Music Theory 101 (Simple - No Music Teacher Jargon!)

TL;DR

Music theory is the language of music, explaining the why's and how's of playing chords, notes, and scales.

Transcript

(light piano music) - Music theory. It kinda stinks right? Well, at least that's what I used to think and what I thought for most of my life. See, growing up taking traditional piano lessons, as if that wasn't bad enough as a little kid, having to go to those lessons once a week, there was also this optional weekly group music theory session, which... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎼 Music theory is the language that helps musicians understand the structure and elements of music.
• 🤩 The key of a song determines the notes, chords, and progressions that can be used in that song.
• 🖐️ Chords are formed by playing multiple notes simultaneously and provide the harmony of a song.
• 🤩 Scales determine the notes that can be used in a song, and keys determine the specific chords that can be used.
• 😥 The home chord of a song provides a sense of resolution and comfort, often serving as the starting and ending point.
• 🤩 Key changes are used to transition between different keys in a song, adding complexity and variety.
• 🎵 Accidentals are notes or chords outside the key signature, used to add color and unique elements to the music.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is music theory?

Music theory is the language of music, explaining the reasons behind the chords, notes, and scales used in a piece of music. It helps musicians understand and communicate the structure and elements of music.

Q: How do I find the chords in a song based on the key?

To find the chords in a song, identify the key of the song and use the formula for major and minor chords. For major chords, play the first, fourth, and fifth notes of the scale. For minor chords, play the second, third, and sixth notes of the scale. These chords make up the harmonies of the song.

Q: Can a song have more than one key?

Yes, a song can have more than one key. This is known as a key change, where the song transitions from one key to another, usually to add interest or create a different mood. Key changes can add complexity and variation to a song.

Q: What are accidentals?

Accidentals are notes or chords that are outside the key signature of a song. They are used to add color and variety to the music. Accidentals can be sharps or flats that deviate from the standard notes in a key, adding unexpected and unique elements to the song.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Music theory is the language of music, explaining the reasons behind why certain chords, notes, and scales are used.

• The key of a song determines the seven notes and six chords that are commonly used in that song.

• Chords are made up of multiple notes played at the same time, and chord progressions form the structure of songs.

• Scales determine the seven notes that can be used in a song, and the key of the song determines the major and minor chords that can be used.

• The home chord of a song is usually the starting and ending point, providing a sense of resolution and comfort.