Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Entertainment
  4. / Music
  5. / Music Theory
  6. / Music Theory (General)

by Jillifish on May 11th, 2005

Jillifish

Question

Help answer this question below.

What is a degree?

Share:
Other

Answers. Showing one answer.

  • by Child Of The 60s on April 27th, 2007

    Child Of The 60s

    A degree is akin to a "step" when relating a note to a scale. For example, the 4th degree of the C major scale would be an F- the 4th step of the scale. (do re mi FA...) The 6th degree of a G major scale would be E.


    Degrees can also refer to "degrees of consonance" as outlined by 19th century German scientist Hermann Helmholtz.

    When two tones are sounded simultaeneously, each of the two sound waves are of a different frequency. Some pairs (or sets of two, lets say) are pleasing to the ear. These would be described as being consonant. Other selected pairs of tones (frquencies, notes) when sounded together appear to "clash"; or sound "out of tune". These would be referred to as being dissonant. Heimholtz used his "degrees of consonance" to illustrate the corollation of the mathematical ratios between fequencies and the concept and human perception of musical harmony in Western music; as outlined by the ancient Greek Pythagoras.

    Here's how Heimhotlz layed out his "degrees of consonance:

    Degree Interval

    Absolute Octave, Twelfth, Double Octave
    Perfect Fifth, Fourth
    Medial major Sixth, major Third
    Imperfect minor Sixth, minor Third


    Here are the relationships of frequencies expressed as mathematical ratios:
    (re: a frequency- or pitch- when doubled, produces an octave, and so forth)


    Ratio Name
    1:1 Unison
    1:2 Octave
    1:3 Twelfth
    2:3 Fifth
    3:4 Fourth
    4:5 Major Third
    3:5 Major Sixth


    It's really late (or early, depending- even for a musician right now). I hope my explanation wasn't entirely impossible to follow. :oD

    Comments

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What is a degree?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

Answerbag

a Demand Media company