Ascend note by note? (5)
I believe the answer is:
scale
This clue might be a double definition.
'ascend' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)
'note by note?' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scale that I've seen before include "Ratio between size and representation, on map say" , "Measure" , "See 23" , "Need balance" , "Part of fish/reptile skin" .)