The principle of organization around a central tone is called

The principle of organization around a central tone is called tonality. The two scale types commonly found in Western music from about 1650 to 1900 are major and minor.

1. What is the central tone called?
2. Is the first and central note of a scale the principle of organization around a central note is called?
3. Which term describes a combination of tones that sounds discordant or in need of resolution?
4. What is the simultaneous sounding of three or more pitches called?

What is the central tone called?

The keynote, or tonic, of a melody is the central tone of the melody.

Is the first and central note of a scale the principle of organization around a central note is called?

the principle of organization around a central note, the tonic, is called tonality.

Which term describes a combination of tones that sounds discordant or in need of resolution?

Dissonance. A combination of tones that sounds discordant and unstable, in need of resolution.

What is the simultaneous sounding of three or more pitches called?

Harmony is the simultaneous sounding of two or more different tones. It can refer to the simultaneous intervals generated by polyphony, or to the chords (three or more tones sounded at the same time) or drone accompanying the melody.