Music Theory
- Beginner Music Dictionary (2)
- French Music Glossary (1)
- German Music Terms (6)
- Italian Music Commands (1)
- Musical Dynamics (1)
- Tempo Commands (2)
The Difference Between Major and Minor
Major and minor scales are built similarly, but their "moods" depend on a mere two intervals; learn more.
Accidentals & Double-Accidentals
View the musical accidentals, and learn the purpose of double-sharps and flats.
Understanding Diminished Chords & "Dissonance"
Learn why diminished chords have such an ambiguous, bizarre sound, and how they can add intriguing elements to your playing.
Diatonic vs. Chromatic Scales
Learn the difference between chromatic and diatonic musical scales.
Comparing Simple & Compound Meter
Musical meter defines the rhythmic pattern of a measure by creating theoretical divisions of notes or beats, and is specified by the time signature; learn more.
Augmented Chords Explained
Another dissonant chord is the aug. chord, which is slightly more stable-sounding than its diminished cousin; learn what sets it apart.
Root Notes & Chord Inversion
Learn about root notes, and the role they play in chord inversion.
Chord Types & Symbols
Learn how to build various chords using simple interval formulas; and see the symbols and abbreviations used to convey each chord type in sheet music.
Musical Texture
A musical composition can be compared to a tapestry; the big picture - whether simple or ornate - is made up of various individual elements. Learn about the different styles of musical texture.
Triplets, Tuplets & Irrational Rhythm
You've likely encountered triplets, but there are several other types of musical tuplets; learn how to identify and count them, with illustrations and helpful audio examples.
Outline of the 15 Key Signatures
Easy-to-read outline of the 15 key signatures; view parallel and relative keys, and learn the number of accidentals in each scale.
Key Signature Locator
Find the image or name of any key signature quickly and easily with the interactive key signature wizard - try it for yourself!
All About Relative Keys
Relative keys are major and minor scales with the same key signature; and a good understanding of them can improve your song-writing skills and musical ear; learn more.
The 6 "Enharmonic" Key Signatures
Some keys go by two names. Cb major and B major both have their own key signatures, yet they contain the same exact tones. So what is the point of all this? Continue to find out!
The Circle of Fifths
Learn about the extremely helpful circle of fifths; by Espie Estrella, About.com's Guide to Music Education.
What Are Parallel Keys & Chords?
You probably know about relative keys, but parallel? Learn what they are, and compare parallel keys and chords with audio examples.
What Is a Keynote?
Get a brief explanation of a scale's keynote.
Rare & Theoretical Musical Keys
Some scales - G# and Fb major for example - appear to be missing from the circle of fifths. Where did these scales go? Can they ever be used? Read on to learn more …
Beats per Minute (BPM)
A song's speed is often expressed at the beginning of the music with BPMs; learn how to understand BPM and tempo commands.
Musical Symbols of Piano Notation
Learn about the musical symbols, commands, and terminology found in piano sheet music.
Octave (P8)
An octave is a large interval with an important role in music and tuning. Learn the number of notes in an octave, and why two notes an octave apart sound so similar.
The Role of the Downbeat
The downbeat plays and important role in the rhythmic feel and execution of a song; learn how to identify it.
How to Count Musical Duplets
Musical duplets resemble a pair of beamed eighth notes, but their rhythm is quite different. Learn how to count and play this tricky tuplet.
Table of the Keynotes
Consult this table to find the home key(s) of a particular keynote; and, which keynotes have no key signature of their own.
How to Read Time Signatures
Learn to read and write time signatures, and see common meters written on the staff.
Building Major Chords
Learn about the mood of major chords, and the intervals used to build them.
Major Scale Intervals
View a layout of the diatonic intervals that make up a major scale.
Building Minor Chords
Minor chords are similar to major chords, with one notable interval difference; learn more.
Minor Scale Intervals
A minor scale has the same diatonic intervals as a major scale, but it begins on a different note; view the difference.
Concert Pitch
Learn about the universal tuning known as A440.
What Is The Upbeat?
'Upbeat' has a couple rhythmic meanings; learn more.
double-accidental
Learn how double-accidentals are used in music; why they're necessary, and the symbols used to mark double-sharps, double-flats, and double-naturals on the staff.
Common Pitch Notation Systems
Pitch notation is a way to articulate specific note frequencies or piano keys. Learn the most common varieties used in music & acoustics.