In music education, solfège syllables — like Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti — are used to help singers internalize pitch and scale relationships. However, there are two different systems that apply these syllables in very different ways: Movable Do and Fixed Do.
What Is Movable Do?
In the Movable Do system, the syllable “Do” always represents the tonic — the first note of the current scale or key. For example:
- In C major, C is Do.
- In G major, G is Do.
- In F major, F is Do.
This system allows musicians to sing in any key while keeping the same syllables. It emphasizes relative pitch — the relationship between notes in a scale — and makes transposition and ear training much easier.
What Is Fixed Do?
In contrast, the Fixed Do system assigns solfège syllables to specific note names — regardless of the key:
- C is always Do.
- D is always Re.
- E is always Mi.
…and so on.
This method is used in countries like France, Italy, and Japan, and it aligns closely with their spoken note names. It supports absolute pitch recognition, making it especially effective for classical repertoire and orchestral practice.
Note Names vs. Solfège Syllables
This is an important distinction:
- Note names (also called pitch names) like C, D, and E never change. C is always C.
- Solfège syllables (Doh, Re, Mi, etc.) do change, depending on the key.
So in Movable Do, Doh represents the tonic of the current scale — not a fixed pitch.
What About Sharps and Flats?
In Movable Do, chromatic notes are sung using altered syllables, like:
- Do → Di (sharp), Ra (flat)
- Re → Ri, Me
- So → Si, Le
This approach helps you stay anchored in the key while navigating accidentals.
📘 Learn more here:
Why Use Movable Do?
Movable Do is especially effective in music education. It’s the foundation of the Kodály Method, used widely in Europe and North America. By connecting each scale degree with a syllable, students build strong tonal memory, sight-singing, and inner hearing skills.
Whether you’re learning to read music, sing in tune, or understand harmony, Movable Do provides a flexible, intuitive system that grows with your musicianship.
Summary
| Feature | Movable Do | Fixed Do |
|---|---|---|
| “Do” Means | Tonic (scale degree 1) | The note C |
| Changes by key | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Emphasizes | Relative pitch | Absolute pitch |
| Used in | Kodály, U.S., U.K., ear training | France, Italy, Japan, classical training |