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

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

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

"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)

The Musical Alphabet: A Beginner's Guide to Note Names (A-B-C-D-E-F-G)

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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 …

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Major Seventh Chord: The Jazz Standard of Sophistication

Major Seventh Chord: The Jazz Standard of Sophistication

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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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Tritone (Augmented Fourth): The Devil's Interval

Tritone (Augmented Fourth): The Devil's Interval

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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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Common Chord Progressions: The Building Blocks of Musical Harmony

Common Chord Progressions: The Building Blocks of Musical Harmony

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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

Unlocking the Dorian b2: A Deep Dive into the "Phrygian Dorian" Mode

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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, …

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Diminished Seventh Chord: The Master of Musical Tension

Diminished Seventh Chord: The Master of Musical Tension

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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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Unlocking the Lydian Dominant (Lydian b7): A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the Lydian Dominant (Lydian b7): A Comprehensive Guide

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

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 …

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Classic Rock Progression: The Timeless I-V-vi-IV Formula

Classic Rock Progression: The Timeless I-V-vi-IV Formula

Published on 09 Jul, 2025

The I-V-vi-IV is arguably the most successful chord progression in popular music history. Its unique blend of tension and resolution creates a deeply satisfying emotional arc that has served as …

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