What is Dissonance?

Dissonance in music refers to notes or chords that sound clashing, tense, or unstable. It often creates a feeling of needing to resolve to a more stable, pleasing sound.

Examples of Dissonance

  • The composer used dissonance to make the scary movie scene even more frightening and suspenseful.
  • Sometimes a little dissonance makes the resolution to a consonant chord sound even sweeter and more satisfying.
  • When two notes that are very close together are played at the same time, it often creates dissonance.