51

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

A G# and an Ab have the same exact frequency and sound the same to our ears.

The main difference is how it is notated in music. 

When learning all 12 major and minor keys, this will become more apparent. 

The next lesson will be learning the major scale formula and learning all the notes in the 12 major keys (one key at a time starting with the key of C).

Hopefully I can find a way to upload some images to give a visual (I already have the screen shots ready) of what I am trying to say.

The thing that I find about theory is that you can make a statement that is a paragraph long in text that could be explained in minutes by video or screen shots.

So (geoaguiar) PLEASE hang in there with me and things will clear up very soon. 

Thanks for the question

Steve

UPATE:  I found out how to upload images searching the forums so I will upload some images as soon as I have a chance.

Steve

52

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

henryb wrote:

I,m certainly looking forward to a plain language explanation to music theory that is being offered. so give the guy a break,PLEASE.

I realy appreciate that very much big_smile

I have been studying music theory for a LONG time and have come across many instances of complicated terms and methods and such and is why I chose to teach from my own experience.

My goal is to share what I know with others who are interested, nobody is being forced to read this stuff.

LESSON ONE SUMMARY:

There is a total of 12 tones in music.  The first seven letters of the alphabet are A B C D E F and G also called natural notes(there are no H I J K or L M N O P's) . The other five notes are the sharps and flats.

LESSON TWO SUMMARY:

A sharp symbol (#) placed after a natural note means to play the very next note higher.
A flat symbol (b) placed after a natural note means to play the very next note lower.

NOTE: Sorry for those who don't agree, but this is what I call the basic rule (this my own interpretation)

BASIC RULES:

B up to the very next note is C and not B#.

C down to the very next note is B and not Cb.

E up to the very next note is F and not E#.

C down to the very next note is B and not Cb.

Here are a few examples of sharps and flats.

C up to the very next note is C#.

D up the very next note is D#.

E down to the very next note is Eb.

A down to the very next note is Ab.

This applies to all pitched instrumens that utilize the 12 tones in music. 

If there are any questions, PLEASE let me know and I will clarify as best I can.  If there are no issues, then I will just continue from here.

Also, is there a way to paste in some nice and easy to read screen captures? 

If not, I will create a mini website that I can have you link to to SEE what I am talking about.

Thank you
Steve

53

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Ok if I say I am just a guitar player and not an "expert" and made that statement would that be acceptable?

I am just a musician who wants to help others with some basic music theory that I teach in my own words and not teach a college music theory course.

I take back the term expert (since that is what started this whole mess) comment and would like to be considered a musician helping other musicians out.

If need be I can change the title so no more feathers get ruffled.

Thanks

Steve

54

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

I am sorry if I came across arogant, that is not what I intended at all. 

I was just trying to see if the title would get some attention and that it did.   
The funny thing about all of this is it all comes down to "playing guitar however you like", nothing more nothing less. 

If you accept my appologies and don't mind keeping this thread going, please do so otherwise I will just give my 2 cents on any theory questions that are asked.

Thanks

Steve

55

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Here is the definition of an expert

A person with a high degree of skill in or knowledge of a certain subject.

I could have been so eloquent with the words like jerome.oneil. 

Eloquent

Characterized by persuasive, powerful discourse: an eloquent speaker; an eloquent sermon.

You can say what you want but I am an expert and that's that.  I bet I have been playing more years than you were born!

If this was an class on being an English major I might have used those COOL words, but I like to speak so others can understand.

The way you stated this previously is just another way of saying exactly what I said, just in a different way.

I am amazed at how you treat someone who is giving his time and efforts to HELP others out. 

Also I only wanted to let others get a feel for who I am as a musician and not brag.

I did not see the previous post on this subject so I wasn't aware.

I hope to get some more backup (thanks arkady) on this so I can keep this thread going.  At this point I feel like I am being bashed.

56

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Bofore going on any further, I would like to let you know a little bit about myself.

I have been playing guitar for 27 years.  Started taking lessons for about a year and then stopped because my guitar teacher passed away.

I decided to be a self taught musician and studied everything I could get my hands on.

I played in a Rock band Massachussetts for 15 years as the lead guitar player along with some lead and backup vocals.

At this time I own my own home studio and teach guitar at home.  Enough about me (unless you have any questions).

Don't give up so easy smile just take Lessons 1 and 2 for what they are. 

Think about your goals as a musician.

If you just want to read and strum chords then do just that.

If you would like to become a well rounded musician that can understand and play other instruments like bass, drums, keys, etc.. then this BASIC THEORY is important.

Maybe there are some people who would like to learn to play multiple instruments in a home studio for recording purposes, again this BASIC theory is important.

Theory has helped me to the point I don't have to think about anymore.  The rewards are priceless for the time and effort spent learning theory.

I truly am here to help who ever wants it.

Keep Jamming

Steve

57

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

QUESTION:

So, if I'm playing something in the key of C sharp major, what is the next note up from B?

ANSWER:

Since the key of C# major has all sharps (C#,D#,E#,F#,G#,A#,B#) the very next note up from B would be B#.

B# is the seventh degree in C# major so B would be a flat 7.

Also, this is the main scale (C# major) that breaks the BASIC RULE mentioned in the last lessons.

This is one of those cases where theory complicates things more than it has to be yikes

Steve

58

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

It's all good smile.  The only thing that I am looking to do is help some people with basic music theory. 

Once you understand the basics, you will then be able to construct melodies, chords, scales and FREE yourself to concentrate on performing.  This may seem very basic, but I like to teach from the ground up so there are no HOLES in learning this stuff.

Lesson 2

In lesson one you learned about the five natural notes which were A B D C E F and G.  Now it is time to learn about the sharp and flats.

A sharp symbol (#) placed after a natural note means to play the very next note higher.

A flat symbol (b) placed after a natural note means to play the very next note lower.

BASIC RULE:

B up to the very next note is C and not B#.
C down to the very next note is B and not Cb.

E up to the very next note is F and not E#.
C down to the very next note is B and not Cb.

This basic rule will be broken when learning about the 12 keys in music, but for now remember the basic rule.

Here are a few examples of sharps and flats.

C up to the very next note is C#.
D up the very next note is D#.
E down to the very next note is Eb.
A down to the very next note is Ab.

B up to the very next note is B# NOT.. Just checking to see if you are paying attention smile

That's all for this lesson

Keep Jammin

Steve

59

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

I understand, but I take teaching music SERIOUSLY and not as a joke, especially on the first impression sad.

Here is the first lesson that I have to offer.  This is a very basic lesson and supports just about any other music theory topic.


Lesson 1

The 12 tones in music

In western culture music, there is a total of 12 tones also known as the chromatic scale.  A musician uses these same 12 tones to create chords, scales and ultimately music just like a painter uses the colors of his or her pallete to paint.

Once you have a solid understanding of all 12 tones in music, you will have the tools to learn to create chords, scales and ultimately FREE your mind so you can concentrate on playing.

The first seven letters of the alphabet (A B C D E F and G) are called natural tones because they do not have any sharp (#) or flats (b). 

That takes care of seven of the 12 tones.  The other five notes are the sharp and flat notes which will be explained in the next lesson.

NOTE:  Music theory can be very complicated.  Here is an example.

A Bmin7 is the second chord in the key of A, the third chord in the key of G and also the relative minor chord in the key of D and the Bmin7 is diatonic to each of those keys WHEW!! 

The best thing to do is learn what you find usefull and put all the complicated stuff on the backburner.

LESSON SUMMARY:

There is a total of 12 tones in music.
The first seven letters of the alphabet are A B C D E F and G also called natural notes.
The other five notes are the sharps and flats. 

I truly hope this helps clear some music theory confusion.

Keep Jammin

Steve

60

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

I guess I should have not posted to offer help since I will end up with rediculous comments like the previous one by SouthPaw41L the moderator. 

I did say EASY MUSIC THEORY, not quantum physics.   Theory can easily get very complicated but doesn't have to be.

I will keep checking back to hopefully see some REAL interest instead of wisecracks.

P.S. The reason I thought you was busting on me is the kind of question you asked has very little to do with playing guitar chords.

61

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Hello chordie members! 

I am an expert guitar player with a ton of experience and would like to help the chordie community out. 

Please reply to this thread so I can see there is enough interest on this topic and if there is, I will start posting some SIMPLE EASY TO FOLLOW guitar theory lessons.

Also if you are interested, please pass the word around to get everyone you know on board.

I will check back soon!

Thanks

canudigit

Edit:  Attempt to change thread title on request of OP.

62

(8 replies, posted in About Chordie)

A/F#

E-------2----------------------
A-----------------------------
D------ 2---------------------
G-------2----------------------
B-------2---------------------
E-----------------------------

The chord above is an F#minor seventh and can also be notated as a slash chord A/F# (an A major chord with an F# in the bass). 

No matter what you call it, it SOUNDS the same.

The most common name for this chord is an F#m7.