268 Appendix A
downbeat The major beats in a measure; in 4/4 time, the downbeats are
1, 2, 3, and 4. (Some theoreticians hold that there is only one downbeat per
measure—the very first beat.)
dynamics Varying degrees of loud and soft. For example, fortesignifies a loud
dynamic, while piano signifies a soft dynamic.
eleventh chord A triad with three notes added, a seventh, ninth, and
eleventh above the root of the chord.enharmonic Different notations of the same sound; for example, F# and G
are enharmonic notes.
extended chords Chords with additional notes (typically in thirds) added
above the basic triad. (Some theoreticians consider seventh chords extended
chords; others don’t.)
fermata Symbol used to indicate that a note should be held indefinitely;
sometimes called a “bird’s eye.”
flam A grace note (and subsequent main note) played on a drum.flat The lowering of any pitch by a half step; signified by the sign.
forte Loud. (Abbreviated as f.)
fortissimo Very loud. (Abbreviated as ff.)
fortississimo Very, very loud. (Abbreviated as fff.)
frequency A scientific measurement of how fast the molecules of air are
vibrating; the faster the vibrations, the higher the pitch.
fugue A contrapuntal form that is built from a single subject.
gig A musician’s job.
glissando A mechanism for getting from one pitch to another, playing every
single pitch between the two notes as smoothly as possible.
grace note One or more notes, played lightly and quickly, that precede a
main note.
grave Tempo marking for a very slow or solemn pace.
half step The smallest distance between notes in a chromatic scale.
harmonic interval Two notes sounded simultaneously.
harmonization The choice of chords to accompany a melodic line.
harmony The sound of tones in combination; also used to refer to the
accompanying parts behind the main melody.
interval The distance between two pitches or notes.
inversion A chord in which the bass note is not the root of the chord.
Ionian mode A mode starting on the first degree of the corresponding major
scale, equivalent to the major scale. See mode.
jazz A style of music that incorporates and encourages improvisation.
Originally derived from American blues, gospel, and ragtime music, infused
with European harmony.