The Complete Idiot''s Guide to Music Theory

minor chord
A chord with a minor third (1-
3-5).
minor seventh chord
A minor chord with a minor seventh added (1-
3-5-
7).
Mixolydian mode
A mode starting on the fifth degree of the corresponding
major scale. 
See mode.
mode
(1) A series of notes that indicate the structure of a major or minor
scale key or piece. (2) A set of scales, based on centuries-old music that pre-
ceded today’s major and minor scales; these include the 
Dorian
, 
Phrygian
,
Lydian
, 
Mixolydian
, 
Ionian
, 
Locrian
, and 
Aeolian 
modes.

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Appendix A
270
moderato
Tempo marking for a moderate pace.
modulation
A change of key.
molto
Modifier for tempo markings; means “very.”
motif (or motive)
A 
brief 
melodic or rhythmic idea.
neighboring tone
A tone one diatonic step away from (either above or below)
the main tone.
ninth chord
A basic triad with two notes added, a seventh and a ninth above
the root of the chord.
notation
The art of writing musical notes on paper.
note
A 
symbol 
used to indicate the duration and pitch of a sound, as in whole
notes, half notes, and quarter notes.
octave
Two pitches, with the same name, located 12 half steps apart.
odd time
Any non-4/4 time signature, such as 3/4, 5/4, or 9/8.
orchestra
A group of instruments organized for the performance of sym-
phonies and other instrumental works, or to accompany an opera or other
staged presentation.
orchestration
The art of scoring music for an orchestra or band. Also called
arranging
.