Music Theory Cheatsheet

Introduction to Music Theory

Music theory is the study of the practices and possibilities of music. It provides a foundation for understanding how music works, from the most fundamental concepts of pitch and rhythm to the complex relationships in harmony and form.

Basic Concepts

Notes and Scales

Notes are the building blocks of music. They represent sounds of specific frequencies. Scales are sequences of notes that create a framework for melodies and harmonies. The most common scale is the Major Scale, which follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps.

Intervals

An interval is the distance between two notes. Understanding intervals is crucial for constructing scales and chords. Common intervals include seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths.

Chords and Harmony

Chords are combinations of three or more notes played simultaneously. The most basic chord is the triad, which consists of the first, third, and fifth notes of a scale. Harmony refers to the way chords are built and how they progress from one to another.

Common Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that form the basis of a piece of music. Some popular progressions include:

• I-IV-V-I
• I-V-vi-iii-IV
• ii-V-I

Rhythm and Meter

Rhythm is the timing of music. It is created by the duration of notes and silences. Meter refers to the recurring pattern of beats, usually classified into simple (like 4/4) or compound (like 6/8) time signatures.

Useful Terms

Melody

The main theme of a piece of music, usually played or sung.

Dynamics

The volume of music, indicating how loud or soft the music should be played.

Timbre

The quality of sound that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as instruments or voices.