Glossary
Arpeggio
The notes of a chord played one after another in succession, rather than simultaneously, outlining the chord's tones.
Example:
A pianist might play a flowing arpeggio up and down the keyboard, outlining the notes of a C major chord.
Augmented (Triad)
A triad consisting of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth, resulting in an unstable and unsettling sound.
Example:
The dream sequence in a film might use an augmented triad to create a surreal and disorienting atmosphere.
Cadences
Harmonic resting points or points of arrival in music, typically formed by specific chord progressions that provide a sense of conclusion.
Example:
A perfect authentic cadence (V-I) provides a strong, conclusive ending to a musical phrase.
Chord Progressions
A series of chords played in sequence, creating harmonic movement, tension, and resolution within a musical piece.
Example:
The familiar I-IV-V-I chord progression forms the basis of countless folk and rock songs.
Chords
Three or more pitches played simultaneously, forming the fundamental building blocks of harmony.
Example:
A guitarist strums a C major chord, instantly creating a foundational sound.
Diminished (Triad)
A triad consisting of a root, a minor third, and a diminished fifth, creating a tense and dissonant sound.
Example:
Horror movie soundtracks often employ diminished triads to build suspense and unease.
Diminished Seventh (Chord)
A seventh chord built with a diminished triad and a diminished seventh above the root, resulting in a highly tense and dissonant sound.
Example:
In classical music, a diminished seventh chord is often used to create dramatic tension before a powerful resolution.
Dominant Seventh (Chord)
A seventh chord built with a major triad and a minor seventh above the root, known for its strong pull towards resolution.
Example:
The classic blues progression heavily relies on the tension and release provided by the dominant seventh chord.
First Inversion (Chord)
The inversion of a chord where the third of the chord is the lowest pitch, often used for smoother bass lines.
Example:
A smooth bass line might move from a root position chord to its first inversion for better voice leading.
Half-Diminished Seventh (Chord)
A seventh chord built with a diminished triad and a minor seventh above the root, offering a tense but slightly less dissonant sound than a fully diminished seventh.
Example:
Jazz standards frequently feature the unique color of a half-diminished seventh chord, especially in minor keys.
Harmony
The simultaneous sounding of pitches, creating a rich, layered sound that adds depth and motion to music.
Example:
The beautiful blend of instruments in an orchestra playing together creates a rich harmony.
Intervals
The distance between two pitches, which are the fundamental building blocks of scales, melodies, and chords.
Example:
Recognizing the sound of a perfect fifth interval is crucial for identifying chord qualities.
Major (Triad)
A triad consisting of a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth, typically sounding bright and happy.
Example:
The opening of a triumphant symphony often features a strong major triad.
Major Seventh (Chord)
A seventh chord built with a major triad and a major seventh above the root, producing a bright and expansive sound.
Example:
Many bossa nova tunes feature the lush sound of a major seventh chord.
Minor (Triad)
A triad consisting of a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth, typically conveying a mellow or sad emotion.
Example:
A melancholic ballad might heavily feature minor triads to evoke a somber mood.
Minor Seventh (Chord)
A seventh chord built with a minor triad and a minor seventh above the root, creating a mellow and contemplative sound.
Example:
The soulful feel of R&B music often incorporates the smooth sound of a minor seventh chord.
Roman Numeral Analysis
A system used to label chords based on their root's scale degree within a given key, indicating both quality and inversion.
Example:
Using Roman numeral analysis, a C major chord in C major would be labeled 'I'.
Root Position (Chord)
The inversion of a chord where the root note is the lowest pitch, providing a strong and stable foundation.
Example:
When a bass player plays the fundamental note of a chord, it's often in root position.
Second Inversion (Chord)
The inversion of a chord where the fifth of the chord is the lowest pitch, commonly used in cadential figures.
Example:
A common use of a second inversion chord is the cadential six-four, leading to a dominant.
Seventh Chords
Four-note chords formed by stacking three intervals of a third, adding more color and depth to music than triads.
Example:
Jazz musicians frequently use seventh chords to create complex and sophisticated harmonies.
Third Inversion (Seventh Chord)
The inversion of a seventh chord where the seventh of the chord is the lowest pitch.
Example:
While less common, a third inversion dominant seventh chord can create a strong bass line leading to the tonic.
Triads
Three-note chords formed by stacking two intervals of a third, serving as the foundation of tonal harmony.
Example:
Most pop songs are built upon simple triads like C major or G minor.
Voice Leading
The melodic movement of individual parts or voices in a multi-part musical texture, aiming for smooth and logical transitions between chords.
Example:
Good voice leading ensures that each instrumental part moves efficiently and melodically from one chord to the next.