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overdubs - overdubbing, the process of recording additional tracks to "sweeten" the original recording, usually consisting of background vocals (BG's) or other instrumentation to enhance the sound. Before the development of multi track recording systems, the entire band or group performed all together, and a recording was made from start to finish. Modern techniques often use a process of recording the rhythm section (bass and drums) first, and overdubbing the vocals and lead instruments after.
octave - from octa the ancient Greek word for 8. The modern musical scale is comprised of seven notes designated as Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La and Ti. The eighth note begins the next scale, again with Do. If a scale begins with any other increment, for example Fa, you have Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do, Re, Mi, and the eighth note again, becomes Fa. The octave then, is the same note yet tonally at a higher or lower level. The physical vibrational frequencies of an octave is exactly twice as fast going higher or twice as slow going lower.
oscillation - any repetitive action, such as the vibration of a string when plucked.
one - also first degree or tonic. The one, four, five are the most common chords used in many songs. For example, if a song is in the key of G, the G chord is the one chord. The song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, if played in the key of G, you would play a bar of G, then a bar of C, then a bar of G, then a bar of D7. You could also describe the progression as one, four, one, five. G is one, C is four and D7 is five. The degrees of a key are usually designated by Roman numerals like I, IV and V.
To find the one,four and five of any key, designate the key chord as one, then count up two tones (whole steps) and a semitone (half step) to the four, then a tone (whole step) to the five.
