Music Theory Forum is a series of blogs for musicians seeking a deeper understanding of music. The Basic Components of Music starts with the basics – incrementally advancing from there, while slowly building on previous concepts. If you are a beginner, go to Recent Posts, start at the bottom of the list and work your way up. The goal is that by the time you get to advanced music concepts, you will be well-prepared to easily understand them.
Music Notation: I should point out that music notation is not the focus of this blog – as I consider that a separate topic. However, having a solid grasp of music theory will prepare you for learning music notation more easily.
The Guitar: While the music concepts presented here apply to all instruments, applying them to the guitar fretboard is a part of Music Theory Forum. In fact, an entire series will focus exclusively on the guitar fingerboard that you won’t want to miss!
This is a Forum – so let’s talk! I encourage any and all questions. Using the Comment boxes creates a sort of FAQ that benefits everyone. Be sure to click on the Future Topics and Music Terms pages at the top, as well as the helpful Musician Resources and Musician Friends links.
This blog is dedicated to you – all you talented and passionate musicians who are beyond inspiration! My desire is to “pay it forward”, hopefully adding even a small portion back that will further enhance your musical experience. So, let’s get started – it’s time to jam!
by Helpppppp
14 Sep 2013 at 07:26
Hey guys lately I’ve been trying to find the chord progression to some songs and the key but some songs just dont make sense to me. My first question is there more than 1 chord progression in a song and solo? Second question is there more than 1 key in a song? I’ve been working on a song by Guns N’ Roses called Dead Horse and it appears to use the notes G# A# C D D# F F# G what scale and key would that be?
by wayne l.
26 Aug 2013 at 15:20
when a Tenor Trombone and a B-Flat Trumpet play their Concert C, I would like to know for sure what that note sounds like on the Piano. I am almost certain it is a C, but I would like to know for sure
by Al Dinardi
11 Aug 2013 at 23:26
Yes. C E G is root position. E G C is first inversion. G C E is second inversion. C G E, E C G, and G E C would be re-voicings of those inversions respectively.
by Al Dinardi
11 Aug 2013 at 23:20
The scale is D minor – which is actually in the key of F major. If you re-arrange the notes to begin on F, it is a F major scale. D minor is the relative minor of F major. It would fit any type of D minor chord played in the key of F.
by MordikisS
21 May 2013 at 13:18
Hi all!
Can someone tell me which scale is that one below please?
D E F G A Bb C D
I have found those keys in a vocal line of a friend’s song. I would try and name it a “D minor 7 dim6”. I beginner in composition.
by Al Dinardi
05 Mar 2013 at 10:32
Yes – that would be 2nd inversion: Root position is C E G. 1st inversion is E G C. 2nd inversion is G C E. You can also “re-voice” chords, such as C G E or E C G or G E C. Many guitar chords are re-voicings rather than inversions.
by Al Dinardi
05 Mar 2013 at 10:26
Not exactly sure what you are asking. Maybe this will help: Sharps or flats are always in the same order (they follow a cycle of 5ths pattern). So, if a key has 4 sharps – it is the key of E, and the sharps are F#, C#, G#, D#. The key of B has the same sharps, plus one more, in the same order: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#. You cannot be in two keys at the same time, and of course keys do not mix sharps and flats together – every key has EITHER sharps OR flats. Hope this helps.
by Al Dinardi
05 Mar 2013 at 10:15
What key is the song in?
by andrew
18 Jan 2013 at 16:12
Hi all.
Just wondering if you can invert chords both ways?
eg: c, e g can you bring the g down under the c?
by Dylan
24 Oct 2012 at 15:41
Here hoping someone will answer —
I’m doing a report for school in which I have to dissect a piece of music, I worked out the signature by writing out the notes for the first section of chords and counting the sharps; I got A# B C D# E F# G# – Can I call that B Major even though the C isn’t sharp?
Also (sorry, it has been a while), even if the song is in B Major, can it still be written around a scale of E? Because almost every chord is an E variation, or at least has an E note droning throughout; would this change the key signature or just the scale – and will it affect my Chord Progression (is a B chord a I or is the E chord a I)?
Thanks,
Dylan
by Mike C.
21 Oct 2012 at 14:11
OK, I have a question which requires your thoughts on a particular chord. In measure 12 of the Tannhäuser Overture there is a D#7 chord which is most often analyzed as a V7/iii. That, of course, works, but I really dislike the idea of using secondary dominants as an analysis if they do not really function that way. Perhaps it is better to think of it as and altered VII chord. I’d like to hear other people’s thoughts on this one.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Mike
by Al Dinardi
15 Aug 2011 at 20:59
Welcome Katie. Go to The Basic Components of Music if you really want to start at the beginning. Then Keys are the Key is next, then just keep working your way up. Understanding chord structure should start to become clear as you work your way through each blog – then once you start getting the logic it will all easily fall into place. Do not hesitate to write and let me know how you are doing, or if I can help clear up some concept as you go.
by Katie Ristow
15 Aug 2011 at 20:35
Hi Al,
So I’m here on the your site and I’m very eager to do as you said… to start at the very beginning and work my way up. One lesson at a time. Thanks for all your help and encouragement.
by Al Dinardi
27 Jun 2011 at 09:00
Bb = Bb C D Eb F G A
Gb = Gb Ab Bb Cb Db Eb F
The beginning of each scale is #1 – so just count up to find #3 and #5. In the case of Bb, it is Bb, D, F. In the case of Gb it is Gb, Bb, Db. 1,3,5 of any scale is the root position triad – chord or arpegio – it is simply every other note beginning on the first one.
by Al Dinardi
04 Apr 2011 at 17:24
Many of the YouTube theory lessons are excellent. I would advocate all of the above: books, videos, private lessons, classes, this blog, anyway you can get it. Getting your info from multiple sources is a good way to view the same concepts from different angles, and to compare and make sure any one person isn’t leading you in the wrong direction. All the best and enjoy learning.
Al
by Al Dinardi
04 Apr 2011 at 17:18
Go to the post titled “All Diatonic Major Scales Exposed”, you will find your answers there. The major diatonic scale has 7 tones – simply count up the alphabet and circle the 1, 3, and 5th notes. May want to back up a couple of posts to understand what scales are, how they are formed, and how to work with them.
Al
by Amanda
01 Apr 2011 at 15:18
Hi,
I have a question about theory:
I have an assignment to draw the bflat and gflat major scales and circle the 1st 3rd and 5th scale tones. WHat are scale tones and how do you do that?
by Vicarius
29 Mar 2011 at 06:27
Hi, dear forum members. I am new on this forum and I am searching to find some music theory lessons videos and currently found some on Youtube. Is it worth do learn music theory from online videos or will I learn more from the books. There a re plenty of videos out there and they say exactly the same things except maybe that. Just write in Youtube anything like:
treatise pentatonics
by Al Dinardi
03 Aug 2010 at 09:47
Thanks Sandy – there is a bunch more coming soon. You are welcome to become a guest host – a post that dives into rhythm theory would be awesome – and you are just the guy to do it!
by sandy ficca
03 Aug 2010 at 09:01
Al,
I haven’t been to your site since the beginning and it is awesome. I can see I will be spending some time here. Keep up the great work.
Sandy