Gaffer’s Tape

Gaffer’s tape, often simply called gaff tape, is a heavy-duty adhesive tape widely used in the music, film, and live event industries. It’s known for its durability, strong hold, and ability to be removed cleanly without leaving sticky residue, making it ideal for temporary setups and fast-paced environments like concerts and recording studios.

In live music settings, gaffer’s tape is essential for securing cables and equipment on stage, preventing trip hazards and ensuring a clean, organized performance area. It’s also used to label equipment, mark stage positions, and even make quick repairs to instruments or gear when needed.

Unlike duct tape, which can leave behind a messy residue, gaffer’s tape is designed for easy removal, making it suitable for use on expensive equipment, stage floors, and other surfaces that need to remain unmarked. Gaffer’s tape comes in various widths and colors, with black being the most common, as it blends discreetly into the background.

Reliable and versatile, gaffer’s tape is a staple for musicians, roadies, and production crews, providing a simple yet effective solution for managing gear and ensuring a smooth live performance.

Gain

This is the name given to the amplification of a signal level. It can be expressed as a ratio of the output signal amplitude to the input signal amplitude.

For example:

Gain = Vout / Vin

Gain is normally expressed in dB.

For Voltage Gain use:

Gain (dB) = 20 log10 Vout/Vin

For Current Gain use:

Gain (dB) = 20 log10 Iout/Iin

For Power Gain use:

Gain (dB) = 10 log10 Vout/Vin

Gain Control

This is a device that adjusts the gain of an amplifier. This is normally done by altering the amount of negative feedback in the amplifying system. A Gain Control is not the same as an ‘attenuator’ or a ‘volume’ control.

Gain Staging

Gain staging is a fundamental concept in audio engineering that involves managing volume levels throughout the recording, mixing, and production process to ensure clean, balanced sound without distortion or unwanted noise. By setting optimal gain at each stage—from the microphone to the mixing console and finally to the output—engineers and producers prevent audio signals from becoming too weak (causing noise) or too strong (causing distortion or clipping).

The goal of gain staging is to keep each signal level within an ideal range, often referred to as the “sweet spot,” where the audio signal is clear and strong without overloading any part of the signal chain. Proper gain staging helps maintain audio quality, giving each instrument or vocal a balanced presence within the mix.

For example, when recording a vocal, the initial gain setting on the microphone preamp should be high enough to capture a clear signal but not so high that it distorts. This principle is followed at every point in the recording and mixing process, including within effects and plugins, which can each add gain to the signal chain.

Gain staging is essential for both live and studio environments. In live settings, it prevents issues with feedback and ensures that each instrument is heard clearly. In the studio, it’s critical for creating a polished mix, as poor gain staging can result in muddy, imbalanced, or distorted sound that’s difficult to correct later in production.

By carefully managing gain at each stage, engineers achieve a clean, professional sound, allowing the final product to sound great across different listening environments.

Gate

In audio production, a gate—or noise gate—is an audio effect that controls the volume of a signal by cutting off or “gating” sounds below a certain threshold. When the signal’s volume falls below this threshold, the gate closes, effectively muting or reducing unwanted noise, hum, or background sounds. When the signal’s volume rises above the threshold, the gate opens, allowing the sound to pass through clearly.

Gates are particularly useful in live sound settings and studio recordings to keep unwanted noise out of a track. For example, when recording a drum kit, a gate can be applied to each microphone to reduce spillover from other drums, so that only the desired sound (like a snare hit) is heard. Gates are also commonly used on vocal tracks to eliminate background noise during quieter moments, creating a cleaner recording.

A gate has several adjustable parameters, such as threshold (the volume level at which the gate opens or closes), attack (how quickly the gate opens), release (how quickly it closes), and hold (how long it stays open after a sound passes the threshold). Adjusting these settings allows for fine-tuning to achieve a natural-sounding effect.

Noise gates are valuable for achieving clarity and focus in a mix, helping reduce distractions from unwanted sounds and enhancing the overall quality of a recording or live performance.

Gatefold

A fold-out vinyl album sleeve is also used for some Digipack CD cases. Typically Gatefold sleeves either open like a book or fold out into three sections. Gatefold sleeves are normally used for double LPs, though they may also be used for singles, 12″ singles, EPs, or specials and collectibles with certain artwork needs.

Gatekeeper

In the music industry, a gatekeeper is an individual or organization that holds the power to influence an artist’s success by controlling access to key resources, platforms, or opportunities. Gatekeepers are typically found in roles such as radio DJs, playlist curators, music journalists, talent agents, A&R (artists and repertoire) representatives, festival bookers, and label executives. Their decisions on who gets featured, promoted, or signed can significantly impact an artist’s visibility and career trajectory.

Gatekeepers evaluate music submissions, artists’ branding, audience appeal, and other factors to determine whether a song or artist aligns with their platform’s goals or their audience’s preferences. For example, a playlist curator on a popular streaming platform may select certain tracks for inclusion, boosting streams and listener exposure. Similarly, a music journalist’s favorable review in a major publication can attract new fans and industry attention to an artist.

While the traditional music industry relied heavily on gatekeepers to connect artists with audiences, digital platforms and social media have shifted some power away from these figures, allowing independent artists to build followings without industry intermediaries. However, gatekeepers remain influential, especially when it comes to high-profile exposure through radio, curated playlists, press coverage, and major festival bookings.

For emerging artists, building relationships with gatekeepers can open doors to new audiences and help accelerate their careers. Understanding the role and influence of gatekeepers is essential for navigating the music industry effectively and strategically.

Genre

A genre is a category that classifies music based on shared characteristics, such as style, structure, cultural origin, or thematic elements. Each genre embodies a specific sound or feel, often defined by particular instruments, rhythms, harmonies, and lyrical themes. Examples of popular music genres include rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, classical, country, and electronic.

Genres help listeners and musicians identify and relate to styles of music, guiding everything from personal taste to playlist curation. They also serve as a common language within the industry, helping artists, producers, and marketers connect with target audiences and collaborators who appreciate a particular style.

While genres provide structure, they’re constantly evolving and often overlap, giving rise to subgenres (such as punk rock or synth-pop) and hybrid genres (like country-rap or jazz-fusion). This blending of genres reflects the diversity of musical expression and offers artists the freedom to experiment and innovate.

Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter in the music industry is a songwriter or lyricist who writes music or lyrics on behalf of another artist, typically without receiving public credit. Ghostwriters are commonly used in genres like pop, hip-hop, and R&B, where artists may collaborate with skilled writers to craft compelling songs while maintaining a consistent personal brand or voice.

When a ghostwriter is hired, they agree to transfer ownership of the work to the credited artist, who then performs and promotes the song as their own. Ghostwriters are often compensated through upfront fees, royalties, or both, but they usually forfeit any public acknowledgment of their contributions. This arrangement allows artists to benefit from high-quality songwriting that matches their style, while the ghostwriter gains financial compensation and industry connections.

For example, a rapper may hire a ghostwriter to create lyrics for a track, or a pop star might bring in a ghostwriter to help develop melodies and hooks. While ghostwriting is widely accepted in some music circles, in others it remains a sensitive topic, as audiences often value authenticity in an artist’s work.

Ghostwriters play a vital, though often invisible, role in the music industry, helping to shape popular songs and support artists’ careers from behind the scenes.

Glissando

A glissando is a musical technique that involves smoothly sliding from one pitch to another, creating a continuous flow of sound between notes. The term comes from the Italian word glissare, meaning “to slide,” and it’s commonly used in both classical and contemporary music for expressive effect.

In practice, a glissando can be played on various instruments. On a piano, it’s performed by sweeping a finger across the keys in a rapid motion, producing a series of ascending or descending notes. On string instruments, such as the violin or guitar, a glissando is created by sliding a finger along the string to change pitch without lifting it off the fretboard. Wind and brass players can also achieve a glissando by smoothly adjusting their embouchure and finger positioning.

Glissandos add a dramatic, fluid quality to music, often evoking emotions like longing, anticipation, or intensity. They’re frequently found in genres ranging from classical and jazz to rock and film scores, where they can emphasize transitions or create unique sonic textures.

This expressive slide is notated in sheet music as a straight or wavy line connecting two notes, signaling the performer to glide between them rather than jumping directly. Glissandos add flair and emotion to performances, making them a popular technique for musicians seeking to convey movement and connection between pitches.

Gig

A gig is a term commonly used in the music industry to describe a live performance or show, typically booked for musicians, bands, or DJs. Gigs range in scale from small, intimate sets at local bars and coffee shops to large-scale concerts and festival performances in front of thousands.

For musicians, gigging is a primary way to connect with audiences, gain exposure, and often earn income. Gigs can be paid or unpaid, with compensation varying widely depending on the venue, the artist’s popularity, and the event’s purpose. Many artists, especially those starting out, rely on frequent gigs to build their fan base, improve their stage presence, and make industry connections.

Besides traditional live venues, gigs now also take place online via live-streaming platforms, where artists perform for virtual audiences. No matter the setting, gigs remain an essential part of a musician’s career, offering the chance to showcase talent, promote new material, and engage directly with fans.

Glass Master

A glass master is used during the CD replication process. It is created by the replicator, based on the submitted mastered recording, as a master for the purpose of pressing CDs. It is a one-off cost added to the price of the first order of a CD run with a replicator. Subsequent runs use the glass master created as a result of the first run order.

Gold Album/Gold Single/Gold Record

A gold record is a certification awarded to music recordings, such as albums or singles, that achieve a specific number of sales or units moved. In the United States, a gold record signifies 500,000 units sold, as certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In other countries, the criteria may vary, with organizations like the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the UK and the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) setting their own thresholds based on market size.

Originally, a “unit” referred solely to physical sales, like vinyl records, CDs, or cassettes. However, with the growth of digital music, streaming has also become part of the calculation. For example, in the U.S., 150 streams of a song count as one unit, making it possible for artists to reach gold certification through a combination of physical sales, downloads, and streams.

A gold record is a significant milestone in an artist’s career, symbolizing both commercial success and widespread popularity. Earning a gold record can boost an artist’s credibility, opening doors for media coverage, brand partnerships, and further promotional opportunities.

The gold record plaque, often displayed by artists and labels, is more than just a physical award—it represents a connection with listeners and a solid step toward career longevity. Beyond gold, higher certifications include platinum (1 million units) and diamond (10 million units), with each level marking a new tier of achievement in an artist’s journey. 

See List Of Music Recording Certifications for a full list of music recording certifications.

Goodwill

In the music industry, goodwill refers to the intangible value and positive reputation an artist, band, or music business has built over time. It encompasses public perception, fan loyalty, brand strength, and relationships within the industry. Goodwill is not something that can be directly seen or touched, but it plays a powerful role in an artist’s career and financial success.

Goodwill affects an artist’s marketability, potential collaborations, and partnership opportunities. For example, an artist known for delivering memorable performances and engaging positively with fans will likely have strong goodwill, making them appealing to concert promoters, record labels, and brands. Goodwill can also boost sales, increase streaming numbers, and attract media attention, as audiences are more inclined to support and follow artists they trust and admire.

In business terms, goodwill is an asset often considered during acquisitions or label deals. When a record label purchases another label or an artist’s catalog, the deal might include an assessment of goodwill—the added value derived from fan relationships, established brand image, and the reputation tied to the artist’s or label’s name.

Goodwill can be strengthened through authentic fan engagement, consistent quality, and ethical actions that align with an artist’s brand. Losing goodwill, on the other hand, can be costly, as it’s challenging to rebuild once public trust and interest are damaged.

Overall, goodwill is a valuable asset that enhances an artist’s or brand’s influence, market value, and resilience in the competitive music industry.

Google Content ID

A method of identifying infringing uploaded content on YouTube using a licensing library. Audio fingerprinting technology is used to identify infringers, however people uploading routinely receive warning emails from YouTube despite uploading legitimate cover versions or even originals with similar titles to known works.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards, often simply called the Grammys, are prestigious honors given annually by the Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. Established in 1959, the Grammy Awards celebrate excellence in various music categories, including genres like pop, rock, jazz, classical, country, and more. They highlight a wide range of talents, from recording artists and songwriters to producers, engineers, and music video directors.

Grammy categories include Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist, among many others. These categories honor different aspects of music creation, with “Album of the Year” awarded for an entire album’s production, “Record of the Year” for a single track’s performance and production, and “Song of the Year” specifically recognizing songwriting.

Winning a Grammy is widely considered one of the highest accolades in music, often boosting an artist’s career by providing increased exposure and credibility. The award is symbolized by a golden gramophone trophy, which has become an iconic symbol of musical excellence.

Each year, the Grammy Awards ceremony draws major artists and music industry professionals together, creating a high-profile platform that showcases current trends, honors legendary figures, and celebrates new talent.

Grand Rights

Grand rights are a specific type of licensing right that allows the use of music in a theatrical or dramatic performance, such as in a musical, play, opera, or ballet. Unlike “small rights,” which cover non-dramatic performances (like a song played on the radio or in a concert), grand rights pertain to music used as part of a storyline, character development, or dramatic plot. Any performance that incorporates music in this way requires grand rights licensing.

For example, if a theater production includes scenes where characters sing specific songs as part of the narrative, or if a dance piece is choreographed to a particular piece of music, grand rights are required. This type of licensing applies not only to well-known musicals but also to any theatrical performance, school production, or community play that integrates songs or compositions as part of the storytelling.

To obtain grand rights, producers, theater companies, or organizations typically negotiate directly with the music publisher or rights holder, rather than through performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS, which primarily handle small rights for non-dramatic performances.

Grand rights are essential for protecting composers’ and lyricists’ work in the context of dramatic performance, ensuring that their creative contributions are properly licensed and compensated when their music is used as part of a story or theatrical experience.

Granular Synthesis

This technique uses small segments of either sampled or synthesized sound to generate a new sound or sound texture.

Green Room

A green room is a backstage area where performers, such as musicians, actors, and comedians, can relax and prepare before going on stage. It serves as a private, comfortable space for artists to warm up, rehearse, gather their thoughts, or simply unwind away from the audience. In addition to being a prep area, the green room also acts as a spot for performers to regroup between sets or after their performance.

Green rooms often include basic amenities like seating, mirrors, refreshments, and sometimes even a private bathroom or dressing area. Depending on the venue, green rooms can range from simple and functional to luxurious, equipped with more extensive comforts, food options, and even entertainment to help artists feel at ease before their show.

The origin of the term “green room” is unclear, though some suggest it might date back to early theater, where rooms were decorated in green to be soothing for the eyes, or possibly due to actors gathering in outdoor areas with greenery before shows. Whatever its origins, the green room remains an essential part of the live performance experience, providing a dedicated space for artists to recharge and prepare before hitting the stage.

Grid

In music production, the grid refers to the visual representation of timing within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or music software. The grid divides the timeline into equal segments, often aligned with musical beats and measures, creating a structured framework that helps musicians and producers align their recordings precisely to the beat.

The grid is essential for creating rhythmic accuracy, particularly in electronic and pop music, where a steady tempo is crucial. By snapping notes, samples, or MIDI events to the grid, producers can achieve a polished, tight sound, even if the original recordings were slightly offbeat. Most DAWs allow users to customize the grid, adjusting it to different time signatures, tempos, and note divisions (such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or triplets), which is useful for creating complex rhythmic patterns and syncopation.

Producers working with loops, samples, or electronic beats rely on the grid for accurate layering and arrangement, while it also aids in quantizing, a process that corrects timing errors by aligning notes to the closest grid point. While the grid promotes precision, many musicians use it flexibly, allowing some elements to fall slightly off the grid to maintain a natural, human feel.

In short, the grid is a powerful tool in modern music production, helping artists and producers build structured compositions with tight rhythmic cohesion, regardless of genre.

Groove

Groove in music refers to the rhythmic feel or sense of “swing” that makes a song compelling and danceable. It’s often created by the interaction between the drums, bass, and other rhythm instruments, resulting in a cohesive, infectious pulse that listeners can feel and connect with on a physical level. Groove isn’t just about strict timing; it’s about how the rhythmic elements subtly push, pull, and syncopate, giving the music a natural, flowing energy.

A strong groove can be found across many genres, from funk, jazz, and soul to rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. For example, in funk music, the bassline and drumbeat often have a “locked-in” quality, creating a groove that’s almost hypnotic and encourages movement. In jazz, groove might be looser and more improvised, yet still deeply rhythmic, making each performance unique while maintaining a steady pulse.

Musicians talk about “grooving” when they feel fully in sync with each other and the music, allowing for a seamless, dynamic performance. Groove is often described as the “feel” or “pocket” of a song, a quality that might not be easily written in sheet music but is felt and created through the musicians’ timing, phrasing, and interaction.

In essence, groove is the heartbeat of rhythm-based music, a fundamental element that gives songs their energy and makes them memorable and enjoyable to listen to.

Gross Points

Gross points refer to a percentage of gross revenue an artist or stakeholder earns from a project, such as an album, tour, or film soundtrack, before any expenses are deducted. In the music industry, gross points are a key component of contract negotiations, determining how much an artist, producer, or other participant will earn from total revenue, regardless of production or promotional costs.

For example, if an artist has a contract that includes “two gross points” on album sales, they are entitled to receive 2% of the album’s total gross revenue. If the album grosses $1 million, the artist’s earnings would be $20,000, even if the label has other expenses related to the project.

Gross points differ from net points, where the percentage is based on revenue after costs have been subtracted, meaning net points usually result in lower payouts. Gross points, therefore, are more favorable to artists or producers as they guarantee a share of total earnings without the risk of cost deductions.

Gross points can apply in various contexts, including soundtrack contributions, licensing deals, and concert tour revenue, giving artists and their teams a clearer financial stake in a project’s success. By negotiating gross points, artists secure a direct connection to the project’s overall performance, making it a valuable contractual element for those seeking long-term financial benefits from their work.

Gross Revenue

Gross revenue refers to the total income generated from a music-related activity before any expenses or deductions are applied. In the music industry, gross revenue can come from various sources, such as concert ticket sales, merchandise sales, streaming royalties, licensing fees, and album sales.

Understanding gross revenue is crucial for artists, managers, and labels, as it reflects the total financial impact of a release, tour, or event. It provides a starting point for calculating net income, which is the amount left after costs like production, marketing, venue fees, and agent or management commissions are deducted.

For example, if a concert tour grosses $1 million, that figure represents all ticket sales revenue before costs such as transportation, lodging, staff salaries, and venue rental are subtracted. In contract negotiations, gross revenue is often used to determine artist royalties, promoter payouts, or splits in collaborative projects.

In short, gross revenue is a key financial indicator in the music industry, offering insight into the overall earning potential of a project or career stage.

Ground Loop

This is a condition that occurs when two or more paths to the ground exist and an unequal voltage is induced in each of the paths causing a buzz, hum, or other noise.

Group

This is a Mixing Desk channel to which a group of audio signals can be routed to allow the treatment and control of the resulting combined signal.

Guerrilla Marketing

Guerrilla marketing is a creative, often unconventional approach to promotion that aims to capture attention and generate buzz with minimal cost. In the music industry, guerrilla marketing tactics are especially popular for independent artists and labels looking to reach audiences without large advertising budgets. This strategy leverages surprise, originality, and community engagement to leave a memorable impact on fans and potential listeners.

Examples of guerrilla marketing in music include street art featuring an artist’s album artwork, pop-up performances in unexpected locations, flash mobs, and social media challenges that encourage fans to spread the word. Another common tactic is “sticker bombing,” where artists place branded stickers in popular areas, allowing their name and logo to appear throughout a city. Digital guerrilla marketing can involve viral content, like humorous or eye-catching videos, or interactive posts that encourage fan participation.

The key to successful guerrilla marketing is creating something unique that encourages organic sharing and word-of-mouth promotion. Since these tactics often break away from traditional advertising norms, they are more likely to attract attention and build excitement, helping an artist stand out in a crowded marketplace.

While guerrilla marketing may be low-cost, it requires creativity, strategic planning, and sometimes a bit of risk-taking. When done well, it can lead to increased fan engagement, brand recognition, and media coverage, offering artists a powerful tool to grow their audience and amplify their presence.

Guitar Neck

A long section of the guitar, normally made of wood, that the strings are stretched over.

Guitar Nut

The guitar nut is a strip, between the fretboard and headstock, on which the guitar strings sit. The nut normally has small notches which are used as guitar string guides.

Guitar Tab

Guitar tab, short for tablature, is a form of musical notation specific to guitar and other stringed instruments. Unlike traditional sheet music, which represents pitch and rhythm on a staff, guitar tabs use a simplified visual format that shows the player exactly where to place their fingers on the instrument’s fretboard.

In a guitar tab, six horizontal lines represent the six strings of the guitar, with the lowest line corresponding to the low E string and the highest line representing the high E string. Numbers placed on these lines indicate which fret to press on each string. For example, a “3” on the bottom line means to press the third fret on the low E string. Tabs may also include symbols for techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends, and harmonics, helping players recreate specific sounds and styles.

Guitar tabs are widely used by beginners and self-taught players because they are easier to read than traditional sheet music, making them a popular tool for learning songs quickly. They’re also common in online music communities, where guitarists share and learn from each other’s transcriptions.

While guitar tabs provide a straightforward way to play songs by showing finger placement, they lack rhythmic notation, meaning players may need to listen to the song to understand timing and tempo. Despite this limitation, guitar tabs remain a go-to resource for guitarists of all levels, making music accessible and easier to learn across genres.