Glossary
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Accompaniment
Supporting musical parts (e.g. guitar, keys, bass) that create harmony or rhythm behind the lead elements.
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Arrangement
The way a song is structured or organized: intros, verses, choruses, bridges, instrumentation, etc.
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Backline
The core instruments and gear (drums, amplifiers, keyboards) used by a band on stage.
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Bridge
A contrasting section in a song that connects two main parts (e.g. verse to chorus) and adds variation.
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Chord Progression
A sequence of chords played in order, forming the harmonic backbone of a song.
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Demo
A preliminary recording used to sketch a song’s parts and ideas before full production.
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Dynamics
Variations in loudness or intensity (soft → loud) used to add emotion and texture in performance.
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DIY
“Do It Yourself” — independent approach to recording, promoting, or producing music without major label help.
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Encore
An additional performance after the main set, typically in response to audience applause.
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Fader
A control (slider or knob) on a mixing board to raise or lower the volume of a track or channel.
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Hook
A catchy musical or lyrical phrase intended to grab listeners’ attention and be memorable.
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Improvisation
Spontaneous musical creation during performance, often in solos or fills.
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Indie
Short for “independent” — referring to artist or label operating outside the major commercial system.
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Instrumentation
The specific combination of instruments used in a song or arrangement.
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Key / Tonality
The central pitch or scale around which a song is based (e.g. C major, E minor).
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Layering
Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.
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Live Album
A recording made during a concert or live performance, capturing the energy of a live show.
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Loop
A repeated musical phrase or section (rhythmic, melodic) used in production or performance.
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Melody
A sequence of notes perceived as a single musical thought; usually the “singable” line.
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Mix / Mixing
The process of balancing and blending individual audio tracks into a coherent final song.
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Modulation
Changing from one key to another within a song to heighten interest or emotional impact.
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Motif
A short, recurring musical idea or fragment that helps unify a composition.
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Outro
The concluding section of a song, bringing it to an end in a deliberate way.
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Overdub
Recording a new part (vocal, guitar, etc.) on top of existing recorded material.