2nd Strings - Intervals.

Melody

A series of notes expressing a musical idea. See Music Theory Basics.

Note

The most basic "unit" of music. A note is comprised of a fundamental pitch and a time duration. Pitch is described in terms of letters (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and sharps/flats (#/b). Duration is described in terms of how much of a measure the note lasts - in 4/4 time where a measure is 4 beats, a note that lasts 4 beats is a whole note, 2 beats a half note, 1 beat a quarter note, and 1/2 beat an eighth note. See Music Theory Basics.

Rhythm

The pattern of sound over time, incorporating Tempo, Time Signatures, Beats, Feels, . See Music Theory Basics.

Tonic

Can refer to the 1st note of a scale, the Tonic Chord (the major chord built on the 1st note of the scale), or the harmonic function of many chords that bring release to tension. See Music Theory - Diatonic Chord Progressions.