Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths is a visual representation of the 12 pitch classes arranged by perfect fifths. It shows the relationship among key signatures, major and minor scales, and common chord progressions.
Music Theory
Explore Music Theory with clear music dictionary guides to notes, scales, chords, rhythm, harmony, melody, and musical structure.
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Odd Meter
Odd meter, also called irregular or asymmetrical meter, refers to musical time signatures whose beats are grouped in uneven patterns, such as 5/4 or 7/8, creating a distinctive rhythmic feel.
Borrowed chord
A borrowed chord is a chord taken from the parallel key (major or minor) and used in a different tonal context, providing colour and tension in harmonic progressions.
Polyphony
Polyphony is a musical texture featuring two or more independent melodic lines sounding simultaneously, each retaining its own rhythm and contour.
Heterophony
Heterophony is a musical texture in which multiple performers simultaneously vary a single melodic line. It is common in folk traditions and certain non‑Western classical musics, offering a distinctive blend of individuality and unity.
Chord progression
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music. It establishes tonal center, creates tension and release, and guides melodic development.
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is a seven‑note minor scale distinguished by a raised seventh degree, creating a leading tone to the tonic. It is a foundational element in Western classical, jazz, and metal music.
Diminished interval
A diminished interval is a musical interval that is one semitone smaller than a perfect or minor interval, creating a highly dissonant sound used in various harmonic contexts.
Voice Leading
Voice leading is the practice of moving individual melodic lines or parts smoothly from one chord to the next, minimizing unnecessary leaps and maintaining harmonic clarity.
Parallel Minor (music)
In music theory, a parallel minor is the minor key that shares the same tonic (root note) as a given major key, differing only in mode. The relationship is used for contrast, modulation, and expressive colour in many styles of Western music.