Articles
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,...
The Musical Alphabet: A Beginner's Guide to Note Names (A-B-C-D-E-F-G)
Unlock the language of music by learning the musical alphabet. This guide breaks down the simple A-B-C-D-E-F-G note naming system used in Western music. We'll explore how to find notes …
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...
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 …
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...
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) …
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...
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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Unlocking the Dorian b2: A Deep Dive into the "Phrygian Dorian" Mode
Often called "Phrygian Dorian" or, more commonly, Dorian b2, this mode offers a captivating blend of dark tension and bright resolution. As the second mode of the Melodic Minor scale, …
Diminished Seventh Chord: The Master of Musical Tension
The diminished seventh chord is one of music's most dramatic and versatile harmonic tools. Built from a unique stack of minor thirds, this symmetrical chord creates intense tension that pulls...
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Harmonics: The Building Blocks of Musical Sound
Have you ever wondered why a C note played on a piano sounds so different from the exact same C played on a violin or a trumpet? The answer lies …
Unlocking the Lydian Dominant (Lydian b7): A Comprehensive Guide
Dive deep into the Lydian Dominant scale (Lydian b7), the sound behind *The Simpsons* theme and countless jazz solos. This guide breaks down its theory, shows you how to build …