Music Terminology
A comprehensive glossary of music terms and concepts. Use the search to find definitions quickly.
Chord
A combination of three or more notes played together to create harmony.
Melody
A sequence of single notes that form a recognizable tune or musical phrase.
Harmony
The combination of different musical notes played simultaneously to create a pleasing sound.
Rhythm
The pattern of beats and accents in music that creates the sense of movement and time.
Tempo
The speed at which a piece of music is played, measured in beats per minute (BPM).
Key
The tonal center of a piece of music, determined by the scale used.
Scale
A sequence of notes in ascending or descending order, forming the basis of melodies and harmonies.
Verse
A section of a song that tells the story or provides context, typically repeated with different lyrics.
Chorus
The main, memorable section of a song that repeats with the same lyrics and melody.
Bridge
A contrasting section in a song that provides variation and often appears before the final chorus.
Dynamics
The variation in volume and intensity in music, from soft (piano) to loud (forte).
Timbre
The unique quality or color of a sound that distinguishes one instrument from another.
Syncopation
The emphasis of unexpected beats or off-beat rhythms, creating a sense of surprise and movement.
Modulation
A change from one key to another within a piece of music.
Cadence
A sequence of chords that creates a sense of closure or resolution in music.
Arpeggio
A chord played with its notes sounded one after another instead of simultaneously.
Tremolo
A variation in volume or intensity applied to a note or sound.
Vibrato
A slight variation in pitch applied to a note to add expression and warmth.
Reverb
An audio effect that simulates the sound of a space by adding reflections and echoes.
Compression
An audio effect that reduces the dynamic range of a sound, making it more consistent.