Glossary
Chromatic (note)
A note that is not part of the specific major or minor scale being used, often indicated by an accidental.
Example:
In a C major scale, the note F# is chromatic.
Circle of fifths
A visual tool illustrating the relationships between major (and minor) keys, showing the order of sharps and flats in key signatures.
Example:
Using the circle of fifths, you can quickly determine that G major has one sharp and F major has one flat.
Diatonic (note)
A note that belongs to the specific major or minor scale being used.
Example:
In a G major scale, the note C is diatonic.
Diatonic scale
Another name for the major scale, referring to its specific pattern of whole and half steps that defines its unique sound.
Example:
The C diatonic scale consists of only natural notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
Dominant
The fifth scale degree, which creates tension and a strong pull towards the tonic, making it very important in harmony.
Example:
In the key of A major, E is the dominant, often leading to a strong resolution.
Flat keys
Keys whose key signatures contain one or more flats, progressing counterclockwise around the circle of fifths.
Example:
F major and Bb major are common examples of flat keys.
Half step
The smallest interval in Western music, representing the distance between two adjacent notes (e.g., C to C#).
Example:
Playing E and then F on a guitar demonstrates a half step.
Key signature
A set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a musical staff, indicating the key of the piece and which notes are consistently altered.
Example:
A piece with two sharps in its key signature is likely in D major.
Leading Tone
The seventh scale degree, located a half step below the tonic, creating a strong pull towards it.
Example:
In the key of C major, B is the leading tone, which strongly desires to resolve to C.
Major scales
The foundational building blocks of Western music, characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps that typically sound bright and cheerful.
Example:
Many popular songs, like 'Happy Birthday,' are built using a major scale.
Mediant
The third scale degree, often used for rest or resolution within a melody.
Example:
In the key of Bb major, D is the mediant.
Octave
An interval spanning eight diatonic pitches, where the higher note has double the frequency of the lower note.
Example:
Singing 'do' at a low pitch and then 'do' again at a higher pitch demonstrates an octave interval.
Roman numeral analysis
A system using Roman numerals to represent chords and their functions within a given key, with uppercase for major and lowercase for minor.
Example:
In C major, a G major chord would be labeled as V in Roman numeral analysis.
Scale degrees
The specific names and roles assigned to each note within a major or minor scale, crucial for understanding melodic and harmonic function.
Example:
Understanding the function of each of the seven scale degrees helps in analyzing chord progressions.
Sharp keys
Keys whose key signatures contain one or more sharps, progressing clockwise around the circle of fifths.
Example:
G major and D major are common examples of sharp keys.
Subdominant
The fourth scale degree, creating a sense of stability and located a whole step below the dominant.
Example:
In the key of E major, A is the subdominant.
Submediant
The sixth scale degree, often used for rest or resolution, similar to the mediant.
Example:
In the key of G major, E is the submediant.
Supertonic
The second scale degree, located a whole step above the tonic, adding a bit of tension.
Example:
In the key of F major, G is the supertonic.
Tonic
The first and most stable scale degree, serving as the home base of the scale and key.
Example:
In the key of D major, D is the tonic, providing a sense of resolution.
Whole step
An interval consisting of two half steps, representing the distance between two notes with one note in between (e.g., C to D).
Example:
The distance from F to G on a piano keyboard is a whole step.