Scale
An ordered series of pitches ascending or descending by step.
Category
pitch
Pronunciation
SKALE
Origin
Latin (scala, ladder)
Length
131 words · 1 min read
About Scale
A scale is a set of pitches arranged in order of frequency, typically spanning one octave. Scales provide the raw material from which melodies and harmonies are constructed.
More pitch terms
Fundamental
View all pitchterms →The lowest frequency in a harmonic series, perceived as the main pitch of a note.
MicrotoneAny interval smaller than a semitone, used in various musical traditions and contemporary composition.
TessituraThe range of pitches within which a vocal or instrumental part predominantly sits, distinct from total range.
IntervalThe distance in pitch between two notes.
TemperamentA tuning system that determines how the twelve pitches within an octave are spaced.
See Also
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →