Glossary

  • Accompaniment

    Supporting musical parts (e.g. guitar, keys, bass) that create harmony or rhythm behind the lead elements.

  • Arrangement

    The way a song is structured or organized: intros, verses, choruses, bridges, instrumentation, etc.

  • Backline

    The core instruments and gear (drums, amplifiers, keyboards) used by a band on stage.

  • Bridge

    A contrasting section in a song that connects two main parts (e.g. verse to chorus) and adds variation.

  • Chord Progression

    A sequence of chords played in order, forming the harmonic backbone of a song.

  • Demo

    A preliminary recording used to sketch a song’s parts and ideas before full production.

  • Dynamics

    Variations in loudness or intensity (soft → loud) used to add emotion and texture in performance.

  • DIY

    “Do It Yourself” — independent approach to recording, promoting, or producing music without major label help.

  • Encore

    An additional performance after the main set, typically in response to audience applause.

  • Fader

    A control (slider or knob) on a mixing board to raise or lower the volume of a track or channel.

  • Hook

    A catchy musical or lyrical phrase intended to grab listeners’ attention and be memorable.

  • Improvisation

    Spontaneous musical creation during performance, often in solos or fills.

  • Indie

    Short for “independent” — referring to artist or label operating outside the major commercial system.

  • Instrumentation

    The specific combination of instruments used in a song or arrangement.

  • Key / Tonality

    The central pitch or scale around which a song is based (e.g. C major, E minor).

  • Layering

    Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.

  • Live Album

    A recording made during a concert or live performance, capturing the energy of a live show.

  • Loop

    A repeated musical phrase or section (rhythmic, melodic) used in production or performance.

  • Melody

    A sequence of notes perceived as a single musical thought; usually the “singable” line.

  • Mix / Mixing

    The process of balancing and blending individual audio tracks into a coherent final song.

  • Modulation

    Changing from one key to another within a song to heighten interest or emotional impact.

  • Motif

    A short, recurring musical idea or fragment that helps unify a composition.

  • Outro

    The concluding section of a song, bringing it to an end in a deliberate way.

  • Overdub

    Recording a new part (vocal, guitar, etc.) on top of existing recorded material.