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"