Have you ever wondered how musicians effortlessly create melodies and harmonies, or what is a scale degree? Scale degrees are fundamental to grasping music theory, helping you understand the structure of music more efficiently. A scale in music theory is a sequence of notes played in ascending or descending order with a specific interval structure. …
Scale degrees explained: know your musical notes Read More »
Music theory is the toolbox every musician uses and whatever level you’re at you can always learn something new and exciting to add to it. Theory is an essential aspect of music that provides a foundation for understanding the mechanics and structure of music. One of the most useful concepts in music theory is the …
Circle of fifths: how It works and why it matters Read More »
Have you ever looked at a piece of piano music and noticed that it is split into two parts? These two parts show the treble clef and bass clef. Together these clefs describe which notes to play in which hands. Most beginners learn to read the treble clef first. This means that much less time …
Mastering bass clef: a guide to notes & reading Read More »
When exploring major and minor chords and scales, you’ll notice that these two tonalities form the main foundation of harmony in Western music. Whether you’re building a chord progression or analyzing a melody, understanding the differences between major and minor chords is essential knowledge for every pianist. What is the difference between major and minor …
The main differences between major and minor chords Read More »
To play the A major piano chord, begin by locating the note A, which is the note prior to the last of the three black keys. Once you’ve found it, combine A with C♯ and E to create the A major chord. A major notes The A major chord is made up of three notes: …
A major piano chord: How to play A major chord on piano? Read More »
Modes are part of the basic building blocks of Western music theory. If you’ve ever heard a music teacher talk about modes you may well have noticed that they all have Greek names. These musical modes come from the earliest days of music history. Put simply, a mode is a type of scale, just like …
Musical modes: what are they and how do they function? Read More »
Dotted notes are a fundamental concept in music theory, playing a crucial role in shaping the rhythm and structure of musical compositions. They introduce a level of rhythmic complexity that enhances the expressiveness of music. What are dotted notes? A dotted note is a musical notation that indicates a note should be played for a …
The comprehensive guide to dotted notes in music Read More »
Bebop scales are a secret weapon in the arsenal of jazz musicians. These scales bridge the gap between complex harmonic theory and fluid improvisation. What exactly are bebop scales and how can you use them to create that swinging jazz sound? In this article we will dive deep into the theory behind bebop scales, explore …
Bebop scales and how to use them? Read More »
Ever heard a song with a strange, beautiful harmony that felt unique and sophisticated? Chances are, polychords had something to do with it. Polychords are a secret weapon that can add rich layers and harmonic variation to any piece of music. In this guide, we will break down polychords, teach you how to play them …
Polychords: playing multiple chords together Read More »
Have you ever listened to a piece of music where every note seems to glide effortlessly into the next as if they were made for each other? That seamless, natural flow isn’t accidental, it’s a musical concept known as voice leading. Whether you’re working through classical masterpieces or modern pop hits, understanding voice leading will …
What is voice leading? Read More »
Piano accompaniment plays a crucial role in music, providing a strong, supportive base for soloists, ensembles, and vocalists. It adds depth and texture to a performance, complementing the main melody while enhancing the overall sound. Mastering piano accompaniment requires learning various techniques and patterns that seamlessly blend with the lead part, creating a cohesive musical …
What is piano accompaniment and how to master it? Read More »
Harmony is one of the basic building blocks of music. Chords and chord progression have a profound emotional impact on the way we experience music and the tendencies of chords have been well studied. But what happens when we flip harmony on its head? Enter negative harmony, a concept that’s been creating a buzz among …
What is negative harmony in music? Read More »
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