Colaborative Music Theory (Page 3 of 3)

I think everyone had the best intentions, now on with the lesson!!

I'll see what I can do about a title change.  I try to take a hands off approach, so I must admit some inexperience with the tools. 

If you can create a keyboard diagram, I think that's really useful.

Thanks so much for the tile change, you did it in record time.  If I could see you I would pat you on the back too. KUDOS TO YOU! 

You got it!  No problem at all. 

Do you want a keyboard diagram with the natrual notes (white keys) and sharp AND flat notes (black keys)? 

NOTE:  I am sure you already knew about the white and black keys, just trying to be clear. 

Let me know exactly what you want and I will get that out when I have a chance. 

Now this is how collaboration works!

The more feedback from you all the better.  I hope you all understand my PASSION for wanting to help as best as I can.

I look forward to working together and learning from EVERYONE!

Thanks

Steve

The reason I suggested creating the lessons with the learning objective stated up front is because I had to take a training module at work and that is the approach they used.  I found the approach to be very effective because I knew up front what I was supposed to get out of the lessons.  I learned quite a bit from that darn training module

Here we go

Learning objectives

Learn the notes in the C major scale.
Learn the major scale interval formula.
Identify the C major scale notes on a keyboard, guitar fretboard, guitar tab and standard notation.

Diagram 1

Learn the notes in the C major scale.

The notes in the C major scale are C D E F G A and B.  The 1 is also commonly referred to as the "root".  You can think of the root as being the root(s) of a tree and the rest of the notes in the scale as being the blossoms providing color and contrast.  The notes are numbered 1 - 8 with the 8th note being the octave.

Learn the major scale interval formula.

Scales are created from intervals which are measured by the number of half steps from on note to the next.  The major scale formula is W-W-h-W-W-W-h.  W=whole step or two frets and h=half step or one fret.  The last half step that leads to the octave is appropriately called "the leading tone".

Identify the C major scale notes on a piano keyboard, guitar fretboard, guitar tab and standard notation.

The notes of the C major scale are the same for both the guitar and keyboard.  The main difference is "how the notes are laid out" and "how to physically play" the notes.

NOTE:  The small box on the first C note denotes middle C.  Middle C is located in the "middle" of a keyboard.

Conclusion:

The C major scale is a nice starting place to learn music theory because there are no sharps or flats.  The C major scale is a "reference scale" since all other scales have some kind of sharp(s) or flat(s).  This lesson not only applies to guitar and keyboard but any instrument that uses the 12 note chromatic scale. 

I hope you enjoyed this lesson and look forward to your comments and suggestions .

Thank you

Steve

Looks fine Steve. The diagrams make it clear how the scale of C looks on a fretboard, a piano and in tab and treble clef notation.
It reminded me of a song from way back that helps you to know what the notes sound like, too.
When I was in school we learned the "tonic sol-fa" - you know, the doh ray me fa so la tee doh. This is how the major scale sounds.
The song I remember is "Doh a deer, a female deer, ray, a drop of golden sun..." etc from, I think, The Sound of Music film.
So if anyone knows the "sol fa" above, or knows that song, just remember that the notes of the major scale are those same notes you hear as doh ray me... etc.
Thanks for this lesson.

Wow the keyboard and fretboard really explained to me how it works. I already knew the fretboard was laid out like the piano keyboard but this just confirmed it for me and helps me find the notes i need to play better up the neck. Thanks and keep up the good work.

need copyies on penatonic scales for  guitar

canudigit,   Considering you have been a member from 2007, you could not have been reading the posts that have been discussed in this music theory forum, what you have stated in your thread we have all been through with jerome, and if we have a question we speak to jerome, he is the man who runs this music theory section.

you may be an expert, but you should respect jerome,s position,

self prase is no recomendation.

Well, I don't think anyone should be afraid to offer up opinions and ideas.  I'm not the teacher, per se, and I'd hate for this place to become an "ask Jerome questions" area.   There are lots of smart people here sharing their experiences.   My role as a moderator is to foster discussion, and I think this thread has been a great example of the kind of dynamic feedback that can be generated as a result.

I love theory.  I'm an engineer, and theory works in explaining how music is "built."  I'm also a button pusher, so yeah, I'm guilty of rubbing the self praise button. 

Hi all, thought maybe I'd give my 2 cents. First of all I can see the word "expert" to be bold when used
   
    to describe oneself. Most like to call someone an expert as a compliment. I was not offended Steve,

    but it did raise my eyebrows as you intended. I personally have a lacking of theory even though the

    guitar has been a long time friend (30+ yrs) and like so many I just wanted to play and the theory

    was never REALLY a priority. What you offer is an understanding to beginners and others of the

    importance to learn music theory so they may find their potentials less painlessly unlike a lot of us

    that has beat our heads against the wall from the lack of knowledge.

    I value Jeromes input and answers very much. He has taken the time during his lifetime to learn

    what I have not. The information is out there if one wants to find it, but the great thing about this

    forum is the interactive discussion that can take place. Answers to questions will be given by those

    that have answers or opinions as such even if their answers create debate.

    I look forward to all input from anyone on this subject. Something else came of this too. The debate

    between Jerome and Steve made me really think and understand what the hell you guys are

    talking about.lol            Mike

Hey Jerome, great explanation! The joke I'll remember and use if you don't mind, sir.
   Also sorry for your loss. Mine is also gone as of long ago. I missed out on his widom.
                                                                                                    Mike