Pronunciation: [fˈɪfθs] (IPA) 
The word "fifths" is spelled with a "th" ending, although its pronunciation may suggest a "fifths" with an "s" sound. This is due to the "th" being a voiceless dental fricative, which means the tongue is placed between the teeth and air is released with a slight hissing sound. The IPA transcription for "fifths" is /fɪfθs/. It is important to remember the correct spelling and pronunciation of words to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Fifths, in the field of music theory and composition, commonly refers to intervals or chords that are separated by a distance of five scale steps. The term "fifths" primarily applies to the Western tonal system, specifically to the concept of perfect fifths. A perfect fifth is an interval formed by two pitches that are seven semitones apart. For instance, C to G or F to C are perfect fifths.
In classical and popular music, the perfect fifth is considered a strong and stable interval due to its consonant and harmonic qualities. It appears frequently in melodies, harmonies, chord progressions, and key structures, providing a sense of balance and resolution. The most widely used tuning system in Western music, known as equal temperament, ensures that the frequency ratio between two pitches forming a perfect fifth is precisely 3:2.
Furthermore, the term "fifths" can also refer to a type of chord progression called the circle of fifths. This progression involves moving through a sequence of chords where each root note is a perfect fifth below the next. The circle of fifths is often utilized to create musical tension and resolution, as it establishes key relationships and can lead to modulation or tonal changes.
In summary, within the realm of music theory, "fifths" represents intervals or chords that are encompassed by a distance of five scale steps, most notably perfect fifths. Whether as a standalone interval or as part of chord progressions such as the circle of fifths, the concept of fifths plays a crucial role in Western tonal music.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "fifths" has its etymology rooted in the numeral "fifth" and the genitive suffix "-s". The term "fifth" comes from the Old English word "fīfta" or "fīftathe", which means "the ordinal number fifth". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*fimftô", which signifies "fifth" as well. This Proto-Germanic term, in turn, originates from the Proto-Indo-European root "*penkʷe", meaning "five". The addition of the genitive suffix "-s" forms "fifths", as it indicates plurality or possession.
