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In Music Theory

Difference between treble clef and bass clef

March 6, 2022 6 Mins Read

The treble clef (or the G clef) is used for higher-pitched notes normally played with the right hand. The bass clef (or the F clef) is used for lower-pitched notes commonly played with the left hand. A grand staff is formed when two clefs are joined together by a brace.

If you are not familiar with the details in a music sheet, go and have a look at one (Google!). You will see the title of the piece at the topmost center and below it is a circus of notes written on, above, or below a musical staff with five lines.

I tell you, these notes vary very wildly, there are some that look like a box, some have too many flags, while some look like the number seven but written in different ways. Apart from these notes, there are also symbols that command you on what to do. It can either direct you to press some notes faster, slower, or play a different note! You will see notes grouped together, so you should play those notes all at the same time. There are sustained notes. There are symbols for which pedal to use and when exactly you must press on it.

Combine all these elements together, and you’d be into this music madness in no time.

But did you notice that there are some symbols that sit in every music sheet there is? When you look at the leftmost part of any staff, you’ll see a symbol isolated from all the other notes within the musical staff.

This symbol has so much power that it was given a special name, musicians from all corners of the globe call it a clef.

A clef is a symbol that dictates what note is found on each line of the staff. A single music piece can have different clefs. Referring to the musical piece you were asked to search earlier, it is likely that you will see that within a pair of the musical staff, the clef of the staff above is different from the one below it.

In modern music, numerous clefs exist, but there are four that are commonly used. These are the treble, the bass, the alto, and the tenor clef. Today let’s delve into the two which we might have encountered more frequently, the treble and the bass.

What is Treble Clef?

The treble clef is referred to as the G-clef for two reasons. First, quite literally, its symbol is a sophisticated and stylish letter G. Second, the symbol of the clef encircles the second to the most bottom line, which indicates that this line is G4 or the G above middle C. Hence, middle C will be found two notes below the bottommost line of the musical staff.

The G-clef is usually used for high-sound pieces and is typically played with the right hand. Musical instruments such as violins, clarinets, horns, and saxophones use this music clef. Apart from these, voices especially those of sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, altos, contraltos, and of course, tenors, are notated using this clef.

What is Bass Clef?

If Treble clef is for high-sounding notes, is there a clef made for the low ends of the spectrum? Yes, there is! And there’s no name that suits this role better than the bass clef.

A bass clef looks like an inverted 6 or a 9 (choose whichever of the two you fancy) and is called the F-clef. The symbol of the clef wraps around the second topmost line of the musical staff which indicates F3 or the F below middle C.

As mentioned above, the bass clef is used for low-sounding notes. Instruments that use this clef include cello, euphonium, bassoon, trombone, tuba, or timpani. Some horns or keyboards also use bass clef in playing their lowest notes. Singers that fall under bass or baritone use this clef.

How Are They Different

Obviously, we can easily observe that the bass clef and treble clef are made for two different parts of the spectrum. One is used for higher-sounding stuff, while the other is for the lower-sounding notes. So yes, these two are uniquely different!

If we go way back and focus on the etymology of the words treble and bass, we can clearly see that, fundamentally, they are indeed opposites. Treble came from the Latin word triplus which means the highest part. On the other hand, bass came from the old English word baers which directly translates to a very low-pitched sound. When playing the piano, in general, you play the treble clef with the right hand since notes on the right sound higher while you play notes on the bass clef with the left since the notes there are lower.

But are these two clefs really different or are they just part of something better?

When you combine both the treble and bass clefs, you form a grand staff. A grand staff is eleven lines tall, five for the treble clef and another five for the bass, the one in between is the middle C.

The lines in these two clefs represent very specific notes and they might be tricky to remember. Good thing there are mnemonics to help you recall what notes are on the musical staff when you see these two clefs.

For the treble clef, remember the sentence “Every Good Boy Does Fine”. Take note of the first letters of each word in this sentence, these are the notes that are found on the lines on the musical staff, with E being found the bottommost while F at the topmost. Its corresponding word “FACE”, describes the notes found within the spaces of the musical staff, with F being above lower E and E below upper F.

Meanwhile, for the bass clef, use the sentence “Good Boys Do Fine Always” to remember the lines found on the lines of the musical staff. However, this might get you confused with the one for the treble clef since they use similar words, hence you can use the sentence “Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always” as an alternative. The mnemonic “All Cows Eat Grass” gives you the notes found within the spaces of the musical staff, with A being on top of lower G, and higher G below higher A.

Here is a helpful video on this topic (the part about the treble clef and bass clef starts at 1:50):

Different Roles, One Goal: Final Thoughts

As symbols, we can see that the treble and bass clef are located on two different ends of the spectrum: the highs, and the lows. Despite being used to indicate different pitches, these two clefs have one goal in common — to produce a symphony of notes that, when played, would sound delightful, if not the most delightful, to everyone’s ear.

In Music Theory

Is E flat the same as D sharp?

March 6, 2022 6 Mins Read

Is E flat the same as D sharp? Well, yes and no. Between D and E is a half-tone that can be called D sharp or E flat. These two notes are acoustically the same. Theoretically, though, they do not appear in the same key signature and are not the same note.

Sound is subjective while at the same time it is also objective. When we hear an alternate onomatopoeic sound of a siren, it’s up to our imagination to decide whether it’s from a police car, a fire truck, or an ambulance, this is the subjective side of sounds.

On the other hand, despite what we think that is, we all hear the same sound, same frequency, and same wavelength. Hence, due to the objective aspect of sound, which is common across all individuals, musicians have given pitches a name that would differentiate one pitch from another.

When you ask two pianists to play a particular note such as a C4 or D5, given that they are well-aware of that note, they would always press the same piano keys. Naming a note and playing it on an instrument is as easy as opening a closed door knob with a key.

Yet, just like any other door, there could be more than just one key. Some notes, despite sounding exactly the same, are given different names. For example, the key pressed on a piano when playing an E flat is exactly the same as the D sharp.

These name variations are rooted in the limited and inflexible scale musicians use to name pitches. The modern scale is so limited that some notes, such as B flat and E-flat, are missing, so it is not a surprise that some notes along with them are also missing.

But the real question is, why is one note given two names instead of having one to minimize confusion?

Sharps and Flats Explained

How did a note that has a sharp, D sharp, equivalent to a note that has a flat, E flat? To understand the link between these two notes, let us first know what sharps and flats are.

A sharp, often represented by a number sign (#), indicates a halftone increase in the note it was attached to. For instance, when you see a C with a sharp, this means you will play C one semitone higher.

Meanwhile, a flat that looks like a lowercase b, indicates a halftone decrease in pitch. So when you see a C with a flat sign, you will play it a halftone down.

This concept applies to all notes in the conventional musical scale.

Are They One and the Same?

Sharps and flats fall in the category of accidentals. Accidentals are alterations to the natural notes. There are 7 natural notes, and these are named with the first seven letters of the alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

From this, we can say that both D sharp and E flat are alterations of the natural note D and E, respectively.

● How Are They the Same?

As mentioned earlier, when you press these two notes on a piano, your finger will land on the same key because acoustically they are the same. They both play (D#4 and Eb4) at the same frequency, specifically at 311.13.

These two notes sound so similar that when you ask a person with perfect pitch, the extraordinary ability to recognize notes at an alarmingly accurate level, they would hardly notice any difference.

Notes that sound the same but are notated differently are deemed as enharmonic. Hence, D#4 and Eb4 are enharmonic equivalent notes.

● How Are They Different?

The line between D sharp and E flat diverges when it comes to music theory. A note that has a frequency of 311.11 Hz is called D#4 (a D sharp in the 4th octave of the piano) or Eb4 (E flat on the 4^th of the piano) depending on the key you see it on.

From one side of the C major, if you follow the circle of fifths, you can produce sharp keys such as G major, D major, A major, etc. The corresponding minor keys of these majors are also considered sharp keys, which include G# minor, D# minor, A# minor, to name a few.

On the other side of C major, by following a circle of fourths, you can get flat keys. Flat keys include F flat, B flat, E flat, etc. Also, just like the sharps, the corresponding minors of these keys are also considered flat keys such as F minor, B flat minor, and E flat minor.

As a general rule of thumb, when a piece uses a sharp key, you should use D sharp but when it uses a flat key, you should use E flat instead.

To further visualize why this rule exists, let’s delve into the A-sharp minor scale. The A sharp minor scale consists of 7 named notes which are A sharp, B sharp, C sharp, D sharp, E sharp, F sharp, and G sharp.

Having it called E flat instead of D sharp, your scale would have 2 Ds and no Es.

The same is true for the F-minor scale which consists of F, G, A, and B minors, C, D, and E minors. If you referred to it as D sharp and not E flat, your scale would be deficient of E’s and excessive of D’s. Even though it is not evident in other scales, this rule applies to all other consecutive sharp and flat pairs.

Between the two, E flat is more preferred by musicians since it lacks a double sharp unlike D sharp major. When you look at the D sharp major, you will see that it has F## and C##, which is relatively indirect compared to the E flat minor scale.

Is it confusing? Maybe this video will help you visualize how they are different (despite being sonically the same):

Final Thoughts

You start to notice that these keys might sound alike when played but they are different from one another more than you think. Sound isn’t the only factor that should be considered when playing a note, convention and how it applies to the modern music scale should be taken into account as well.

Now that the issue between E flat and D sharp is laid down, it all boils down to the question of which should matter more, how the note sounds to the listener or how the note applies to the conventions of music theory.

In the perspective of the audience, the latter doesn’t matter, because for them, both E flat and D sharp sound the same. Meanwhile, for an expert in the field of music, the latter is very significant, since it can affect how you read and play the pieces.

Despite having perspectives differing from one another, it is important to note (no pun intended) that regardless of what you prefer to call that note, the way you play it is what matters more since, just like what is mentioned earlier, music is both subjective and objective.

In Music Theory

Why is there no B sharp?

March 1, 2022 7 Mins Read

Why is there no B sharp? Odd as it may seem, B sharp (and E sharp as well) do exist; they’re precisely the same notes as C (and F for E sharp). This means that if you play a B sharp on sheet music, it will sound precisely the same as if you played a C.

You may have come across a musical staff labeled with notes on a chromatic scale.

The scale begins with a C and goes all the way up half-step at a time: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, and C. Looking at the piano keys, you’d notice the black keys sandwiched between two white keys, except between the keys B and C, and E and F.

And then, as you take a closer look, you begin to notice that the notes, if not all, have their corresponding sharps, but wait… where is the B sharp?

Why is it missing? Did it go out looking for E sharp—one that’s also missing?

What in a musical catastrophe is going on?

Tones and Semitones Explained

In the theory of Western music, there are 7 natural notes, which are named with the first 7 letters of the alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each of these notes represents a distinct pitch.

Between these notes lie either a sharp or a flat. A sharp is defined as a halftone that is higher in pitch, while a flat is a halftone that is lower. Thus, in between two natural notes is both a sharp and a flat. For example, in between notes A and B is an A sharp and a B flat, which is halftone higher than A and halftone lower than B, respectively.

Semitones, also referred to as half-steps, are the distance in pitch from one natural note to another that might be either higher or lower in pitch. In fact, in Western Music Theory, the smallest distance between two notes is a semitone.

So, yes, you got it right—the sharps and flats we’ve talked about earlier are indeed fancier terms for specific semitones. Hence, A and A sharp or B and B flat are one semitone away from one another.

As mentioned earlier, there are 7 natural notes, but for these 7 notes there are only 12 semitones, so if you pair each of the semitones with a natural note, you’ll begin to realize that there would be two notes that would end up unpaired (Spoiler Alert: The unpaired notes might be B and E!).

But, Wait a Minute. Where is E Sharp, Too?

We have seen that B sharp along with E sharp are stuck in the same situation. But, oddly, you can see B sharps and E sharps written all over the place from key signatures to music sheets.

How is this possible if they don’t have distinct notes designated to them in the chromatic scale?

The most obvious reason is, both B and E sharps do exist. Unlike the other natural notes where the distance between two consecutive notes is one whole step, the distance between B and C, and E and F is only a half-step.

Western music is majorly diatonic in nature, meaning the smallest interval between two consecutive notes is only a half-step. This leaves no room for semitones between B and C, and E and F.

To visualize the concept further, let us delve at this example. The distance between the natural notes A and B is one whole step. A whole step is made up of two half-steps. So, moving a half-step up the scale, A will become A sharp. Going another half-step, you will produce B.

Now, in the case of natural notes B and C, the distance between their pitches is not that far. B is only a half-step below C. So, adding a half-step from B is B sharp, but we refer to this B sharp as C, instead. The same idea goes with E and F, which is only a half-step away from one another as well, hence E sharp is also F.

The Mystery of the Missing B Sharp

You’re still probably wondering where this music madness came from? Well, it roots all the way to the 7-Note Scale.

When music was just getting discovered and systematized, there were only seven notes, which were referred to a couple of times in this article as the natural notes. Early musicians thought that these 7 notes should be repeated in a progressive manner in order to produce the same notes but higher.

Today, we call this discovery an octave. In the diatonic scales of western music, an octave spans eight notes (hence, the prefix “oct-”, which means “eight”).

Thus, to get the natural note C with a higher pitch, you have to undergo six additional steps along the chromatic scale. We call these steps intervals.

Intervals of the chromatic scale are very uneven: full step, full step, half step, full step, full step, full step, half step. Yet, despite knowing the unevenness of the existing scale, modern musicians tolerated and kept it up to this day. Forcing the new music discoveries to work with the old music system, might be one of the chief reasons for the missing B sharp and E sharp.

If this is the case, why is it so hard to just get rid of the chromatic scale and create a 14-semitone scale?

One crucial characteristic of the chromatic scale that sets it apart from other scales is the trend that each note has as it progresses to a new octave. The frequency of the same note from one octave to another doubles while maintaining the same amplitude.

Oops… that sounded too technical.

Basically, if an F note from the 1st octave (C₁) has a frequency of 174, an F note from the 2nd octave (C₂) is expected to have a frequency of 378— twice of the first frequency. This trend applies to any note in the chromatic scale.

Hence, the addition of a 13th or 14th semitone will interrupt this pattern and will put the scale in a peculiar spot since the 1st note will sound similar to the 13th note but with a different note name.

Regardless, let us make it clear that B sharp and E sharp do exist despite not getting a special seat in the chromatic scale. In a piano, all the other sharps land on a black key, except for these two which are enharmonic to the white keys of C and F.

To further understand the underlying concepts regarding this mystery, you can watch this educational and comprehensive video:

In Conclusion

The room is divided into two, one simply believes that B sharp and C or E sharp and F are the same notes with just different names, while the other begs to debunk the notion and advocates that these are indeed two different notes.

No matter what you choose to believe between the two, it just comes to show how music is flexible and is, to some extent, up for the individual’s own interpretation. The next time you see a B sharp missing, stop and take a closer look at which side of the room you are standing on.

In Music Theory

Chaconne vs. Passacaglia: What’s the Difference?

February 22, 2022 6 Mins Read

If you enjoy delving into history and are a music enthusiast, you’ll love learning about chaconne vs. passacaglia.

Like most words and conventions in the musical world, these terms go back a few centuries. Quite interestingly, many musicians who have made a name for themselves in the industry remain unaware of the accurate definition of these music forms.

Let’s dive in to acquire a comprehensive understanding of chaconne vs. passacaglia.

Chaconne vs. Passacaglia

We’ll discuss what each of these terms means in detail, one by one.

What is Chaconne?

A chaconne is a musical term that refers to a type of Baroque dance. This dance is a series of variations throughout a short, repetitive theme.

The chaconne became popular during the Baroque era in the 17th century. The name was later given to a musical form that evolved from this dance.

Some people say that the chaconne is a Spanish dance tune introduced in Latin America. Others believe it was created by Johann Sebastian Bach as a solo instrumental composition with a moderate triple time.

This music piece is in Partita No. 2’s fifth and final movement in a super challenging and one of the most extended solo violin pieces.

That being said, the chaconne melody is typically built from four scales:

Major
Natural minor
Harmonic minor
Melodic minor

It has been used in a variety of different contexts over the years. It was originally conceived as an instrumental dance piece, but it has also been used in early operas and ballets. After the frequent appearance of this dance in Jean-Baptiste Lully’s ballets in the 17^th century, it was picked up by the courts of France. Dancers would give chaconne performances with a triple meter in a major key.

The chaconne has been used by many composers over the years and is considered one of the most important forms in classical music. The dance-like melody features an intricate rhythm and dark modality.

Some historical records say that the chaconne is a female dance, highlighting that two women perform it with castanets.

As years passed, several changes were made to the chaconne dance, and it became more civilized. While its tempo slowed, its popularity continued to grow across Europe. People started adding it to many Italian violin ‘ciaconne.’ It even made to the concluding dance performance of French Baroque operas’ ballet sequences.

What is Passacaglia?

The term “Passacaglia” has a rich history dating back to the 1700s. While it has Italian connotations, it originates from the Spanish word “passacalle, meaning “street song”.

History tells that Spanish guitarists would go from house to house dancing and doing short bass lines and chord patterns on the way to their destination. Eventually, these vamp improvisations took a distinct musical form.

The passacaglia is an instrumental piece featuring a 3/4 time-signature and a recurring ground bass line or basso ostinato with a moderately slow triple time over which soloists improvise. It consists of a succession of steps, which can be either melodic or harmonic. These steps are typically repeated throughout the piece.

Passacaglia is often considered a solemn and introspective form of music and is often used to depict passion and fieriness. It differs from chaconne because of its short, repetitive bass lines. It usually involves four notes played in a descending and minor-mode style.

Like Chaconne, passacaglia developed during the Baroque era. It was later adopted by the French Theatres during the 17^th and 18^th centuries and remains popular to this day.

Overall, the passacaglia is a very versatile form of composition and can be adapted to a variety of styles and genres. It has always been associated with men rather than women.

Although passacaglia and chaconne have similar guitar roots, they’re quite different in terms of form, tempo, and character. Depending on where, when, how, and for what purpose they are composed, each would paint an utterly unique picture of its own.

“Walk Don’t Run” by the Ventures and “Runaway” by Del Shannon are two popular songs with passacaglia style.

How Are Chaconne and Passacaglia Different?

Below are the factors that distinguish the two.

Bassline Appearance

While the passacaglia follows the same series of bassline variations, its bassline can appear in any voice or instrument, not just the bass one. Moreover, you’re allowed to alter the musical chords in the passacaglia, given that you follow the existing bass’s implied harmonics.

Strictness

The chaconne is less strict than the passacaglia. For example, if you compare Johann Sebastian Bach’s passacaglia and chaconne, you’ll notice that the C minor organ of the former is closely tied to the bassline, while the D minor violin of the latter is a little looser.

This belief is based on the theory that the chaconne has a simple descending bassline of D-C-Bb-A.

Bass Line Variation

Like the passacaglia, the chaconne is a series of variations in line with a repetitive bassline. If it’s not the bassline itself, there’ll be a chord progression in the sequence complementing the bassline.

What’s important is that the bassline or chord progression doesn’t change during the chaconne composition.

Mood

The passacaglia is a more serious type of music with a ground bass and triple meter. Its expressions are more pronounced than that of the chaconne.

On the contrary, the chaconne is a majestic baroque dance form characterized by a slower, milder, and more melancholic theme.

Final Words for Chaconne vs. Passacaglia

Passacaglia and Chaconne are two beautiful music and dance forms that have been around for centuries. These often get confused with each other.

While both music forms originated in the late 16th century and share some similarities, there are also key differences between them.

The passacaglia is a serious and seemingly haunting form that usually features a bassline repeated throughout the piece. On the other hand, the chaconne is a slower form that features lots of variations and improvisations. It was originally developed for the violin but has been adapted for other instruments as well.

Both of these forms are sure to delight your ears and your feet!

In Music Theory

What Does Marcato Mean In Music?

February 15, 2022 5 Mins Read

Have you just started playing a musical instrument? Perhaps a piano, or even a clarinet? Well, chances are that you may be muddled by the symbols and notes on the music sheet given to you by your instructor. Despite being guided on what each note is and what each accent has to offer, there may still be some questions in your mind. No need to stress out too much here – this is something every beginner goes through as music notes and accents can be a handful to deal with. All you need in such a situation are the right resources and information – one where the intricate details of music composition are broken down into easy-to-understand terms.

Knowing about the intricacies of music and what all it has to offer is what every great musician has had an inkling for. If you are curious about the nuances that go into making music, you’re in luck! Here you are sure to find all you need to know about music notes and accents, particularly the marcato. To find out all about it, keep reading ahead. This is sure to be your first step towards understanding and becoming aware of the various music accents and notes in the music sheet.

What Is Marctao in Music?

When it comes to music, learning and knowing about music composition is important. This is something that skilled and competent musicians have in common. The most common accent marks in music in this regard, are the staccato, tenuto, accent, staccatissimo, and marcato. They are found on music sheets – you may have seen this during the orchestra, or even while playing the piano. Here, we will be focusing on the marcato. This accent mark is one of the notes that instructors give special attention to.

The marcato in particular is a wedge shaped accent mark. It is vertical and is derived from an Italian word that translates to “hammered” and looks like an arrowhead which can be above or below the music note. Any note that has a marcato attached to it is expected to be as loud as the notes with the standard accents. It is also as short as the staccato notes. This is what makes the marcato stand out and brings the music to life!

Marcato Vs. Accent

To further add to this, let’s look at what sets the marcato and accent apart. People often get confused between the two as they look quite similar in nature. Here are some of the similarities and differences to get started.

1. The Symbol Itself

While the marcato is an upturned arrowhead that can be placed above or below the notes, the accent is a similar arrowhead that is pointed to the right. This too can be placed above or below the note.

2. How It Is Approached

The marcato and accent are approached a bit differently when it comes to different musical instruments and music genres. For instance, for jazz and clarinet, the marcato would be played with a sharp delivery or the tongue. This would be followed by a shortening of the notes. For jazz, the delivery would be even harder. For the piano, the technique would be the same, but the articulation may vary.

To learn more about the different music articulations and accents, click here to watch a detailed video. This is sure to help you get an idea of the other accents as well.

Playing Marcato On The Piano

Marcato can be played on the piano to make your playability pop out. It is sure to help you take your performance up a notch! And who doesn’t want that? If you are an avid piano player or a beginner, then you can observe the marcato on the piano as well.

To listen to what a marcato on the piano sounds like, click here to watch a video that explains the differences between the marcato and tenuto, in particular. Once you are done watching it, any remaining confusion and queries about the marcato are sure to be cleared out! From then on, you can practice playing the piano by keeping an eye out for the marcato in mind. In this way, it won’t be long before you can pick up on the marcato in any type of music going forward! This is how renowned musicians make their name in the industry, they have a sharp ear for picking up unique music notes!

Getting the Right Rhythm!

If you wish to keep up with the different notes and music accents, especially the marcato, then all you have to do is pull out your music sheet and give it a good observation. You should be able to identify the marcato on the notes right away. The next step is to practice playing the piano, soprano, or whichever music instrument that you desire from the relevant music sheet. Trust us, by being wary of this music accent, you are sure to add vigor and dimension to your performances. It is going to leave the audience in awe and sway their emotions right away!

To further increase your knowledge about music and everything related to music, you can head on over to Musician Authority. Here, you are sure to find a wide range of articles, blogs, and guides on a musical instrument, different types of music notes, reviews, and music related content. Having us as your trusted partner is going to help you kick start your music journey with the right mindset. Our content is catered to all types of audiences, especially beginners. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to our website and get started today! You can even share some of the articles forward to your friends who may be interested, they will surely thank you for it.

In Music Theory

What is Refrain in Music?

February 9, 2022 6 Mins Read

Are you just starting on your music journey and want to learn all about the intricate details that go into composing music? Well, you have reached the right article. Here you are sure to find the answers to all your confusions.

Trying to understand the details that go into making a song come to life and learning all about what a refrain is and what makes it different from the chorus is the first step. Let’s, have a look at what the refrain is in music. Once you are done reading this article, the world of music is going to seem a lot less complicated.

What is Refrain in Music?

In simple words, the refrain is the repetition of a verse in a song. It can be further divided into two categories. The first is the melody of the song, essentially the music itself. The second is the written part known as the lyrics of the song. The refrain is present in all types of songs, be it jazz, pop, or even rock music.

It can be one line or up to two lines at max. For instance, if you observe the song Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan, the last two lines at the end of each verse are the same. This is the refrain in the song.

How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Yes, ‘n’ how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
Yes, ‘n’ how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Yes, ‘n’ how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, ‘n’ how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, ‘n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Historical Perspective

The word refrain itself comes from an old French word called Refraindre. This word translates to something that is repeated.

What is a Chorus?

You may be thinking that refrain is the same thing as a chorus then – since it is repeated. However, that is not the case. The chorus contains more words than a refrain and is essentially the expression of the main idea of the song. It’s the bigger picture and comes with a melody build up. It is also repeated after every verse.

Here is an example to make it easier to understand. If you have a look at the lyrics to the song Happy by Pharrell Williams, the chorus is repeated after every verse as follows:

[Verse 1]
It might seem crazy what I’m ’bout to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don’t care, baby, by the way

[Chorus]
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

[Verse 2]
Here come bad news, talking this and that (Yeah!)
Well, give me all you got, don’t hold it back (Yeah!)
Well, I should probably warn ya, I’ll be just fine (Yeah!)
No offense to you, don’t waste your time, here’s why

And so on….

Differences Between a Refrain and a Chorus

The refrain and chorus may seem the same and are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different in terms of their structure. Here are two main differences between the refrain and chorus. If you keep these in mind, you are sure to clear out any confusion about the refrain and chorus going forward.

1. The Length

The refrain is shorter than the chorus. It is usually one or two lines and can also be the same as the title or name of the song. On the other hand, the chorus is longer in terms of text. It can be a compilation of several verses or lines that are repeated.

2. The Build Up

The refrain has no melodic buildup. The chorus however does have a melody buildup, this makes the song quite catchy and easy to remember.

Here’s the bottom line – all choruses are refrains since they get repeated. But, not all refrains can be a chorus due to the absence of a melodic buildup.

Wrapping it Up with the Right Refrain!

There you have it, a breakdown of what a refrain and chorus are, how they are used, and what makes them stand out from each other. You can now add the right verses and rhythms to your songs to make them exciting and fun. Be sure to place the refrain strategically – this is key in making your music stand out. You can play around with different tunes, melodic buildups, and verses and see which one works best for your song. It may take a while to get it right, but you are sure to reach your music goal in no time! You can even explore and study different types of music and musical compositions from online platforms such as Coursera. Click here to go through some of the music composition courses.

If you liked the information in this article and wish to learn more about the world of music, then there is one platform you should head on over to. Musician Authority is the premier online platform that provides articles, blogs, and guides on everything related to music. We have a wide variety from which you can browse. From differences between wind instruments to tips on how to keep your guitar in top shape, and updated information on why your favorite music band split up, all are provided here. With us by your side, you can add value to your music knowledge the right way! You can even share this article forward with your friends and help them learn about the world of music the right way!

In Music Theory

What is the purpose of music?

February 9, 2022 6 Mins Read

Music is all around us in our day-to-day lives. It emanates from the ceiling speakers at clothing stores it is projected from the portable amplifiers of street musicians busking at busy intersections. It often gets stuck in endless loops in our heads.

Many of us have grown up around music and see it as just another part of our lives. However, some believe that music serves a distinct purpose. Today we will examine various perspectives on “What is the purpose of music?” and attempt to narrow down a universal answer.

What is Music?

Before looking at the different perspectives surrounding the main topic of this article, it is worth understanding what exactly music is. Depending on who you ask, you may get different answers. For example, one person may give a simple answer such as, “The Beatles are music.”. Others may prefer to give more technical definitions such as “Music is a collection of pleasing sounds arranged and presented in a rhythmic fashion.”

The latter answer is similar to the following definition given by the Cambridge Dictionary:

“Music – A pattern of sounds made by musical instruments, voices, or computers, or a combination of these, intended to give pleasure to people listening to it”.

The above definition tells us a lot about what music consists of. It contains musical instruments, voices, as well as computer-generated sounds. However, the latter portion of the definition may be up for debate depending on who you ask.

After all, many people certainly do listen to music because they find it pleasurable. However, some types of music may serve other purposes such as distracting listeners, keeping them calm, or helping them follow along during a physical task.

Music for Creative Expression

Music is considered one of the primary artforms along with literature and the visual arts. If physical artwork such as paintings or sculptures decorate space, music can be said to decorate time. This also makes music an important form of creative expression.

If art’s purpose is to invoke a reaction with those experiencing it, music certainly does fit the bill. Composers can create musical pieces using an array of musical instruments such as pianos, violins, flutes, and percussion. When put together, such arrangements could convey complex emotions that would be difficult to channel with words.

Many listeners also gravitate to music because they would like to experience another person’s creative expression. For example, one could say the entire jazz genre is held up by listeners with an active interest in getting into the musician’s mind and observing what they have come up with.

Many people may also listen to music to observe the different ways in which it has been arranged. After all, a single melody could be presented in numerous ways using different tempos, instruments, or vocalists.

Computers have also expanded the music composition and production capabilities in the 21st century. It is now possible for composers to create alternate arrangements for their compositions without having to rely on a suite of musicians. Each of these arrangements could be considered a different type of creative expression.

Music in Religious and Cultural Rituals

While most of us enjoy listening to music for the joy it brings us, it serves other purposes in certain religions and cultures. For example, many historians believe that music was used in religious functions in the pre-Christian era. In fact, certain musical instruments such as horns were specifically created for ceremonies.

Music in Religious Ceremonies

Music has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. People in Zimbabwe often use music in their ceremonies to express gratitude towards their God and thank them for ushering in a fruitful harvest season.

Similarly, music has become a staple part in many Christian religious ceremonies. Many of us are familiar with musical and choir performances at different Churches. Such music may not necessarily be used for pleasure, but to elevate the spirits of church-goers and make the act of worship more exciting.

Music in Cultural Ceremonies

Music is also intrinsically linked to the cultural identities of many communities around the globe. For example, music is considered a social activity in many African communities. Locals are expected to participate in such ceremonies which feature lengthy musical performances. Music may be performed at events such as weddings, births, or ceremonial rites of passage.

Music can be a symbol of pride for different regions in Indonesia. Certain types of traditional music were born from specific tribes in the country, and therefore hold a special place for such cultures.

Music for Political Expression

Music has also been used as a tool for political expression for many generations. One of the most famous examples includes the anti-war protests in the United States in the 1960s. These protests included many musicians who composed music with anti-war or pro-peace themes. Such music was often branded as “hippie music”. However, it was a powerful tool that encouraged peaceful rebellion against a towering status quo.

In the 1950s and 1960s, writers from the “Beat Generation” aimed to sexually and spiritually liberate society and promote counterculture lifestyles. Their works inspired plenty of musicians in the UK who began creating music that could be considered counterculture. This included acts such as Steely Dan, Tom Waits, and Soft Machine.

Music for Meditation and Therapy

Music can also be used to accompany meditation or therapy sessions and assist in improving your mental health. Many artists compose works specifically for this purpose.

Such music often features a peaceful and serene feel that allows your mind to calm down. This can be useful for patients with hypertension or anxiety who have trouble controlling racing thoughts.

Many therapists also recommend that patients learn to play a musical instrument. This is because the activity can help them ward off negative emotions while learning a useful skill that they can show off.

Music for Exercise

Conversely, music can also help you get charged up and ready to move your body. Such music may be played or performed at dance events. However, it can also be used to accompany exercise sessions. You don’t have to look very hard to find music mixes designed for workout and calisthenics routines.

Exercise music is great at keeping your mind active and engaged with the exercise you are performing. It adds a touch of fun to an otherwise exhausting activity, making it the perfect accompaniment for any workout routine.

Music for Work

Scientists theorize that humans have an innate urge to follow along with musical rhythms as it helps make group activities more efficient. For example, workers in a workshop can work more efficiently if they hammer items along to a rhythm or beat. This can also be observed in army marching formations in which soldiers move in-time with a drum beat.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, music has many purposes beyond just providing a source of pleasure for listeners. The music we listen to today is an evolved form of an ancient artform. However, this music will likely continue to evolve into the future. Nobody knows how music will be used in the future, but we’re sure somebody will find new and novel uses for it.

In Music Theory

What Is Treble in Music?

January 14, 2022 6 Mins Read

When it comes to music, you will often come across treble, along with mid-range and bass. But do you know what treble in music actually is?

In this article, we will talk about what treble is and take a brief look at mid-range and bass too. This way, you’ll know the difference between all three! So, let’s get started.

What is Treble? When it comes to music, treble refers to the highest sound frequency, generally ranging between 6KHz and 20KHz. Increasing the sensitivity of treble in an audio system produces a more detailed and brighter sound, as it emphasizes the high notes of the tune.

The phrase treble comes from the Latin word triplum, which was used in the 1400s to denote the third and highest range of motets.

What Is Treble in Music?

Types of Treble

There are essentially three kinds of treble in music. These include:

Vocal Treble: This is what you hear when someone is singing. It’s the highest pitch in a vocal range and can be heard in several rock and pop songs.
Instrumental Treble: This treble is what you hear in your conventional gospel choir. It adds life to music and makes it sound exciting.
Electronic Treble:As the name suggests, electronic treble is what you hear in electronic music. The high pitch is generally used to create excitement and energy in the songs.

Examples of Treble in Music

There are several examples of treble in music. If you hear a song and notice sounds like high-pitched notes ringing, that’s treble. Particularly if what you hear sounds like whistling or bells, that’s what treble sounds like in music.

Listen to the start of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” and notice how the high-pitched notes are ringing. This is treble, and it’s the sound that develops your interest in the song.

Now, listen to the start of the song “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen. You will notice that what sounds like ringing bells is actually the treble in the song. This sound sets the tone for the rest of the track and adds a playful touch to it.

Role of Treble in Music

Treble, also referred to shrill or high music, is what many people think of as “high pitched.” The sound range is higher than what we usually hear in our daily life.

This encompasses instruments like clarinets, trumpets, and many other brass instruments. It even entails most woodwinds, like saxophones and flutes. However, certain woodwinds, like contrabassoons and bassoons, don’t generally play in the treble.

Treble’s role is to offer a light, airy, and beautiful sound to the music. It generally offers music with accents, counter melodies, and the melody line.

Treble makes the music in an orchestra or band sound energetic and lively. This can particularly be seen when treble contrasts with bass instruments.

The Importance of Treble in Music

Treble is what makes music sound clear and beautiful. It lets the listener appreciate the different parts of the song. If there was no treble, the music would sound indistinguishable and muddled.

Treble is also what lets the music be heard. If certain instruments are playing more softly than others, the treble is going to make sure that the listener is able to hear what’s being played.

Treble also offers a counter-melody to the bass. It adds a sense of balance to the bass and makes it more enjoyable and interesting to listen to.

Difference Between Bass, Mid-Range, and Treble

Bass, mid-range, and treble are all used to boost or cut specific sound frequencies from your speaker.

As we mentioned above, treble relates to frequencies between 6KHz and 20KHz. Conversely, bass corresponds to frequencies going up to 150 Hz. The mid-range bass ranges between 200Hz to 5KHz.

Bass is completely different from treble. Treble is the highest point of a frequency range, whereas bass is the lowest. It represents human voices, pianos, and keyboards, all of which can create low bass notes.

In an equalizer, increasing the bass to its maximum value lets users feel the pounding bassline of a song. It makes walls and furniture rattle, particularly when coupled with hip-hop and EDM music genres. Nevertheless, too much bass can make a mix muddy and undefined.

Bass produces bigger and slower vibrations (ghost tones), whereas treble produces smaller and faster vibrations (overtones). Each note in between treble and bass is called middle, or just mid.

Turning up an equalizer mid knob emphasizes the notes that lie in the middle sound spectrum.

What Are the Perfect Treble Settings?

The perfect treble settings depend on what kind of music you listen to. For instance, if you listen to classical music, you’ll want to set the treble a little higher than if you were listening to rock music.

This is because different kinds of music require different kinds of treble. Classical music generally has plenty of high notes, which need to be heard clearly.

Conversely, rock music will have lower notes and not too many high ones. This means that you can set the treble a little softer and will still let you listen to what’s happening.

Regardless of what kind of music you listen to, it’s imperative to ensure that what you’re hearing doesn’t sound tinny. While you can set the treble high, it should never be too high that it overshadows other instruments or becomes unpleasant to listen to.

Does Treble Need to Be Higher than the Bass?

Treble always needs to be higher than bass in a song. Here are some reasons for that:

1. To Listen to the Vocals Clearly

Extremely high bass is going to overpower the sounds of the vocals. This will not be an issue if the song’s instrumental. However, if a song depends largely on the vocals to propagate its message, you might just want to set the bass lower.

2. To Eliminate Mid-Frequency Muddiness

Mid-frequency muddiness in the 400 to 800 Hz frequency range can be a significant problem for music producers. By setting the treble higher than the bass, you won’t only hear the 400 – 800 Hz sounds, thereby getting rid of the muddiness.

3. Balance the Low-End Rumble

Low-end rumble can be very overwhelming. In fact, it can end up destroying the whole song. By keeping the treble higher than the bass, you won’t be facing this problem.

Last Few Words

Now you know what treble is and how it’s different from mid-range and bass, you can freely experiment with your home’s hi-fi system’s equalizer and adapt the levels of each accordingly. Keep in mind, if you have increased the bass too much, it can make the other sounds become obscured. This ends up ruining several songs.

However, if you have set the treble too high, it’ll turn airy and free music into something that’s unlistenable because of how piercing all the high notes now are. The best idea is always to balance. Therefore, adjusting every knob slightly will offer the best listening experience.

In Music Theory

Why do musicians use 1234 and dancers 5678?

January 9, 2022 7 Mins Read

Upon hearing someone shout “one, two, three, four!” the next thing you’ll probably hear is the guitarist, vocalist, bassist, and drummer immediately jumping in at the next beat with their own lyrics, rhythm, and melody.

On the other hand, when you hear someone shout “five, six, seven, eight!” the next thing you’ll see is a group of people kicking their feet and swinging their arms to the beat of the music. That’s kind of like the law of nature.

So, why is it that musicians use 1234 and dancers use 5678? What difference does it make? Are these count-offs interchangeable? Apparently, there’s quite a simple explanation for this. We’ll show you.

Why do musicians use 1234 and dancers 5678? The Answer

The Bars

For us to understand the differences between these two count-offs, we have to understand something called a “bar.” In a music sheet, one line, otherwise known as a phrase, is divided every four beats, called a bar. This means that when musicians count from one to four, they’re counting one complete bar.

Traditional songs usually use repetitive chord progressions and rhythm, so musicians often have to play four notes or beats repetitively in different bars. This lessens the need to count from one to eight since the notes and beats on 5678 would most probably be the same as the ones played in 1234.

On the other hand, dancers need to memorize their steps to be in sync with the other dancers. Dancing is quite diverse, and dancers often have different steps for every beat and every bar. Ergo, the reason why they count from one to eight is to have a wider and longer zone of allocating their diverse steps.

For instance, if a dancer counts from one to four just like musicians do, it would be harder to execute their steps since one bar is too short for their movements. However, counting from one to twelve or one to sixteen is just way too long, making it harder to memorize their steps.

One to eight is the Goldilocks zone for dancers, as two bars is just enough to execute their movements, and it’s much easier to connect one progression of their steps to the next.

The Count-Off

So, why would a musician start his/her song with 1234 and a dancer begin his/her dance with 5678? Well, both of them would have to start their performance at beat one. However, musicians count in one bar, while dancers count in two bars.

So, for a band to coordinate their melodies, they’d have to count 1, 2, 3, 4, and then all of them would start playing at the next “one” on the next bar.

On the other hand, a group of dancers also need to be synchronized. If they counted in 1234, that would just be the first bar, which means the next count would be “five” instead of “one.” So, for all of them to land the same steps at “one,” they have to end the countdown at “eight” instead of “four.” Ergo, 5678 is used by dancers instead of 1234.

To make it simpler, musicians count a bar with four beats while dancers count in two bars with eight beats. This means that a phrase for a musician would be 16 beats, while a phrase for a dancer is 32 beats.

Why Dancers Count in Eights

Aside from easy memorization, there’s another reason why dancers count in eights. Dancers have two feet and two hands, so they’d have to count in eights. That’s not to say that musicians are some sort of mutants with one foot and arm.

However, dancers often execute one movement on one side of their bodies in four counts. What that means is that counting 1, 2, 3, and 4 often only accommodates steps with their left foot and left arm.

They would then have to repeat the same movements with their right foot and right arm, but since it’s the same steps, it would be confusing to count 1, 2, 3, and 4 again. So, dancers continue the count with 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Ergo, counting from one to eight completes one movement, with each half of the count being performed by the two halves of the body subsequently.

Why Musicians Count in Fours

It’s rather difficult to determine why musicians count in fours. Perhaps it’s just what we’ve been practicing since the beginning, and that’s what we’ve gotten used to. However, there seems to be an effect to practice and memorization when musicians count in 4/4 timing.

Instead of steps that are easier to remember in eight counts, the notes in a music sheet seem to be easier to remember in four counts. That’s probably because a musician needs to READ a music sheet instead of simply memorizing the steps with his/her hands and feet as dancers do.

Ergo, a music sheet would be harder to memorize in eights compared to fours. This is kind of like when we try to remember a cellphone number. It’s particularly easier to remember two four-digit numbers instead of remembering one eight-digit number.

So, before a musician is able to engrave the music sheet into his/her muscle memory, he/she first needs to interpret and continuously practice what’s in the music sheet. This becomes a little easier when the phrase is broken down into bars with four counts each.

For instance, if a musician is having trouble playing it, he/she can simply return to the specific bar where the difficult note is located instead of going back two bars behind (since this is how dancers count) or going back to the beginning of the sheet or phrase altogether.

What this means is that, since musicians have to read the music sheet, dividing it into chunks of four would make it easier to memorize and translate into muscle memory.

When Do Musicians and Dancers Stop Counting in 1234 and 5678?

There are cases, however, where musicians and dancers don’t count in 1234 and 5678. That’s because there are certain songs and dances that don’t use the traditional four beats per bar. For instance, waltz only uses three beats in every bar.

Nonetheless, musicians and dancers tend to count this differently as well. For musicians, a waltz beat would be 1, 2, 3, and 1, 2, 3, counting each beat in every bar. On the other hand, dancers still use the same mechanics of memorization and left-and-right coordination. This means they often count waltz in 1, 2, 3, and continue to 4, 5, 6, counting all the beats every two bars.

There is one dance where musicians and dancers seem to use the same countdown, and it’s cha-cha. When a musician plays cha-cha music, and when dancers dance cha-cha steps, they both count 1-2-3-chacha.

Conclusion

Since the dawn of time, musicians and dancers seem to have taken their pick on whether to count in fours or in eights.

There are multiple reasons for this but don’t worry; there’s not a rule set in stone that you should count in fours if you’re a musician or in eights if you’re a dancer.

However, don’t blame us if your bandmates suddenly start dancing their minds off after you count them off with 5678. Maybe some things are better left the way they currently are, eh?