Category: Basic Music Theory
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Relative Minor and Major Keys – a quick reference guide
Here are the relative and parallel minor and major keys for every key signature. I also explain below how these key relationships are derived.
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2nd Species Counterpoint – composition for two voices
2nd species counterpoint is two notes against one. Meaning the cantus firmus is a whole note and the counterpoint consists of two half notes.
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What is music analysis? What’s it good for?
Music analysis is a powerful tool used to understand how and why music works. Analysis can be used for a variety of reasons by musicians of any genre. Using classical music theory and/or other techniques, music around the world can be better understood.
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Music theory and math – understanding connections
This idea that music is math or at least mathematical, is one that I encountered often at the university. To be fair, virtually anything can or does involve numbers and math. But music shares a famous truism with math, they’re both “universal languages”. Whether both deserve that “universal” status could be debated but there must…
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1st Species Counterpoint – a foundation for two voices
In this article you will learn how to write a 1st species counterpoint in 6 steps. I also strive to bring a deeper understanding around some of the “whys” of this practice.
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What is Cantus Firmus Counterpoint? – how it improves any creative musician
Yes, learning counterpoint is an old way composers have learned the basics of composition but I believe it is a skill all composers, songwriters, and producers should have in their tool belt. Cantus firmus literally means “fixed melody” which just means the main melodic line that all other voices will be based on. Think of…
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How to use a diminished chord
You know your major and minor chords and have heard of this diminished chord but are unsure how to use it in your music. I break down what a diminished triad is and provide a few examples on how it can function in music. Typically, a diminished chord is used to create tension and a…