Introduction to Practical Music Theory 🎶

Overview of Music Theory

Pizza Analogy: Think of music theory as a giant pizza. To write and produce music professionally, you only need a small slice of it.
Experience: 15 years of writing music, 10 years producing professionally.
Resources: Video can be rewatched; taking notes and using a piano or music software like Ableton or Logic is helpful.
Paid Course: Available for deeper learning and mentoring.

12 Notes in Western Music
- White Keys: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
- Black Keys: B flat, D flat, E flat, F sharp, A flat
Intervals
- Half Step: Distance between two adjacent notes (e.g., A to B flat)
- Whole Step: Two half steps (e.g., A to B)
Note Naming Conventions: Black notes referred to as flats except for special cases (F sharp).
Review of Notes
- White Keys: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
- Black Keys: B flat, D flat, E flat, F sharp, A flat
Octaves
- Octave: 12 notes apart, same note higher or lower
- A note at 440 Hz and another A at 880 Hz

C Major Scale
- All white notes in a row: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
- Formula: Whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step
C Minor Scale
- Notes: C, D, E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat
- Formula: Whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step
Nashville Number System: Notes in a scale are numbered for easy reference (1 to 7).
Scales in Different Keys
- Formula remains the same across different keys

Definition: A group of typically three or more notes sounded together.
Playing Major and Minor Chords
- Major Chord: 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale
- Minor Chord: Move the 3rd note down a half step
Example: C Major (C, E, G) and C Minor (C, E flat, G)

Introduction: Tell a story with music, evoke emotions
Common Chord Progressions
- Major and Minor Chord Patterns
- Example Songs: "All of Me" by John Legend, "Let It Be" by The Beatles
Chord Numbering
- 1: Major, 2: Minor, 3: Minor, 4: Major, 5: Major, 6: Minor
Using Number System: Allows playing in any key easily

Adding 7ths
- Major 7th (e.g., C Major 7)
- Dominant 7th (e.g., C7 – major 7th lowered by a half step)
- Minor 7th (e.g., C Minor 7)
Adding 2nd Notes: Adds depth and richness to chords
Root and 5th Notes: Adds grounding feel to chords

Playing Notes Outside the Scale
- Augmented Chords (e.g., G augmented in the key of C)
- Major 2nd Chords (make the 2nd chord major)
Using to Transition: Transition between chords and create emotional effects
Examples of Rule-Breaking Chords
- Minor 4th Chords
- Minor 5th Chords
- Major 6th Chords
- Major 3rd Chords

Practice: Start small, focus on fundamental triads and progressions
Learning Feel: Take the time to practice and master; it's like learning a new language
Course Offering: Deeper dive available in a paid course for songwriting, production, mixing, and mastering.