pitch (music)

In music, the technical term used to describe how high or low a note is. It depends on the frequency (number of vibrations per second) of the sound, which is measured in hertz (Hz). Pitch also refers to the standard to which instruments are tuned. Nowadays the internationally agreed-upon pitch is the A above middle C (A4 or a'), which has a frequency of 440 Hz (vibrations per second). This is often known as concert pitch.

Pitch can now be measured accurately by electronic tuning devices. These are beginning to replace the traditional tuning fork, but it is still normal practice for orchestras to tune to an oboe playing A4.

Absolute pitch (also called perfect pitch) is the ability to name any note heard, or to sing any note asked for. It is now considered to be learned at a very young age through exposure to a well-tuned instrument. A person who has perfect pitch does not necessarily have any other musical ability. Perfect pitch is not particularly rare and many musicians have it.