Build your music theory knowledge from the ground up — scales, intervals, triads, key signatures and chord inversions explained step by step.
Half steps (semitones) and whole steps (whole tones) are the fundamental building blocks of every scale, chord and interval. Learn the diffe...
Learn the major scale formula (W-W-H-W-W-W-H), apply it to any starting note, and master all 12 major keys — the essential first skill in mu...
Understand the three minor scale forms — natural (Aeolian), harmonic (raised 7th), and melodic (raised 6th & 7th ascending) — and when to us...
Learn to recognize all intervals from unison to octave — by sight on the staff and by ear using famous melody references (Jaws = minor 2nd, ...
Learn the four triad qualities — major (M3+m3), minor (m3+M3), diminished (m3+m3), augmented (M3+M3) — and how to build them on any root not...
Never count sharps one by one again. Learn the order of sharps (FCGDAEB) and flats (BEADGCF), and use the Circle of Fifths to identify any k...
Learn to recognize simple (2/4,3/4,4/4), compound (6/8,9/8,12/8) and complex (5/4,7/8) time signatures by looking at beaming, bar line group...
Learn what chord inversions are, how to write them on the staff, and why they matter for smooth voice leading, piano accompaniment and guita...
Guitar-focused music theory guide covering the fretboard, chord construction, scale patterns, and how to apply theory directly to your playi...
Piano-focused music theory: the keyboard as a visual map of music, chord construction, inversions, voice leading, and how harmony looks on t...
Complete guide to the seven musical modes — learn each mode's unique sound, construction, famous examples, and how to use modes in compositi...
Master lead sheet reading — melody line, chord symbols above, form markings, repeats, codas, and the skills every jazz, pop and session musi...
Learn music theory anywhere — commuting, lunch breaks, before sleep. Practical methods including staff paper, mental practice, theory apps, ...
Learn Roman numeral analysis — the universal language of harmony. Identify chords by scale degree, understand chord function, and analyze an...
Learn voice leading — the art of moving individual voices the shortest possible distance between chords. Transform choppy chord changes into...
Master modulation techniques — pivot chord, direct, common-tone, chromatic, and enharmonic modulation. Learn to change keys smoothly in comp...
Master the four cadence types — authentic (V-I), plagal (IV-I), half (ending on V), and deceptive (V-vi). Learn to identify and write each c...
Master every dynamic marking from ppp to fff — crescendo, decrescendo, sforzando, subito piano, fortepiano, and how dynamics shape musical e...
Understand enharmonic equivalents — why F# and Gb sound the same but are written differently, and how this affects key signatures, chord spe...
Browse all 6 tutorial series or visit the homepage for free staff paper.