Music Theory: Scales and Keys

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering musical terminology, scales, keys, and concepts to aid in studying for music theory.

Minor Scale

A scale that typically has a darker and more somber sound.

E minor

A minor scale based on the note E.

B minor

A minor scale based on the note B.

Tonic

The first note of a scale, serving as the home base for the rest of the scale.

Octave

An interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency.

Whole step

The distance between two notes that are two half steps apart.

Half-step

The smallest interval used in Western music, the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano.

C Major Scale

A major scale consisting of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

Sharp (♯)

A symbol indicating that a note is to be raised by a half step.

Circle of Fifths

A visual representation of the relationship between the 12 major and minor keys.

F# minor

A minor scale based on the note F#.

C# minor

A minor scale based on the note C#.

G# minor

A minor scale based on the note G#.

D# minor

A minor scale based on the note D#.

A# minor

A minor scale based on the note A#.

C minor

A minor scale based on the note C.

G minor

A minor scale based on the note G.

D minor

A minor scale based on the note D.

E♭ minor

A minor scale based on the note E♭.

A minor

A minor scale based on the note A.

F minor

A minor scale based on the note F.

B♭ minor

A minor scale based on the note B♭.

Ab minor

A minor scale based on the note Ab.

Db minor

A minor scale based on the note Db.

Scale

A series of musical notes ordered by pitch.

Major scale

A scale characterized by the interval pattern of whole and half steps that is often described as happy or bright.

C# Major

A major scale based on the note C#.

F# Major

A major scale based on the note F#.

B Major

A major scale based on the note B.

E Major

A major scale based on the note E.

G major

A major scale based on the note G.

D Major

A major scale based on the note D.

A Major

A major scale based on the note A.

Ab Major

A major scale based on the note Ab.

Bb Major

A major scale based on the note Bb.

Db Major

A major scale based on the note Db.

Eb Major

A major scale based on the note Eb.

G♭ Major

A major scale based on the note G♭.

F Major

A major scale based on the note F.

Circle of Fourths

A visual representation showing the relationship between keys in fourths.

Minor (in music)

Refers to the mood and tonal quality often associated with sadness or gloom.

Arpeggio

Notes of a chord played in succession instead of simultaneously.

Chord Progression

A sequence of chords played in succession.

Fingering

The specific arrangement of fingers used when playing a musical instrument.

Notation

A system of writing music that uses symbols to represent pitches and rhythms.

Key signature

The sharps or flats at the beginning of a staff indicating the key of a piece of music.

Tempo

The speed at which a piece of music is played.

Dynamics

The volume of music, often indicated by symbols in the musical score.

Rhythm

The pattern of sounds and silences in music.

Harmony

The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously.

Melody

A sequence of notes that is musically satisfying; the main theme of a piece of music.

Interval

The distance in pitch between two notes.

Semitone

Another term for a half-step in music.

Pentatonic Scale

A five-note scale commonly used in music around the world.

Whole Tone Scale

A scale made up of whole steps only.

Scale Degree

The position of a note in a scale, often numbered.

Cadence

A sequence of notes or chords that brings a phrase, section, or piece of music to a conclusion.

Dynamics (piano)

Playing in a soft, gentle manner.

Dynamics (forte)

Playing in a loud and strong manner.

Time Signature

A notation that indicates the number of beats in a measure and the type of note that gets one beat.

Bar/Measure

A segment of time defined by a given number of beats in a piece of music.

Dynamics (mezzo-forte)

Moderately loud dynamic level.

Tuning

The adjustment of pitches to ensure they are in harmony.

Transposition

The act of changing the key of a piece of music while preserving its relationships in pitch.

Vocal Range

The range of pitches that a singer can produce.

Chord

A combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when played together.

Sustaining Tone

A tone held for an extended period.

Tempo Marking

A notation indicating the intended pace or speed of the music.

Score

A written form of music that shows all the parts of a piece.

Key Overview

An explanation of the different keys and their relationships.

Flat (♭)

A symbol indicating that a note is to be lowered by a half step.

Chord Quality

The characteristics of a chord, such as major, minor, or diminished.

Music Theory

The study of the practices and possibilities of music.

Musical Form

The structure of a musical composition or performance.

Notational Elements

Symbols used to represent elements of music in writing.

Symphony

A lengthy piece of orchestral music, typically in four movements.

Harmony Types

Different styles of harmonizing such as diatonic, chromatic, or modal.

Articulation

The way notes are played or sung in terms of their attack and release.

Tempo Shifts

Changes in the speed of the music throughout a piece.

Loop

A repeating section of music.

Twelve Tone Technique

A method of composition using all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale.

Solfège

A method of teaching pitch and sight singing using syllables like do, re, mi.

Modal Scale

A scale derived from modes, with different tonal centers.

Dissonance

A combination of notes that creates tension or a feeling of instability.

Consonance

A combination of notes that is harmonious and stable.

Cadential Progression

A specific sequence of chords that leads to a resolution.

Folk Music

Music that originates from the traditional culture of a specific region or people.

Baroque Music

A style of Western art music composed from roughly 1600 to 1750.

Sonata Form

A musical structure consisting of three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Canon

A piece of music in which a melody is played and then imitated by other voices or instruments.

Tritone

An interval that spans three whole tones, often perceived as dissonant.

Neoclassicism

A 20th-century movement in music characterized by a return to classic styles and forms.

Orchestration

The art of arranging music for orchestras.

Jazz Harmony

A style of harmony characterized by extended chords and complex progressions.

Key Change

A shift in tonality from one key to another within a piece.

Blue Note

A flatted note that adds expression in blues and jazz music.

Syncopation

A musical rhythm that emphasizes beats or parts of beats that are usually unstressed.

Ostinato

A motif or phrase that persistently repeats in the same pitch.

Mixolydian Mode

A mode that is like the major scale but with a lowered seventh.

Phrygian Mode

A mode that is similar to the natural minor scale but with a lowered second.