When a string instrument plays two notes at the same time.

Rapid bowing on a string instrument to produce a dramatic effect.

A ‘muted’ effect is achieved when mutes are used to dampen or quieten the sound of string or brass instruments. 

Small ensemble that performs rock/pop music. A common line-up would be lead guitar, rhythm guitar (one or both also doing vocals), bass guitar and a drummer.

A rapid, slight variation in pitch when singing or playing some musical instruments, which produces a stronger or richer tone.

Male vocal technique used to extend the voice into a higher range than usual.

The lower, more powerful part of the voice range.

A style of singing in jazz music that is improvised, and where the voice is used in imitation of an instrument (i.e. no words, or using nonsense words).

A type of pop music originating from the USA where the words are spoken quickly and rhythmically against an instrumental backing.

The instruction in music for orchestral players reading the same musical staff to divide into two or more parts.

A performance technique for a string instrument with frets, such as the guitar. It occurs when the guitarist brings his finger down sharply on the fretboard (behind a fret), causing a note to sound. (This technique is the opposite of the ‘pull-off’, where the finger on the threat is released after the note has been struck.)

A performance technique for bass guitar (or double bass) by bouncing strings against the fretboard to achieve a ‘percussive’ sound.

A performance technique for drums that involves a rapid succession of beats. A drumroll is often used to build anticipation in the music.

A performance technique for percussion, when the sound is produced by hitting the rim and head of a drum with a drumstick at the same time.

When a performer changes the pitch of the notes by a very small amount (e.g. using the facility on a synthesizer).