Fa
/fɑː/noun
The fourth note of the modern solfège scale, corresponding to the fourth degree of a major scale.
Did you know?The syllable fa was created by Guido of Arezzo from the opening words “Famuli tuorum,” part of a medieval hymn used to teach singers the scale.
Etymological Timeline
8th Century
Latin
Famuli tuorum
““Your servants,” the opening phrase of a hymn to Saint John the Baptist”
11th Century
Medieval Latin
Fa
“A solmization syllable extracted from the hymn phrase “Famuli””
c. 1025–1030
Italian/Latin
Fa
“Guido of Arezzo used it as the fourth syllable in his teaching system for vocal music”
16th Century
Italian
Fa
“Established as the fourth note in the developing solfège system”
17th Century
English
Fa
“An adopted musical note name in English”
Modern English
English
fa
“The fourth degree of the major scale, traditionally sung between mi and sol”
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