K E Y   T A K E A W A Y S

• Pitch is relative highness or lowness of sound. The term is also used to

describe specific tones. Pitch-class is a generic designation referring to
tones sounding the same but separated by relative highness or lowness.

• The staff is a five-line system used to locate pitches. The Grand Staff is a

system of two five-line staves spanning the complete useable range of
pitches (with the use of ledger lines).

• Clefs are specialized symbols denoting specific pitches on a staff. All

other pitches are located in relation to these.

• Ledger lines are horizontal dashes that are used to extend the range of a

given staff, above or below its five-line boundaries.

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

2.1 Pitch and Pitch-Class

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