🌟 Introduction
Welcome to your musical journey! Music theory is the language that helps us understand how music works. Far from being a dry academic subject, it's a powerful tool that will enhance your musical creativity and expression.
Why Learn Music Theory?
- Better Communication: Speak the same language as other musicians
- Enhanced Creativity: Understand why certain combinations sound good
- Faster Learning: Recognize patterns and structures in music
- Improved Improvisation: Know what notes will work in any situation
How to Use This App
This interactive guide is organized from basic to advanced concepts. Each section builds on the previous ones, so take your time and practice the interactive elements as you go!
🎼 Music Theory Fundamentals
What is Sound?
Sound is created by vibrations that travel through air as pressure waves. In music, we're interested in:
- Pitch: How high or low a sound is (frequency)
- Note: A named pitch with specific duration and quality
- Timbre: The quality or "color" of a sound
- Tone: Often used interchangeably with timbre
The 12 Notes of Western Music
There are only 12 different notes in Western music, which repeat in higher and lower octaves:
Click on any note to hear its name and see its relationships!
Octaves and Pitch
An octave is the distance between one note and the same note in the next higher or lower register. The higher note has exactly twice the frequency of the lower note.
A3 = 220 Hz (one octave lower)
A5 = 880 Hz (one octave higher)
🎯 Master the Intervals
What is an Interval?
An interval is the distance between two notes. Each interval has a unique sound and name. Understanding intervals is crucial because they form the building blocks of chords and scales.
Interval Calculator
The Basic Intervals
Perfect Unison
Same note (0 semitones)
Minor 2nd
1 semitone
Major 2nd
2 semitones
Minor 3rd
3 semitones
Major 3rd
4 semitones
Perfect 4th
5 semitones
Tritone
6 semitones (Aug 4th/Dim 5th)
Perfect 5th
7 semitones
Minor 6th
8 semitones
Major 6th
9 semitones
Minor 7th
10 semitones
Major 7th
11 semitones
🎵 Scales and Modes
What is a Scale?
A scale is a collection of notes organized by pitch. It's like a musical alphabet that provides the raw material for melodies and harmonies.
Scale Builder
The Major Scale - Foundation of Western Music
The major scale is the most important scale to learn. All other scales are often described in relation to it.
(W = Whole step, H = Half step)
C Major: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
Intervals: R-M2-M3-P4-P5-M6-M7-R
The Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale has a darker, more melancholic sound compared to the major scale.
A Minor: A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A
Intervals: R-M2-m3-P4-P5-m6-m7-R
The Seven Diatonic Modes
Modes are different ways of playing the same set of notes, starting from different points:
Ionian (Major)
Happy, bright sound
Dorian
Minor with raised 6th
Phrygian
Dark, exotic sound
Lydian
Major with raised 4th
Mixolydian
Major with lowered 7th
Aeolian (Natural Minor)
Sad, melancholic sound
Locrian
Unstable, rarely used
🎸 Master the Chords
What is a Chord?
A chord is three or more notes played simultaneously. Chords provide the harmonic foundation of music.
Chord Builder
Basic Triad Chords
Major Triad
Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th
Formula: 1-3-5
Minor Triad
Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th
Formula: 1-♭3-5
Diminished Triad
Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th
Formula: 1-♭3-♭5
Augmented Triad
Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th
Formula: 1-3-#5
Seventh Chords
Adding a seventh to a triad creates more complex, colorful harmonies:
Major 7th
Formula: 1-3-5-7
Dreamy, jazz sound
Minor 7th
Formula: 1-♭3-5-♭7
Smooth, mellow
Dominant 7th
Formula: 1-3-5-♭7
Blues, tension
Minor 7♭5
Formula: 1-♭3-♭5-♭7
Jazz, sophisticated
🥁 All About Rhythm
The Importance of Rhythm
Rhythm is the heartbeat of music. It's what makes you tap your foot, nod your head, or dance. Good rhythm can make even simple melodies sound amazing.