Guitar Dictionary | A-Z
- 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.
Full Article on: palm muting