Relative Minor
In tonal music, the relative minor is the minor key that shares the same key signature as a given major key, located a minor third below the major tonic. It provides a closely related tonal alternative without changing accidentals.
Music Theory
Explore Music Theory with clear music dictionary guides to notes, scales, chords, rhythm, harmony, melody, and musical structure.
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Augmented chord
An augmented chord is a triad built from a root, a major third, and an augmented (raised) fifth, producing a distinctive, tense sound used in many musical styles.
Diatonic Scale
The diatonic scale is a seven‑note musical scale consisting of five whole steps and two half steps in a fixed pattern, forming the basis of most Western tonal music.
Perfect Octave
A perfect octave is the interval between two pitches whose frequencies have a 2:1 ratio. It is classified as a perfect interval in Western music theory and is considered the most consonant interval after the unison.
Phrygian mode
The Phrygian mode is a diatonic scale built on the third degree of the major scale, characterized by a half‑step between its first and second scale degrees. It is used in a variety of musical traditions, from Western classical to modern rock and metal, to convey a distinctly dark or exotic sound.
Transposition (music)
Transposition is the process of shifting a piece of music, a passage, or a single note to a different pitch level while preserving its intervallic relationships. It is a fundamental technique used by composers, arrangers, and performers across many musical styles.
Time Signature
A time signature is a notational convention that defines how many beats are in each measure and which note value receives one beat. It shapes the rhythmic feel of a piece and is a fundamental element of Western music notation.
Diminished chord
A diminished chord is a triad built from two minor thirds stacked together, producing a tense, unresolved sound. It appears frequently in Western harmony as a passing or leading‑tone chord and is essential for creating chromatic movement.
Tritone (music)
The tritone is a musical interval spanning three whole tones, equivalent to an augmented fourth or diminished fifth. It is known for its dissonant sound and has played a pivotal role in Western harmony, theory, and composition.
Major scale
The major scale is a seven‑note diatonic scale characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps, forming the basis of much Western tonal music.