music theory ch 1

What is the musical alphabet?

The letters A-B-C-D-E-F-G endlessly repeated.

What does 'GBDFACE' represent?

The order of notes created by stacking thirds starting on G.

How often does each letter name reappear?

Every 8th position.

What is an octave?

Two notes 8 letter names apart.

What principle explains why octave notes sound similar?

Octave equivalence.

What is a pitch class?

All octave-related notes sharing the same letter name.

What determines pitch itself?

The octave register (e.g., C3 vs C4).

What is Middle C?

The C closest to the middle of the piano keyboard.

What is a half step (semitone)?

The interval between any pitch and the next closest key on the keyboard.

What makes up a whole step (whole tone)?

Two half steps.

How many pitches are between the notes of a whole step?

One pitch in between (EX: C - C# - D).

Name the interval E to F.

Half step.

Name the interval F to G.

Whole step.

Identify C# to D.

Half step.

Identify B♭ to A♭.

Whole step.

Identify B# to C.

Neither (they are the same pitch).

Which pitch class is immediately left of any group of 3 black keys?

Pitch-class F.

Where are black keys NOT found between white keys?

Between E-F and B-C.

How are black keys grouped?

In groups of 2 and 3.

What are accidentals?

Sharp, flat, natural symbols.

What does a natural symbol do?

Cancels a sharp or flat.

How do you name a black key to the right of a white key?

White key name plus a sharp (#).

How do you name a black key to the left of a white key?

White key name plus a flat (♭).

What is enharmonic equivalence?

Two different names for the same pitch.

G♭ is enharmonic to what?

F#.

B# is enharmonic to what?

C.

E# is enharmonic to what?

F.

C sharp is enharmonic to what?

D flat.

What does a double sharp do?

Raises a pitch by two half steps.

What does a double flat do?

Lowers a pitch by two half steps.

What is the treble clef also called?

The G clef.

What are ledger lines?

Notes written above or below the staff.

Treble clef line notes?

E - G - B - D - F.

Treble clef space notes?

F - A - C - E.

Bass clef line notes?

G - B - D - F - A.

Bass clef space notes?

A - C - E - G.

What is the interval pattern of a major scale?

W-W-H-W-W-W-H.

What number is given to the lowest C on a piano?

C1.

What register is Middle C?

C4.

What are the 3 lowest notes on a piano?

A0, B♭0, B0.

What pitch do the dots of the bass clef surround?

F3.

What pitch is indicated by the treble clef symbol?

G4.

What are dynamic markings?

Symbols that tell performers how soft or loud to play.

What does 8va mean?

Play the notes an octave higher.

What does 8vb mean?

Play the notes an octave lower.

What indicates a two-octave transposition?

16va

Where are accidentals placed in written music?

Before the note on the staff.

How are accidentals written in text?

After the letter name (EX: C#).

What shape should notes be drawn as?

Ovals.