The study of how music works, seeking to identify structures and patterns in music.
10
votes
2answers
222 views
What is the name of the interval Db - D#?
I know that Db - Eb is a major second/diminished third. What is the interval Db - D# called (and why)?
EDIT: oops, Db - Eb is NOT a diminished third.
7
votes
5answers
167 views
Resources for learning the Blues
Can anyone recommend any good resources (books or online) for learning the Blues on the guitar? Scales and theory is what I am looking for.
6
votes
1answer
569 views
How do you know what beat to emphasize based on the time signature?
In learning the guitar I have run across various time signatures. In each time signature it seems as if you are supposed to emphasize different beats. Is this something that you just have to intuit, ...
5
votes
2answers
100 views
Links and tips for Learning and using scales
Tips and links on learning and using different types of scales will be helpful.
If possible List of scales with songs in which they are used and (artists/types of bands) who uses certain scales to a ...
4
votes
2answers
392 views
What is a key signature?
I'm trying to learn the flute and I bought a book that is supposed to help me learn. In one of the first chapters it describes something about key signatures and the circle of fifths and I'm ...
4
votes
4answers
133 views
What are some harmonic options for layering guitar lines while recording?
I would like to layer multiple guitar lines for a section of a song that I'm working on - what are some harmonic variations that I would be able to use?
3
votes
1answer
123 views
Is there an amp power formula?
I'm looking to buy a new amp for my keyboards, and I was wondering if there's a formula I can use to help me calculate some of the objective specs I should look for. Something along the lines of: I ...
3
votes
3answers
3k views
What is the 1-6-2-5 Chord Progression?
Are there any scales that work well over this progression? My Mistake!! I was thinking of the song Breezin' by George Benson!!
1
vote
2answers
383 views
Why piano keys are not integer factors of octave notes?
In one of the answers of this question, some pianos with 44, 61, 76, and 88 keys are introduced. I just don't get it. Why notes are not following any formula? I mean, a piano with 63 keys means that ...
10
votes
4answers
622 views
With sheet music, how do you determine whether the song is in the major key or the minor key?
For example, if the key signature on the left doesn't have any sharps or flats then it could theoretically be in either the C Major scale or the A Minor scale. How do you determine which one?
9
votes
9answers
265 views
Musical Aids to Memorize Intervals
As the tutor for my school's music department, I spend a lot of time helping students drill intervals. However, I only have a handful of songs to recommend recognition.
P8 - Somewhere Over the ...
9
votes
2answers
801 views
Can an accidental carry over to the next measure?
I have been practicing this piece (The Stars and Stripes Forever) for a while. On the first note of the second measure of the second line, there is a natural sign. I have always understood accidentals ...
7
votes
3answers
454 views
What is a chromatic scale?
I notice that the blues scale usues notes that don't fit into the regular pentatonic scale, is there an entire scale that icorporates this method?
5
votes
2answers
165 views
The relationship between music theory and physical phenomena
The first unique overtones of a simple vibrating string form a major chord. Are there other simple physical structures that would generate other chord types?
5
votes
5answers
320 views
I need help understanding the concept of chord inversions.
This article from wikipedia, states:
In the first inversion of a C major triad the bass is E—the 3rd of the
triad—with the 5th and the root
stacked above it (the root now shifted
an octave ...
4
votes
2answers
662 views
What's the difference between sixteenth century counterpoint and eighteenth century counterpoint?
What's the difference between sixteenth century counterpoint and eighteenth century counterpoint? Is sixteenth century counterpoint melody or modal based (as this answer suggests) and eighteenth ...
3
votes
4answers
252 views
What are some interesting ways notes and chords are spelled in cultures outside of the U.S.?
I've heard that German musicians spell the seventh note of the C major scale with an "H" where an American musician would use a "B". And, for the fourth note of the F major scale, where an American ...
