Before we start on our discussions of theory topics, we need to define some basic terms. What is given below is a very general overview of what the term means. More on each term will be given in other units.
For more information:
A more thorough explanation of music fundamentals can be found in:
Murphy, B., & McConville, B. (2020). Music Theory Foundations: an Interactive eBook. Dubuque, IA: Kendall-Hunt Publishers, 2020. https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/foundations-music-theory-interactive-ebook-0
Some terms
Half-step – an interval that two notes as close together as possible. On a piano keyboard, these two notes are next to each other.
Whole-step – an interval that consists of two half steps; two notes that have another note in between them. On a piano keyboard, two notes a whole step apart have a key in between them.
Interval – the distance between two notes. Half-steps and whole-steps are intervals. Intervals are named by their size and quality (e.g., a half-step is also called a minor 2; a whole-step is a Major 2). Quality will be covered in the unit on intervals.
Size is the distance between the notes. It is a number that corresponds to the number of pitches between the two notes.
To determine the size of an interval, count the first note as one and each letter name as another number until you get to the second note.
For more information on intervals (size, quality, simple and compound), see the Unit on intervals.
Chord – any simultaneous sounding of 3 or more notes (two notes together are intervals).
Triad – a 3-note chord. Most of the time triads are built in intervals of thirds. (If the chord is built in intervals of a third/3, then the chord is called tertian.)
For more information on triads (quality, inversions, designations), see the unit on triads.
Seventh chord – a 4 note chord built in thirds so that the interval between the bottom and top most note is a 7th.
For more information on seventh chords (qualities, inversions, designations), see the unit on seventh chords.
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