Music Theory Help

Here you will find real-life music theory information that will help you become a better player. Use the side bar at left to find the topic in which you are interested. If you have a question that is not answered here or you want to know more about an existing topic, please use the form below to contact me with your question. I will respond promptly.
 

Table of Contents

 Backcycling  - Add harmonic movement.

Chord Basics - Where do chords come from?

Chord Extensions - Add notes for bigger and grander tonality.

Chord Names - Chord construction made easy.

Chord Progressions - Put chords to work for you.

Chord Substitutions - Add variety to your improvisation.

Circle of Fifths - Why do I need to know this?

Enharmonics - A note by any other name...

Harmonic Minor Scale - Getting an exotic sound.

Improvising - How modes, arpeggios, and chords relate.

Intervals - The distance between notes.

Melodic Minor - The Jazz scale.

Modes - Where do modes come from?

Modulation - Going from one key to another.

Parallel Minor Scale - Comparing the Major and Minor scales.

Scales - The Major & Natural Minor scales explored

Scales, Exotic - Use colorful scales to add variety to your playing.

Scales, Harmonized - Harmonize exotic scales.

Scale Degree - The Music yardstick.

Secondary Dominant Chords - Add movement to a chord progression.

Transposing - Writing music for band instruments.