Music Terminology - Sonority

Question 1

Articulation

Answer 1

Directions to a performer typically through symbols and icons on a musical score that indicate characteristics of the attack, duration, and decay (or envelope) of a given note.

Question 2

Vocal Belt

Answer 2

The use of a chest voice in the higher part of the voice.

Question 3

Speech-like Vocals

Answer 3

Singing resembles something between talking and singing.

Question 4

Falsetto

Answer 4

In Falsetto, only the edges of the vocal cords vibrate as opposed to the whole length, and it is used by male voices to reach notes outside of their usual range.

Question 5

Scat Vocals

Answer 5

A vocal jazz style that consists of improvised nonsense syllables sung to an an improvised melody

Question 6

Pizzicato

Answer 6

Plucked notes on a string instrument

Question 7

Staccato

Answer 7

Short, detached notes on a string instrument

Question 8

Distortion

Answer 8

A guitar effect that increases the gain on an amplified guitar signal. The result is a growling, gritty sound.

Question 9

Palm Mute

Answer 9

Guitar technique usually involving an overdriven/distorted guitar. The strings are dampened with the palm of the hand to deaden the sound.

Question 10

Feedback

Answer 10

Usually associated with guitar. This occurs when an amplified signal makes it’s way back into the guitar signal, it’s amplified again, and again, and again, in a constant loop.

Question 11

Wah-wah

Answer 11

A guitar effect using a Wah-wah pedal

Question 12

Slap Bass

Answer 12

When a bass guitar string is “slapped” with the thumb of the picking hand.