GuitarScholar.co.uk

Guitar Dictionary | A-Z


a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z | 0-9 | Symbol Dictionary


M

A symbol used to represent the middle finger on the picking hand. It is part of the pima labelling system.

Full Article on: pima labelling

Machineheads

The metal attachments to the headstock which twist to adjust the tension in the strings, enabling you to attach and retune strings.

Synonymous With: Tuners, Tuner Pegs

Major 2nd

An interval of 2 semitones.

Full Article on: intervals

Major 3rd

An interval of 4 semitones.

Full Article on: intervals

Major 6th

An interval of 9 semitones.

Full Article on: intervals

Major Scale

A diatonic scale that consists of 7 notes. The scale can be divided into two tetrachords (if you include the octave note). In western music, all chords are named according to how the notes would fit into the major scale. Scale theory also uses the major scale as a template.

Full Article on: the major scale

Measure

A unit of time in music, commonly consisting of four beats. Represented by a vertical line on tablature or the staff.

Synonymous With: Bar

Medio

The Spanish term for the middle finger on the picking hand. It is part of the pima labelling system, abbreviated by the symbol 'm'.

Synonymous With: M

See Also: Pulgar, Indice, Anular, Chico

Full Article on: pima labelling

Melodic Interval

The distance in pitch between two notes that are played successively.

Full Article on: intervals

Melodic Minor Scale

A scale that is the same as the major scale except for the 3rd degree, which is flatted.

Metronome

A device that produces a constant pulse in order to keep track of rhythm. Most electronic metronomes can accent the first beat of each bar, enabling you to stay within a set time signature. Some metronomes will only cover the simple time signatures, so check before you buy.

Full Article on: metronomes

Mic

Short for microphone, a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals. Dynamic microphones are used for recording directly in front of the source of sound (immediately in front of an amp to record electric guitars). Ambient microphones are used to record sound over a wider area, like an entire room. Ambient microphones are used to record acoustic guitars.

Synonymous With: Microphone

Microphone

A device that converts sound waves into electrical signals. Dynamic microphones are used for recording directly in front of the source of sound (immediately in front of an amp to record electric guitars). Ambient microphones are used to record sound over a wider area, like an entire room. Ambient microphones are used to record acoustic guitars.

Microtonal Bend

A bend creating an increase in pitch of half a semitone.

Synonymous With: Quarter-Tone Bend, Blues Curl

See Also: Semitone

Miked Up

Connected with a microphone for recording or performing.

Minim

A symbol in written music that represents one half note (half a bar in 4/4 time).

Full Article on: note duration

Minor 2nd

An interval of 1 semitone.

Full Article on: intervals

Minor 3rd

An interval of 3 semitones.

Full Article on: intervals

Minor 6th

An interval of 8 semitones.

Full Article on: intervals

Minor 7th

An interval of 10 semitones.

Full Article on: intervals

Modal

Based upon modes and scales as opposed to relationships between chords.

Mode

A series of intervals derived from any given scale by starting on any note other than the root note.

Full Article on: modes

Moustache Bridge

A type of bridge that is found on acoustic guitars. It earned its name because of the fact it resembles a handlebar moustache.

Moveable Chord

Any chord shape that uses no open strings. These chords can be played in various positions of the fretboard producing the same chord but in a different key. Barre chords are a common example of moveable chords.

Full Article on: moveable chords

Mute

To cut sound. Often refers to a fret hand mute but can be used to indicate a palm mute.

Full Article on: palm muting

Muted Strum

Using the fretting hand touch the strings to mute them (stop them from sounding) when you strum, creating a more percussive sound.

Synonymous With: Fret Hand Muting

See Also: Fretting Hand

Full Article on: fret hand muting

Muting

Dampening the strings. Often refers to fret hand muting but can be used to describe palm muting.

See Also: Mute, Dampening

Full Article on: palm muting