BASIC MUSIC TERMS Note – One single pitch (there are 12 notes in the “musical alphabet”). Interval – The distance between 2 notes. Double Stop – 2 notes played simultaneously. Chord – 3 or more notes played simultaneously. Scale – An organized specific sequence of notes. The Beat – The natural pulse of a song (what you tap your foot to). Rhythm – A repeated arrangement of sound, measured in distance (“the distance between notes and chords”). Riff – A repeated musical phrase, usually in reference to rhythm guitar. Lick – A musical phrase, usually in reference to lead guitar/guitar soloing. Chord Progression – A repeated sequence of chords. Arpeggio / Arpeggiate – The notes of a chord played one at a time. SONG STRUCTURE TERMS Chorus – the most recognizable section of the song aka “the hook.” Verse – The “story” between choruses. Bridge – A section that connects one 2 other sections (typically happens between 2 choruses). Prechorus – The section between a verse and a chorus. Transitions/Breaks/Interludes – Short connecting sections “mini bridges.” Solos – A section that highlights an instrument other than vocals. Intro / Outro – The beginning or ending sections of songs. GUITAR TECHNIQUE TERMS Down Picking – Picking in a downward motion with a pick. Up Picking – Picking in a upward motion with a pick. Alternate Picking – Picking In Consistent Alternating Down / Up Motions Even When Changing Strings. Economy Picking – Picking With Alternate Picking On Single Strings. When Changing Strings, Pick In The Direction You Are Moving. Finger Picking – Using your fingers instead of a pick to play. Hybrid Picking – Using both a pick (held with thumb and index) and other fingers to play. Tremolo Picking – Picking one string with alternate picking very rapidly. Sweep Picking – Picking several strings one at a time in a sweeping or “raking” motion. Strumming – Striking through several strings simultaneously in a continuous motion. Hammer Ons – A technique where the sound of the note is originating from the fretting hand in an ASCENDING manner. Pull Offs – A technique where the sound of the note is originating from the fretting hand in a DESCENDING manner. Trills – A succession of hammer on’s and pull offs. Slide – Sliding into a target note from above or below. Bend – Using wrist/forearm/finger muscles to push the string from it’s current pitch to a desired higher pitch. Vibrato – Slight variations in pitch that add expressiveness. Rapid controlled bends. .