Basic Music Theory For Beginners - The Complete Guide

8/25/23, 3:54 PM Basic Music Theory for Beginners – The Complete Guide
BASIC MUSIC THEORY FOR

BEGINNERS – THE
COMPLETE GUIDE
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This basic music theory guide looks at fundamental

This article is
concepts musicians use to understand, analyze, and
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create music.
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WHAT IS MUSIC THEORY?
Music theory is a practice musicians use to understand

and communicate the language of music. Musical theory
examines the fundamentals of music. It also provides a
system to interpret musical compositions.
For example, basic music theory defines the elements

that form harmony, melody, and rhythm. It identifies
compositional elements such as song form, tempo, notes,
chords, key signatures, intervals, scales, and more. It also
recognizes musical qualities such as pitch, tone, timbre,
texture, dynamics, and others.
HOW TO LEARN MUSIC THEORY?

Music theory is a complex and extensive subject. There
are several practices, disciplines, and concepts.
Best to learn music fundamentals first before exploring

advanced music theory. The building blocks that form
musical compositions include:
Harmony
Melody
Rhythm
Solidly understanding these three core elements will help

you learn basic music theory.
WHAT IS HARMONY IN MUSIC?

Harmony is when multiple notes or voices play
simultaneously to produce a new sound. The combined
sounds in harmonies complement one another and sound
pleasing.
Chords and chord progressions are examples of harmony.

A chord has three or more notes that play at the same
time. The chords and chord progressions in a piece of
music support or complement the melody.
Combining vocal parts also creates harmony. The

combined voices of a choir are a perfect example. The
multiple voices that make up a choir blend to make a
harmonious sound.
However, not all harmonies are pleasing to our ear. There

are two main types of harmony: dissonant and consonant
.
Dissonant harmony adds notes that do not sound pleasant

when played together. The result adds tension and makes the
chord sound unstable. This tension releases by resolving to
consonant chords. Dissonant interval examples are seconds,
sevenths, and ninths.
Consonant harmony sounds stable and pleasing. All the notes
in a consonant chord have intervals that play nicely together.
Constant chords also transition smoothly with one another in a
progression. Consonant interval examples are unison, thirds,

fifths, and octaves.
Musicians combine consonant and dissonant harmonies

to make the music more exciting and intriguing.
WHAT IS MELODY IN MUSIC?

Melody is a succession of notes or voices arranged into a
musical phrase. A song’s melody is often the most
memorable and recognizable part.
Melodies can be created with instruments or vocals. They

have two or more notes in a sequence that sound
musically pleasing. Most compositions consist of multiple
melodies that repeat.
The two primary elements of a melody are pitch and

rhythm :
Pitch is the audio vibration produced by an instrument or

voice. It’s how high or low a note will sound. Arranging these
pitches in a series creates a melody.
Rhythm or duration is the length each pitch will sound. These
durations are divided into beat divisions like whole notes, half
notes, quarter notes, triplets, etc.
Melodies also have two types of melodic motion: conjunct

or disjunct .
Conjunct motion is when notes move by whole or half steps.

Conjunct is also the most natural and comfortable to play and
sing. There are shorter leaps between notes.
Disjunct motion has larger leaps between notes. Large interval
leaps between notes can make the melody difficult to play or
sing. Disjunct motion is also less memorable and smooth
sounding.
Musicians combine conjunct and disjunct motion to give

melodies more variation and interest.
WHAT IS RHYTHM IN MUSIC?

Rhythm is an essential element of music with more than
one meaning. For example:
Rhythm is a recurring movement of notes and rests (silences) in

time. It’s the human perception of time.
Rhythm also describes a pattern of strong and weak notes or
voices that repeat throughout a song. These patterns can be
created with drums, percussion, instruments, and vocals.
The basic elements that comprise musical rhythm include:
Beat – A repeating pulse that underlies a musical pattern

Meter – A specific pattern of strong and weak pulses
Time Signature – The number of beats per measure
Tempo (BPM) – Indicates how fast or slow a piece of music
plays
Strong and Weak Beats – Strong beats are the downbeats,
and weak
beats are the offbeats between the downbeats
Syncopation – Rhythms that accent or emphasize the
offbeats
Accents – Refers to the intensity or emphases placed on
notes
Understanding rhythm will help you create great

harmonies and melodies.
Also, the rhythm section or pulse propels a piece of music.

It acts as the rhythmic backbone for other musical
elements.
THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC THEORY:

WHY STUDY MUSIC THEORY?
Learning basic music theory is essential for enhancing

creativity and developing musical awareness. It’s a
challenging but rewarding set of skills to learn.
Knowing how music works will make the music production

process easier and help you become an effective music
producer.
Is learning music theory required? No. However, you can

benefit from learning some aspects of music theory.
For example, learning basic music theory will:
Improve your musical development

Help you understand how music works
Help you break through creative blocks
Make it easier to build chord progressions and melodies
Help you make informed composition decisions
Help you achieve expression and evoke emotion
Improve your critical listening skills
Speed up your workflow
Improve your musical form skills
Make it easy to communicate with other musicians
Deepen your appreciation for music
Improve your improvisation skills
Improve your song arrangement skills
Help you discover new creative possibilities
Note : Musical theory is not a set of rules or guidelines you

must follow. It’s only a tool to help you understand and
explain how music works.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC

THEORY (MUSIC THEORY FOR
DUMMIES)
This basic music theory for beginner’s guide examines the
core music fundamentals. It also provides insight into the
basic building blocks of music that form harmony, melody,

and rhythm.
MUSICAL NOTES AND INTERVALS
Let’s start this music theory for beginner’s guide by going

over harmony and melody. This section describes all the
available notes and the specific relationships between
them.
THE MUSIC ALPHABET
Notes are the building blocks for all music. The musical
alphabet consists of seven letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G . Each
note has a unique pitch.
THE 12 KEYS OF MUSIC
There are 12 notes on the piano keyboard: A, A#/B♭, B, C,

C#/D♭, D, D#/E♭, E, F, F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭ .
The same 12 notes repeat upwards and downwards in

octaves.
WHITE KEYS
The white keys on a piano play the “natural” notes in a

scale: A, B, C, D, E, F, G .
Playing only white keys places you in either the key of C

major or A minor.
BLACK KEYS
The black keys on a piano play the “flat” and “sharp”

notes in a scale: A#/B♭, C#/D♭, D#/E♭, F#/G♭, G#/A♭ .
Each note has a symbol: ♭ for flat and # for sharp. Playing
a combination of white and black keys allows you to write
in all available key signatures.
INTERVALS
An interval is a distance between two notes. There are

several intervals. Measure these intervals by the number
of half steps, whole steps, and their position in the scale.
A half step interval is one semitone

A whole step interval is two semitones
Two half steps make a whole-step
Intervals are also the foundation of both harmony and

melody. Playing two or more notes at the same time
creates harmonic intervals (chords). Playing single notes in
a sequence makes melodic intervals (melodies).
Furthermore, we describe intervals by number (distance)

and prefix (quality). The interval number represents the
number of half-steps between two notes. These numbers
are 1st (unison), 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th
(octave) .
Lastly, intervals have using a prefix to describe their

quality. The five interval qualities are major (M), minor (m),
perfect (P), augmented (A), and diminished (d) .
OCTAVES
Octaves are the next highest or lowest pitch of the same

note. The interval between a note and a note double its
frequency is an octave. For example, an octave up from
C1 on a piano is C2. An octave down would be C0.
There are 12 semitones in the octave. These pitches

repeat in the same order throughout the range of human
hearing.
KEY SIGNATURES
Key signatures tell you what notes in a scale are sharp (♯)
or flat (♭). There are twelve key signatures, each derived
from the twelve available notes.
Key signatures also help identify the key of a song, which

is the tonal center. For example, a song in the key of A
minor uses notes from the A minor scale.
MUSIC SCALES AND MODES
Musical scales form the building blocks of music.

Understanding musical scales and their functions is
essential when learning basic music theory.
This section looks at the two most common scales, their

scale degrees, and the seven music modes.
MUSIC SCALES
A music scale is a set of notes within an octave arranged

by their pitch. The ascending or descending interval
relationships among the note pitches define each scale.
Moreover, the notes from a scale form melodies and
harmonies.
There are several types of scales. However, the two main

types are the major scale and the minor scale. You can
build both major and minor scales from any note. How
you use them depends on the pattern of intervals you use.
MAJOR SCALES
There are twelve possible natural major scales. Natural

major scales are bright, uplifting, and happy sounding.
The seven notes in all major scales follow the same

interval pattern: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole-whole-half-
whole-whole-whole-half) .
MINOR SCALES
Natural minor scales are dark, sad, and emotional

sounding. The seven notes in all minor scales follow the
same interval pattern: W-H-W-W-H-W-W (whole-half-

whole-whole-half-whole-whole) .
There are twelve possible natural minor scales. In

addition, there are three variations of the minor scale:
natural, harmonic, and melodic.
SCALE DEGREES
Each note of a scale has a specific name related to its

function, called a scale degree. The name is the function,
and a number indicates its position on the scale.
There are seven scale degrees. These names apply to all

major and minor scales. Learning more about these
functions takes us into advanced music theory. For now,
it’s good to know the names:
1st – Tonic
2nd – Supertonic
3rd – Mediant
4th – Subdominant
5th – Dominant
6th – Submediant
7th – Leading Tone
Music can create and release tension. The function of a

scale degree relates to the amount of tension created. It
also helps you decide what note(s) should follow to
resolve the tension.
Moreover, remembering the different pitches in major and

minor scales is difficult. Referring to the steps of the scale
by numbers rather than notes makes it easier to
remember.
MUSIC MODES
Musical modes are scales derived from a parent scale.

There are seven music modes.
Each mode is a slight variation of a scale. They use all the

same notes and interval patterns as the parent scale.
The main difference is the root note used to build the

scale. Starting a scale on a different note defines the
tonal center, giving it distinct melodic characteristics.
The seven musical modes are:
I – Ionian (major scale)

ii – Dorian (major scale starting on the 2nd degree)
iii – Phrygian (major scale starting on the 3rd degree)
IV – Lydian (major scale starting on the 4th degree)
V – Mixolydian (major scale starting on the 5th degree)
vi – Aeolian (natural minor scale or major scale starting on the
6th degree)
vii – Locrian (major scale starting on the 7th degree)
Learning musical modes goes beyond basic music theory

and is more advanced. However, getting familiar with
these terms and basic functions is helpful.
COUNTERPOINT
Counterpoint is the relationship between two or more

melody lines played at the same time. These melodies or
voices work together to create pleasant-sounding
harmonies.
The melodies that create counterpoint are dependent on

each other to create harmony. However, they are
independent in rhythm and contour.
CHORDS AND CHORD EXTENSIONS
Chords are the harmonious building blocks of music. They

evoke emotion and provide the foundation for creating
melodies.
Knowing how to build chords and how they interact with

each other is essential when learning music theory. This
section looks at basic chord types, chord extensions, and
inversions.
Photo by Toan Nguyen
MUSICAL CHORDS
A chord is a combination of two or more notes played at

the same time. They’re built off a single starting note
called the root.
You can create chords from all twelve notes. There are
also four basic types of chords in music:
Major – Has a major third and a perfect fifth above the root
Minor – Has a minor third and a perfect fifth above the root
Diminished – Has a minor third and a diminished fifth above
the root
Augmented – Has a major third and an augmented fifth

above the root
The chords and chord progressions in a piece of music

support or complement the melody.
TRIAD CHORDS
The most basic chords are triads. A triad is a chord made

of three notes. Triads have a root note, a third (four
semitones above the root), and a perfect fifth (seven
semitones above the root).
Triads are also the foundation for more complex chords.

For example, you can create seventh and ninth cords by
adding notes above a tried.
SEVENTH CHORDS
A seventh chord adds a note above the basic triad.

Seventh chords have a root note, a third, a perfect fifth,
and a seventh.
For example, a C major seventh has the notes: C–E–G-B.

There are also five main types of seventh chords: major,
minor, dominant, diminished, and half-diminished.
MAJOR CHORDS
Major chords have a root note, a major third, and a

perfect fifth. A chord with these three notes alone is a
major triad.
For example, a C major triad has the notes: C-E-G. You

can also add notes to build more complex chords.
MINOR CHORDS
Minor chords have a root note, a minor third, and a

perfect fifth. A chord with these three notes alone is a
minor triad.
For example, a C minor triad has the notes C-E♭-G. You

can also add notes to build more complex chords.
DIMINISHED CHORDS
Diminished chords sound tense, dissonant, and dramatic.

They have a root note, minor third, and a diminished fifth
(six semitones above the root).
For example, a C diminished triad has the notes: C-E♭-G♭.
AUGMENTED CHORDS
Augmented chords sound dissonant, unsettling, and

mysterious. They have a root note, major third, and an
augmented fifth (eight semitones above the root).
For example, a C augmented triad has the notes: C–E–

G#.
CHORD EXTENSIONS
Chord extension s are notes added to the basic triad

beyond the seventh. These notes extend into the next
octave. There are four chord extensions: the 9th, 11th, and
13th .
Extended chords create a richer, more harmonically

complex sound than basic major and minor triads. They
also provide additional voice leading possibilities, which
makes chord progressions sound more interesting.
CHORD INVERSIONS
Chord inversions are variations of the same chord.

Transposing the bottom note in a chord to the next
octave creates an inversion.
There are two main chord inversions: first inversion and

second inversion .
First Inversion – Transposes the root note up one octave. The

third of the triad becomes the bass note.
Second Inversion – Transposes the inverted triad again. The
fifth of the triad becomes the bass note.
Chord inversions add variation, excitement, and smoother

transitions in chord progressions. The more notes a chord
has, the more possible inversions.
CHORD PROGRESSIONS
A chord progression or a harmonic progression is an

ordered series of chords. Chord progressions support both
the melody and the rhythm. They also provide the
foundation for creating harmony and melody.
Moreover, the key determines the chords used in a

progression. A progression can also consist of major and
minor chords.
ROMAN NUMERAL ANALYSIS
Roman numerals indicate the chords in a progression.

They identify the musical key and the root note for each
chord. For example, “IV” means the chord is built on the
fourth degree of a scale.
Uppercase Roman numerals represent major chords, while

lowercase numerals represent minor chords. For example,
a chord progression in the key of C major would look like

I-vi-IV-V (C-Am-F-G).
Delving deeper into this topic goes beyond basic music

theory. However, it helps to introduce this numerical
system.
VOICE LEADING
Voice leading is the linear movement between melodic

lines or voices to create a single musical idea. This
technique focuses on the smooth movement of notes
from one chord to the next using common sounding
tones.
Voice leading also minimizes the vertical and horizontal

transitions between notes in a chord progression or
melody. These smaller moves sound more natural and
pleasing.
When creating a chord progression, use harmonically

related chords. They can share similar notes or have
inversions to make the stepwise motion smoother. For
example, a C major chord and an A minor chord both
have the notes E and C.
CONCLUSION
Music theory will give you a deeper understanding of
music. But it’s also essential to remember musical theory is
not hard rules. It’s a tool to help you create, understand,
and communicate music.
There are several ways to practice music theory. Try

applying the concepts in this guide to your workflow.
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8/25/23, 3:54 PM Basic Music Theory for Beginners – The Complete Guide

BASIC MUSIC THEORY FOR

This basic music theory guide looks at fundamental

WHAT IS MUSIC THEORY?

Music theory is a practice musicians use to understand

For example, basic music theory defines the elements

HOW TO LEARN MUSIC THEORY?

Best to learn music fundamentals first before exploring

musical compositions include:

Solidly understanding these three core elements will help

WHAT IS HARMONY IN MUSIC?

Chords and chord progressions are examples of harmony.

Combining vocal parts also creates harmony. The

However, not all harmonies are pleasing to our ear. There

Dissonant harmony adds notes that do not sound pleasant

progression. Consonant interval examples are unison, thirds,

Musicians combine consonant and dissonant harmonies

WHAT IS MELODY IN MUSIC?

Melodies can be created with instruments or vocals. They

The two primary elements of a melody are pitch and

Pitch is the audio vibration produced by an instrument or

Melodies also have two types of melodic motion: conjunct

Conjunct motion is when notes move by whole or half steps.

Musicians combine conjunct and disjunct motion to give

WHAT IS RHYTHM IN MUSIC?

Rhythm is a recurring movement of notes and rests (silences) in

The basic elements that comprise musical rhythm include:

Beat – A repeating pulse that underlies a musical pattern

Understanding rhythm will help you create great

Also, the rhythm section or pulse propels a piece of music.

THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC THEORY:

Learning basic music theory is essential for enhancing

Knowing how music works will make the music production

Is learning music theory required? No. However, you can

For example, learning basic music theory will:

Improve your musical development

Note : Musical theory is not a set of rules or guidelines you

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC

basic building blocks of music that form harmony, melody,

MUSICAL NOTES AND INTERVALS

Let’s start this music theory for beginner’s guide by going

THE MUSIC ALPHABET

THE 12 KEYS OF MUSIC

There are 12 notes on the piano keyboard: A, A#/B♭, B, C,

The same 12 notes repeat upwards and downwards in

The white keys on a piano play the “natural” notes in a

Playing only white keys places you in either the key of C

The black keys on a piano play the “flat” and “sharp”

An interval is a distance between two notes. There are

A half step interval is one semitone

Intervals are also the foundation of both harmony and

Furthermore, we describe intervals by number (distance)

Lastly, intervals have using a prefix to describe their

Octaves are the next highest or lowest pitch of the same

There are 12 semitones in the octave. These pitches

Key signatures also help identify the key of a song, which

MUSIC SCALES AND MODES

Musical scales form the building blocks of music.

This section looks at the two most common scales, their

A music scale is a set of notes within an octave arranged

There are several types of scales. However, the two main

There are twelve possible natural major scales. Natural

The seven notes in all major scales follow the same