Free Music Dictionary

Click on a term to see its definition.

• 2 over 2 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are two beats in a bar and the half note lasts for one beat.

  
• 2 over 4 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are two beats in a bar and the quarter note lasts for one beat.

  
• 2ndPitch

  1) To go a 2nd in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count two consecutive white keys (i.e. a 2nd is the white key beside the explorer note). 2) To go a 2nd in Mini Monster, go to the next space (if the monster is on a line) or the next line (if the monster is on a space). A 2nd is a step.

  
• 3 over 2 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are three beats in a bar and the half note lasts for one beat.

  
• 3 over 4 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are three beats in a bar and the quarter note lasts for one beat.

  
• 3 over 8 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are three beats in a bar and the eighth note lasts for one beat.

  
• 3rdPitch

  1) To go a 3rd in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count three consecutive white keys. 2) To go a 3rd in Mini Monster, start on the monster's current line or space and count three steps. A 3rd is a skip.

  
• 4 over 2 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are four beats in a bar and the half note lasts for one beat.

  
• 4 over 4 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are four beats in a bar and the quarter note lasts for one beat.

  
• 4 over 8 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are four beats in a bar and the eighth note lasts for one beat.

  
• 4thPitch

  1) To go a 4th in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count four consecutive white keys. 2) To go a 4th in Mini Monster, start on the monster's current line or space and count four steps. A 4th is a skip plus a step.

  
• 5thPitch

  1) To go a 5th in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count five consecutive white keys. 2) To go a 5th in Mini Monster, start on the monster's current line or space and count five steps. A 5th is two skips.

  
• 6 over 8 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are six beats in a bar and the eighth note lasts for one beat.

  
• 6thPitch

  1) To go a 6th in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count six consecutive white keys. 2) To go a 6th in Mini Monster, start on the monster's current line or space and count six steps. A 6th is two skips plus a step.

  
• 7thPitch

  1) To go a 7th in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count seven consecutive white keys. 2) To go a 7th in Mini Monster, start on the monster's current line or space and count seven steps. A 7th is three skips.

  
• 9 over 8 (time signature)Rhythm

  In this time signature, there are nine beats in a bar and the eighth note lasts for one beat.

  
• A flat majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of A flat major has four flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat. The notes of an A flat major scale are: A flat, B flat, C, D flat, E flat, F, G, A flat. The notes of an A flat major chord are: A flat, C, E flat. The relative minor of A flat major is F minor.

  
• A flat minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of A flat minor has seven flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat, C flat, F flat. In other words, every note is flat. The notes of an A flat natural minor scale are: A flat, B flat, C flat, D flat, E flat, F flat, G flat, A flat. The notes of an A flat harmonic minor scale are: A flat, B flat, C flat, D flat, E flat, F flat, G, A flat. The notes of an ascending A flat melodic minor scale are: A flat, B flat, C flat, D flat, E flat, F, G, A flat. The notes of an A flat minor chord are: A flat, C flat, E flat. The relative major of A flat minor is C flat major.

  
• A majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of A major has three sharps: F sharp, C sharp, and G sharp. The notes of an A major scale are: A, B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp, G sharp, A. The notes of an A major chord are: A, C sharp, E. The relative minor of A major is F sharp minor.

  
• A minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of A minor has no sharps and no flats. The notes of an A natural minor scale are: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A. The notes of an A harmonic minor scale are: A, B, C, D, E, F, G sharp, A. The notes of an ascending A melodic minor scale are: A B, C, D, E, F sharp, G sharp, A. The notes of an A minor chord are: A, C, E. The relative major of A minor is C major.

  
• A tempoTerms and Signs

  Return to original speed.

• Accelerando, accel.Terms and Signs

  Becoming faster

• ad libitum, ad libTerms and Signs

  at liberty

• AdagioTerms and Signs

  Slow

• AeolianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Aeolian mode consists of seven different pitches. The intervals between the pitches are: First note, major second, minor second, major second, major second, minor second, major second, major second. The Aeolian scale can also be found by playing the notes of a major scale but starting and ending on the sixth scale degree (submediant). It is identical to the natural minor scale. The notes of the A Aeolian scale are: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.

• agitatoTerms and Signs

  agitated

• Alla, all'Terms and Signs

  In the manner of

• allargando, allarg.Terms and Signs

  broadening

• AllegrettoTerms and Signs

  Fairly fast

• AllegroTerms and Signs

  fast

• Alto clefSymbols

  A clef is a symbol at the beginning of each staff to indicate the position of one note on the staff (from which we can find all the other notes). The alto clef, or C clef, indicates the position of middle C. Note that the C clef can appear differently depending on whether it is used as an alto clef or a tenor clef (and in the past it was also used as several other clefs). When used as the alto clef, it indicates that middle C is the third line (i.e. middle line) of the staff. These days the alto clef is used primarily by violists.

  
• AndanteTerms and Signs

  At walking pace

• AndantinoTerms and Signs

  A little faster than andante

• AnimatoTerms and Signs

  Animated

• arcoTerms and Signs

  bow

• AssaiTerms and Signs

  Much; very

• attaccaTerms and Signs

  proceed without a break

• Augmented 2ndPitch

  An interval that is a half step larger than a major 2nd. On the piano, an augmented 2nd sounds the same as a minor 3rd, but is written differently (for example, C to E flat is a minor 3rd, whereas C to D sharp is an augmented 2nd).

  
• Augmented 3rdPitch

  An interval that is a half step larger than a major 3rd. On the piano, an augmented 3rd sounds the same as a perfect 4th, but is written differently (for example, C to F is a perfect 4th, whereas C to E sharp is an augmented third).

  
• Augmented 4thPitch

  An interval that is a half step larger than a perfect 4th. An augmented 4th sounds the same as a diminished 5th; it is sometimes called a tritone. An example of an augmented 4th is C to F sharp.

  
• Augmented 5thPitch

  An interval that is a half step larger than a perfect 5th. On the piano, an augmented 5th sounds the same as a minor 6th, but is written differently (for example, C to A flat is a minor 6th, whereas C to G sharp is an augmented 5th).

  
• Augmented 6thPitch

  An interval that is a half step larger than a major 6th. On the piano, an augmented 6th sounds the same as a minor 7th, but is written differently (for example, C to B flat is a minor 7th, whereas C to A sharp is an augmented 6th).

  
• Augmented 7thPitch

  An interval that is a half step larger than a major 7th. On the piano, an augmented 7th sounds the same as a perfect octave, but is written differently (for example, C to the next C is a perfect octave, whereas C to B sharp is an augmented 7th).

  
• Augmented triad (Aug)Harmony

  A three-note chord created by the intervals of a major third and another major third, e.g. C, E, G sharp.

• B flat majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of B flat major has two flats: B flat and E flat. The notes of a B flat major scale are: B flat, C, D, E flat, F, G, A, B flat. The notes of a B flat major chord are: B flat, D, F. The relative minor of B flat major is G minor.

  
• B flat minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of B flat minor has five flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat. The notes of a B flat natural minor scale are: B flat, C, D flat, E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat. The notes of a B flat harmonic minor scale are: B flat, C, D flat, E flat, F, G flat, A, B flat. The notes of an ascending B flat melodic minor scale are: B flat, C, D flat, E flat, F, G, A, B flat The notes of a B flat minor chord are: B flat, D flat, F. The relative major of B flat minor is D flat major.

  
• B majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of B major has five sharps: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, D sharp, and A sharp. The notes of a B major scale are: B, C sharp, D sharp, E, F sharp, G sharp, A sharp, B. The notes of a B major chord are: B, D sharp, F sharp. The relative minor of B major is G sharp minor.

  
• B minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of B minor has two sharps: F sharp and C sharp. The notes of a B natural minor scale are: B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp, G, A, B. The notes of a B harmonic minor scale are: B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp, G, A sharp, B. The notes of an ascending B melodic minor scale are: B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp, G sharp, A sharp, B. The notes of a B minor chord are: B, D, F sharp. The relative major of B minor is D major.

  
• Bass clefSymbols

  A clef is a symbol at the beginning of each staff to indicate the position of one note on the staff (from which we can find all the other notes). The bass clef, or F clef, indicates the position of F below middle C.

  
• Ben, beneTerms and Signs

  Well

• BewegtTerms and Signs

  Moving

• BrillanteTerms and Signs

  Brilliant

• C flat majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of C flat major has seven flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat, C flat, F flat. In other words, every note is flat. The notes of a C flat major scale are: C flat, D flat, E flat, F flat, G flat, A flat, B flat, C flat. The notes of a C flat major chord are: C flat, E flat, G flat. The relative minor of C flat major is A flat minor.

  
• C majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of C major has no sharps and no flats. The notes of a C major scale are: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. The notes of a C major chord are: C, E, G. The relative minor of C major is A minor.

  
• C minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of C minor has three flats: B flat, E flat, A flat. The notes of a C natural minor scale are: C, D, E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat, C. The notes of a C harmonic minor scale are: C, D, E flat, F, G, A flat, B, C. The notes of an ascending C melodic minor scale are: C, D, E flat, F, G, A, B, C. The notes of a C minor chord are: C, E flat, G. The relative major of C minor is E flat major.

  
• C sharp majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of C sharp major has seven sharps: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, D sharp, A sharp, E sharp, and B sharp. In other words, every note is sharp. The notes of a C sharp major scale are: C sharp, D sharp, E sharp, F sharp, G sharp, A sharp, B sharp, C sharp. The notes of a C sharp major chord are: C sharp, E sharp, G sharp. The relative minor of C sharp major is A sharp minor.

  
• C sharp minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of C sharp minor has four sharps: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, and D sharp. The notes of a C sharp natural minor scale are: C sharp, D sharp, E, F sharp, G sharp, A, B, C sharp. The notes of a C sharp harmonic minor scale are: C sharp, D sharp, E, F sharp, G sharp, A, B sharp, C sharp. The notes of an ascending C sharp melodic minor scale are: C sharp, D sharp, E, F sharp, G sharp, A sharp, B sharp, C sharp. The notes of a C sharp minor chord are: C sharp, E, G sharp. The relative major of C sharp minor is E major.

  
• CadenceHarmony

  The chords at the end of a phrase (usually two chords). There are several types: perfect cadence (or authentic cadence); imperfect cadence; plagal cadence, deceptive cadence.

• calandoTerms and Signs

  becoming slower and softer

• CantabileTerms and Signs

  In singing style

• ChordHarmony

  A chord is a group of two or more pitches. A C major chord consists of C, E, and G.

• Chord progressionHarmony

  A series of chords ending with a cadence.

• Chromatic scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of eleven different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). The interval between each note of the scale is a minor 2nd, or half step.

• Col, col', colla, colleTerms and Signs

  With the

• comodoTerms and Signs

  comfortable, easy

• ConTerms and Signs

  With

• Con brioTerms and Signs

  With vigor

• Con espressioneTerms and Signs

  With expression

• con fuocoTerms and Signs

  with fire

• con graziaTerms and Signs

  with grace

• Con motoTerms and Signs

  With movement

• Con pedaleTerms and Signs

  With pedal

• con sordinoTerms and Signs

  with mute

• Contrary motion scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  When playing a contrary motion scale, both hands play the scale at the same time but in opposite directions.

• CrescendoTerms and Signs

  Becoming louder

  
• D flat majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of D flat major has five flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat. The notes of a D flat major scale are: D flat, E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D flat. The notes of a D flat major chord are: D flat, F, A flat. The relative minor of D flat major is B flat minor.

  
• D majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of D major has two sharps: F sharp and C sharp. The notes of a D major scale are: D, E, F sharp, G, A, B, C sharp, D. The notes of a D major chord are: D, F sharp, A. The relative minor of D major is B minor.

  
• D minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of D minor has one flat: B flat. The notes of a D natural minor scale are: D, E, F, G, A, B flat, C, D. The notes of a D harmonic minor scale are: D, E, F, G, A, B flat, C sharp, D. The notes of an ascending D melodic minor scale are: D, E, F, G, A, B, C sharp, D. The notes of a D minor chord are: D, F, A. The relative major of D minor is F major.

  
• D.C. al fineTerms and Signs

  Repeat from the beginning; end at Fine.

• Da capo (D.C.)Terms and Signs

  From the beginning

• Dal segnoTerms and Signs

  From the sign

  
• Deceptive cadenceHarmony

  V chord to VI chord (dominant chord to subdemiant chord) at the end of a phrase. Also called an interrupted cadence.

• Diminished 2ndPitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a minor 2nd. On the piano, a diminished 2nd sounds the same as a perfect unison, but is written differently (for example, E to E is a perfect unison, whereas E to F flat is a diminished 2nd).

  
• Diminished 3rdPitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a minor 3rd. On the piano, a diminished 3rd sounds the same as a major 2nd, but is written differently (for example, E to F sharp is a major 2nd, whereas E to G flat is a diminished 3rd).

  
• Diminished 4thPitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a perfect 4th. On the piano, a diminished 4th sounds the same as a major 3rd, but is written differently (for example, E to G sharp is a major 3rd, whereas E to A flat is a diminished 4th).

  
• Diminished 5thPitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a perfect 5th. A diminished 5th sounds the same as an augmented 4th; it is sometimes called a tritone. An example of diminished 5th is C to G flat.

• Diminished 6thPitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a major 6th. On the piano, a diminished 6th sounds the same as a perfect 5th, but is written differently (for example, E to B is a perfect 5th, whereas E to C flat is a diminished 6th).

• Diminished 7thPitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a major 7th. On the piano, a diminished 7th sounds the same as a major 6th, but is written differently (for example, D to B is a major 6th, whereas D to C flat is a diminished 7th). There is also a four-note chord by this name (see Diminished 7th Chord).

• Diminished 7th Chord (Dim7)Harmony

  A four-note chord created by the intervals of a minor third, a minor third, and a minor third, e.g. C, E flat, G flat, B double flat. In relation to key signatures, diminished 7th chords are built on the leading note (7th degree) of the harmonic minor scale, so a diminished 7th of C minor would be built on B, and all the notes of the chord would be in the C harmonic minor scale (the chord would be B, D, F, A flat). A diminished 7th chord is named so because the root note and the seventh (B and A flat in the above example) form the interval of a diminished 7th.

• Diminished octavePitch

  An interval that is a half step smaller than a perfect octave. On the piano, a diminished octave sounds the same as a major 7th, but is written differently (for example, C to B is a major 7th, whereas C to the higher C flat is a diminished octave).

• Diminished triad (Dim)Harmony

  A three-note chord created by the intervals of a minor third and another minor third, e.g. C, E flat, G flat.

• DiminuendoTerms and Signs

  Becoming softer

  
• DolceTerms and Signs

  Sweet

• dolenteTerms and Signs

  sad

• DominantScales, Keys, Modes

  The fifth degree of a scale. The dominant of a C major scale is G.

• Dominant 7th Chord (Dom7)Harmony

  A four-note chord created by the intervals of a major third, a minor third, and a minor third, e.g. C, E, G, B flat. In relation to key signatures, dominant 7th chords are built on the dominant (5th degree) of the scale, so a dominant 7th of C major would be built on G, and all the notes of the chord would be in the C major scale (the chord would be G, B, D, F). When creating dominant 7th chords in minor keys, remember to use the harmonic version of the minor scale (i.e. the 7th degree of the scale is raised).

• DorianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Dorian mode consists of seven different pitches. The intervals between the pitches are: First note, major second, minor second, major second, major second, major second, minor second, major second. The Dorian scale can also be found by playing the notes of a major scale but starting and ending on the second scale degree (supertonic). The notes of the D Dorian scale are: D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D.

• Dotted eighth noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, a dotted eighth note is equal to three quarters of a quarter note.

  
• Dotted eighth restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to a dotted eighth note.

  
• Dotted half noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, a dotted half note equals three quarter notes.

  
• Dotted half restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to one dotted half note.

  
• Dotted quarter noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, a dotted quarter note is equal to one and a half quarter notes.

  
• Dotted quarter restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to a dotted quarter note.

  
• Dotted whole noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, a dotted whole note is equal to six quarter notes.

  
• Dotted whole restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to a dotted whole note.

  
• Double flatSymbols

  A double flat lowers the pitch of a note by a whole step.

  
• Double sharpSymbols

  A double sharp raises the pitch of a note by a whole step.

  
• E flat majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of E flat major has three flats: B flat, E flat, A flat. The notes of an E flat major scale are: E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat, C, D, E flat. The notes of an E flat major chord are: E flat, G, B flat. The relative minor of E flat major is C minor.

  
• E flat minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of E flat minor has six flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat, C flat. The notes of an E flat natural minor scale are: E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C flat, D flat, E flat. The notes of an E flat harmonic minor scale are: E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C flat, D, E flat. The notes of an ascending E flat melodic minor scale are: E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D, E flat. The notes of an E flat minor chord are: E flat, G flat, B flat. The relative major of E flat minor is G flat major.

  
• E majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of E major has four sharps: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, and D sharp. The notes of an E major scale are: E, F sharp, G sharp, A, B, C sharp, D sharp, E. The notes of an E major chord are: E, G sharp, B. The relative minor of E major is C sharp minor.

  
• E minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of E minor has one sharp: F sharp. The notes of an E natural minor scale are: E, F sharp, G, A, B, C, D, E. The notes of an E harmonic minor scale are: E, F sharp, G, A, B, C, D sharp, E. The notes of an ascending E melodic minor scale are: E, F sharp, G, A, B, C sharp, D sharp, E. The notes of an E minor chord are: E, G, B. The relative major of E minor is G major.

  
• e, edTerms and Signs

  and

• Eighth noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, two eighth notes equal one quarter note.

  
• Eighth restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to an eighth note.

  
• espressivo, espress.Terms and Signs

  expressive

• F majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of F major has one flat: B flat. The notes of an F major scale are: F, G, A, B flat, C, D, E, F. The notes of an F major chord are: F, A, C. The relative minor of F major is D minor.

  
• F minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of F minor has four flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat. The notes of an F natural minor scale are: F, G, A flat, B flat, C, D flat, E flat, F. The notes of an F harmonic minor scale are: F, G, A flat, B flat, C, D flat, E, F. The notes of an ascending F melodic minor scale are: F, G, A flat, B flat, C, D, E, F. The notes of an F minor chord are: F, A flat, C. The relative major of F minor is A flat major.

  
• F sharp majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of F sharp major has six sharps: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, D sharp, A sharp, and E sharp. The notes of an F sharp major scale are: B, C sharp, F sharp, G sharp, A sharp, B, C sharp, D sharp, E sharp, F sharp. The notes of an F sharp major chord are: F sharp, A sharp, C sharp. The relative minor of F sharp major is D sharp minor.

  
• F sharp minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of F sharp minor has three sharps: F sharp, C sharp, and G sharp. The notes of an F sharp natural minor scale are: F sharp, G sharp, A, B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp. The notes of an F sharp harmonic minor scale are: F sharp, G sharp, A, B, C sharp, D, E sharp, F sharp. The notes of an ascending F sharp melodic minor scale are: F sharp, G sharp, A, B, C sharp, D sharp, E sharp, F sharp. The notes of an F sharp minor chord are: F sharp, A, C sharp. The relative major of F sharp minor is A major.

  
• FermataTerms and Signs

  Pause

  
• FineTerms and Signs

  End

• First Inversion ChordHarmony

  In a first inversion chord, the third of the chord must be the lowest note (the placement of the other notes doesn't matter). For example, in a C major chord (C, E, G) the third of the chord is E because it is a third above the root note (C). The chord could be (from lowest note to highest) either E, G, C or E, C, G. In the dominant 7th of C major (G, B, D, F), the third of the chord is B because it is a third above the root note (G). The chord could be (from lowest note to highest) B, D, F, G or B, F, D, G or B, G, D, F, etc.

• FlatSymbols

  A flat lowers the pitch of a note by a half step.

  
• ForteTerms and Signs

  Loud

  
• FortepianoTerms and Signs

  Loud, then suddenly soft

• FortissimoTerms and Signs

  Very loud

  
• G flat majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of G flat major has six flats: B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat, C flat. The notes of a G flat major scale are: G flat, A flat, B flat, C flat, D flat, E flat, F, G flat. The notes of a G flat major chord are: G flat, B flat, D flat. The relative minor of G flat major is E flat minor.

  
• G majorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of G major has one sharp: F sharp. The notes of a G major scale are: G, A, B, C, D, E, F sharp, G. The notes of a G major chord are: G, B, D. The relative minor of G major is E minor.

  
• G minorScales, Keys, Modes

  The key of G minor has two flats: B flat, E flat. The notes of a G natural minor scale are: G, A, B flat, C, D, E flat, F, G. The notes of a G harmonic minor scale are: G, A, B flat, C, D, E flat, F sharp, G. The notes of an ascending G melodic minor scale are: G, A, B flat, C, D, E, F sharp, G. The notes of a G minor chord are: G, B flat, D. The relative major of G minor is B flat major.

  
• giocosoTerms and Signs

  humourous

• grandiosoTerms and Signs

  grand

• GraveTerms and Signs

  slow; solemn

• Half diminished 7th Chord (Half Dim)Harmony

  A four-note chord created by the intervals of a minor third, a minor third, and a major third, e.g. C, E flat, G flat, B flat.

• Half noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, a half note equals two quarter notes.

  
• Half restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to one half note.

  
• Half stepPitch

  The very next note (on the keyboard it could be a black key or a white key). Also called a minor 2nd or a semitone.

  
• Harmonic minor scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of seven different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). The sequence of intervals is: Tonic, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, augmented 2nd, minor 2nd. The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale in that the seventh note is raised a half step.

• I ChordHarmony

  The tonic triad, i.e. the chord built on the first degree of the scale. The notes of the I chord in C major are C, E, G. In major keys, the I chord is major; in minor keys, the I chord is minor.

• I6 ChordHarmony

  The first inversion of the I Chord (i.e., the third of the triad is the lowest note). The I6 chord in C major can be E, G, C or E, C, G.

• I6/4 ChordHarmony

  The second inversion of the I Chord (i.e., the fifth of the triad is the lowest note). The I6/4 chord in C major can be G, C, E or G, E, C.

• II ChordHarmony

  The triad built on the second degree of the scale. The notes of the II chord in C major are D, F, A. In major keys, the II chord is minor; in minor keys, the II chord is diminished.

• III ChordHarmony

  The triad built on the third degree of the scale. The notes of the III chord in C major are E, G, B. In major keys, the III chord is minor; in minor keys, the III chord is major.

• Imperfect cadenceHarmony

  Any of the following chords at the end of a phrase: I chord to V chord (tonic chord to dominant chord) II chord to V chord (supertonic chord to dominant chord) IV chord to V chord (subdominant chord to dominant chord)

• Interrupted cadenceHarmony

  See deceptive cadence

• IonianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Ionian scale is identical to the major scale.

• IV ChordHarmony

  The triad built on the fourth degree of the scale. The notes of the IV chord in C major are F, A, C. In major keys, the IV chord is major; in minor keys, the IV chord is minor.

• Key signatureScales, Keys, Modes

  How many sharps or flats are in a key. In written music, the key signature is placed next to the clef at the beginning of each staff. Each sharp or flat in a key signature applies to all instances of that letter name in all registers (in other words, in all octaves).

• l'istesso tempoTerms and Signs

  same tempo

• LangsamTerms and Signs

  Slowly

• largamenteTerms and Signs

  broadly

• LargoTerms and Signs

  Very slow

• Leading noteScales, Keys, Modes

  The seventh degree of a scale. The leading note of a C major scale is B. The leading note must be a half step away from the tonic; therefore it doesn't appear in natural minor or descending melodic minor scales. When the seventh degree of the minor scale is not raised, it is called the subtonic.

• Ledger lineSymbols

  A short line drawn parallel to staff lines, which can be used to add pitches above or below those available on the staff. In the treble clef and bass clef, middle C is an example of a note that uses a ledger line.

  
• LegatoTerms and Signs

  Smooth

• LeggieroTerms and Signs

  Light

• LentementTerms and Signs

  Slowly

• LentoTerms and Signs

  Slow

• Line noteSymbols

  A note positioned on the staff so that a staff line or ledger line is going through the notehead (i.e. the round part of the note).

  
• LocoTerms and Signs

  Return to normal register

• LocrianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Locrian mode consists of seven different pitches. The intervals between the pitches are: First note, minor second, major second, major second, minor second, major second, major second, major second. The Locrian scale can also be found by playing the notes of a major scale but starting and ending on the seventh scale degree (leading note). The notes of a B Locrian scale are: B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

• LydianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Lydian mode consists of seven different pitches. The intervals between the pitches are: First note, major second, major second, major second, minor second, major second, major second, minor second. The Lydian scale can also be found by playing the notes of a major scale but starting and ending on the fourth scale degree (subdominant). The notes of an F Lydian scale are: F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F.

• M.M.Terms and Signs

  Maelzel's Metronome

• maTerms and Signs

  but

• MaestosoTerms and Signs

  Majestic

• Major 2ndPitch

  An interval in which the notes are two half steps apart, e.g. C and D, when D is the highr note. (See whole step) In a major scale, the interval between the first scale degree and the second scale degree (tonic and supertonic; do and re) is a major second.

  
• Major 3rdPitch

  An interval in which the notes are four half steps apart, e.g. C and E, when E is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the first scale degree and the third scale degree (tonic and mediant; do and mi) is a major third.

  
• Major 6thPitch

  An interval in which the notes are nine half steps apart, e.g. C and A, when A is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the first scale degree and the sixth scale degree (tonic and submediant; do and la) is a major 6th.

  
• Major 7thPitch

  An interval in which the notes are eleven half steps apart, e.g. C and B, when B is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the first scale degree and the seventh scale degree (tonic and leading note; do and ti) is a major 7th.

  
• Major pentascaleScales, Keys, Modes

  a five-finger pattern forming the first five notes of a major scale. The pattern is: Tonic - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step

• Major scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of seven different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). The sequence of intervals is: Tonic, major 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd.

• Major triad (Maj)Harmony

  A three-note chord created by the intervals of a major third and a minor third, e.g. C, E, G

• Mano destraTerms and Signs

  Right hand

• Mano sinistraTerms and Signs

  Left hand

• MarcatoTerms and Signs

  Marked

• martellatoTerms and Signs

  strongly accented

• MediantScales, Keys, Modes

  The third degree of a scale. The mediant of a C major scale is E.

• Melodic minor scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of seven different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). When ascending, the sequence of intervals is: Tonic, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd. When descending, the pitches are the same as the natural minor scale.

• Meno mossoTerms and Signs

  Less movement

• mestoTerms and Signs

  sad

• Mezzo-forteTerms and Signs

  Moderately loud

  
• Mezzo-pianoTerms and Signs

  Moderately soft

  
• Minor 2ndPitch

  An interval in which the notes are one half step apart, e.g. B and C, when C is the higher note. (See half step) In a major scale, the interval between the third scale degree and the fourth scale degree (mediant and subdominant; mi and fa) is a minor second.

  
• Minor 3rdPitch

  An interval in which the notes are three half steps apart, e.g. D and F, when F is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the third scale degree and the fifth scale degree (mediant and dominant; mi and sol) is a minor third.

  
• Minor 6thPitch

  An interval in which the notes are eight half steps apart, e.g. E and C, when C is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the third scale degree and the upper first scale degree (mediant and upper tonic ; mi and upper do) is a minor 6th.

  
• Minor 7thPitch

  An interval in which the notes are ten half steps apart, e.g. E and D, when D is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the second scale degree and the upper first scale degree (supertonic and upper tonic; re and upper do) is a minor 7th.

  
• Minor pentascaleScales, Keys, Modes

  a five-finger pattern forming the first five notes of a minor scale. The pattern is: Tonic - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step

• Minor scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of seven different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). There are three kinds of minor scales: natural minor, harmonic minor, and harmonic minor. The natural minor scale contains the same collection of pitches as the relative major. The harmonic minor scale is traditionally associated with harmony (i.e. chords). The seventh degree of the scale is raised. The melodic minor scale is traditionally associated with melodies. The sixth and seventh degrees of the scale are raised when ascending; when descending they return to their original positions (as in the natural minor scale).

• Minor triad (Min)Harmony

  A three-note chord created by the intervals of a minor third and a major third, e.g. C, E flat, G.

• mit AusdruckTerms and Signs

  with expression

• MixolydianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Mixolydian mode consists of seven different pitches. The intervals between the pitches are: First note, major second, major second, minor second, major second, major second, minor second, major second. The Mixolydian scale can also be found by playing the notes of a major scale but starting and ending on the fifth scale degree (dominant). The notes of a G Mixolydian scale are: G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G.

• ModeratoTerms and Signs

  At a moderate speed

• MoltoTerms and Signs

  Much; very

• morendoTerms and Signs

  fading away

• MouvementTerms and Signs

  Motion

• NaturalSymbols

  A natural cancels the effect of a sharp or flat.

  
• Natural minor scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of seven different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). The sequence of intervals is: Tonic, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, major 2nd. The natural minor scale contains exactly the same notes as its relative major.

• nonTerms and Signs

  not

• non troppoTerms and Signs

  not too much

• Octatonic scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of eight different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). There is an alternation of major 2nds and minor 2nds, which produces two possible scales, both of which are called octatonic: Tonic, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd. Tonic, minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 2nd, major 2nd

• OctavePitch

  1) To go an octave in Jungle Journey, start at the key on which the explorer note is standing and count eight consecutive white keys. The key you land on will have the same letter name as your starting point. 2) To go an octave in Mini Monster, start on the monster's current line or space and count eight steps. An octave is three skips plus a step.

• Ottava, 8vaTerms and Signs

  Octave

• Pedale, ped.Terms and Signs

  Pedal

• PentascaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A five-finger pattern, such as C D E F G. See also major pentascale and minor pentascale.

• Perfect 4thPitch

  An interval in which the notes are five half steps apart, e.g. C and F. In a major scale, the interval between the first scale degree and the fourth scale degree (tonic to subdominant; do to fa) is a perfect 4th.

  
• Perfect 5thPitch

  An interval in which the notes are seven half steps apart, e.g. C and G, when G is the higher note. In a major scale, the interval between the first scale degree and the fifth scale degree (tonic and dominant ; do and sol) is a perfect fifth.

  
• Perfect cadenceHarmony

  V chord to I chord (dominant chord to tonic chord) or V7 chord to I chord (dominant 7th chord to tonic chord) at the end of a phrase. Also called an authentic cadence.

• Perfect octavePitch

  An interval in which the notes are twelve half steps apart. The two notes will always have the same name, e.g. C sharp and the next C sharp.

  
• pesanteTerms and Signs

  heavy

• PhrygianScales, Keys, Modes

  The Phrygian mode consists of seven different pitches. The intervals between the pitches are: First note, minor second, major second, major second, major second, minor second, major second, major second. The Phrygian scale can also be found by playing the notes of a major scale but starting and ending on the third scale degree (mediant). The notes of an E Phrygian scale are: E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E.

• PianissimoTerms and Signs

  Very soft

  
• PianoTerms and Signs

  Soft

  
• pizzicatoTerms and Signs

  plucked

• Plagal cadenceHarmony

  IV chord to I chord (subdominant chord to tonic chord) at the end of a phrase.

• pocoTerms and Signs

  little

• poco a pocoTerms and Signs

  little by little

• PrestissimoTerms and Signs

  As fast as possible

• PrestoTerms and Signs

  Very fast

• primo, primaTerms and Signs

  first

• Quarter noteRhythm

  A note value. In common time (4/4), a quarter note lasts for one beat.

  
• Quarter restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to one quarter note.

  
• QuasiTerms and Signs

  Almost

• quindicesima alta (15ma)Terms and Signs

  two octaves higher

• Rallentando, rall.Terms and Signs

  Slowing down

• risolutoTerms and Signs

  resolute

• RitardandoTerms and Signs

  Gradually slowing down

• ritenuto, riten.Terms and Signs

  suddenly slower

• RubatoTerms and Signs

  with some freedom of tempo

• scherzandoTerms and Signs

  playful

• schnellTerms and Signs

  fast

• Second Inversion ChordHarmony

  In a second inversion chord, the fifth of the chord must be the lowest note (the placement of the other notes doesn't matter). For example, in a C major chord (C, E, G) the fifth of the chord is G because it is a fifth above the root note (C). The chord could be (from lowest note to highest) either G, C, E or G, E, C. In the dominant 7th of C major (G, B, D, F), the fifth of the chord is D because it is a fifth above the root note (G). The chord could be (from lowest note to highest) D, F, G, B or D, G, B, F or D, B, F, G, etc.

• secondo, secondaTerms and Signs

  second

• sehrTerms and Signs

  very

• SemitonePitch

  The same thing as a half step.

• sempliceTerms and Signs

  simple

• sempreTerms and Signs

  always

• senzaTerms and Signs

  without

• sforzandoTerms and Signs

  strong accent

• SharpSymbols

  A sharp raises the pitch of a note by a half step.

  
• simileTerms and Signs

  in the same manner

• Sixteenth noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, four sixteenth notes equal one quarter note.

  
• Sixteenth restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to a sixteenth note.

• SkipPitch

  A skip refers to the distance between two notes. A skip is equal to two steps. 1) In Jungle Journey, skip over the nearest white key and go to the next white key. 2) In Mini Monster, a skip is from a line to the nearest line, or from a space to the nearest space.

  
• sonoreTerms and Signs

  sonorous

• sopraTerms and Signs

  above

• sostenutoTerms and Signs

  sustained

• sotto voceTerms and Signs

  soft, under the breath

• Space noteSymbols

  A note positioned on the staff so that the notehead (i.e. the round part of the note) is between staff lines or ledger lines.

  
• SpiritosoTerms and Signs

  Spirited

• StaccatoTerms and Signs

  Detached

  
• StaffSymbols

  The staff consists of the five lines and six spaces on which notes are written. A wider range of pitches can be accommodated with the addition of ledger lines.

  
• StepPitch

  A step refers to the distance between two notes. To go a step means to go to the note beside the current note. 1) In Jungle Journey, go to the next white key. 2) In Mini Monster, a step is from a line to the nearest space, or from a space to the nearest line.

  
• stringendoTerms and Signs

  becoming faster

• SubdominantScales, Keys, Modes

  The fourth degree of a scale. The subdominant of a C major scale is F.

• subitoTerms and Signs

  sudden

• SubmediantScales, Keys, Modes

  The sixth degree of a scale. The submediant of a C major scale is A.

• SubtonicScales, Keys, Modes

  The seventh degree of a natural minor scale. The tonic of a C natural minor scale is B flat. When the seventh degree is raised (such as in the harmonic minor scale and the ascending melodic minor scale) it is called the leading note.

• SupertonicScales, Keys, Modes

  The second degree of a scale. The supertonic of a C major scale is D.

• tacetTerms and Signs

  silent

• TempoTerms and Signs

  Speed

• Tempo primo (Tempo I)Terms and Signs

  Return to original speed

• Tenor clefSymbols

  A clef is a symbol at the beginning of each staff to indicate the position of one note on the staff (from which we can find all the other notes). The tenor clef, or C clef, indicates the position of middle C. Note that the C clef can appear differently depending on whether it is used as an alto clef or a tenor clef (and in the past it was also used as several other clefs). When used as the tenor clef, it indicates that middle C is the fourth line of the staff. These days the tenor clef is usually used for notes in the high register of the cello and bassoon.

  
• TenutoTerms and Signs

  Sustained

  
• Third Inversion ChordHarmony

  In a third inversion chord, the seventh of the chord must be the lowest note (the placement of the other notes doesn't matter). For example, in the dominant 7th of C major (G, B, D, F), the seventh of the chord is F because it is a seventh above the root note (G). The chord could be (from lowest note to highest) F, G, B, D or F, B, D, G or F, D, G, B, etc.

• Thirty-second noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, eight sixteenth notes equal one quarter note.

  
• Thirty-second restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to a thirty-second note.

  
• Time signatureRhythm

  The top number of a time signature indicates how many beats are in a bar. The bottom number indicates which note value lasts for one beat. For example, in 4/4, there are four beats in a bar and the quarter note lasts for one beat. In 3/2, there are three beats in a bar and the half note lasts for one beat. In 6/8, there are six beats in a bar and the eighth note lasts for one beat.

• TonicScales, Keys, Modes

  The first degree of a scale. The tonic of a C major scale is C.

• TranquilloTerms and Signs

  Quiet

• Tre cordeTerms and Signs

  Three strings

• Treble clefSymbols

  A clef is a symbol at the beginning of each staff to indicate the position of one note on the staff (from which we can find all the other notes). The treble clef, or G clef, indicates the position of G above middle C.

  
• TriadHarmony

  A triad is a chord consisting of three different pitches. A C major triad consists of C, E, and G.

• TritonePitch

  An augmented fourth or diminished fifth.

• TroppoTerms and Signs

  Too much

• tuttiTerms and Signs

  everyone

• Una cordaTerms and Signs

  One string

• V ChordHarmony

  The triad built on the fifth degree of the scale. The notes of the V chord in C major are G, B, D. In major keys, the V chord is major; in minor keys, the V chord is major when using the harmonic form of the scale, and minor when using the natural form of the scale.

• V7 ChordHarmony

  The four-note chord built on the fifth degree on the scale (see Dominant 7th).

• VI ChordHarmony

  The triad built on the sixth degree of the scale. The notes of the VI chord in C major are A, C, E. In major keys, the VI chord is minor; in minor keys, the VI chord is major.

• VII ChordHarmony

  The triad built on the seventh degree of the scale. The notes of the VII chord in C major are B, D, F. In major keys, the VII chord is diminished; in minor keys, the VII chord is diminished when using the harmonic form of the scale, and major when using the natural form of the scale.

• ViteTerms and Signs

  Fast

• VivaceTerms and Signs

  Lively

• vivoTerms and Signs

  lively

• voltaTerms and Signs

  time

• volti subito, v.s.Terms and Signs

  turn page quickly

• Whole noteRhythm

  A note value. In terms of duration, a whole note is equal to four quarter notes.

  
• Whole restRhythm

  Silence of equal duration to one whole note, or for any complete bar, regardless of time signature.

  
• Whole stepPitch

  Two half steps (see half step).

  
• Whole tone scaleScales, Keys, Modes

  A series of six different pitches (the first is repeated an octave higher at the end). The interval between each note of the scale is a major 2nd or whole tone (which is the same as a whole step).