Basic Music Theory
Articles and ideas that center around more basic levels of Western music theory.
A comparison of different musical modes used in different parts of the world
This article looks at the musical modes and scales that have been used in various forms of music for centuries or millennia. Modes are an essential element of many musical…
Should you study music theory? reasons for and against
I get asked and even ask myself sometimes, “should musicians learn music theory?” When I was completing my undergraduate work in Theory and Composition there was always this air of…
What’s counterpoint in music? who what when where & why
During my undergraduate work, counterpoint happened to be one of my favorite topics in music theory (Who am I kidding? I liked them all!). I was a teacher’s assistant and…
The rules of counterpoint: cantus firmus through 5th species
For a more detailed look at each species of counterpoint refer to the related articles below. This article is intended to be a reference and summary of the main “rules”…
4th Species Counterpoint – the art of tension and release
You may not have known it but 4th species counterpoint is a clear articulation of that push and pull of tonal music. Western tonal music developed dissonance consonance relationships that…
I IV V Progression Explained with Examples
In tonal music the I IV V chord progression is a sequence of chords based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th scales degrees. For example, in the key of C…
Major and Minor Scales (there’re only 4 to know)
Some people might say there are 12 major scales (one for each pitch in the 12-note equal temperament system-c c# d d# e f f# g g# a a# b).…
3rd Species Counterpoint – (audio ex) rules and steps
If you do not know about cantus firmus, 1st species counterpoint, or 2nd species counterpoint, check out the following articles first: Cantus Firmus 1st Species Counterpoint 2nd Species Counterpoint In…
7 Music Scales Beyond Major & Minor You Should Know
Learn more about: Whole-tone scale Chromatic scale Hemitonic – pentatonic scale Anhemitonic – pentatonic scale Hexatonic scales Tetratonic scale Octatonic scale
9 Bach Chord Progressions To Use In Your Music
J.S. Bach is one of the greatest composers of all time, so it stands to reason that you are on solid ground using his music for inspiration. Specifically, in this…