{"id":14546,"date":"2023-07-12T14:37:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T21:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=14546"},"modified":"2024-06-07T15:07:34","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T22:07:34","slug":"piano-terms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Piano Terms Glossary: Piano Words You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Musicians have their own language. As a piano player, you\u2019ve likely come across words you haven\u2019t seen anywhere else. Here is a complete glossary of common piano terms you\u2019ll encounter throughout your musical journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The piano has been around for a very long time and many music terms are Italian due to Italy\u2019s influence on classical music. However, the piano is a truly multidisciplinary instrument with a big role in genres like blues, jazz, pop, and rock. So, we\u2019ve included piano terms here from as many musical genres as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-use-this-piano-terms-glossary\">How to Use This Glossary<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#articulation\">Articulation<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#dynamics-and-expression\">Dynamics and Expression<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#form-and-structure\">Forms and Structure<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#genres\">Genre Terms<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#instrument\">Instrument<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#tempo\">Tempo<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#theory\">Theory<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Subscribe to <i>The Note<\/i> for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"how-to-use-this-piano-terms-glossary\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>HOW TO USE THIS PIANO TERMS GLOSSARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve organized piano terms in alphabetical order in this glossary. You can also browse sections by clicking on topics in the Table of Contents above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a specific term in mind and are on desktop, press <strong>Ctrl+F<\/strong> (<strong>Cmd+F<\/strong> on Mac) and then type in the term in question. Your computer will find the term and highlight it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s how to do the same on mobile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Apple<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<video playsinline=\u201c\u201d autoplay=\u201c\u201d src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2023\/Glossary\/iphone%20recording.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Android<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<video playsinline=\u201c\u201d autoplay=\u201c\u201d src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2023\/Glossary\/android%20recording.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"articulation\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>ARTICULATION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Piano terms to do with how notes are played<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"accacciatura\"><strong>Acciaccatura<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An acciaccatura looks like a small note before a main note with a slash through it. Acciaccaturas are played briefly as a small, passing ornament that resolves to the main note. Unlike appoggiaturas, they are not played on the downbeat. Acciaccaturas and appoggiaturas are types of grace note.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11101639\/acciaccatura-appoggiatura-2-1024x451.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14589\" style=\"width:630px;height:278px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11101639\/acciaccatura-appoggiatura-2-1024x451.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11101639\/acciaccatura-appoggiatura-2-300x132.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11101639\/acciaccatura-appoggiatura-2-768x338.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11101639\/acciaccatura-appoggiatura-2.png 1295w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"appoggiatura\"><strong>Appoggiatura<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An appoggiatura looks like a small note before a main note. Appoggiaturas are brief ornaments that resolve toward the main note. Unlike acciaccaturas, appoggiaturas are played on the downbeat and get more emphasis, taking some of the note value away from the main note. Acciaccaturas and appoggiaturas are types of grace note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"fermata\"><strong>Fermata<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A fermata resembles half a circle with a dot above or below a note or a rest. It indicates that the note should be held or sustained longer than its written value.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"444\" height=\"104\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10093302\/fermatas.png\" alt=\"Pointy, round, and boxy fermata.\" class=\"wp-image-14554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10093302\/fermatas.png 444w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10093302\/fermatas-300x70.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 444px) 100vw, 444px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some composers use different shapes of fermatas to indicate how long a note or rest should be held. But the most common fermata you will see is the center one: a dot in a half circle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"glissando\"><strong>Glissando<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A glissando looks like a squiggly line between two notes, indicating sliding from one note to the other.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"577\" height=\"215\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10095608\/glissando.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14556\" style=\"width:433px;height:161px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10095608\/glissando.png 577w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10095608\/glissando-300x112.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"grace-note\"><strong>Grace note<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A grace note looks like a small note written right before a main one. Meant as an embellishment to the main note, it adds decorative flair and is typically performed quickly. Grace notes can be <a href=\"#accacciatura\">acciaccaturas<\/a> or <a href=\"#appoggiatura\">appoggiaturas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"legato\"><strong>Legato<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Play smoothly and connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"leggiero\"><strong>Leggiero<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Play with a light touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"mordent\"><strong>Mordent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mordents are ornamental markings that look like short squiggly lines above notes. They are played as short trills, with variations of the mordent indicating the direction of the trill:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An <strong>upper mordent<\/strong> is represented by a short squiggle with no line through it. It means to quickly alternate between the main note and the note <em>above<\/em> it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>lower mordent <\/strong>is represented by a short squiggle with a line through it. It means to quickly alternate between the main note and the note <em>below<\/em> it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10113143\/Mordents-1-1024x382.png\" alt=\"Examples of mordents standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14566\" style=\"width:591px;height:221px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10113143\/Mordents-1-1024x382.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10113143\/Mordents-1-300x112.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10113143\/Mordents-1-768x287.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10113143\/Mordents-1.png 1257w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"slur\"><strong>Slur<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A slur is a curved line connecting two or more notes of different pitches, indicating that they should be played smoothly and without separation, creating a legato effect.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"258\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10102850\/slurs-1024x258.png\" alt=\"Examples of slurs in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14558\" style=\"width:512px;height:129px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10102850\/slurs-1024x258.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10102850\/slurs-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10102850\/slurs-768x193.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10102850\/slurs.png 1097w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"staccato\"><strong>Staccato<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A staccato is represented by a small dot above or below a note and indicates playing in a short, detached manner.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105509\/staccato-1-1024x316.png\" alt=\"Staccato examples in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14561\" style=\"width:626px;height:193px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105509\/staccato-1-1024x316.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105509\/staccato-1-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105509\/staccato-1-768x237.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105509\/staccato-1.png 1521w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"tenuto\"><strong>Tenuto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tenuto indicates that a note should be sustained for its full duration, receiving full value. It is often represented by a horizontal line placed above or below the note and is used to emphasize a note.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"193\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105448\/tenuto-1024x193.png\" alt=\"Examples of tenuto in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14560\" style=\"width:512px;height:97px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105448\/tenuto-1024x193.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105448\/tenuto-300x57.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105448\/tenuto-768x145.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105448\/tenuto.png 1146w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"tie\"><strong>Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A tie is a curved line connecting two or more notes of the same pitch, indicating that their durations should be combined and played as a single note.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"286\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105751\/tie-1024x286.png\" alt=\"Tie example in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14562\" style=\"width:512px;height:143px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105751\/tie-1024x286.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105751\/tie-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105751\/tie-768x214.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10105751\/tie.png 1039w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These two measures should sound identical.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"tremolo\"><strong>Tremolo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To tremolo means to play the note rapidly and tremolos are often used to build tension. A tremolo is indicated by diagonal lines or slashes drawn through the stem of the note having the tremolo, with the number of lines representing speed or intensity.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10110339\/tremolo-1024x158.png\" alt=\"Examples of tremolos in standard notation\" class=\"wp-image-14563\" style=\"width:768px;height:119px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10110339\/tremolo-1024x158.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10110339\/tremolo-300x46.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10110339\/tremolo-768x118.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10110339\/tremolo-1536x237.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10110339\/tremolo.png 1621w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"trill\"><strong>Trill<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A trill is a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes. Trills are often represented by the letters \u201ctr\u201d above the note being trilled or by a long horizontal squiggly line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"188\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112031\/trills-1024x188.png\" alt=\"Example of trill in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112031\/trills-1024x188.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112031\/trills-300x55.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112031\/trills-768x141.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112031\/trills-1536x282.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112031\/trills.png 1768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"turn\"><strong>Turn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A turn is represented by a sideways, S-shaped symbol above a note. It\u2019s a quick ornamentation that involves rapidly playing the note above the main note, the main note, the note below, and back to the main note.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112904\/turns-1024x302.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14565\" style=\"width:512px;height:151px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112904\/turns-1024x302.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112904\/turns-300x89.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112904\/turns-768x227.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10112904\/turns.png 1193w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"dynamics-and-expression\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>DYNAMICS AND EXPRESSION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Words to do with dynamics (loudness and softness) and expression.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"accelerando\"><strong>Accelerando<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gradually get faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"adagio\"><strong>Adagio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"cantabile\"><strong>Cantabile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a singing style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"con-brio\"><strong>Con brio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWith vigor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"crescendo\"><strong>Crescendo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gradually get louder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"decrescendo\"><strong>Decrescendo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gradually get softer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"diminuendo\"><strong>Diminuendo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gradually get softer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Fun fact: <\/strong>Schubert interpreted \u201cdiminuendo\u201d as meaning to gradually get softer <\/em>and<em> slow down, while &#8220;decrescendo&#8221; for Schubert just meant to get softer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"dolce\"><strong>Dolce<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sweetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"forte\"><strong>Forte<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"fortissimo\"><strong>Fortissimo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Very loud; louder than <em>forte.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"mezzo-forte\"><strong>Mezzo-forte<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Moderately loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"mezzo-piano\"><strong>Mezzo-piano<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Moderately soft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"pianissimo\"><strong>Pianissimo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Very soft; softer than <em>piano.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"piano\"><strong>Piano<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Soft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"form-and-structure\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>FORM AND STRUCTURE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Terms about a piece&#8217;s flow, form, and structure.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"a-a-a\"><strong>A-A-A<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called <strong>strophic form<\/strong>, each section is set to the same music in this structure. You can think of it as a verse-chorus structure with no choruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"a-b\"><strong>A-B<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called <strong>binary form<\/strong>. A two-part musical form with two contrasting sections. Common in Baroque music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"a-b-a\"><strong>A-B-A<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called <strong>ternary form<\/strong>. A three-part musical form with a contrasting section between two repeating or similar sections. Common in jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"12-bar-blues\"><strong>12 Bar Blues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 12 bar blues is a common chord progression and musical form that consists of four-measure phrases using the I, IV, and V chords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-blues-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Play Blues Piano: Beginner&#8217;s Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"coda\"><strong>Coda<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called the \u201ctail,\u201d the coda is a concluding section or passage at the end of a piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"da-capo\"><strong>Da capo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning \u201cfrom the head,\u201d <em>da capo<\/em> or \u201cD.C.\u201d means to play from the beginning up to an indicated point in sheet music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"d-c-al-fine\"><strong>D.C. al fine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDa capo al fine\u201d means \u201cfrom the beginning to the end.\u201d Repeat from the beginning of a piece to the point where \u201cfine\u201d is&nbsp; noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"d-c-al-coda\"><strong>D.C. al coda<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDa capo al coda\u201d means to repeat the piece from the beginning to the coda symbol, after which, go to the second coda symbol and play to the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"d-c-al-segno\"><strong>D.C. al segno<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDa capo al segno\u201d means \u201cfrom the beginning to the sign.\u201d Repeat the piece from the beginning until you reach the sign symbol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"rondo\"><strong>Rondo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rondo form is a musical structure consisting of a recurring theme (A) alternating with contrasting sections (B, C, D, etc.). It&#8217;s often represented as ABACA or ABACABA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"sonata-allegro\"><strong>Sonata-allegro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A classical form with exposition, development, and recapitulation sections, with contrasting themes and key modulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"through-composed\"><strong>Through-Composed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A structure where each section contains new material with no repeating parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"genres\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>GENRES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Terms to do with specific genres of music.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"12-bar-blues\"><strong>12 Bar Blues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 12 bar blues is a chord progression and song structure that typically consists of 12 measures and is built on the I, IV, and V chords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-blues-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Play Blues Piano: Beginner&#8217;s Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"alberti-bass\"><strong>Alberti bass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alberti bass is a type of broken chord accompaniment popular in classical music. Named after Italian composer Domenico Alberti, it involves playing a triad in a specific pattern: root, fifth, third, fifth repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"boogie-woogie\"><strong>Boogie-woogie<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Boogie-woogie is a style of blues-based piano music characterized by a repetitive and syncopated bass line. It emerged in the early 20th century and is known for its energetic and lively rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"concerto\"><strong>Concerto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A concerto is a musical composition that features a solo instrument or group of instruments in dialogue with an accompanying orchestra or ensemble. It typically consists of multiple movements and showcases the virtuosity and expressive capabilities of the soloist(s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"nocturne\"><strong>Nocturne<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A nocturne is a composition meant to evoke nighttime. Fr\u00e9d\u00e8ric Chopin is famous for his many piano nocturnes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"prelude-and-fugue\"><strong>Prelude and fugue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Commonly paired together, a <strong>prelude<\/strong> is a short introductory piece while a <strong>fugue <\/strong>is an intricate piece with complex counterpoint of many voices. Johann Sebastian Bach is most famous for his 48 preludes and fugues in <em>The Well-Tempered Clavier<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"ragtime\"><strong>Ragtime<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ragtime is a musical style characterized by syncopated rhythm, a steady bass line, and distinctive melodic patterns. A piano-focused genre, ragtime originated in African-American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is considered a precursor to jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"sonata\"><strong>Sonata<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A sonata is a musical composition usually intended for a solo instrument. Popular in the classical era, it typically consists of multiple structured movements with contrasting themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"piano-trio\"><strong>(Piano) Trio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In jazz, a piano trio typically consists of a piano, bass, and drums. In classical music, a piano, cello, and violin often make up a trio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"walking-bass\"><strong>Walking Bass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A rhythmic, steady, and continuous bass line common in blues and jazz that adds rhythm and a \u201cwalking\u201d feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"instrument\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>INSTRUMENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Piano terms that relate to the piano as an instrument.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"action\"><strong>Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The mechanism that translates the pressing of keys into the striking of strings, allowing control over dynamics and expression. \u201cAction\u201d is often used to describe how a piano feels when played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"damper-pedal\"><strong>Damper pedal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as the <strong>sustain pedal<\/strong>, the damper pedal is located at the very right of most pianos and is the most commonly used pedal. It lifts all the dampers from the strings, allowing notes to resonate freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"digital-piano\"><strong>Digital piano<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An instrument designed to mimic the sound and playing experience of an acoustic piano. Sound in a digital piano is created through sampling or modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/keyboard-vs-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keyboard vs. Piano: What&#8217;s the difference?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"fallboard\"><strong>Fallboard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The piano fallboard is the hinged cover that can be opened or closed to protect the keys and internal components of the piano when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"hammer\"><strong>Hammer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hammers are small, felt-covered wooden devices that strike strings when a key is pressed, producing sound in an acoustic piano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"keyboard\"><strong>Keyboard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A musical interface used on piano and piano-like instruments with black and white keys. Colloquially, &#8220;keyboard&#8221; can refer to digital pianos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/keyboard-vs-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keyboard vs. Piano: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"pinblock\"><strong>Pinblock<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A wooden inner component in pianos that anchors the tuning pins and plays a significant role in keeping the piano in tune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"sostenuto-pedal\"><strong>Sostenuto Pedal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The sostenuto pedal is the middle pedal, usually found only in grand pianos. It sustains only the notes held down at the moment the pedal is pressed, allowing selective sustain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"soundboard\"><strong>Soundboard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically made of spruce, the piano soundboard is a wooden resonating surface beneath the strings that amplifies and enhances the sound produced by the vibrations of the piano strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"sustain-pedal\"><strong>Sustain pedal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as the <strong>damper pedal<\/strong>, the sustain pedal is located at the very right of most pianos and is the most commonly used pedal. It lifts all the dampers from the strings, allowing notes to resonate freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"synthesizer\"><strong>Synthesizer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument, often controlled by a piano keyboard, that generates and manipulates sound through oscillators, filters, and amplifiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"una-corda\"><strong>Una corda<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as the <strong>soft pedal<\/strong>, the una corda produces a softer, more muted tone. In a grand piano, the una corda is typically located on the left and, when pressed, shifts the entire keyboard slightly to the side, causing the hammers to strike only one of the two or three strings. On an upright piano, pressing the una corda causes a cloth cover to fall between the hammers and strings. &#8220;Una corda&#8221; means &#8220;one string.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"tempo\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>TEMPO<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Terms to do with the speed of music.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"a-tempo\"><strong>A tempo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Return to the original tempo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"allegro\"><strong>Allegro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast and bright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"allegretto\"><strong>Allegretto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Moderately fast; slower than allegro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"andante\"><strong>Andante<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At a walking pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"largo\"><strong>Largo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slowly and broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"larghetto\"><strong>Larghetto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to <em>largo<\/em>, but a little faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"lento\"><strong>Lento<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At a slow tempo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"moderato\"><strong>Moderato<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At a moderate tempo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"presto\"><strong>Presto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Very fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"prestissimo\"><strong>Prestissimo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Extremely fast; faster than <em>presto.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"rallentando-rall\"><strong>Rallentando (rall.)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gradually slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"ritardando-rit\"><strong>Ritardando (rit.)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gradually slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Rit. vs. ral.: <\/strong>What\u2019s the difference between <\/em>rallentando<em> and <\/em>ritardando<em>? If we look at the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/colorinmypiano.com\/2010\/09\/03\/rallentando-ritardando-whats-the-difference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>original Italian<\/em><\/a><em>, ritardando implies more deliberate effort while rallentando implies a more natural dying-off of speed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"rubato\"><strong>Rubato<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRobbed time.\u201d Push and pull at the tempo to create expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"vivace\"><strong>Vivace<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast and lively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"theory\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>THEORY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Terms to do with music theory.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"aeolian-mode\"><strong>Aeolian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aeolian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-2-\u266d3-4-5-\u266d6-\u266d7. You can think of the Aeolian mode as starting and ending a scale on the sixth degree of the major scale. The Aeolian mode is equal to the relative natural minor scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales &amp; How to Apply Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"augmented\"><strong>Augmented<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Augmented&#8221; means &#8220;larger.&#8221; An <strong>augmented interval<\/strong> is a major interval that has been increased by a half step. <strong>Augmented chords <\/strong>contain an augmented interval. For example, a C augmented triad contains the notes C-E-G#, where C-G# is an augmented fifth interval.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"977\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10142510\/perfect-and-augmented.png\" alt=\"Examples of perfect 5th, augmented 5th, and augmented triad in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14570\" style=\"width:489px;height:180px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10142510\/perfect-and-augmented.png 977w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10142510\/perfect-and-augmented-300x111.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10142510\/perfect-and-augmented-768x283.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"blues-scale\"><strong>Blues scale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The blues scale is a six-note scale. \u201cBlues scale\u201d usually refers to the minor blues scale, which has the following formula: 1, \u266d3, 4, \u266d5, 5, \u266d7.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/blues-scale-formula\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Blues Scale Formula: Theory &amp; Diagrams<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"chord-extension\"><strong>Chord extension<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chord extensions are additional notes beyond the basic triad (root, third, and fifth) that are added to create richer and more complex harmonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/all-piano-chords\/#extensions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Play All Piano Chords: Chord Extensions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"chromatic-scale\"><strong>Chromatic scale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The chromatic scale consists of all twelve pitches in an octave, ascending or descending by half steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"diatonic\"><strong>Diatonic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Intervals and chords that naturally occur on a given scale are said to be \u201cdiatonic.\u201d For example, the major third interval D-F# is diatonic to D major, but not diatonic to C major because F# does not occur in the C major scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"diatonic-chord\"><strong>Diatonic chord<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A diatonic chord is a chord built entirely out of notes that occur naturally in a given scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/diatonic-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Are Diatonic Chords?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"diminished\"><strong>Diminished<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Diminished&#8221; means &#8220;smaller.&#8221; A <strong>diminished interval<\/strong> is a minor interval that has been decreased by a half step. <strong>Diminished chords <\/strong>contain a diminished interval. For example, a C diminished triad contains the notes C-E\u266d-G\u266d, where C-G\u266d is a diminished fifth interval.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1010\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10145008\/Diminished-5th-and-triad.png\" alt=\"Examples of perfect 5th, diminished 5th, and diminished triad in standard notation.\" class=\"wp-image-14571\" style=\"width:505px;height:188px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10145008\/Diminished-5th-and-triad.png 1010w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10145008\/Diminished-5th-and-triad-300x111.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10145008\/Diminished-5th-and-triad-768x285.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1010px) 100vw, 1010px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"diminished-7th-chord\"><strong>Diminished 7th chord<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Diminished 7th chord consists of a diminished triad and a diminished seventh interval. It can also be thought of as a stack of minor thirds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/understanding-7ths\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ultimate Guide to 7th Chords on Piano<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"dominant\"><strong>Dominant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fifth note of the scale. The dominant of C major is G.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"dominant-7th\"><strong>Dominant 7th<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A dominant 7th chord is built on the fifth note of the scale and follows the key signature of that scale. It consists of a major triad and a minor seventh interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/understanding-7ths\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ultimate Guide to 7th Chords on Piano<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"dorian-mode\"><strong>Dorian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dorian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-2-\u266d3-4-5-6-\u266d7. You can also think of Dorian mode as starting and ending a scale on the second degree of the scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales &amp; How to Apply Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"enharmonic\"><strong>Enharmonic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEnharmonic\u201d refers to equivalent pitches that are named differently, such as C-sharp and D-flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"flat\"><strong>Flat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The flat symbol looks like a lowercase \u201cb.\u201d It means to lower a note by one half step.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"356\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10150039\/red-flat.png\" alt=\"Red flat symbol.\" class=\"wp-image-14572\" style=\"width:89px;height:160px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10150039\/red-flat.png 356w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10150039\/red-flat-167x300.png 167w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 356px) 100vw, 356px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"half-diminished-7th-chord\"><strong>Half-diminished 7th chord<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A half-diminished 7th chord is a minor 7th chord with a flatted fifth. It consists of a diminished triad and minor seventh. For example: C-Eb-Gb-Bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/understanding-7ths\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ultimate Guide to 7th Chords on Piano<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"half-step-semi-tone\"><strong>Half step \/ semitone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201chalf step\u201d or \u201csemitone\u201d is the smallest interval in Western music, equivalent to the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"harmonic-minor\"><strong>Harmonic minor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The harmonic minor scale is a minor scale that contains a raised seventh note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"interval\"><strong>Interval<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The distance between two notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"ionian-mode\"><strong>Ionian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ionian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-2-3-4-5-6-7. Therefore, the Ionian mode is equivalent to the major scale. You can also think of Ionian mode as starting and ending the major scale on its first degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales &amp; How to Apply Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"key\"><strong>Key<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Key refers to the tonal center of a piece of music. It determines the scale, chords, and overall harmonic framework of a piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"key-signature\"><strong>Key signature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The key signature is a set of sharp or flat symbols at the beginning of a piece of music, indicating the piece\u2019s key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"leading-tone\"><strong>Leading tone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seventh note of the scale. The leading tone of C major is B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"locrian-mode\"><strong>Locrian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Locrian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-\u266d2-\u266d3-4-\u266d5-\u266d6-\u266d7. You can also think of Locrian mode as starting and ending the major scale on the seventh degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"lydian-mode\"><strong>Lydian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lydian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-2-3-#4-5-6-7. You can also think of Lydian mode as starting and ending the major scale on the fourth degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales &amp; How to Apply Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"mediant\"><strong>Mediant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Third note of the scale. The mediant of C major is E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"melodic-minor\"><strong>Melodic minor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The melodic minor is a minor scale variation that raises the sixth and seventh degrees up one half step when ascending, but lowers them back down to the natural minor when descending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"mixolydian-mode\"><strong>Mixolydian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mixolydian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-2-3-4-5-6-\u266d7. You can think of Mixolydian mode as starting and ending the major scale on the fifth degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"mode\"><strong>Mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A mode is a scale with a specific pattern of whole and half steps that give it a distinct tonal character and mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales &amp; How to Apply Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"natural\"><strong>Natural<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The natural symbol looks like a square with jutting sides. When placed before a note, it cancels any previous sharp or flat alterations, restoring the note to its natural, unaltered pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red-256x1024.png\" alt=\"Red natural sign.\" class=\"wp-image-14573\" style=\"width:64px;height:256px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red-256x1024.png 256w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red-75x300.png 75w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red-768x3072.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red-384x1536.png 384w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red-512x2048.png 512w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10153712\/natural-sign-red.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"passing-tone\"><strong>Passing tone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"pentatonic-scale\"><strong>Pentatonic scale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pentatonic scales are five-note scales. The major pentatonic scale consists of the major scale degrees 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The minor pentatonic scale consists of the major scale degrees 1, \u266d3, 4, 5, and \u266d7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"phrygian-mode\"><strong>Phrygian mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Phrygian mode is a scale whose formula (based on the major scale) is 1-\u266d2-\u266d3-4-5-\u266d6-\u266d7. You can think of Phrygian mode as starting and ending the major scale on the third degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"relative-major-minor\"><strong>Relative major\/minor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Relative major and minor scales share the same key signature but start and end on different notes and have different tonal centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"scale\"><strong>Scale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A scale is a sequence of musical pitches played in ascending or descending order, often following a specific pattern of whole and half steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Scales: Types of Scales &amp; How to Apply Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"scale-degree\"><strong>Scale degree<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Scale degree refers to the position of a note within a scale. For example, G is the fifth scale degree (or \u201cdominant\u201d) in the C major scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"secondary-dominant\"><strong>Secondary dominant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A chord outside the key of a given piece, which is the dominant (V) chord of the chord it is resolving towards. For example, if our piece is in C major, the E7 in the following progression is a secondary dominant because it is the dominant 7th chord in the key of A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>E7 &#8211; Am &#8211; C<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"sharp\"><strong>Sharp<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Raise a note up by one half step.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"527\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10154908\/red-sharp.png\" alt=\"Red sharp symbol.\" class=\"wp-image-14574\" style=\"width:132px;height:160px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10154908\/red-sharp.png 527w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10154908\/red-sharp-247x300.png 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"subdominant\"><strong>Subdominant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fourth degree of the scale. F is the subdominant of C major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"submediant\"><strong>Submediant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sixth degree of the scale. A is the submediant of C major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"supertonic\"><strong>Supertonic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Second degree of the scale. D is the supertonic of C major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"tonal-center\"><strong>Tonal center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The tonal center is the main or central pitch within a piece or key. It serves as a point of stability, focus, and resolution. For example, the tonal center of a piece in C major or the C major scale is C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"tonic\"><strong>Tonic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First degree of the scale. C is the tonic of C major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"triad\"><strong>Triad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A triad is a three-note chord that consists of a root, third, and fifth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"tritone\"><strong>Tritone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as a diminished 5th or augmented 4th, a tritone is an interval of three whole steps. It\u2019s often considered dissonant and unstable, and is commonly used to create tension in music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"whole-tone-whole-step\"><strong>Whole tone \/ Whole step<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201cwhole step\u201d or \u201cwhole tone\u201d is an interval that spans two half steps or two semitones. It is equivalent to the distance between two keys one key apart on the piano keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Learn Piano For Free<\/b><\/h2><p>Inspiring tutorials. Fascinating articles. Exclusive interviews. We create piano content anyone, anywhere can enjoy for free. Don&#8217;t miss out, sign up for more free lessons.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A complete list of piano terms covering tempo, articulation, dynamics, and more that you will encounter as a musician learning piano.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":14599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132,1108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-musicianship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14546"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17648,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14546\/revisions\/17648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}