Advanced Music Theory Lesson 2: Scale Tendencies

Now that we have introduced all of the modes, let’s look at what roles individual notes take in these scales. In a tonal context, they all have certain tendencies.

Stable Tones: (1,3,5)

Tonic:

The tonic is the 1st degree of the scale. All other notes are based around the tonic and gravitate towards [...]

Advanced Music Theory Lesson 1: The Modes

As we discussed in previous lessons, the Major scale is also know as Ionian and the Minor scale as Aeolian. We also know that the relative minor is the major scale starting from it’s 6th degree. The scales starting from all of the other degrees will now be introduced. This group of scales is known [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 7: Chords, Harmonizing the C major scale adding the 7th note

Just like we did in lesson 6, we are again going to harmonize the C major scale except this time, rather than just using triads (3 notes) we are going to use 4 notes.
To harmonize the scale, we simply take the 1st 3rd, [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 6: Chords, Harmonizing the C major scale with basic triads

In this lesson, you are going to have to start using some of the concepts learned in lessons 1 – 5.

What we are going to do is “harmonize” the C major scale.
To harmonize the scale, we simply [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 5: Chords, basic triads

Hopefully in lessons 1 through 4, you have seen that there is a “logic” or “formula” that can be applied to work out major scales in all the keys. While memorizing all the scales [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 4: Major Scales Part 3, the b keys

In lesson 3, starting with the key of C, we used the Cycle of  Fifths to work our way through all of the subsequent keys that use sharps. We learned that there is a specific order of [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 3: Major Scales Part 2, the # keys

At this point it is safe to say that we now know most of the mathematics behind the major scale.  As we have seen, the C major scale (or key of C) has no sharps or flats.  [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 2B: Minor Scale Construction

The minor scale (also called Aeolian)  is a major scale with its 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees flattened.
As we saw in lesson 2 (major scales part 1), the placement of tones and semi-tones is what gives each type of scale its individual sound.
If we take the C Major scale and flatten the 3rd, 6th, and [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 2: Major Scales Part 1

MAJOR SCALE CONSTRUCTION

The major scale (also called Ionian) is the building block from which all other scales and chords are derived.  There are two rules which must be followed when building a major scale.
1. All major scales must consist of [...]

Basic Music Theory Lesson 1: The Basics

The following information must be understood before going on to the various subjects discussed in this study. Work at your own pace to memorize these next pieces of information.
Semitone: (also called a half step)
The distance [...]