Polytonality
Polytonality refers to the simultaneous sounding of two or more distinct tonal centers. It emerged as a compositional technique in the early twentieth century and remains a tool for creating complex harmonic textures.
Music Theory
Explore Music Theory with clear music dictionary guides to notes, scales, chords, rhythm, harmony, melody, and musical structure.
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Seventh chord
A seventh chord is a four‑note harmony built by adding a seventh interval to a basic triad. It comes in several varieties—major, dominant, minor, half‑diminished, and fully diminished—each with distinct tonal functions.
Compound Meter
Compound meter is a type of musical meter in which each primary beat divides naturally into three equal parts, commonly notated with time signatures such as 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8.
Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale is a seven‑note diatonic scale that differs from the natural minor by raising the sixth and seventh degrees when ascending, and typically reverting to the natural minor form when descending. It is a fundamental resource in classical harmony, jazz improvisation, and modern composition.
Counterpoint
Counterpoint is a compositional technique that involves the interaction of two or more independent melodic lines. It forms the basis of much Western polyphonic music, from medieval organum to contemporary chamber works.
Aeolian mode
The Aeolian mode is a diatonic scale that corresponds to the natural minor scale. It is one of the seven traditional Greek modes and is widely used in Western music for its characteristic minor tonality.
Simple Meter (Music)
Simple meter is a type of musical meter in which each beat is divided into two equal parts. It is commonly notated with time signatures such as 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4, and forms the basis for many Western rhythmic structures.
Key Signature
A key signature is a set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the scale and tonal center of a piece. It informs performers which notes are to be consistently altered throughout the work, reducing the need for repeated accidentals. Understanding key signatures is fundamental to reading, writing, and analyzing Western music.
Harmony (music)
Harmony is the simultaneous sounding of multiple pitches and the relationships between them, providing the vertical dimension of music that complements melody.
Major chord
A major chord is a three‑note triad consisting of a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. It forms the foundation of much Western harmony and is recognized for its bright, stable sound.