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Rhythm Changes: The Ultimate Guide to Jazz's Foundational Progression

Rhythm Changes: The Ultimate Guide to Jazz's Foundational Progression

"Rhythm Changes" is a cornerstone 32-bar AABA chord progression derived from George Gershwin's 1930 hit "I Got Rhythm." It has become a fundamental building block for countless jazz standards,...

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The Musical Alphabet: A Beginner's Guide to Note Names (A-B-C-D-E-F-G)
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The Major Scale: The Foundation of Western Music

The Major Scale: The Foundation of Western Music

The major scale is the most fundamental scale in Western music. It's a seven-note diatonic scale that forms the basis for countless melodies, harmonies, and musical compositions across all genres....

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Major Seventh Chord: The Jazz Standard of Sophistication

Major Seventh Chord: The Jazz Standard of Sophistication

The major seventh chord elevates the basic major triad with a rich, colorful extension: the major seventh interval. This creates a sophisticated, dreamy sound that is foundational to jazz, bossa...

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Diminished Scales: A Guide to Symmetrical Patterns in Music

Diminished Scales: A Guide to Symmetrical Patterns in Music

The diminished scale, also known as the octatonic scale, is a fascinating eight-note symmetrical scale that alternates between whole and half steps. It is a cornerstone of modern harmony, used …

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Unlocking the Drama: A Complete Guide to Augmented Sixth Chords

Unlocking the Drama: A Complete Guide to Augmented Sixth Chords

Dive deep into the world of Augmented Sixth chords, the secret ingredient for musical drama and tension. This comprehensive guide breaks down the three main types—Italian, French, and German—with...

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Suspended Chords: A Guide to Creating Tension and Motion in Music

Suspended Chords: A Guide to Creating Tension and Motion in Music

Suspended chords, or "sus" chords, are a vital tool for any songwriter, composer, or musician. By replacing the defining third of a chord with either a more neutral second (sus2) …

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Mastering the 7#11 Chord: A Comprehensive Guide to Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleven
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The Minor Pentatonic Scale: A Universal Key to Emotional Expression

The Minor Pentatonic Scale: A Universal Key to Emotional Expression

The minor pentatonic scale is arguably the most important and widely used scale in popular music. This comprehensive guide explores the five-note scale that has powered countless blues, rock, and …

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Tritone (Augmented Fourth): The Devil's Interval

Tritone (Augmented Fourth): The Devil's Interval

The tritone, an interval spanning six semitones, is arguably the most fascinating and historically significant interval in Western music. Known for its jarring dissonance and powerful need for...

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The 6/9 Chord: A Comprehensive Guide for Musicians
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Common Chord Progressions: The Building Blocks of Musical Harmony

Common Chord Progressions: The Building Blocks of Musical Harmony

Chord progressions are the harmonic foundations that drive musical compositions across nearly all Western musical styles. This comprehensive guide explores the most common and influential chord...

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