The list of words below is in a particular order. Can you determine the reason for this order?

1. NOR
2. QUEST
3. RAGE
4. MINE
5. LACE
6. GOON
7. TAN
8. SAGE

HINTS:
#1: Each word can be prefixed by two letters.
#2: Words 1 and 8 are prefixed by the same two letters.
#3: The eight two-letter prefixes form a very common sequence.

Answer:

The eight words can be prefixed by the eight notes of the musical scale:

1. DOnor
2. REquest
3. MIrage
4. FAmiine
5. SOlace
6. LAgoon
7. TItan
8. DOsage