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 it. Dominant: The dominant is the 5th degree. This is a solid or stable note. Third degree: The 3rd degree is stable; however, it is not as stable as the tonic or the … [Read more...]
Advanced Music Theory Lesson 1: The Modes
May 7, 2009 by 2 Comments
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 as "the modes". Lets start in the key of C. If we re-spell the C Major scale (Ionian) starting from each subsequent degree in the scale, we end up with the following: Mode … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 7: Chords, Harmonizing the C major scale adding the 7th note
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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, 5th and 7th notes of the C scale and spell them out. C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C C E G B Then we start again from the 2nd note in the scale and count the 1st, 3rd , 5th and 7th notes from that point. C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D F A C … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 6: Chords, Harmonizing the C major scale with basic triads
April 8, 2009 by 2 Comments
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 take the 1st 3rd and 5th note of the C scale and spell them out. C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C C E G Then we start again from the 2nd note in the scale and again count the 1st 3rd and 5th note from that point. C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D F A Again from the 3rd note in the scale, count the 1st 3rd … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 5: Chords, basic triads
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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 in all the keys is useful, in my opinion, it is more important to memorize the logic behind how they are derived. Similarly, there are formulas that can be applied to determine or construct any chord in any key. What is a triad? A triad is a combination of three notes … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 4: Major Scales Part 3, the b keys
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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 sharps that can be remembered with the sentence Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle. To work our way through the flat keys we will use .. The Cycle of Fourths. Again, lets go back to the key of C which has no sharps or flats and this time count up 4 natural notes … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 3: Major Scales Part 2, the # keys
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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. The G Major Scale (or key of G) has one sharp, F#. Logically the next major scale (or key) should have two sharps. Since it does, it is necessary for us to find out what that next key is and all the subsequent keys thereafter. In order to do so, we will use ... The Cycle of … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 2B: Minor Scale Construction
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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 7th degrees, we get the following placement of tones and semi-tones. If you were to start on any note and apply this order of tones and semi-tones ( T, ST, T, T, ST, T, T) you would end up playing … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 2: Major Scales Part 1
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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 two tetrachords connected by a tone: This is the C major scale. 2. All major scales must follow an alphabetical order. This is the G major scale. Notice the F#. As you learned in lesson 1, F# … [Read more...]
Basic Music Theory Lesson 1: The Basics
April 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment
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 between any note and the 1st note right after it on your instrument. Tone: (also called a whole tone or full step) The distance between any note and the 2nd note right after it on your instrument. Symbols: # Sharp When this … [Read more...]
