Glossary
Music terms, plainly explained
26 terms — theory, production, business and rights. Standard term shown on each entry. Western tonal convention; other systems noted where relevant.
- Arpeggio Theory
The notes of a chord played one after another instead of all at once.
- Bar Rhythm
A group of beats whose size is set by the time signature. Bar lines mark where each one starts and ends.
Standard term: Bar / measure
- BPM Rhythm
The unit for tempo; how many beats pass in one minute.
Standard term: Tempo (BPM)
- Cadence Theory
A short run of chords that ends a musical phrase and gives a sense of pause or arrival.
- Chord Theory
Three or more notes sounded together.
- Clef Notation
A sign at the start of a staff that fixes which pitches its lines and spaces stand for.
- Compressor Production
A processor that turns a signal down once it passes a set level, narrowing the gap between loud and quiet.
Standard term: Dynamic range compression
- DAW Production
Software for recording, editing, arranging and mixing music.
Standard term: Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
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