Greek isn’t just for philosophers - it’s the backbone of Western music terminology. Here’s what every musician should know.
1. Tempo & Dynamics
Μέτρον
/ˈme.tron/“Metron”
Measure or metre. The root of 'metronome' - your best friend for keeping time.
Ανταπόκριση
/an.daˈpo.kri.si/“Antapokrisi”
Call-and-response. A staple in everything from Byzantine chant to jazz.
2. Instrument Names
Λύρα
/ˈli.ra/“Lyra”
The lyre, Apollo’s instrument. The word 'lyric' comes from songs sung to its accompaniment.
Αυλός
/avˈlos/“Aulos”
A double-reed wind instrument, ancient Greece’s answer to the oboe.
3. Theory Basics
Χορδή
/xoɾˈði/“Chordi”
String. Also the root of 'chord' - because strings make harmony.
Τόνος
/ˈtonos/“Tonos”
Tone or pitch. The building block of scales and modes.
Fun fact: 'Pentatonic' comes from πέντε (five) + τόνος (tone).
4. Performance Terms
Μελωδία
/me.loˈði.a/“Melodia”
Melody. From μέλος (song) + ᾠδή (ode).
Ρυθμός
/riθˈmos/“Rythmos”
Rhythm. Essential for anything that isn’t John Cage’s 4’33”.
5. Bonus: Modern Greek Slang
Φάση
/ˈfa.si/“Fasi”
Literally 'phase', but musicians use it to mean 'vibe' or 'groove'.
Want more? Check out our guide to German music terms or Homeric Greek for bards.
