Theory
48 terms
Chord
A chord is a sonority of three or more pitches of different heights sounded simultaneously.
Basso Continuo
Basso continuo is the continuous bass of the Baroque era, over which a keyboard improvises chords from a figured notation.
Scale
A scale is a successive row of pitches from a mode in ascending or descending order.
Chord Progression
A chord progression is a sequence of chords that creates the logic and motion of a musical work.
Harmonic Minor
The harmonic minor is a minor scale with a raised seventh degree, giving a sharp leading tone and a characteristic “Eastern” step.
Harmony
Harmony is the simultaneous sounding of several pitches forming a chord.
Figured Bass
Figured bass is the Baroque system of notating harmony with numbers above a bass line.
Dissonance
Dissonance is a tense, unstable sonority that strives to resolve into consonance.
Diatonic Scale
The diatonic scale is a seven-note scale of five tones and two semitones — the basis of European music.
Dominant
The dominant is the fifth scale degree, second in importance only to the tonic.
