Crossword Genius

Ascend note by note? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scale

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'ascend' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'note by note?' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them 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" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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