Music Theory

By Espie Estrella, About.com Guide to Music Education

Learn the meaning of music theory and all the elements that relates to it. From common symbols used in music to playing chords, these guides will help make you become better musicians.

1. Basic Symbols
2. Scales & Intervals
3. Triads & Chords

Basic Symbols

Common signs and symbols used in music with explanations and illustrations.

• Clefs, Notes and the Staff
• Dotted Notes, Rests, Time Signatures and More
• Beats and Meter
• Dynamic and Graphical Signs
• Ties and Triplets
• Repeat Signs

• Rests
• Double Accidentals
• Natural Notes and the Natural Sign
• Circle of Fifths
• Key Signatures

Scales & Intervals

Learn about the different types of scales and intervals.

• Major Scales
• Minor Scales
• Chromatic Scale
• Pentatonic Scale
• Whole Tone Scale

• Modes
• Intervals
• Harmonic Intervals
• Melodic Intervals
• Table of Intervals

Triads & Chords

Learn how to construct and play different types of chords.

• Major Triads
• Minor Triads
• Major and Minor 7ths
• Dominant 7ths
• Inverting Triads
• Diminished and Augmented Triads
• sus2 and sus4 Chords
• Sixth and Ninth Chords

• Dissonant and Consonant Chords
• Chords Quick Reference
• I - IV - V Chord Pattern
• Playing the I - IV - V Chord Pattern
• ii, iii, and vi Chords
• Putting it All Together
• Songwriting 101