Music theory is the study of the practices and possibilities of music. It is a framework that musicians use to understand, analyze, and create music. By exploring the elements that make up music, such as notes, scales, chords, and rhythms, musicians can gain a deeper appreciation for how music works and enhance their ability to express themselves creatively.
Reasons for Understanding Music Theory
- Foundation for Musical Knowledge: Music theory provides the fundamental building blocks necessary to comprehend how music is constructed. It helps musicians recognize patterns, structures, and relationships within music, allowing them to read and write music more effectively.
- Improved Communication: Knowing music theory allows musicians to communicate more effectively with one another. It provides a common language to discuss musical ideas, ensuring clarity and precision in collaboration.
- Enhanced Creativity: Far from being restrictive, music theory can actually inspire creativity by providing a vast array of tools that musicians can use to explore new sounds and compositions. By understanding the rules of music, musicians can learn how to break them in innovative ways.
- Better Improvisation Skills: For those interested in improvisation, music theory is indispensable. It equips musicians with the knowledge to understand and predict chord progressions and scales, allowing for more confident and expressive improvisation.
- Increased Versatility: Musicians who understand music theory can adapt to different musical genres and styles more easily. Whether playing classical, jazz, rock, or world music, the principles of music theory remain applicable, making it easier to transition between styles.
- Personal Growth: Learning music theory can be an enriching experience, contributing to personal growth and development. It challenges the mind, encourages discipline, and fosters a lifelong passion for music.
Understanding the 12 Notes and Major Scale
The musical alphabet is the foundation of music theory, and understanding it is essential for any guitarist. Unlike the standard English alphabet, the musical alphabet consists of only seven letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. These letters represent the natural notes on a musical scale.
However, music is not limited to just these seven notes. Between certain notes, there are additional pitches known as sharps and flats. A sharp (#) raises a note by a half step, while a flat (b) lowers it by a half step. This results in a total of 12 unique notes in Western music, forming what is known as the chromatic scale.
The Chromatic Scale
The chromatic scale is a sequential arrangement of all 12 notes, each a half step apart, which on the guitar is one fret. Here is how the chromatic scale is visually represented:
A--A#--B--C--C#--D--D#--E--F--F#--G
These twelve notes are what make up all styles of Western music. Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Country, Folk, etc. Look at these as the roots of the music tree. The roots are where all chords and scales will derive.
The Major Scale
This is what comes next. You take seven notes from the 12 to make the major scale. This creates the tree trunk. Let's look at an example in the key of C Major.
Key of C Major: C--D--E--F--G--A--B
The notes of the major scale need to have one very important thing: the Whole step, Half step note formula. A whole step is 2 frets, and a half step is 1 fret. The formula for the major scale is:
W--W--H--W--W--W--H
This is the interval between the notes. It will sound out the Do, Re, Me. All major scales will have this interval. So, C to Do would be a whole step apart, as B to C would be a half step. If you master this scientific note formula, you will be able to find any major scale along the guitar fretboard.
Use the Magical Key
By knowing the whole step, half-step formula, you will be able to unlock the magical note formula for any major scale. Let's take a look at a few examples:
C-w-D-w-E-h-F-w-G-w-A-w-B-h-C (the 8th note will be the octave) = no sharps
G-w-A-w-B-h-C-w-D-w-E-w-F#-h-G = 1 sharp, F#)
Do you see how these both use the same interval formula, but have different notes? It also shows you that the G major scale has 1 sharp, and it's F#. The reason for this is that the scale needs to sound correct. It needs to have the Do, Re, Me sound to it. This is how you know it's the major scale.
Music Theory Conclusion
There is a vast amount of information when it comes to music theory, but this lesson should have touched on the basics. Allowing you to build a foundation for future learning to stand on. Now that you know the major scale formula, try this out on other major keys. A major, D major, E major, etc.
You will see that it works with them all. By doing this, you'll know exactly what notes are in each scale, how many sharps, and what they are. You'll then be able to create chords and progressions for creating memorable compositions.
By embarking on a journey through music theory, you are setting the stage for a richer, more fulfilling musical experience. Whether you're composing new pieces, jamming with friends, or simply enjoying your favorite songs, a solid understanding of music theory will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the art form.
Dive Deeper Into Theory
If you'd like to know more about music theory, I recommend you check out the method book I authored, called Learn Guitar Chord Theory.
You'll be able to improve your ear training, learn songs faster, memorize songs, and acquire knowledge that will unlock the guitar fretboard. Enhancing your communication with other musicians, as well as building the confidence to tackle more complex compositions.
If more help is needed, feel free to contact me at my website at your earliest convenience. Learning music theory is a language, and just like any other language, one might need some personal assistance. That is what I'm here for. Thanks for your time today, and I hope you're a bit closer to understanding the wonderful world of music. Check out the book, and best of luck.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
