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Music theory · Musical terms · Theory concepts

Flat — meaning in music

Flat is a musical term meaning Lowers the pitch by one semitone (♭). It is a theory concepts marking, first tested at Grade 1 in ABRSM, AMEB and Trinity music theory exams. From that grade on, every written paper expects you to know it on sight.

Definition
Lowers the pitch by one semitone (♭)
Theory conceptsFirst tested: Grade 1
Translations
FrenchAbaisse la hauteur d'un demi-ton (♭)
GermanSenkt die Tonhöhe um einen Halbton (♭)
ItalianAbbassa il tono di un semitono (♭)
SpanishBaja el tono en un semitono (♭)
Chinese将音高降低一个半音 (♭)

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All theory concepts terms

AllemandeAlto rangeAnacrusisAnswer phraseArcoBar lineBass clefBass rangeBinary formBourréeCello clefCello rangeChromatic semitoneCompound intervalCouranteCrotchet (US name)DemisemiquaverDiatonic semitoneDominantDominant (degree)Double bar lineDouble bass clefDouble flat (𝄫)Double sharp (𝄪)Doubling ruleDupletFinal bar lineFlatGavotteGigueHarmonic minor scaleImperfect cadenceInterrupted cadenceInversion of a 3rdInversion of a 4thInversion of a 5thLeading noteLeger lineMediantMelodic minor scale (ascending)Melodic minor scale (descending)Minim (US name)MinuetModulate to the dominantModulate to the relative minorModulationNaturalNatural minor scaleParallel 5thsParallel 8vesPerfect cadencePivot chordPizzicatoPlagal cadenceQuaver (US name)Question phraseReal sequenceRelative minor of C majorRelative minor of F majorRelative minor of G majorRepeat signSarabandeSemibreve (US name)Semiquaver (US name)SemitoneSequenceSharpSlurSoprano rangeStave (staff)SubdominantSubdominant (degree)SubmediantSupertonicTenor rangeTernary formTieTonal sequenceToneTonicTonic (degree)Treble clefTripletViola clefViola rangeViolin clefViolin rangeVoice crossingVoice overlap