I read through this out of sheer curiosity, commenting here only to offer kudos.

The readability of and clarity in your explanation so that any rank beginner could comprehend and understand the answer to William MG's question rates an A+ Christopher. Two thumbs up!

Seems to me that it'd be a common beginner inquiry even if many don't post to ask as William MG did. Perhaps it should be pinned in the Music Theory sub-forum so it presents noticeably at the top?