📖 Theory
Basics
Intervals
Modes
Progressions
Functions
Music Theory Basics
The Chromatic Scale contains all 12 notes in Western music. Each adjacent note is a half step (semitone) apart.
C
C#
D
D#
E
F
F#
G
G#
A
A#
B
The Major Scale follows the pattern: Whole-Whole-Half-Whole-Whole-Whole-Half (W-W-H-W-W-W-H). It sounds bright and happy.
W - W - H - W - W - W - H
The Natural Minor Scale follows: W-H-W-W-H-W-W. It sounds darker and more melancholic.
W - H - W - W - H - W - W
Example: C Major Scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
Musical Intervals
An interval is the distance between two notes. Understanding intervals is fundamental to understanding chords and harmony.
| Intervals | Semitones | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unison | 0 | C-C |
| Minor 2nd | 1 | C-Db |
| Major 2nd | 2 | C-D |
| Minor 3rd | 3 | C-Eb |
| Major 3rd | 4 | C-E |
| Perfect 4th | 5 | C-F |
| Tritone | 6 | C-Gb |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | C-G |
| Minor 6th | 8 | C-Ab |
| Major 6th | 9 | C-A |
| Minor 7th | 10 | C-Bb |
| Major 7th | 11 | C-B |
| Octave | 12 | C-C |
The Seven Modes
Modes are scales derived from the major scale by starting on different degrees. Each mode has its own unique character.
Ionian (Major)
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
Bright, happy
Dorian
W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Jazzy, sophisticated
Phrygian
H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Spanish, Flamenco
Lydian
W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Dreamy, ethereal
Mixolydian
W-W-H-W-W-H-W
Bluesy, rock
Aeolian (Minor)
W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Sad, melancholic
Locrian
H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Dark, unstable
Common Chord Progressions
Chord progressions are the foundation of songs. Here are the most common progressions used in popular music.
Pop Progression
C
G
Am
F
50s Progression
C
Am
F
G
Jazz ii-V-I
Dm
G
C
Sad Progression
Am
F
C
G
Canon Progression
C
G
Am
Em
F
C
F
G
12-Bar Blues
C
C
C
C
F
F
C
C
G
F
C
G
Chord Functions
In tonal music, chords have three main functions based on their relationship to the tonic.
Tonic
I, iii, vi
Home, stable, resolution
Subdominant
IV, ii
Movement away, preparation
Dominant
V, vii°
Tension, wants to resolve