What is Dissonance?

Dissonance refers to combinations of musical notes that sound unstable, tense, or unresolved when heard together. Dissonant intervals create a sense of conflict or friction in the harmony, often producing a strong desire for resolution to a more stable consonant interval.

Common dissonant intervals in traditional Western music include the seconds, sevenths, tritone, and certain fourths depending on context. These intervals produce more complex frequency relationships, which can make them sound sharper or more unsettled compared to consonant intervals.

Dissonance plays a crucial role in harmony, counterpoint, and musical expression. It is often used to create tension that eventually resolves to consonance, forming the basis of musical movement and emotional contrast. While earlier musical styles followed strict rules for introducing and resolving dissonance, many modern styles use dissonance more freely to create new textures and expressive effects.