Introduction to Music Theory: Pitch, Scales, Chords, and Notation

Flashcards based on the introduction to music theory transcript covering frequency, intervals, scale types, harmonic chords, performance symbols, and tempo terms.

Frequency

The cycles per second that create pitch, which double when moving higher in pitch and cut in half when moving lower.

Interval

The distance between two notes, calculated by always counting the bottom note as one.

Unison

Singing or playing the exact same pitch at the exact same level and frequency together.

Solfege

A musical notation and teaching system using hand signs and syllables: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do.

Tonic

The first note of a scale, which corresponds to Do in solfege systems.

Leading Tone

The seventh scale interval that creates tension leading directly back to the tonic note.

Triad

A chord consisting of three notes played simultaneously, typically made up of intervals of a third.

Harmony

Additional notes from a chord or triad played or sung alongside a main melody to enrich the music.

Modulation

The act of changing from one key to a different key within a single piece of music.

Key Signature

A set of sharp, flat, or neutral symbols at the beginning of a musical staff that indicates the key, tonic note, and tonic triad of a piece.

Scale

A series of eight notes consisting of seven distinct pitches plus the repeated tonic note at the top.

Major Scale

A category of scale associated with a happy or uplifting sound quality.

Minor Scale

A category of scale associated with a sad sound quality.

Pentatonic Scale

A five-note scale, such as the pattern formed by the five black keys on a piano keyboard.

Consonance

A sound that feels easy, free, and resolved without leaving tension.

Dissonance

A combination of sounds intended to create tension or angst.

Legato

A directive to play or sing notes in a smooth and connected manner.

Slur

A curved line connecting two or more different notes, indicating they should be played smooth and connected.

Tie

A curved line connecting two of the same notes, indicating that the pitch is held for the total duration of both notes without re-striking.

Accent

A symbol indicating that a note should be given extra stress or emphasis.

Tempo

Strictly the rate of speed of a piece of music.

Metronome

A mechanical or electronic device used to measure music tempo, typically operating in a range from $40$ to $208$ beats.