2.5 Pitch Notation: Nomenclature and Solfége

L E A R N I N G   O B J E C T I V E S

1. Understanding how pitches may be labeled.
2. Understanding

solfége

syllables as pitch labels and aural reference.

3. Understand scale degree number notation.

In our system we label pitches using letter names. In other countries pitches are
labeled using

solfége

12

syllables. This tradition originated as a pedagogical device

invented by Guido. The syllables, originally

Ut

,

Re

,

Mi

,

Fa

,

Sol

,

La

, come from the

initial syllable of each line of

Ut queant laxis

, an Ambrosian hymn to St. John the

Baptist. Each line of music starts on a successively higher pitch. Guido employed
this as a pedagogical tool for training singers.

Figure 2.23

Ut queant laxis

© David J. Gonzol. Used by permission.

12. Syllables adapted to denote

pitches. Originally used as a
pedagogical mnemonic.

Chapter 2 The Elements of Pitch:Sound, Symbol, and Tone

77