C
concert pitch - universal tuning to the note A below middle C as 440 cycles per second.
capo - a clamping device used to create a movable nut. This allows the player to play in the first position at any fret. Usually the key of C, G and their relative minors are most commonly played using the capo to change keys.
cross harp - a style of playing blues on the harmonica. Corresponding keys for song to harp are usually fourths. For a song in E, play A harp, a song in A, play D harp etc. Other variations can involve a separation of fifths or seconds.
copyright - defined as the ownership of a song or work. Canadian copyright law states that the creator of a work owns that work as soon as it is created. However, if there is any legal dispute involved, the court of law usually sides with the one with legal proof. An author can register a work with various organizations to provide proof of ownership like The Songwriter's Association of Canada or, The Library of Congress in the US, but ultimately it will be the decision of the courts in a dispute.
common time - also known as four four time and denoted with a large capital C rather than the usual 4/4 time signature.
combo - short for combination, usually a three or four piece band made up of drums, guitar, bass, piano, horn and vocal.
compression - audio compression is used for reducing the amount of digital information for faster transfer. In the recording process, compression is used to limit volume peaks to make a more uniform level.
country - originally called "western", then "country western", now simply "country" music. Nashville is the capitol of country music although Alberta, Texas and much of the mid west have also spawned great country music stars. Listen to Mark O'Connor, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and Steve Wariner - Restless.
cool - a style of jazz that began in the late 40's and early 1950's with musicians like Miles Davis, Lester Young, and Dave Brubeck, using smooth rhythm and a laid back attitude to the emotional expression. Emphasis is placed on tone and sophisticated melodic movement.
