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Gospel Instruments => General Music Hangout => Topic started by: T-Block on July 12, 2006, 07:13:21 AM

Title: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on July 12, 2006, 07:13:21 AM: I keep seeing people asking the question, "Where do I start?" Well, you start by learning as much music theory as you can. Music starts in you mind, so that's where you should start. Make sure to learn all your black and white notes on your keyboard before you do anything. If you don't know your notes, you gonna have a hard time. After that, start with information on scales, progressions, and basic chords. Here is a little Basic Music Theory page for you:

BASIC MUSIC THEORY

Keyboard make-up

The keyboard uses the first 7 letters of the alphabet: A B C D E F G

A piano/keyboard is made up of black and white notes. The white notes are the regular letters. The black notes can mean 2 different things. As u move up the keyboard, from left to right, the black notes are indicated by #, which means sharp. So, the first black note after F going up the keyboard is F#, and the next black note is G#, etc. As u move down the keyboard, from right to left, the black notes are indicated by b, which means flat. So, the last black note before B going down the keyboard is Bb, and the next black note is Ab, etc. Make sure you know your notes.

Hands and its members

When u sit down to play the keyboard, of course u are using 2 hands, Left Hand and Right Hand. On each hand there are 5 fingers. Each finger has a number (same for both hands):

Thumb = 1 Index = 2 Middle = 3 Ring = 4 Pinky = 5

Movement on the keyboard

The first movement is a half step (HS). A half step is from one key to the very next key, regardless of color or direction. Here are some examples: F to F#, F# to F, B to C, C to B, D to Eb, Eb to D, etc.

The second movement is a whole step (WS). A whole step is from one key to the very next key w/one in between, regardless of color of direction. Here are some examples: F to G, G to F, B to C#, C# to B, Db to Eb, Eb to Db, etc.

All other movement on the keyboard is a combination of half and whole steps.

Flats (b) and Sharps (#)

Whenever you flat (b) a note, it means to lower that note 1/2 step. No matter how many flats (b) you see, for each one you lower the note 1/2 step. Here are some examples:

Bb = B lowered 1/2 step
Bbb = B lowered two 1/2 steps
Bbbb = B lowered three 1/2 steps
etc.

Whenever you sharp (#) a note, it means to raise that note 1/2 step. No matter how many sharps (#) you see, for each one you raise the note 1/2 step. Here are some examples:

B# = B raised 1/2 step
B## = B raisedtwo 1/2 steps
B### = B raised three 1/2 steps
etc.

Major scales

A scale is simply a group of notes that start and end on the same note. There are many, many types of scales involved in music, but the most basic scale is the major scale. The pattern for forming a major scale is:

First, pick a note. Then: _WS _ WS _ HS _ WS _ WS _ WS _ HS _

Here's a link to all the major scales: http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,17060.0.html

Scale Degrees

After you have formed your major scale, each note in the major scale gets a number called a scale degree. The first note is 1, the second note is 2, etc. Here is an example in the key of C:

C = 1
D = 2
E = 3
F = 4
G = 5
A = 6
B = 7

Now, those are the scale degrees for the first octave. You can also keep going past an octave and scale degrees increase as well. Example:

C = 8
D = 9
E = 10
F = 11
G = 12
A = 13

As far as I know, this is as high as the scale degrees go in modern day practice. The purpose for these scale degrees is to help you with forming different types of chords and naming progressions.

Chord Forming

Chords are built using the intervals of 3rds, i.e. every member of a chord is a 3rd apart. Here is an illustration of how it's done:

1. Lay out all the notes that are used on the keyboard or in a major scale:

A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E

2. Pick a note that you want to form a chord on and write it down. This note will be your root note:

C

3. Once you got a root note, write down every other note after it:

C E G B D F A

The first 3 notes played together is your basic triad chord. (C-E-G)
The first 4 notes played together is your basic 7th chord. (C-E-G-B)
The first 5 notes played together is your basic 9th chord. (C-E-G-B-D)
The first 6 notes played together is your basic 11th chord. (C-E-G-B-D)
All 7 notes played together is your basic 13th chord. (C-E-G-B-D-F)

That's all there is to forming a chord. So, if you want to build a triad off A, you just say A-C-E. If you want to build a triad off B, you just say B-D-F.

4 basic types of chords

There are 4 basic types of chords that are the basis for all the chords used in music. They are major, minor, augmented, diminished. To add to the diminished chord, there is also the fully diminished chord. So really I guess u can say there are 5 basic types of chords. Forming each of these types of chords goes back to the principle of scale degrees. We use scale degrees so that forming these chords can be universal for any chord in any key.

major: 1 3 5
minor: 1 b3 5
diminshed: 1 b3 b5
*fully diminshed: 1 b3 b5 bb7 *just an extension of the regular diminished chord
augmented: 1 3 #5

For help on learning, practicing, and playing these basic chords, here are some links for ya:

Basic Chord Fingerings: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,16403.0.html

Basic Chords Practice: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,22023.0.html

Other chords:

major 7th: 1 3 5 7
dominant 7th (V7): 1 3 5 b7
minor 7th: 1 b3 5 b7
6th: 1 3 5 6
add9th: 1 2 3 5
9th: 1 3 5 b7 9
11th: 1 3 5 b7 9 11
13th: 1 3 5 b7 9 11 13
*Each of these chords can also be altered by sharping (#) or flatting (b) a note(s) to form even more chords

Chords built off scale degrees (major mode)

This special group of chords will be your main arsenal of chords to use in your music. If you are stuggling with what chord to play with a bass note, you start with these chords:

1 (I) = Major
2 (ii) = minor
3 (iii) = minor
4 (IV) = Major
5 (V) = Major
6 (vi) = minor
7 (vii) = diminished

Examples in the key of C:

1 (I) = C-E-G
2 (ii) = D-F-A
3 (iii) = E-G-B
4 (IV) = F-A-C
5 (V) = G-B-D
6 (vi) = A-C-E
7 (vii) = B-D-F

Inversions

Look at those basic chords, what if we were to play those same chords, but switch up the order of the notes. This is where inversions come from. An inversion is just switching the order of the members of a chord. How do u invert a chord? You invert a chord by taking the first letter and moving it to the end. Depending on how many notes there are in the chord, there can be many inversions. Here they are:

3-note chords: 4-note chords: 5-note chords:
root position = x y z root position = w x y z root position = v w x y z
1st inversion = y z x 1st inversion = x y z w 1st inversion = w x y z v
2nd inversion = z x y 2nd inversion = y z w x 2nd inversion = x y z v w
3rd inversion = z w x y 3rd inversion = y z v w x
4th inversion = z v w x y

Intervals

The term interval refers to the distance between 2 notes. Here is a little breakdown of intervals used in music:

Intervals of 1, 4, and 5

These three intervals are the only intervals that get the name perfect intervals. Here are examples of these:

C-C = perfect unison
C-F = perfect 4th
C-G = perfect 5th

Now, let's say for instance you decide to raise the last note by 1/2 step:

C-F#

Do you still have a perfect 4th? No, now u have what is called an augmented 4th. Anytime you raise the last note of a perfect interval it becomes an augmented unison, 4th, or 5th:

C-C# = aumented unison
C-F# = augmented 4th (tritone)
C-G = augmented 5th

Now, let's say for instance you decided to lower the last note by 1/2 step:

C-Fb

Do you still have a perfect 4th? No, now u have what is called a diminished 4th. Anytime you lower the last note of a perfect interval it becomes a diminished unison, 4th, or 5th:

C-Cb = diminished unison
C-Fb = diminished 4th
C-Gb = diminished 5th (tritone)

Intervals of 2, 3, 6, 7

These intervals are different from the other 3 cuz they can be major, minor, augmented, or diminshed intervals. First, I'll show the major intervals:

C-D = major 2nd
C-E = major 3rd
C-A = major 6th
C-B = major 7th

Now, to make these intervals minor, just lower the last note of the major interval 1/2 step:

C-Db = minor 2nd
C-Eb = minor 3rd
C-Ab = minor 6th
C-Bb = minor 7th

Now, to make these intervals augmented, just raise the last note or the major interal 1/2 step:

C-D# = augmented 2nd
C-E# = augmented 3rd
C-A# = augmented 6th
C-B# = augmented 7th

Now, to make these intervals diminished, just lower the last note or the major interal 1 whole step:

C-Dbb = diminshed 2nd
C-Ebb = diminished 3rd
C-Abb = diminished 6th
C-Bbb = diminished 7th

After you have reached the diminshed and augmented intervals, if the notes are raised or lowered again, it then becomes doubly augmented or diminished, triple augmented or diminished intervals, etc.

Progressions

For help with progressions, here are some links for ya:

Basic Progressions: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,15720.0.html

More Advanced Progressions: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,15731.0.html

Progressions Practice Routine: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,18903.0.html

Progressions Practice Routine #2: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,31384.0.html

Progressions Practice Routine #3: http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,36503.0.html

Explaining Progressions: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,18550.0.html

Explaining Progressions part 2: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,31163.0.html

Explaining Progressions part 3: http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,33036.0.html
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: MikaSue on July 12, 2006, 07:23:25 AM: This is awesome T-Block. A good form of reference for beginners and advanced musicians.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: booseb on July 15, 2006, 07:06:39 AM: thanks so much. ur such a help. i have 1 question though. how do we form runs for these progressions
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on July 15, 2006, 03:37:39 PM: Runs come from scales. So, you have to experiment with the different types of scales to come up with runs. Progressions won't help you here.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: jonesl78 on July 17, 2006, 10:53:11 AM: This is some really good stuff!!! You just shared hundreds of dollars, maybe even thousands of dollars in music lessons. God bless you bruh!!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Cherri on July 17, 2006, 01:20:10 PM: Yes it is..
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: mrs.smith on July 17, 2006, 09:26:59 PM: THANKS MR.TBLOCK! :D my ADD self even figured most of this out :) I've never been able to explain how I played- I have just been plunking along. I'm trying to learn more of the chording and theory-THANKS! Be Blessed ;D
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: vtguy84 on July 17, 2006, 09:31:32 PM: Thank you T-Block
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: ctbone1963 on July 18, 2006, 08:00:37 AM: Thanks T-block....this is a blessing....I am a newbie...but have been taken lessons by ear for about 8 months....if you only knew what kind of blessing this site is to me.....I have a church wanting to pick me up but I turned them down.....not that I can't play but I want to come before him in full garment (parable of the wedding feast)...this site was a GOD send...and I am playing and learning an arsenol of songs and things to prepare me for the task master hands....thank you so much and may GOD bless you and others from the site.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: vtguy84 on July 18, 2006, 08:02:06 AM: Quote from: ctbone1963 on July 18, 2006, 08:00:37 AM
Thanks T-block....this is a blessing....I am a newbie...but have been taken lessons by ear for about 8 months....if you only knew what kind of blessing this site is to me.....I have a church wanting to pick me up but I turned them down.....not that I can't play but I want to come before him in full garment (parable of the wedding feast)...this site was a GOD send...and I am playing and learning an arsenol of songs and things to prepare me for the task master hands....thank you so much and may GOD bless you and others from the site.

Welcome to LGM!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on July 18, 2006, 12:52:34 PM: You are all welcome, I'm happy to share my knowledge with each of you!!!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Val215 on July 18, 2006, 09:21:49 PM: Thanks T-Block. I will always consider myself a newbie....too much information...shew!!! :D
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on August 15, 2006, 11:52:46 AM: I've also got a Progression Practice Routine #2 posted. Here is the link to it: http://forums.learngospelmusic.com/index.php/topic,31384.0.html
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on August 27, 2006, 10:12:03 AM: Welcome to the LGM family "ctbone1963"....be blessed.

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on August 27, 2006, 01:34:13 PM: Thanks for this post "T-Block"......I'm sure that there are and will be plently of people waiting for this info...... :D

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Virtuenow on September 10, 2006, 08:38:23 PM: Thanks T-Block! This is my first post here, but you inspired me and I pray for you (and corresponded from another board several months ago)!

Question:

I just finished learning the scales and fingering for single note scales (2 octaves). It took forever and I felt like quitting at some points, but prayer brought me thru.

Now what do I do next? Should I :

1. Learn the root position chords in every key w/inversions & fingering or
2. Should I learn the major scale chords with fingering and inversions???

If the answer is that I should learn the major scale chords (major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, minor, diminished); where do I find the fingering for these chords (i'm looking for the post).
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: vtguy84 on September 10, 2006, 09:47:03 PM: Quote from: Virtuenow on September 10, 2006, 08:38:23 PM
Thanks T-Block! This is my first post here, but you inspired me and I pray for you (and corresponded from another board several months ago)!

Question:

I just finished learning the scales and fingering for single note scales (2 octaves). It took forever and I felt like quitting at some points, but prayer brought me thru.

Now what do I do next? Should I :

1. Learn the root position chords in every key w/inversions & fingering or
2. Should I learn the major scale chords with fingering and inversions???

If the answer is that I should learn the major scale chords (major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, minor, diminished); where do I find the fingering for these chords (i'm looking for the post).

Welcome to LGM
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: bishopcole on September 10, 2006, 11:19:14 PM: Quote from: vtguy84 on September 10, 2006, 09:47:03 PM
Welcome to LGM

DITTO!!! WELCOME!! Bishop Cole
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: allonesound on September 11, 2006, 08:31:38 AM: this helped me when i first got here and i know it will help the new people too!!!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on September 11, 2006, 12:16:03 PM: Welcome to the LGM family "Virtuenow"........be blessed.

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: cruisingdrea on November 20, 2006, 01:39:50 PM: This has been a good refreshers course for me. Thanks a bunch 8)
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on November 20, 2006, 02:00:21 PM: Welcome to the LGM family "cruisingdrea".....Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Sazaen on January 07, 2007, 01:45:31 AM: This information is really helpful... Thanks for sharing your knowledge.. I'm new so I'm just trying to see what the site has to offer.. God bless..
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on January 07, 2007, 10:03:10 AM: Welcome to the LGM family "Sazaen"......Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Cherri on January 07, 2007, 02:13:57 PM: Quote from: PianoWizard on January 07, 2007, 10:03:10 AM
Welcome to the LGM family "Sazaen"......Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...

Greetings! There's a LOT of info here...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: xp80 on January 20, 2007, 06:30:05 AM: Good job T-Block but there is NO 14th degree scale tone. 13 is as high as it goes. The 14th degree that you refer to above would be called the 7th!

Hence, you have common extension chords like a C7, C9, C11(really more of a sus chord), and C13. A C14 would be redundant since you've already accounted for that tone with the 7th.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on January 20, 2007, 01:40:44 PM: Quote from: xp80 on January 20, 2007, 06:30:05 AM
Good job T-Block but there is NO 14th degree scale tone. 13 is as high as it goes. The 14th degree that you refer to above would be called the 7th!

Hence, you have common extension chords like a C7, C9, C11(really more of a sus chord), and C13. A C14 would be redundant since you've already accounted for that tone with the 7th.

Thanks for the props. I'll go back and change it, but I do know that there is no 14th degree or chord built with it.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Pastor Myra on March 18, 2007, 07:34:13 AM: :D Praiseallujah! Finally, I know where I wanted to go, but didn't know how to get there. I've tried and tried and get to a point and can't get any further. I'm determined to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Even if only to delight myself in the Lord! Thank you so much, I don't understand a lot of this, but I will by and by, after while (Yes, I'm a seasoned (elderly0 saint. But that's alright anyhow. I just want to be able to play and with God's anointing and your help, I will do it. Again, thank you for coming back for us newbies, (and remember some of us have old hands and brains, I may not get there with you..... but I'll be there!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on March 19, 2007, 08:43:19 AM: Quote from: Pastor Myra on March 18, 2007, 07:34:13 AM
:D Praiseallujah! Finally, I know where I wanted to go, but didn't know how to get there. I've tried and tried and get to a point and can't get any further. I'm determined to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Even if only to delight myself in the Lord! Thank you so much, I don't understand a lot of this, but I will by and by, after while (Yes, I'm a seasoned (elderly0 saint. But that's alright anyhow. I just want to be able to play and with God's anointing and your help, I will do it. Again, thank you for coming back for us newbies, (and remember some of us have old hands and brains, I may not get there with you..... but I'll be there!

I understand, if you need me to break anything down further for you, just pm me.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: Grandma D on March 20, 2007, 06:51:44 AM: very useful information... thank you!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on March 20, 2007, 06:57:31 AM: Welcome to the LGM family "Grandma D".....Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: realbutterfly on April 05, 2007, 10:23:50 AM: Can't tell you how much this helps. I have been playing for years but with very little progress you have really inspired me to take it more seriously.Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: PianoWizard on April 09, 2007, 03:37:24 PM: Welcome to the LGM family "realbutterfly"....Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: key-wiz on October 08, 2007, 10:07:25 AM: T-Block You Are A Beast ;)
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: MemphisKeys on January 11, 2008, 08:07:09 PM: Thanks T-Block I understand the Theory now
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: williamscd on April 06, 2008, 07:07:43 PM: Did you attend a school to learn all of this or did you teach yourself?

williamscd
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on April 07, 2008, 08:58:07 PM: Quote from: williamscd on April 06, 2008, 07:07:43 PM
Did you attend a school to learn all of this or did you teach yourself?

williamscd

I learned this stuff in high school. Back when I first started learning, there wasn't a site like this up yet. If there were, I probably would have eventually taught myself. I encourage anyone to go to school for it if u can. It's so much easier than doing it by yourself.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: dadsgirl on May 07, 2009, 08:56:47 AM: Thank you T-Block. I've recently join this website and I need all the help I can get. Bless you, forever.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: songofthebride on June 23, 2009, 09:45:47 PM: found basic theory page Thank you ;D
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: don_davio on November 15, 2010, 03:17:34 AM: Thank T-Block, you are such a blessing. we are in 2010 but what you shared years ago is still blessing me. I thank God because I found this website.

Thank you all
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: MsHutchison on November 23, 2010, 04:33:07 PM: This is explained so good and in such detail. Thanks

Charitywww.monstermusician.wordpress.com (http://www.monstermusician.wordpress.com)
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: mrsray1003 on June 19, 2011, 08:28:01 PM: Great stuff! I am new to this site. Trying to learn more about basic theory and chord progressions..also get more familiarized with the number system. Thanku so much T-Block!! Wut an inspiration!! :) :)
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: blyempowered on June 08, 2012, 07:36:11 PM: Wow! As I'm going through some of this it makes sense! Like I did a C69 chord which was CDEGA and the 9 is D and the 6 is A. Once learning the theory a lot of this stuff makes sense....WOW!

Thank you T-Block for your hard work! I play by ear but I'm also wanting to learn the theory side.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: T-Block on June 08, 2012, 09:12:50 PM: You're welcome man. Just giving back what was given to me.
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: blyempowered on June 08, 2012, 09:34:04 PM: Quote from: T-Block on June 08, 2012, 09:12:50 PM
You're welcome man. Just giving back what was given to me.

Praise God!
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: cas10a on June 08, 2012, 09:59:00 PM: Thank You T...you might not know what I mean, but thanks...
Title: Re: Basic Music Theory (Re-post for newbies)
Post by: hull0528 on April 02, 2013, 08:28:55 PM: Thanks soooo much for this. I learned to play a little by music when I was younger. This information is helping me tremendously. There is sooo much to learn, and this is helping me. Thanks again.