Music Theory in 10 Minutes

Introduction

• Goal: Teach core concepts of music theory in 10 minutes
• Key topics: Names of notes, major and minor scales, intervals, chords, key signatures
• Resources: Standard notation and tabs available on Patreon

Musical Notes

• Musical alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
• Notes between (except E-F and B-C) have sharps (#) and flats (b)
• Examples:
  • Ascending: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A
  • Descending: A, Ab, G, Gb, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C, B, Bb, A
• Enharmonic equivalents: Same note, different names (e.g., F# = Gb)

Scales

• Definition: Series of notes connecting an octave
• C Major Scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
  • Formula: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step)
• Minor Scale: Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
  • Example: A Minor Scale
  • Example: D Minor Scale (saddest key)

Intervals

• Definition: Distance between two notes
• Example Intervals:
  • Minor second: C to C# (half step)
  • Major second: C to D (whole step)
• Importance of thirds:
  • Major third: Defines happy tonality
  • Minor third: Defines sad tonality
• List of intervals in an octave available for overachievers

Chords

• Definition: 3 or more notes played together
• Major chords: 1 (root), 3 (major third), 5 (perfect fifth)
  • Example: C Major (C-E-G)
• Minor chords: Major chord with flat 3rd
  • Example: Minor chord by flattening the third
• Diminished chords: Minor chord with flat 5th
• Augmented chords: Major chord with raised 5th
• Example: Augmented chord in "Ride of the Valkyries"

Key Signatures

• Definition: Indicates what notes are in a key
• Circle of Fifths: Diagram illustrating 12 musical keys
  • At 12 o'clock: Key of C (no sharps or flats)
  • Move clockwise: Go up a 5th in musical alphabet
  • Example: C, G, D (C-G is a fifth, G-D is a fifth)
  • Sharps also move in fifths: F#, C#, G#, etc.

Reading Music

• Importance: Essential for understanding complex music
• Staff notes:
  • Lines: E, G, B, D, F (Evil Guys Bring Danger Fun)
  • Spaces: F, A, C, E (FACE)
• Recommendation: Practice reading to reinforce knowledge

Conclusion

• Music theory basics covered
• Key tips: Write it, sing it, say it, play it
• Resources: Full tabs, scale bible, chord bible on Patreon
• Encouragement to continue learning and practicing music theory