Music Theory and Production · Notes

Minor scales

1. Natural minor scale can be located by finding the 6th note of its relative major. What's more, it strictly uses notes from its relative major (Aeolian mode).
2. Harmonic minor scale are all the same notes (as the natural minor) except for the 7th note which becomes a half-step relationship between the 7th note and the (next) root note
   • So, A-B-C-D-E-F-G#-A instead of A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A (with A being the next root note)
3. Melodic minor scale which is different when going up the scale as compared to when going down the scale
   • Going up the scale becomes A-B-C-D-E-F#-G# (so, the 6th and 7th notes are raised a half step)
   • Going down the scale, however, reverts to the natural minor scale: G-F-E-D-C-B-A

Chords (technically) out of key

Chords:

• IV major chord in, for example, the C Major scale: F-A-C (major chord) becomes F-A♭-C (minor chord)
• vii° diminished chord in for example, the C Major scale: B-D-F (diminished chord) becomes B♭-D-F (major chord)... a flat 7 major

Key changes (or, modulation)

Key changes:

• A (whole) step-up key change
• Useful when, for example, you get to the end of a song and it sounds a bit too repetitive, then do a step-up key change... for example, a 6-4-1 (vi-IV-I) in C Major becomes a 6-4-1 (vi-IV-I) in D Major:
  • C Major: A-C-E (A minor, 6), F-A-C (F major, 4), C-E-G (C major, 1)
  • D Major: B-D-F# (B minor, 6), G-B-D (G major, 4), D-F#-A (D major, 1)
• Works well when the two keys share a (common) chord to help with the transition
  • For example, in C Major, the G major (5) chord G-B-D coincides with D Major, the G major (4) chord G-B-D

Chord progressions

Popular chord progressions used in various genres of music:

1. I - IV - V - I. This progression is extremely common in various forms of music, especially in rock, pop, blues, and folk. Example in C major: C - F - G - C.
2. I - vi - IV - V. Another very common progression, often used in pop, rock, and ballads. Example in C major: C - Am - F - G.
3. ii - V - I. Commonly used in jazz, this progression creates tension and resolution. Example in C major: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7.
4. I - V - vi - IV. Often referred to as the "pop-punk progression," it's popular in pop, rock, and contemporary genres. Example in C major: C - G - Am - F.
5. I - vi - ii - V. Commonly used in jazz and also appears in pop and rock music. Example in C major: C - Am - Dm - G.
6. i - ♭VII - ♭VI - V. Common in rock, especially in classic rock and hard rock genres. Example in A minor: Am - G - F - E.
7. iii - vi - ii - V. A common progression in jazz and also found in pop and rock music. Example in C major: Em - Am - Dm - G.
8. I - IV - vi - V. Known as the "Axis of Awesome" progression due to its widespread use in many popular songs. Example in C major: C - F - Am - G
9. I - III - IV - V. This progression has a classic feel and is used in various genres, including rock and pop. Example in C major: C - E - F - G.
10. vi - IV - I - V. Often used in ballads and pop songs for its smooth resolution and emotional impact. Example in C major: Am - F - C - G.

These chord progressions serve as foundational structures for countless songs across different musical styles. They provide a framework for creating melodies, harmonies, and lyrics that resonate with listeners.

The Pentatonic major scale

A major scale with the 4th and 7th degrees removed.

Time signature

A "time signature" is a notational convention used in Western music to specify the meter of a piece of music. It consists of two numbers, one stacked above the other, that appear at the beginning of a piece or section of music, right after the clef and key signature.

Top Number: This indicates how many beats are in each measure (bar). It tells you the number of beats in one measure. Bottom Number: This indicates the note value that receives one beat. For example, if the bottom number is 4, it means a quarter note gets one beat.

For example, in a 4/4 time signature:

• The top number (4) indicates there are four beats in each measure.
• The bottom number (4) indicates that a quarter note receives one beat.

In a 3/4 time signature:

• The top number (3) indicates there are three beats in each measure.
• The bottom number (4) indicates that a quarter note receives one beat.

In a 6/8 time signature:

• The top number (6) indicates there are six beats in each measure.
• The bottom number (8) indicates that an eighth note receives one beat.

Time signatures help musicians understand the rhythmic structure of a piece, including the grouping of beats and the relative value of different notes.