Perfect Fifth
The perfect fifth is a musical interval spanning seven semitones, known for its simple frequency ratio of 3:2 and its fundamental role in harmony, tuning, and chord construction.
Music Theory
Explore Music Theory with clear music dictionary guides to notes, scales, chords, rhythm, harmony, melody, and musical structure.
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Sharp (music)
In music, a sharp is an accidental that raises the pitch of a written note by one semitone. It is represented by the symbol ♯ and plays a crucial role in tonal harmony, key signatures, and chromatic alteration.
Whole step (whole tone) – musical interval
A whole step, also called a whole tone, is a musical interval equal to two semitones. It forms the basis of many scales, chords, and melodic patterns across diverse musical styles.
Semitone
A semitone, also called a half step, is the smallest interval used in most Western music systems, separating adjacent notes on a keyboard or fretted instrument.
Octave
An octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency. It forms the basis of Western tonal organization and appears in virtually all musical contexts.
Pitch (music)
In music, pitch refers to the perceived frequency of a sound, determining how high or low a note sounds. It is a fundamental element of melody, harmony, and tuning across all musical traditions.
Note (music)
A musical note is a written symbol that represents a specific pitch and duration in Western music notation. It combines visual elements to convey how a sound should be performed, serving as the basic building block of melodies and rhythms.
Dominant (music)
In music theory, the dominant is the fifth scale degree and the chord built on it, creating a strong pull toward the tonic. It is a fundamental harmonic function that shapes tension and resolution in tonal music.
Ionian mode
The Ionian mode is the diatonic scale that corresponds to the modern major scale, built on a sequence of whole and half steps (W‑W‑H‑W‑W‑W‑H). It serves as the first mode of the seven traditional church modes and is foundational in Western tonal music.
Major third
A major third is a musical interval spanning four semitones, defined by a frequency ratio of 5:4 in just intonation and 400 cents in equal temperament. It forms the upper structure of major chords and is a cornerstone of Western tonal harmony.