Glossary of Jazz and Popular Music - Wikipedia

7/6/2018 Glossary of jazz and popular music - Wikipedia
Glossary of jazz and popular music
This is a list of jazz and popular music terms that are likely to be encountered in printed popular music songbooks,
fake books and vocal scores, big band scores, jazz, and rock concert reviews, and album liner notes. This glossary includes
terms for musical instruments, playing or singing techniques, amplifiers, effects units, sound reinforcement equipment,
and recording gear and techniques which are widely used in jazz and popular music. Most of the terms are in English, but
in some cases, terms from other languages are encountered (e.g. to do an "encore", which is a French term).
Contents
0–9 · A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z
0–9
1x10"
A speaker cabinet containing one ten-inch loudspeaker. Used for small

venue PA cabinets and small stage monitor speakers (with a horn), and
lightweight bass guitar or electric guitar combination amplifiers ("combos")
and cabinets designed for rehearsal monitoring or practice.
1x12"
A speaker cabinet containing one twelve-inch loudspeaker. Used for mid-

sized venue PA cabinets and stage monitor speakers (with a horn), and
lightweight bass and guitar combos and cabinets.
1x15"
A speaker cabinet containing one fifteen-inch loudspeaker. Used for PA

cabinets and stage monitor speakers (with a horn), bass combos and
cabinets, and in small venue subwoofer cabinets.
A seven-string
1x18" electric guitar,
the Ibanez
A speaker cabinet containing one eighteen-inch loudspeaker, typically used RG7321BK
in subwoofer cabinets for PA applications.
1x21"
A speaker cabinet containing one twenty-one-inch loudspeaker, typically used in large

subwoofer cabinets for PA applications.
2x10"
A speaker cabinet containing two ten-inch loudspeakers. Used in electric guitar and bass
combos and cabinets.
2x12"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_jazz_and_popular_music 1/28
A speaker cabinet containing two twelve-inch loudspeakers. Used in electric guitar and bass
combos and cabinets, and, with a horn, as a PA cabinet.
2x15"
A speaker cabinet containing two fifteen-inch loudspeakers. Used in bass cabinets and, with a
horn, as a PA cabinet.
2x18"
A speaker cabinet containing two eighteen-inch loudspeakers, typically used as a subwoofer for
PA applications or in dance clubs.
4x10"
A speaker cabinet containing four ten-inch loudspeakers. Used in electric guitar and bass
combos and cabinets.
4x12"
A speaker cabinet containing four twelve-inch loudspeakers. Commonly used in electric guitar
amplifier systems, less so in bass. Configured with all four speakers on the same panel or with
the top two speakers angled upward.
4track (or "fourtrack")
A simple portable recording and mixing device widely used in the 1970s and 1980s which used
compact cassettes.
5string (or fivestring)
An electric bass with five strings, which often means the addition of a low "B" string.'
6string (or sixstring)
An electric bass with six strings, which often means the addition of a low "B" string and a high
"C" string. (Note: in uncommon cases basses with even more strings are used. 6-string bass
may as well refer to bass guitar tuned as a typical guitar with an octave down, such as Fender
Bass VI). It is also a common slang of guitar.
7string (or sevenstring)
An electric guitar with seven strings, which often means the addition of a low "B" string. Seven-
string guitars are associated with jazz, fusion, and metal styles.
8string (or eightstring)
An electric guitar with eight strings, which often means the addition of a low "F#" string and a
low "B" string. Eight-string guitars are associated with jazz, fusion, and metal styles.
8track
A tape format popular in the 1970s.
8x10"
...with eight ten-inch loudspeakers. Used in electric guitar and bass cabinets. It is sometimes
called a "stack", and, in the case of a bass cabinet, a "bass stack".
10
In electric guitar parlance, turning a volume knob (or distortion knob) to the highest setting
(usually marked "10").
11
In the heavy metal music mock documentary This is Spinal Tap, the fictional guitarist claims that
he had his amplifiers modified so that the volume could be turned up to "11".
12string
Both electric guitars and acoustic guitars are available in 12 string versions. Three of the added
strings are doubling the standard strings at the unison, and three are an octave higher.
A
Artist and Repertoire (A&R)
A department in a record company responsible for

assigning songs to artists for recording and distribution
acid rock
A style of rock music from the late 1960s and early

1970s which emphasized psychedelic imagery, unusual
sound effects, and distorted guitar playing.
Art rock band Roxy Music performing in
ad libitum (commonly ad lib; Latin) Toronto in 1974
At liberty (i.e. the speed and manner of execution are

left to the performer). In some cases, the instruction suggests that the performer improvise a
part.
alt (English), alt dom, or altered dominant
A jazz term which instructs chord-playing musicians such as a jazz pianist or jazz guitarist to
perform a dominant (V7) chord with altered upper extensions (e.g. sharp 11th, flat 13th, etc.).
altissimo
Very high
alto
High; often refers to a particular range of voice or instrument, higher than a tenor but lower than
a soprano (e.g. alto sax)
amp
An abbreviation for "amplifier" (i.e. a musical instrument amplifier or a PA system power

amplifier); also an abbreviation for ampere
analog
Sound equipment in which the signal containing the voice, electric guitar signal, etc. is electrical,
rather than converted into digital "1's" and "0's" (binary system). Whether analog or digital
recording and effects are "better" is a subject for debate. Proponents of analog effects and
mixing boards often argue that analog gear has a "warmer" or more "natural" tone.
arpeggio
Like a harp (i.e. the notes of the chords are to be played quickly one after another (usually
ascending) instead of simultaneously). Arpeggios are frequently used as an accompaniment.
See also broken chord in this list.
art rock
An avant-garde genre of rock that is related to progressive rock (Genesis; Rush; Gentle Giant);
both genres tend to use unusual instruments, meters, and timbres, and both aim towards more
complex, experimental compositions and novel sonic textures.
as is
A jazz term which instructs the performer to play the noted pitches as they are printed. Parts for
jazz musicians in big bands often consist of lengthy sections of empty bars labelled with the
changing time signatures and chord changes. Rhythm section members improvise an
accompaniment (see Comp), and lead instruments improvise solos. In sections where the jazz
arranger wants the performers to read notated pitches rather than improvise, they indicate this
with the notation "as is".
axe
A slang term which refers to an electric guitar, or, by extension, to any instrument (e.g. a
bandleader may tell a saxophone player to "get your axe").
B
B
Slang abbreviation for a B-3 organ (see below)
B3
The B-3, a widely used version of the Hammond organ,

an electromechanical, tonewheel-based keyboard
instrument.
backbeat
A close-up of the Hammond L-100 organ,
Beats 2 and 4 in 4/4 time, particularly when they are with the drawbars in the foreground
strongly accented. A term more used in rock 'n roll.
bark
A slang term used by keyboard players to refer to the growling, biting tone of a vintage Fender
Rhodes electric piano when played through a tube amp.
barre chord or bar chord
A guitar chord in which the first (or another finger) holds down two or more adjacent strings (that
is it "bars" several notes)
bass
The lowest of the standard four voice ranges (bass, tenor, alto, soprano); the lowest melodic line
in a musical composition, often thought of as defining and supporting the harmony; in a jazz or
popular music context, the term usually refers to the double bass or the electric bass.
bassline
The low-pitched instrumental part or line played by a rhythm section instrument (see also "line"
below)
beat
1. The pronounced rhythm of music

2. One single stroke of a rhythmic accent
bend
Jazz term referring either to establishing a pitch, sliding down half a step and returning to the
original pitch or sliding up half a step from the original note. With the electric guitar, bending is
widely used in blues, blues-rock, and rock and, to a somewhat different fashion, in jazz.
bin or bass bin
A subwoofer cabinet that reproduces very low-frequency sounds, usually with some type of horn
or transmission line system to enhance the bass response; typically used for the main, Front of
House speaker system, but in rare cases, may also be used as part of a bass player's bass
amplifier set-up. The term "bin" was more common in the 1980s; in the 1990s and 2000s, the
term "subwoofer" or "sub" is much more widely used.
binary
A musical form in two sections: AB
bird's eye
A slang term for fermata, which instructs the performer to hold a note or chord as long as they
wish
bleeding, bleed, or bleedthrough
A slang term which refers to the ambient sounds that a microphone aimed at instrument A picks
up from other instruments or singers in the same room. In some cases, "bleeding" is considered
undesirable, if unwanted sounds from other instruments are picked up by a microphone. For
example, if a guitar player plays an amazing solo during a recording, it may end up being
unusable if mistakes by the drummer—20 feet away—are bleeding through into the mic in front
of the guitar amp. To prevent "bleeding", studios use isolation booths and cloth-covered room
dividers. In some cases, "bleed-through" is desirable, because it makes the recording sound
fuller or more "live".
block chords
A style of piano playing, developed by Milt Buckner and George Shearing, with both hands
'locked' together, playing chords in parallel with the melody, usually in fairly close position. It is a
technical procedure requiring much practice, and can sound dated if the harmonies are not
advanced enough. Also called locked hands.
blow
A jazz term instructing a performer to improvise a solo over the chord progression of a jazz tune;
may also be written "blowing section" or, in free jazz, "open blowing"
blues
In a jazz context, when "blues" or "solo

on blues" appears at the start of a solo
section, it is an abbreviation for "blues
progression"; it instructs the performer
to improvise solos over a 12-bar blues
progression based on I, IV, and V7 Yamaha 2403 audio mixing console in a 'live' mixing
chords. application. Each column of knobs controls the volume,
tone, and other elements for a single channel (e.g. a
board microphone being used by a singer).
A shortened form of "mixing board",

which refers to the audio mixing board used by live sound engineers and studio engineers to
control the volume and tone of different instruments and voices, blend them in the desired
proportions, add external effects (e.g. reverb), and route the final signal (or an intermediate
signal) to desired locations (e.g. to a recording device; to Front of House speakers; to monitor
speakers, etc.). The term "board" may also be used as a shortened form of "fingerboard".
break
Transitional passage in which a soloist plays unaccompanied.
bridge
Transitional passage connecting two sections of a composition, also transition. Also the part of a
stringed instrument that holds the strings in place and transmits their vibrations to the resonant
body of the instrument. Some bridges on electric guitars have a see-saw action called a
whammy bar which allows notes or chords to be "bent" down in pitch.
broken chord
A chord in which the notes are not all played at once, but rather one after the other (i.e. an
arpeggio).
C
cabinet (cab)
A speaker cabinet, which is a wooden (or sometimes plastic) enclosure for a loudspeaker and,
in some cases a horn or tweeter. Speaker cabinets are used to amplify instruments and vocals.
cadence
The point at which a melodic phrase "comes to rest" or resolves. A cadence often occurs on the
"tonic" note (supported by the tonic chord—the "home chord" of the key). A cadence can also
occur on other notes over the "tonic" chord, or over another chord such as the "dominant chord"
(the chord built on the fifth scale degree). One of the features of Classical music is that
cadences are often elided; that is, instead of coming to rest at the cadence, a new musical line
commences at exactly the same time of the cadence. This helps to create a forward momentum
in the music
call and response
A way of writing a song in which after a singer sings a line, other singers (e.g. backup singers or
band members) respond with a line that completes the thought. Call and response singing was
originally part of African-American work songs, and it subsequently became an important part of
the blues.
capo
A clip-on metal or plastic device with a rubber-padded bar which holds down all six strings of the
guitar in a fret position selected by the performer. It is attached with an elastic or spring-loaded
mechanism. It allows a guitar player to have the open strings start at a higher pitch, thus
facilitating the transposition of songs and the use of the "ringing", rich sound of open chords in
unusual keys.
changes
A jazz term which is an abbreviation for "chord changes", which is the harmonic progression (or
"chord progression") upon which a melody is based.
channel
In the context of a mixing board, a channel is one of the input sections into which a microphone
or output from an instrument amplifier or instrument (e.g. an electronic keyboard) is plugged so
that its volume and tone can be altered and so that it can be blended with other instruments and
voices; in the context of an electric guitar amplifier or a bass amplifier, the term "channel" is
used to refer to amplifiers which have two or more separate preamplifier, equalization, and effect
settings ("channels") which a performer can switch between in a performance via a footswitch.
chops
A slang term which refers to a player's strong technique or endurance ("That alto sax player has
great chops; she can play for hours.")
chord
A group of three or more notes that, when played simultaneously, can form a harmonic structure
that can support a melody or a solo line. The simplest chords are triads, which are made of the
first note of a scale and then alternate notes. For example, in the scale of C Major (C,D,E,F,G,A
B,C), the triad would be C,E,G. Seventh chords use four notes: they consist of a triad with an
added interval. For example, in the scale of G Dominant (G,A,B,C,D,E,F,G), the four-note
seventh chord would be G,B,D,F. There are also more complicated chords which add additional
intervals (see ninth chord, "alt dom"). A chord can also be played one note at a time (see
"arpeggio" and "broken chord").
chorus
The refrain of a song which is repeated a number of times, in alternation with verses and other
sections (e.g. a guitar solo). In contrast to the verses of a song, the chorus tends to be simpler
and more memorable, and it often uses more repetition of lyrics (e.g. "She loves you yeah,
yeah, yeah..."). The term "chorus" may also be a synonym for "choir"—a group of singers; or it
may refer to a chorus effect—the sound created when a voice or instrumental tone is doubled by
other pitches which are not exactly the same, which creates a rich, shimmering sound.
chromatic scale
A sequence of all twelve notes in an octave, played in a row (either ascending or descending).
Fragments of the chromatic scale are used in many styles of popular music, but more extensive
use of chromatic scale tends to occur in jazz, fusion, and the more experimental genres of rock.
clam
A slang term which refers to a mis-played or out of tune note, often by a horn player.
clean
In reference to the sound of an electric guitar, Fender Rhodes electric piano, or other electric or
electronic instrument, or to a recording of a singer or instrument or to an entire mix, "clean"
means that the sound is undistorted and not muddy. For an electric instrument, the opposite of a
"clean" tone is an overdriven, "clipped" (see "clipping"), or "dirty" sound.
clean channel
Many electric guitar amplifiers have two "channels": a clean channel, which is undistorted, and
an "overdrive" (or "dirty" channel), in which the signal is heavily preamplified or run through a
distortion effect, thus producing a distorted signal. Amps with two channels come with a
footswitch which allows the performer to switch between the two channels.
clipping
A synonym for distortion. With vocals, mic'd acoustic instruments, Front of House mixes, and
monitor mixes, clipping is almost always deemed to be undesirable, and it is minimized by
reducing gain levels, using compression devices, adding "pads" (attenuation circuits), etc. With
electric guitars, electric basses, Hammond organs, electric piano, and other electric instruments,
performers often purposefully add clipping to the signal by boosting the gain or using an
overdrive pedal.
clonewheel or clonewheel organ
An electronic or digital instrument which recreates or imitates the sound of a tonewheel-based

Hammond organ, typically in an instrument that is much lighter and smaller than an actual
Hammond organ (e.g. the Roland VK-7 or the Korg CX-3).
coda
A tail (i.e. a closing section appended to a piece

of music). Also called a "tag" or "outro".
combo
An abbreviation for "combination", which is used

in two senses in jazz and pop music. "Combo"
can be the equivalent of "group" or "ensemble"
(e.g. "a jazz combo"). As well, "combo" refers to
a "combination amplifier", so named because it
includes an amplifier and a speaker in a single
cabinet.
comp The Roland VK-7 is referred to as a "clonewheel

organ", because it recreates the sound of vintage
A jazz term which instructs a jazz rhythm section tonewheel organs like the Hammond organ.
performer (usually a chordal instrument such as
jazz guitar, jazz piano, Hammond organ, etc.) to
play accompaniment chords. In a recording context, the term is an abbreviation for "composite",
which refers to recording composite tracks.
comp tickets
An abbreviation for "complimentary tickets", which promoters give out to ensure that a concert
will have a good-sized crowd; as well band members and touring staff may be given comp
tickets that they can give to friends or family, as a "perk"
compressor
An electronic audio effect which automatically reduces the gain of a signal (vocals, instruments,
etc.) to a pre-set threshold, thus preventing unwanted peaks which could cause clipping. A
compressor with extreme settings becomes a limiter, which protects speakers and horns from
peaks.
Condenser microphone or condenser mic
A microphone that uses the technique of "variable capacitance" to pick up sound. The
diaphragm is on a charged metal plate, and as such, condenser microphones need power to
operate. The power comes either from batteries or from a mic preamp or a mixing board. The
power that is provided from a preamp or mixing board is called "phantom power".
cover or cover tune
When a band plays a song that has been composed and recorded by another band, this is
called a "cover tune"; also used as a verb (e.g. "to cover" a song by a certain band). The term
may also refer to a cover charge, the door fee charged to customers for admission to a band's
performance at a bar (the cover charge may go entirely to the band or it may be split with the
bar, based on the agreement between the band and the establishment).
crossfader
On a DJ mixer, a crossfader is a control that slides on a left-to-right track. It allows a DJ to

alternate between two channels, into which an audio input is plugged (e.g. a record player, CD
player, iPod, etc.). The left-most position of the slider control gives only Channel A. The right-
most position gives only Channel B. The area of the sliding track between these two extremes is
a blend of the two Channels. Crossfaders can be used to create smooth transitions between two
songs on different sound inputs, or, when moved rapidly at the same time that a record is
manipulated on a turntable, they can be used in create rhythmic scratching sounds and effects.
crossover
In a music industry context, a "crossover artist" or "crossover band" is a performer or group from
one style that has managed to garner a following amongst fans of a different musical style. For
example, some country performers have managed to get "crossover" hits in the pop charts. In
an audio engineering context, a crossover is a frequency filter system that divides the
frequencies in a signal into low and high or low, mid, and high components. In this way, the
different frequencies can be routed to the appropriate speakers.
crunch
Used to describe a specific type of highly distorted, mid-boosted electric guitar tone used in
heavy metal and thrash metal music, typically by the rhythm guitarist. When played with palm
muting, it creates a characteristic heavy rhythmic sound.
cut time
Same as the meter 2/2: two half-note (minim) beats per measure. Notated and executed like
common time (4/4), except with the beat lengths doubled. Indicated by three-quarters of a circle
with a vertical line through it, which resembles the cent symbol ¢. This comes from a literal cut
of the C symbol of common time. Thus, a quarter note in cut time is only half a beat long, and a
measure has only two beats. See also alla breve.
D
dead
An adjective that means non-reverberant, as in the case of a room in a recording studio that has
very little natural reverb or ambience (e.g. a "dead room"). To "liven up" the sound of a track
recorded in a "dead room", engineers will typically add electronic reverb effects. Alternately, the
track could be re-recorded in a room with more reflective surfaces, to add natural reverb.
Decibel (dB)
The unit of measurement of audio level used in recording studios and by live sound engineers.
Some cities and performance venues have decibel limits for live performances.
desk
British term for a "mixing board".
DI or DI Box
An electronic device which alters the impedance of electric instrument signals (e.g. electric
guitar, electric bass) so that they can be plugged into a mixing board or PA system. The DI box
converts a high-impedance, unbalanced signal from an electric guitar into a low-impedance,
balanced signal. Many DI boxes have a ground lift switch to remove AC hum from the electrical
system.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
The use of digital effects to alter the tone, sound, pitch, or other parameters of a signal. Many
2000s-era mixers, guitar amplifiers, and electronic keyboards have on-board DSP effects.
downtuned or detuned
A guitar or bass that is tuned to a lower pitch than the standard tuning, which is (from low to
high) EADGBE for guitar and EADG for bass.
drive
An abbreviated form of "overdrive", which refers to the distortion that occurs when a tube
amplifier is pushed to its limits.
drop
Jazz term referring to a note that slides chromatically downwards to an indefinite pitch .
DSP
See "Digital Signal Processing".
dry
A signal that has no reverb effect, or more generally, a signal that has not been processed with
any effects unit. Vocals are almost always recorded "dry", and then the reverb or other effects
are added in post-production. Electric guitars and electric keyboards are often, but not always
recorded with their effects (distortion, chorus, etc.) already added.
dynamics
The relative volumes in the execution of a piece of music
E
effects unit
An electronic device which alters or conditions the sound qualities in an electronic signal from a
microphone, musical instrument, or recording. Effects units can be housed in rack-mounted
chassis'; stompbox pedals; in computer software; or built into an amplifier (e.g. a guitar amp),
mixer, or instrument (e.g. a Hammond organ).
encore (Fr)
Again (i.e. perform the relevant passage or an entire song or tune once more)
engineer
In a live sound context, this refers to the audio engineer who controls the soundboard and/or
leads the crew of audio technicians; in a recording context, this refers to the audio engineer who
sets up and runs the technical aspects of a recording session.
F
fader
On a mixing board or DJ mixer, an audio level control that slides up

and down in a track. (see also crossfader).
fall
Jazz term describing a note of definite pitch sliding downwards to

another note of definite pitch.
falsetto The Ibanez Tube

Screamer overdrive
Male voice above usual bass or tenor range (see article) pedal, an effects unit
with a footswitch to turn
feedback the effect on and off
The resonance loop created when a microphone or guitar pickup is

placed close to a highly amplified speaker, often creating a howling or screeching sound. In
most cases, musicians and sound engineers seek to avoid feedback with microphones and
acoustic instruments; with electric guitar, especially in heavy metal and shred guitar playing it
may be done on purpose.
fiddle
A slang term for a violin in bluegrass, country music, and folk music.
fill (English)
A jazz or rock term which instructs performers to improvise a scalar passage or riff to "fill in" the
brief time between lyrical phrases, the lines of melody, or between two sections
flat
A symbol (?) that lowers the pitch of a note by a semitone. The term may also be used to
describe a situation where a singer or musician is performing a note in which the intonation is an
eighth or a quarter of a semitone too low.
foldback
In Britain, this is the term for an onstage monitor speaker that helps performers to hear their
singing and playing.
forte or (f)
Strong (i.e. to be played or sung loudly)
fortepiano (fp)
Strong-gentle (i.e. 1. loud, then immediately soft) (see dynamics), or 2. an early pianoforte
fortissimo (ff)
Very loud (see note at Pianissimo)
fortississimo (fff)
As loud as possible
Front of House (FOH)
The speaker system which faces the audience (and the sound engineers who control it)
FX
Synonym for "effects" (e.g. a "multiFX" pedal" is a "multieffects pedal")
G
gig
A slang term which refers to a paying musical engagement at a venue, usually of a single night's
duration
gliss
A continuous sliding from one pitch to another (a true glissando), or an incidental scale executed
while moving from one melodic note to another (an effective glissando). See glissando for
further information; and compare portamento in this list.
groupie
A somewhat pejorative term used to refer to fans of a rock group (typically refers to female
fans).
H
harmony vocals or harmony parts
backup singing which supports the main melody; the supporting parts are usually chord tones
that form intervals of a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or octave away from the main melody note.
harp
From blues harp, which in blues and related genres is a slang term for the harmonica.
homophony
A musical texture with one voice (or melody line) accompanied by chords; also used as an
adjective (homophonic). Compare with polyphony, in which several voices or melody lines are
performed at the same time.
head
The first (and last) chorus of a tune, in which the song or melody is stated without improvisation
or with minimal improvisation.
hook
A motif that is used in popular music to make a song appealing and to "catch the ear of the
listener".
horn
In a jazz, blues, or R&B context, the term "horn" refers generically to any brass instrument (e.g.
saxophone, trumpet, etc.). In a sound engineering context, "horn" refers to a flare-shaped
housing into which a tweeter or loudspeaker is mounted as part of a speaker cabinet.
horn section
In a jazz, blues, or R&B context, this refers to a small group of brass players who accompany an
ensemble by playing soft "pads" and punctuating the melodic line with "punches" (sudden
interjections).
I
ignore changes
A jazz term used in 1950s and 1960s-era avant-garde and free jazz (e.g. Ornette Coleman)
which instructs a soloist to improvise without following the chord changes being used by the
rhythm section instruments.
intro
Opening section of a song or tune.
J
Jbass
An abbreviation for the Fender Jazz bass, a widely used brand of electric bass
jam or jam session
In jazz, blues, rock, or related genres, an informal performance of improvised solos over well-
known standard compositions (e.g. a blues progression or a jazz standard).
jazz standard or standard
A well-known composition from the jazz repertoire which is widely played and recorded.
K
keyboardist
A musician who plays any instrument with a keyboard. In a jazz or popular music context, this
may refer to instruments such as the piano, electric piano, synthesizer, Hammond organ, and so
on.
keyboard amp
A combination amplifier designed for keyboard players that contains a two, three, or four-
channel mixer, a pre-amplifier for each channel, equalization controls, a power amplifier, a
speaker, and a horn, all in a single cabinet. Small keyboard amplifiers designed for small band
rehearsals have 50 to 75 watts, a 12 inch speaker, and a horn. Large keyboard amplifiers
designed for large clubs or halls have 200 to 300 watts of power, a 15 inch speaker, and a horn.
L
lay out
A jazz term which is the equivalent of the classical term tacet; it instructs the player to cease
playing for a section or tune.
lead (pronounced "leed")
In guitar playing, a single-note melody or solo line. In Britain, the term also refers to a patch
cable which is used to connect an electric guitar to an amp.
lead bass
A style of playing electric bass in which the player adopts a soloistic or melodic "voice", rather
than, or in addition to playing the accompaniment role which is normally associated with the
bass (e.g. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden).
leading note
The seventh note of a scale, which has a powerful "gravitational pull" towards the eighth note of
the scale, which is the "home note" of the key. Because the seventh note of the scale has such
a strong pull towards the eighth note, it is deemed to need to "resolve" to the eighth note.
Leslie
A brand name for a rotating speaker cabinet designed for use with the Hammond organ, but
also used by some electric guitar players. The rotating horn and rotating baffle around the low-
range speaker create an undulating effect.
line
A synonym for "melody" (as in the terms "melodic line"). (See also bassline).
line in
In an audio context, a "line in" is a jack found on mixers, guitar amplifiers, and recording
devices. The "line in" jack allows a performer to add an input into a mixer, amplifier, or recording
device.
line out
A "line out" jack provides an output signal from an amplifier or other device, which can then be
patched into a mixing board, effect unit, PA system, etc.
M
marcato (marc.)
Marked (i.e. with accentuation, execute every note as if it were to be accented)
measure
The period of a musical piece that encompasses a complete cycle of the time signature, e.g. in
4/4 time, a measure has four quarter-note beats
mezzo forte
Half loudly (i.e. moderately loudly). See dynamics.
mezzo piano
Half softly (i.e. moderately softly). See dynamics.
MIDI
An acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, an industry-standard way for electronic
devices to communicate information. MIDI connections can be used to connect synthesizers,
electronic drum machines, sequencers, and so on.
mixdown
The process near the end of the recording process in

which all of the tracks of recorded music (e.g. 12, 24, or
even 48 tracks of recorded vocals, guitars, keyboards,
etc.) are blended and placed onto the Left and Right
channels of a standard stereo recording. A "remix"
occurs when the same initial tracks are given a new
"mixdown", thus blending the tracks in a different way,
adding different effects, etc. The Minimoog Model D, a Moog
synthesizer which was produced from
monitor 1971 to 1984.
In a live music context, refers to speaker cabinets which

are used to amplify the singing and playing of onstage performers so that the performers can
hear themselves' in a recording context, refers to studio reference monitors, which are heavy-
duty, low-coloration speakers designed for playing back mixes.
monitor mix
In live audio, the monitor mix is the blend of vocal and instrumental channels which is amplified
and sent through onstage speakers which are directed towards the performers. The "monitor
mix" often differs a great deal from the "Front of House" mix. In a typical bar band, the "monitor
mix" will consist mainly of vocals, with the possible addition of other instruments that need
additional onstage monitoring volume (e.g. harmonica, saxophone, synth).
Moog synthesizer
An early brand of analog synthesizer which was introduced in the late 1960s; newly released
Moog synthesizers are still produced in the 2000s.
N
natural
A symbol (?) that cancels the effect of a sharp or a flat (see in this list)
neck
On a guitar (e.g. acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass), violin-family instrument (e.g.
violin, upright bass) or other stringed instrument, the neck is the long, thin piece of wood which
extends from the soundbox or body of the instrument and upon which the strings are put under
tension between the bridge (on a guitar family instrument) or the tailpiece (on a violin-family
instrument) and the headstock (for guitars) or the tuning pegs (violin) or machine heads (upright
bass). The neck on acoustic and electric guitars and most electric basses has metal frets which
divide the neck into semitones. Violin family instruments and fretless electric basses do not have
frets.
notch filter
A very precise type of equalizer (e.g. a parametric equalizer) which can be used to boost or cut
very narrow frequency ranges. Notch filters are used to lessen feedback with microphones or
lessen overly resonant notes on acoustic guitars.
notefornote solo
A live or recorded performance by an instrumentalist which reproduces a previously recorded

improvised solo. In some cases, the recreation of the previously recorded solo may be faithful
down to the smallest nuances, such as the use of "whammy bar" embellishments and "ghost
notes".
O
octave
Interval between one musical pitch and another with half or double its frequency. Octaves can
be played one note after the other (e.g. a low C and then a high C), or they can be played
together at the same time on instruments such as the guitar, piano, organ, etc.
octave pedal
An effects unit which electronically adds a note an octave (or two octaves) below or, less
commonly, an octave above the note being played by the performer.
ohm
A unit of electrical impedance; speakers, microphones, headphones, and other gear is rated
with its nominal impedance. (See also "Z", the abbreviation sometimes used for "impedance").
organ trio
In jazz or rock, a group of three musicians which includes a Hammond organ player and two
other instruments, often a drummer and either an electric guitar player or a saxophone player.
ostinato
Obstinate, persistent (i.e. a short musical pattern that is repeated throughout an entire
composition or portion of a composition)
P
Pbass
An abbreviation for the Fender Precision bass, a widely used brand of electric bass
pad
In reference to the music played by a keyboardist, this refers to a "sythesizer pad", which is a
sustained background synthesizer sound used to accompany a band or singer; in reference to
sound engineering, this refers to an attenuation circuit which reduces the gain of an excessively
"hot" signal, typically by 20 dB.
pedal
A stompbox effect unit, a volume pedal, or a similar device.
pedale (ped)
In piano scores, this instructs the player to use press damper pedal to sustain the note or chord
being played. The player may be instructed to release the pedal with an asterisk marking (*). In
organ scores, it tells a Hammond organist that a section is to be performed on the bass
pedalboard with the feet.
pedal point
A sustained or repeated note in a song or tune, often in the bass register. The term is a
reference to the bass pedal keyboards that are used to sustain a pedal point in organ music.
performance art
An experimental show which combines music, dance, visual effects, and drama (e.g. Laurie
Anderson). Associated with some types of art rock and experimental rock.
pianissimo (pp)
Very gently (i.e. perform very softly)
piano (p)
Gently (i.e. played or sung softly). See dynamics.
pianovocal score This Hammond spinet organ

shows the relatively short pedals
The same as a vocal score, a piano arrangement along with and 13-note range used on the
the vocal parts of an opera, cantata, or similar pedalboards of spinet organs
pickup or pickup
In reference to an electric guitar or bass, this refers to the magnetic or piezoelectric device
which transmits the vibrations of the string or the guitar body to an amplifier; in reference to a
song or tune, a "pickup" or the "pickup notes" refers to one or several melodic notes which lead
into a subsequent section (e.g. a band leader will tell the band to "start from the pickup into the
bridge").
pickup group or pickup band
A musical ensemble brought together for a single performance or a few performances.
pizzicato (pizz)
Pinched, plucked (i.e. in music for bowed strings, plucked with the fingers as opposed to played
with the bow)
portamento
Sliding in pitch from one note to another.
poseur
In punk, metal, jazz, and other styles, this is a pejorative term used to refer to musicians or
music fans who are deemed to not truly understand the music and its history ("That guy in the
grey shirt says he's a hardcore fan, but he doesn't even know Black Flag...what a poseur!").
power chord
A chord consisting of a note, a fifth above, and the octave. It is widely used in rock, metal,
hardcore punk, and other genres, usually with overdrive or distortion.
producer
An individual who directs the recording process through artistic and technical decisions.
Q
quarter tone
Half of a semitone; a pitch division not used in most Western music notation, except in some
contemporary art music or experimental music. Quarter tones are used in Western popular
music forms such as jazz and blues and in a variety of non-Western musical cultures.
R
R&B
Rhythm and Blues. A musical phenomenon that grew out of Black American blues, boogie-
woogie, Gospel, roadhouse piano/guitar duos and other influences mostly from the Southern
United States.
rallentando (rall.)
Progressively slower.
register
Part of the range of an instrument or voice. ("The lower register of the singer's voice was rich
and dark").
registration
A setting or combination of stops or voices on an electromechanical organ (e.g. Hammond

organ) or an electronic or "combo organ".
Reggae
A Jamaican style of popular music that features a strong, syncopated bassline, accompaniment
with an undistorted electric guitar or Fender Rhodes on the offbeats, and chanted vocals.
remix
A second or subsequent "mixdown" of a set of recorded tracks. (see "mixdown").
reverb
The echoing sound that occurs naturally to a voice or instrument in hall or room with reflective
walls and, by extension, to analog or digital effect units which recreate this effect (reverb units).
Rhodes
The Fender Rhodes brand of electric piano, and, by extension, to similar instruments produced
by other manufacturers.
rig
In a live music context, this is a slang term used by musicians to refer to the audio processing
and amplification gear used by a keyboardist, bassist, or electric guitarist. An electric bassist, for
example, may refer to her speaker cabinet, bass amplifier "head" and rack-mounted effects units
collectively as her "rig" (or "bass rig").
rit.
An abbreviation for ritardando;[1] also an abbreviation for ritenuto[2]
ritardando (ritard., rit.)
Slowing down; decelerating; opposite of accelerando
RMS
An acronym for "Root Means Square", a way of measuring the power-handling capacity of a
loudspeaker or tweeter in watts. The RMS rating printed on the back of a speaker indicates the
average power that the speaker can handle.
roadie
A slang term which refers to the employees of a musical group's touring road crew who load and
unload musical equipment.
Roland
A Japanese musical instrument and audio equipment company that produces electronic
keyboards, guitar amplifiers, effects units and other equipment.
rolled chord
A chord in which the notes of the chord are played one after the other, which each note being
sustained.
S
sample or sampling
To record a short portion from a live performance or from a

recording of an instrument or group, so that this short
"snippet" can be re-played or re-used in another
performance or recording. In the 2000s, sampling is usually
done by making a digital recording of the desired sample.
Sampling is widely used in 2000s-era pop, hip-hop, and
electronica.
scratch
In a recording context, this refers to a rough "scratch track",

which is the recording of a rhythm section part or vocals
which is done to provide a temporary reference point for the
performers who will be recording their parts (the "scratch
track" is erased later on; in the context of hip-hop music and
turntablism, "scratching" refers to the manipulation of a vinyl A Numark DM2002X Pro Master DJ
record on a turntable with the hands and a DJ mixer to mixer, which can be used for mixing
create rhythmic sounds. records or scratching.
segue
Carry on to the next section of music without a pause
semitone
The smallest pitch difference between notes (in most Western music) (e.g. F–F#)
session musician, session player, or session man
In jazz and popular music, this refers to a highly skilled, experienced musician who can be hired
for recording sessions.
shake
A jazz term describing a trill between one note and its minor third; or, with brass instruments,
between a note and its next overblown harmonic.
sharp
A symbol (?) that raises the pitch of the note by a semitone. The term may also be used as an
adjective to describe a situation where a singer or musician is performing a note in which the
intonation is an eighth or a quarter of a semitone too high in pitch.
shred
An adjective that is mainly used in connection to the electric guitar (or less commonly, to other
stringed instruments such as banjo or electric bass); it describes intense, virtuostic, rapid
playing of the instrument (e.g. "shred guitar). It can also be used as a verb (e.g. "to shred").
sidefills
A slang term for onstage monitor speakers that are placed on the sides of the stage, to help
performers to hear themselves.
sideman or sidemen
Musicians in a band who accompany a lead singer,

bandleader, or lead instrumentalist.
sibilance
The "hissing" sounds that occur when words with the letter "s"
are sung; when vocals are sung into a microphone, the "s"
sounds can be picked up excessively by the mic. Excessive
sibilance is prevented by using a pop screen or a compressor-
triggered equalizer.
sign
Another name for a symbol (called "segno" in Classical

parlance) in written music scores. The score may instruct the
band to jump from one section back to the part of the music
A sound reinforcement setup
marked with the sign.
with subwoofers for the bass
range (the cabinets on the floor)
sit in
and full range cabinets for the
mid and high frequencies
In jazz and blues, to "sit in" is to be invited to perform onstage
(stacked on top).
along with another group for one or several songs, often to
perform improvised solos.
slapping or slap bass
In reference to the electric bass, this term refers to a percussive, funky style of playing in which
the low strings are slapped and the high strings are popped, used in funk, Latin, and pop. In
reference to the upright bass, "slap bass" refers to a percussive style of playing in which the
player strikes the strings against the fingerboard to create a percussive, rhythmic effect (used in
traditional blues, rockabilly, and bluegrass).
snake
A slang term which refers to an audio multicore cable that terminates in a patchbay; it is used to
route the signals of all of the onstage microphones and instrument amplifiers to the mixing board
at the back of the performance venue.
solidstate
An electrical circuit that uses transistors and other silicon semiconductors to manipulate current
levels as contrasted with vacuum tubes.
solo break
A jazz term that instructs a lead player or rhythm section member to play an improvised solo
cadenza for one or two measures (sometimes abbreviated as "break"), without any
accompaniment. The solo part is often played in a rhythmically free manner, until the player
performs a pickup or lead-in line, at which time the band recommences playing in the original
tempo.
solo
Alone (i.e. executed by a single instrument or voice).
soli
Plural for solo; requires more than one player or singer; in a jazz big band this refers to an entire
section playing in harmony.
soprano
The highest of the standard four voice ranges (bass, tenor, alto, soprano)
standard tuning
For acoustic and electric guitar, the standard tuning is "E,A,D,G,B,E" (from lowest string to
highest). For the electric bass, the standard tuning is "E,A,D,G". Altered tunings are used to
obtain lower notes (e.g. drop D tuning, in which the low E string is lowered to a D), facilitate the
playing of slide guitar, or to allow the playing of "open" chords that are not possible in standard
tuning.
stompbox
A slang term which refers to a small, portable effect unit that has an integrated on-off footswitch
(e.g. a distortion pedal).
stage piano
A high-quality, heavy-duty electric piano or digital piano designed for touring or installation in a
commercial performance venue (e.g. a piano bar). Unlike synthesizer-style keyboards, a stage
piano typically has weighted or semi-weighted keys, which give more of the feel of an acoustic
piano. Some 2000s-era stage pianos include Hammond organ and clavichord voices, in addition
to piano and electric piano sounds.
Stratocaster (Strat)
An electric guitar manufactured by Fender, which is widely used in rock and other popular
music.
Surf Ballroom
The venue in Clear Lake, Iowa, where Buddy Holly, J. P. Richardson ("The Big Bopper") and
Ritchie Valens played their last performances on 2 February 1959. They lost their lives in a
plane crash following the performance at the "Winter Dance Party". The tragic loss is known as
"The Day The Music Died".
subwoofer (sub)
A speaker cabinet with a woofer that is designed for the reproduction of low-frequency sounds
from about 20 Hz to 200 Hz. Subs are used in PA systems and studio monitor systems.
Subwoofers used for PA systems typically use large diameter woofers (18 or 21 inches)
mounted in large wooden cabinets. Studio monitor subs tend to use smaller cabinets and
smaller-diameter woofers (10", 12", or 15"), because the goal with studio monitors is high fidelity,
not massive sound pressure output.
sweetening
A recording production term for additional instruments or voices—orchestral strings, vocal

harmonies from a group of professional backup singers, Latin percussionists, etc.– to a basic
"bed track" or "basic track" of bass, drums, and rhythm guitar or piano. Widely used in the 1970s
in soft rock and disco.
sweet spot
In live sound or recordings in which a mic is placed in front of an instrument or a guitar amplifier,
the "sweet spot" is a placement or position of a microphone which yields the most pleasing
sound; in the context of listening to a mix in a studio through monitor speakers, the "sweet spot"
is a distance away from the speakers that the engineer believes to produce the most natural
sound.
syncopation
A disturbance or interruption of the regular flow of rhythm often consisting of playing off of the
main beat (i.e. playing on the "and" of every beat in a measure instead of on the beat).
T
tabulature (tab)
For guitar, bass guitar, and other fretted stringed instruments, tab is a type of sheet music
notation in which the strings of the instrument are depicted on paper using staff paper-like lines,
and then the pitches to be played are indicated using a fret number on the appropriate string
line.
tacet
Silent do not play.
take
In a recording session, a period of playing or singing which is recorded is called a "take".
tech
A technician or repairperson who tours with a band or group, and whose duties include setting
up, maintaining, and repairing musical instruments and related accessories; different types
include a "drum tech"; "bass tech", and a "guitar tech".
tempo
Time (i.e. the overall speed of a piece of music)
tenor
The second lowest of the standard four voice ranges (bass, tenor, alto, soprano)
tight sound
A recording of an instrument (e.g. drums) which uses very close miking done in a soundproof
recording room to eliminate "bleeding" from other instruments or ambient background noise.
timbre
The quality of a musical tone that distinguishes different voices, instruments, amplifiers, and
effects
time
In a jazz or rock score, after a rubato or rallentendo section, the term "time" indicates that
performers should return to tempo (this is equivalent to the term "a tempo")
track
A synonym often used interchangeably in reference to various

nouns in music, including the sector on a CD containing a
block of data, an audio channel (often a "backing track", or
"background track"), and even the song itself.
trainwreck or train wreck
The glow from four KT88 model
A slang term which refers to a major error that occurs during a "Electro Harmonix" brand power
performance, either due to an incorrect entrance by one or tubes lights up the inside of a
more performers, or due to the performers getting out of time Traynor YBA-200 guitar amplifier
or off pitch with each other ("At the end of the song, the band
got lost and the backup singers began the "outro" lines a bar
before the lead singer, which led to a confused "train wreck" of an ending").
transcription or notefornote solo
When a performer copies every note of a previously recorded solo, this is called a "transcription"
or a "note-for-note solo".
tremolo
Shaking (i.e. a rapid repetition of the same note, or an alternation between two or more notes). It
can also be intended (inaccurately) to refer to vibrato, which is a slight undulation in pitch. It is
notated by a strong diagonal bar across the note stem, or a detached bar for a set of notes (or
stemless notes).
tube amplifier or valve amplifier
A power amplifier which is based on vacuum tubes. Tube amps produce soft clipping with a
natural compression, and they are widely used in electric guitar and electric bass amps, and in
Leslie-type amplifiers that are used to amplify Hammond organs.
tuner
May refer to an electronic tuner, which is a digital or analog device which assists musicians to
tune their instruments; or it may refer to a piano technician who tunes pianos or other keyboard
instruments.
U
unison
Several players in a group are to play exactly the same notes within their written part, as
opposed to splitting simultaneous notes among themselves.
V
vamp till cue
A jazz, fusion, and musical theater term which instructs rhythm section members to repeat and
vary a short ostinato passage, riff, or "groove" until the band leader or conductor instructs them
to move onto the next section
'verb
An abbreviation for "reverb" which typically refers to the electronic reverb effect.
virtuoso
(noun or adjective) performing with exceptional ability, technique, or artistry
vocal score or pianovocal score
A music score of a musical theater show or a vocal or choral composition where the vocal parts
are written out in full but the accompaniment is reduced to two staves and adapted for playing
on piano
voicing
The choice of, and order of notes in the playing of a chord, which creates a different sound. For
example, a C Maj 7 chord played with the voicing "C, E, G, B" (letter names refer to individual
pitches that make up the chord) is often considered to sound more "open" than a voicing where
the chord is inverted so that some of the chord tones are very close in pitch (e.g. B, C, E, G).
Another way that players may "voice" the same type of chord differently is by adding tones. For
example, if a lead sheet shows the chord C Maj 7, some guitarists might play "E,A,D", a voicing
which is "open" (insofar as it consists of large intervals) and which contains two "colour" tones,
namely the sixth ("A") and the ninth ("D") of the chord.
VU meter
An abbreviation for "Volume Unit" meter; a sound level metering approach which measures the
average sound levels. Commonly used in LED and needle indicators on mixing boards, sound
processors, and other electronic gear.
W
wall of sound
In a recording context, refers to a production technique which

creates a fuller, richer sound by having each part played by a
number of instruments and routing the sound through an echo
chamber; in a live concert context, refers to the massive
volume created by huge stacks of powerful, distorted guitar
amplifiers at a heavy metal concert (e.g. Motörhead)
Motörhead are known for the
whammy bar powerful "wall of sound" created
by the big stacks of powerful
An accessory on an electric guitar which can be used to bend amplifiers
down the pitch of an individual note or a chord (also referred to
as a "tremolo bar")
woodshed
A slang term which refers to an intense period of practice and self-development that a musician
has (or is believed to have) undergone. If a musician has dramatically improved his or her
technique in a short period, a critic may state that the performer has "woodshedded" on
technique.
X
XLR
A type of professional audio cable used to send balanced signals. Microphone cables have
three pins in the connector. More rarely, five-pin XLR cables are used (e.g. for DMX). XLR
cables are sometimes called "Cannon connectors", a reference to the first manufacturer of these
cables.
Y
Ycable or Ycord
A cable with three ends, whereby one plug is joined to two plugs. This allows a single signal
output to be plugged into two devices. For example, an electric guitarist could plug a single
guitar into two guitar amps to create an unusual tone colour. Y-cables are also used to plug
inserts into mixing boards (e.g. a compressor or reverb unit).
Z
Z
An abbreviation for impedance, as seen in the terms "High-Z" (high impedance) and "Low-Z"
(low impedance), which are used to describe speakers, microphones, cables, etc. Impedance,
which is the electrical resistance of a device, is measured in Ohms.
zither
A stringed instrument with a soundbox which is used in traditional European folk music.
See also
Glossary of musical terminology
Glossary of Schenkerian analysis
References
1. musicdictionary (http://www.music.vt.edu//textr/Rit.html); Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.m-w.com/dicti
onary/rit.); American Heritage Dictionary, 4th edition; Gardner Read, Music Notation, 2nd edition, p. 282.
2. Dolmetsch Online, "Tempo" (http://www.dolmetsch.com/musictheory5.htm); Oxford American Dictionary; Collins
English Dictionary.
External links
Interpretations of Jazz Band Literature (http://bands.army.mil/masterclass/tusafb/dec2000/jazz.htm) – Musical terms
used in jazz
Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary (https://web.archive.org/web/20141022022300/http://www.music.vt.edu/mus
icdictionary/) – Contains audio samples
Jazz Glossary (http://www.apassion4jazz.net/glossary.html)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glossary_of_jazz_and_popular_music&oldid=832108119"
This page was last edited on 23 March 2018, at 22:05.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this
site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation,
Inc., a non-profit organization.

Glossary of Jazz and Popular Music - Wikipedia

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Glossary of Jazz and Popular Music - Wikipedia

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

7/6/2018 Glossary of jazz and popular music - Wikipedia

A speaker cabinet containing one ten-inch loudspeaker. Used for small

A speaker cabinet containing one twelve-inch loudspeaker. Used for mid-

A speaker cabinet containing one ﬁfteen-inch loudspeaker. Used for PA

A speaker cabinet containing one twenty-one-inch loudspeaker, typically used in large

A tape format popular in the 1970s.

A department in a record company responsible for

A style of rock music from the late 1960s and early

At liberty (i.e. the speed and manner of execution are

An abbreviation for "ampliﬁer" (i.e. a musical instrument ampliﬁer or a PA system power

Slang abbreviation for a B-3 organ (see below)

The B-3, a widely used version of the Hammond organ,

1. The pronounced rhythm of music

A musical form in two sections: AB

In a jazz context, when "blues" or "solo

A shortened form of "mixing board",

Transitional passage in which a soloist plays unaccompanied.

An electronic or digital instrument which recreates or imitates the sound of a tonewheel-based

A tail (i.e. a closing section appended to a piece

An abbreviation for "combination", which is used

comp The Roland VK-7 is referred to as a "clonewheel

On a DJ mixer, a crossfader is a control that slides on a left-to-right track. It allows a DJ to

British term for a "mixing board".

See "Digital Signal Processing".

The relative volumes in the execution of a piece of music

On a mixing board or DJ mixer, an audio level control that slides up

Jazz term describing a note of deﬁnite pitch sliding downwards to

falsetto The Ibanez Tube

The resonance loop created when a microphone or guitar pickup is

Strong (i.e. to be played or sung loudly)

Very loud (see note at Pianissimo)

Synonym for "effects" (e.g. a "multiFX" pedal" is a "multieffects pedal")

Opening section of a song or tune.

Marked (i.e. with accentuation, execute every note as if it were to be accented)

Half loudly (i.e. moderately loudly). See dynamics.

Half softly (i.e. moderately softly). See dynamics.

The process near the end of the recording process in

In a live music context, refers to speaker cabinets which

A live or recorded performance by an instrumentalist which reproduces a previously recorded

A stompbox effect unit, a volume pedal, or a similar device.

Very gently (i.e. perform very softly)

Gently (i.e. played or sung softly). See dynamics.

piano­vocal score This Hammond spinet organ

A musical ensemble brought together for a single performance or a few performances.

Sliding in pitch from one note to another.

A setting or combination of stops or voices on an electromechanical organ (e.g. Hammond

A second or subsequent "mixdown" of a set of recorded tracks. (see "mixdown").

An abbreviation for ritardando;[1] also an abbreviation for ritenuto[2]

Slowing down; decelerating; opposite of accelerando

To record a short portion from a live performance or from a

In a recording context, this refers to a rough "scratch track",

Carry on to the next section of music without a pause

Musicians in a band who accompany a lead singer,

Another name for a symbol (called "segno" in Classical

Alone (i.e. executed by a single instrument or voice).

A recording production term for additional instruments or voices—orchestral strings, vocal

Silent do not play.

In a recording session, a period of playing or singing which is recorded is called a "take".

Time (i.e. the overall speed of a piece of music)

A synonym often used interchangeably in reference to various

(noun or adjective) performing with exceptional ability, technique, or artistry

processors, and other electronic gear.

In a recording context, refers to a production technique which

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glossary_of_jazz_and_popular_music&oldid=832108119"

pianovocal score This Hammond spinet organ