Music Theory Consolidation

You might be asking...Theory, what theory? We did’t learn to read music! but we have absolutely covered and aced many music theory concepts, perhaps without even being aware of it!

Guitarists don’t need to be able to read traditional notation, treble clef and bass clef. They do need to learn to;

• Read chord diagrams

• Read tab

• Read rhythms for tab and strumming patterns

• Understand the 10 theory concepts covered below!

This lesson explains the top 10 music theory terms you should be familiar with and an explanation of what understanding you should have of them by a later beginner level, before moving on to intermediate.

Understanding these terms will deepen your comprehension of music and enhance your ability to play and create music across various styles like pop, rock, blues, folk, and country.

There are many “soft skills” that count as music theory. Pause Keef or Clapton mid way through a solo and ask them what scale their using, they might not be able to tell you. However, ask them to play a moving solo chord progression in any key, or drop them in with any other musician and ask them to just join in, and for sure they can. Those soft skills REALLY matter. But first, we do need the nuts and bolts for this to make sense.

1. Chord Progression

• Definition: A series of chords played in a sequence.

• Importance: Understanding common chord progressions, such as the I-IV-V (e.g., C-F-G) or ii-V-I (e.g., Dm-G-C), helps you learn songs faster and understand the structure of music.

2. Intervals

• Definition: The distance between two notes, measured in half steps or whole steps.

• Importance: Recognizing intervals is crucial for constructing chords, identifying melodies by ear, and developing better improvisation skills.

3. Tonic

• Definition: The first note of a scale or key, often considered the “home” note.

• Importance: Knowing the tonic helps in identifying the key of a song, determining chord progressions, and guiding improvisational and songwriting decisions.

4. Scale

• Definition: A series of notes in a specific order that forms the foundation of a musical key (e.g., major, minor, pentatonic).

• Importance: Scales are the building blocks of melodies and solos. Knowing scales helps you create more varied and interesting solos and understand song melodies.

5. Key Signature

• Definition: A set of sharps or flats that indicate the key of a piece of music.

• Importance: Knowing key signatures helps you identify which chords and notes are compatible in a song and aids in transposing songs to different keys.

6. Time Signature

• Definition: Indicates the number of beats in each measure and which note value receives one beat (e.g., 4/4, 3/4, 6/8).

• Importance: Understanding time signatures helps you maintain proper rhythm and timing when playing songs, especially when switching between different styles.

7. Diatonic

• Definition: Notes or chords that belong to the same key.

• Importance: Recognizing diatonic chords and notes helps in creating harmonious chord progressions and improvising within a key.

8. Triad

• Definition: A basic chord structure consisting of three notes: root, third, and fifth.

• Importance: Triads are the simplest form of chords and the basis for understanding more complex chords, such as seventh chords.

9. Arpeggio

• Definition: The notes of a chord played in sequence rather than simultaneously.

• Importance: Learning arpeggios helps improve finger dexterity, adds variety to your playing, and is essential for creating melodic lines in solos and accompaniments.

10. Harmony

• Definition: The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to produce a pleasing sound.

• Importance: Understanding harmony allows you to play along with other musicians, create backing parts, and enrich the overall sound of your music.

Familiarity with these terms will set a strong foundation for moving from late beginner to intermediate playing and equip you with the knowledge to expand your repertoire and understanding of music theory.