Learn Music Theory

Fundamentals Intervals Scales Chords Progressions Harmony

Fundamentals of Music

What is Music Theory?

Music theory is the study of the practices and possibilities of music. It describes how music is made, how it is structured, and how it is understood.

Key Point: Music theory is not a set of rules - it is a way of describing what composers and musicians have done.

Why Learn Music Theory?

Communication: Speak the same language as other musicians
Composition: Understand how to create effective music
Analysis: Deepen your appreciation of music
Improvisation: Learn the grammar of music

Pitch and Frequency

Sound is produced by vibrations. The frequency of a vibration (measured in Hertz) determines the pitch we hear.

Standard Reference: A440

The note A4 is standardized at 440 Hz. All other pitches are relative to this.

Note Names

In Western music, we use seven note names: A, B, C, D, E, F, G

Intervals

What is an Interval?

An interval is the distance between two pitches. Intervals are the building blocks of melody and harmony.

Remember: Intervals are always measured from the lower pitch to the higher pitch (ascending).

Interval Naming

Number	Name	Semitones	Example
1	Unison	0	C - C
2	Minor 2nd	1	C - Db
2	Major 2nd	2	C - D
3	Minor 3rd	3	C - Eb
3	Major 3rd	4	C - E
4	Perfect 4th	5	C - F
4	Tritone	6	C - Gb
5	Perfect 5th	7	C - G
6	Minor 6th	8	C - Ab
6	Major 6th	9	C - A
7	Minor 7th	10	C - Bb
7	Major 7th	11	C - B
8	Octave	12	C - C

Scales

What is a Scale?

A scale is an ordered sequence of pitches. Scales provide the vocabulary of notes for a particular musical context.

Key Concept: A scale root is the note the scale is named after and typically feels like home.

The Major Scale

The major scale is the most fundamental scale in Western music.

Pattern: W-W-H-W-W-W-H

W = Whole step (2 semitones), H = Half step (1 semitone)

C Major Scale

C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C

Use the Scales Explorer to hear and visualize the major scale in all keys!

The Natural Minor Scale

The natural minor scale has a darker, sadder sound than the major scale.

Pattern: W-H-W-W-H-W-W

A Natural Minor Scale

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A

Chords

What is a Chord?

A chord is three or more notes played simultaneously. Chords provide the harmonic foundation of music.

Key Concept: The root of a chord is the note the chord is named after. The quality describes the type of chord.

Triads

The most basic chord type consists of three notes: the root, third, and fifth.

Quality	Abbreviation	Intervals	Sound	Example
Major	maj	1 - 3 - 5	Bright, stable	C-E-G
Minor	min or m	1 - b3 - 5	Dark, sad	C-Eb-G
Diminished	dim	1 - b3 - b5	Tense, unstable	C-Eb-Gb
Augmented	aug	1 - 3 - #5	Mysterious	C-E-G#

Explore different chord qualities using the Chord Builder!

Seventh Chords

Adding a seventh above the root creates more complex harmonies.

Type	Symbol	Notes	Sound
Major 7th	maj7	1 - 3 - 5 - 7	Dreamy, smooth
Dominant 7th	7	1 - 3 - 5 - b7	Bluesy
Minor 7th	min7	1 - b3 - 5 - b7	Soft, mellow
Diminished 7th	dim7	1 - b3 - b5 - bb7	Very tense

Chord Progressions

What is a Chord Progression?

A chord progression is a sequence of chords that creates the harmonic structure of a piece of music.

Key Concept: Roman numerals indicate the scale degree of each chord. Uppercase = major, lowercase = minor.

Common Progressions

I - IV - V - I

The most fundamental progression

C - F - G - C

I - V - vi - IV

The pop progression

C - G - Am - F

ii - V - I

The jazz essential

Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7

I - vi - IV - V

50s progression

C - Am - F - G

Analyze and create progressions with the Progression Analyzer!

Harmony

Consonance and Dissonance

Consonance sounds stable and restful. Dissonance sounds tense and needs to resolve.

Consonant Intervals

Perfect Unison (P1)
Perfect Octave (P8)
Perfect Fifth (P5)
Perfect Fourth (P4)
Major Third (M3)
Minor Third (m3)

Dissonant Intervals

Minor Second (m2)
Major Second (M2)
Tritone (TT)
Minor Seventh (m7)
Major Seventh (M7)

Functional Harmony

Chords are classified by their function - how they relate to the tonic.

Tonic (T)

Home base. Chords: I, iii, vi

Subdominant (SD)

Moving away from home. Chords: IV, ii

Dominant (D)

Creates tension. Chords: V, vii

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