Pitch
The perceived highness or lowness of a sound, determined by its frequency.
Category
fundamental
Pronunciation
PITCH
Origin
Middle English (picchen)
Length
153 words · 1 min read
About Pitch
Pitch is the perceptual quality that allows us to order sounds from low to high. It corresponds primarily to the fundamental frequency of a sound wave, measured in Hertz (Hz).
More fundamental terms
Texture
View all fundamentalterms →The way melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic materials are woven together in a composition.
TempoThe speed at which a piece of music is performed.
Sight-ReadingThe ability to perform a piece of music at first sight without prior practice or rehearsal
TimbreThe characteristic quality of a sound that distinguishes one instrument or voice from another.
BaroqueThe period of Western art music spanning roughly 1600 to 1750, characterised by ornate expression, basso continuo, and the development of tonal harmony.
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →