Neumes are a form of musical notation used in early Western music, particularly Gregorian chant. They were not precise pitch notations like modern notation, but rather provided a general indication of the melodic contour and rhythm.
There are different types of neumes, with varying levels of precision:
* Simple neumes: Indicate a single note or a simple melodic movement (up or down).
* Compound neumes: Indicate a series of notes, often with a more complex melodic shape.
* Pneumatic neumes: Use combinations of simple and compound neumes to express more complex melodies.
Neumes were later replaced by more precise forms of notation, but they played an important role in the development of Western music.