Glossary
Accidental
A symbol (sharp, flat, natural) that alters the pitch of a note for the duration of the measure in which it appears, overriding the key signature.
Example:
In a piece in C major, a written F# would be an accidental, temporarily raising the F to F-sharp.
C major scale
The major scale that contains no sharps or flats, serving as a foundational reference point in Western music theory.
Example:
Playing all the white keys on a piano from C to C will produce the sound of the C major scale.
Circle of fifths
A visual representation of the relationships among the 12 major and minor keys, arranged in a circle by ascending or descending perfect fifths.
Example:
Using the circle of fifths, you can quickly see that G major is a closely related key to C major, being one step clockwise.
Closely related keys
Keys that share many common notes and chords, typically differing by no more than one sharp or flat in their key signatures, or being a perfect fifth away on the circle of fifths.
Example:
C major and G major are closely related keys because G major is a perfect fifth above C major and only adds one sharp to its key signature.
Enharmonic equivalents
Notes or keys that sound the same but are spelled differently, often using sharps or flats to represent the same pitch.
Example:
F# major and Gb major are enharmonic equivalents, sharing the same pitches but having different key signatures.
Interval
The distance between two pitches, measured by the number of scale degrees between them, including the starting and ending notes.
Example:
The distance from C to G is a perfect fifth interval, encompassing five scale degrees.
Key
When a piece of music centers around a specific major or minor scale, it is said to be in a particular key, serving as its central pitch and harmonic foundation.
Example:
A piece that consistently uses the notes of the G major scale and resolves to G is likely in the key of G major.
Key signatures
A set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a musical staff, indicating which notes are consistently raised or lowered throughout a piece and thus defining the prevailing key.
Example:
Seeing two sharps at the beginning of a score means you're likely in the key signature of D major or B minor.
Major scale
A seven-note scale consisting of a specific pattern of whole and half steps (W-W-H-W-W-W-H), forming the basis for major keys.
Example:
Singing 'do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do' demonstrates the ascending pattern of a major scale.
Modulation
The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music, often to a closely related key.
Example:
A composer might use modulation to shift from C major to G major in the middle of a sonata, adding harmonic interest.
Order of Flats
The fixed sequence in which flats appear in key signatures, always Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb.
Example:
A key signature with four flats will always include Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db, following the established Order of Flats.
Order of Sharps
The fixed sequence in which sharps appear in key signatures, always F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#.
Example:
When writing a key signature with three sharps, you must always include F#, C#, and G# in the correct Order of Sharps.
Scale degree
The numerical position of a note within a scale, indicating its relationship to the tonic.
Example:
In a C major scale, the note G is the fifth scale degree (sol).
Tonality
The organization of pitches around a central note, the tonic, creating a sense of a home key and defining the harmonic character of a piece.
Example:
A piece that strongly emphasizes the C major chord and resolves to C exhibits a clear C major tonality.
Tonic
The first and most stable scale degree of a key, serving as the central pitch around which all other notes and chords gravitate.
Example:
In the key of A minor, the note A is the tonic, providing a sense of resolution and home.