Scale
A collection of pitches in ascending and descending order.
Pitch Class
All notes of the same name regardless of octave.
Diatonic
Literally means "across the tones" defines a scale of mixed half and whole steps in which each tone has a role/function.
Scale Degree Names
Each degree of the seven-tone diatonic scale has a name that relates to its function. They are: tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, leading tone, and subtonic.
Major Scale
A seven-tone scale with the following pattern of whole (W) and half (H) steps = WWHWWWH
Natural Minor Scale
A seven-tone scale with the following pattern of whole (W) and half (H) steps = WHWWHWW
Harmonic Minor Scale
A minor scale with a raised seventh scale degree. This raised seventh scale degree gives more melodic pull/thrust toward the tonic. Accidentals used to raise the seventh are not included in the key signature.
Melodic Minor Scale
A minor scale that shifts the sixth and seventh scale degrees based on the melodic line. When ascending the sixth and seventh scale degrees are raised. When descending the natural minor scale pattern is used. Accidentals used to raise the sixth and sevent
Relative Minor or Parallel Minor
Major and minor scales with the same key signature.
Parallel Minor or Parallel Major
Major and minor scales with the same tonic.
Chromatic Scale
A scale consisting of only half steps.
Blues Scale
A variant of the Major scale adding "blues notes" of flat third and flat seventh.
Tonic
1st scale degree (DO or DI)
Super Tonic
2nd scale degree (RE, RI, or RAH)
Mediant
3rd scale degree (MI or ME)
Subdominant
4th scale degree (FA or FI)
Dominant
5th scale degree (SO, SI, or SE)
Submediant
6th scale degree (LA, LI, or LE)
Leading Tone
7th scale degree, half step below tonic (TI)
Subtonic
7th scale degree, whole step below tonic (TE)
Circle of Fifths
A method of visualizing Major and minor key signatures.
Key/Tonality.
The scale or group of notes used in a composition. The sum of relations (melodic and harmonic) that exist between tones of a scale or musical systems.
Key Signature
The arrangement of sharps or flats after the clef at the beginning of each stave indicating the key of a composition.