Solfege Explained: Do Re Mi, Fixed Do vs Movable Do
By Solfa Theory · Published: 26 October 2026 · Updated: 26 October 2026
Quick answer: what is solfege?
Solfege is a way of naming the notes of a scale with syllables: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti. Instead of saying note letters, you sing the syllable that matches each note's role in the scale. It is one of the most useful tools for ear training, singing in tune and reading music at sight.
The seven syllables
The major scale in solfege goes: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do. If you have ever sung "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music, you already know the sound of a major scale. Each syllable stands for a scale degree: do is the first note (the tonic), re the second, mi the third, and so on up to ti, the seventh, which leads back to do an octave higher.
According to Wikipedia's article on solfège, the system is a mnemonic used to train the ear, to sing and to read Western music. Hearing a note as "mi" or "sol" gives your ear a name for the sound, which is far easier to remember than a random pitch.
Fixed do vs movable do
There are two main ways to use the syllables, and they work quite differently.
| Fixed do | Movable do | |
|---|---|---|
| What "do" means | Always the note C | Always the home note (tonic) of the key |
| What changes with the key | Nothing: syllables stay on the same pitches | The syllables move with the key |
| Best for | Naming absolute pitches | Hearing how notes relate inside a key |
| Common in | Many countries with Romance and Slavic languages | English-speaking countries and the Kodaly method |
An example: in the key of G major, movable do calls G "do" and F sharp "ti". Fixed do would still call G "sol". Movable do lets you sing a tune in any key with the same syllables, which is why many teachers favour it for ear training. Fixed do is handy for reading note names on a staff (UK: stave).
Chromatic syllables
Notes outside the major scale get their own syllables in movable do. Raised notes use an "i" sound: di, ri, fi, si, li. Lowered notes use "a" or "e": ra, me, se, le, te. For instance, the minor third of a scale is "me" and the flattened seventh is "te". Some systems use alternative spellings, so do not worry if your teacher uses slightly different ones.
Where it comes from
The history is short and interesting. In the 11th century, the music teacher Guido of Arezzo named the notes of a six-note pattern after the first syllables of lines in a Latin hymn, which gave ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la. Later, ut was replaced by do because it is easier to sing, and a seventh syllable was added. In many English-speaking countries it became "ti" so that each syllable starts with a different letter. Some details of this story are debated by historians, but the main line is well documented.
Why solfege helps
- Ear training: you learn to recognise a sound by its function in the key, not just its pitch. See how to train your ear.
- Singing in tune: the syllables give you a target to aim for. For more, read music theory for singers.
- Intervals: each jump has a recognisable feel, such as do to sol. Learn them in intervals explained.
- Sight-reading: you can "hear" a line on the page before you play it.
How to practise solfege
- Sing the major scale up and down with a piano note or drone under it. Use the online piano to find do.
- Pick three notes, such as do, mi and sol, and sing them in random order.
- Sing a simple tune you know, naming each note by syllable.
- Play a note and sing which syllable you think it is. For chords, try identifying chords by ear.
Five minutes a day is enough. Add it to your 15-minute daily practice routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is solfege?
Solfege (also called solfa or solfeggio) is a system that gives each note of a scale a syllable: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti. Singers and musicians use it to hear, sing and read pitches.
What is the difference between fixed do and movable do?
In fixed do, each syllable is tied to a particular pitch, so do is always C. In movable do, do is always the home note (tonic) of the key, so the syllables move when the key changes.
Which one should I learn, fixed do or movable do?
If your goal is to hear how notes relate inside a key, movable do is usually the easier route and is common in English-speaking countries. Fixed do is common in many countries with Romance languages. Choose whichever your teacher or choir uses.
Is it ti or si?
Both exist. Si is the older form and is still used in fixed-do countries. Ti is used in many English-speaking countries so that every syllable starts with a different letter.
Where does do re mi come from?
The syllables trace back to the 11th-century music teacher Guido of Arezzo, who named notes after the first syllables of lines in a Latin hymn. Ut later became do because it is easier to sing.
Does solfege help with ear training?
Yes. Linking each scale degree to a syllable gives your ear a label for the sound, which makes it easier to recognise melodies, sing at sight and write down what you hear.
Where to go next
Once solfege feels natural, try major vs minor scales to hear how "me" and "le" change the mood, or read ear training vs music theory to see how the two fit together. New to the subject? Start with music theory for beginners.