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Quick Guide to Music Theory Basics

May 2, 2025

Music Theory Crash Course

Introduction

  • Goal: Teach music theory in 10 minutes
  • Music theory vs. Rocket science joke
  • Core concepts:
    • Names of notes
    • Major and minor scales
    • Intervals
    • Chords
    • Key signatures

Musical Notes

  • Musical alphabet: A to G (A-B-C-D-E-F-G)
  • No notes named Z or W
  • Sharps and flats between each note except between E & F, B & C
  • Example: A-A#-B-C-C#-D-D#-E-F-F#-G-G#-A
  • Descending example with flats: A-Ab-G-Gb-F-E-Eb-D-Db-C-B-Bb-A
  • Enharmonic Equivalents: F# = Gb, applicable to all sharp/flat pairs

Scales

  • Definition: Series of notes connecting an octave
  • C Major Scale: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
  • Formula: Whole (W) and Half (H) steps
    • Major Scale: W-W-H-W-W-W-H
    • Minor Scale: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
  • Examples:
    • C major scale demo
    • A minor scale in D minor

Intervals

  • Definition: Distance between two notes
  • Examples:
    • C to C# = Half step (minor 2nd)
    • C to D = Whole step (major 2nd)
  • Importance of thirds:
    • Major third for happy mood
    • Minor third for a somber mood
  • Comprehensive overview of intervals within an octave

Chords

  • Definition: 3+ notes played together
  • Major Chords: Uplifting, consist of 1st, 3rd, and 5th (e.g., C-E-G)
  • Minor Chords: More somber, flatten the 3rd
  • Diminished Chords: Flatten the 5th of a minor chord
  • Augmented Chords: Raise the 5th of a major chord
  • Use in genres: Metal, Classical, Horror

Key Signatures

  • Purpose: Indicate notes in a key
  • Circle of 5ths:
    • Diagram of 12 musical keys
    • Clockwise movement = up a 5th
    • Example: C -> G -> D
    • Sharps are also a 5th apart: F#-C#-G#
  • Importance of understanding keys

Reading Music

  • Notation doesn't make you a musician but aids in learning
  • Staff Notes:
    • Lines: E-G-B-D-F (Acronym: Evil Guys Bring Danger Fun)
    • Spaces: F-A-C-E (Spells "FACE")
  • Importance for understanding compositions by famous musicians
  • Recommended practice for musicians

Conclusion

  • Basics of music theory covered
  • Not as hard as rocket science but requires practice
  • Advice: Write, sing, say, play
  • Resources:
    • Patreon for further lessons and materials
    • Scale and Chord bibles available
  • Encouragement to "stay evil"