⬇BASIC MUSIC THEORY FOR GUITAR ⬇

Learning music theory on guitar is crucial as it serves as the foundation for understanding the mechanics of music and how it relates to the instrument. It allows for a deeper appreciation of the structure and composition of musical pieces, and provides a means to communicate musical ideas with other musicians. Additionally, having a solid grasp of music theory can enhance one's creativity and ability to improvise, compose and arrange music. Furthermore, it can improve overall musicianship and facilitate the learning process of new pieces and styles of music. In essence, a strong foundation in music theory leads to a more comprehensive and fulfilling musical experience.

Check out the youtube video masterclass about basic music theory further down this page.

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The musical alphabet & why is it important?

The full musical alphabet in Western music consists of 7 letters, starting with A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, and then repeating in a cyclical fashion. This 7-letter musical alphabet is formed based on the notes of a major scale. 

Major Scale: A major scale consists of a specific sequence of whole and half steps between the notes. The musical alphabet is derived from this sequence of whole and half steps. 

Octaves: The musical alphabet is repeated in higher and lower octaves, which are multiples of the same pitch at different frequencies. The notes in each octave are labeled with the same letter name as the corresponding note in a lower or higher octave. 

Enharmonic notes: Some notes in the musical alphabet have different pitch but the same letter name, such as the notes B-flat and A-sharp. These notes are called enharmonic notes.

The musical alphabet is important for guitar because it helps guitarists to understand the relationships between notes on the fretboard. 

  • Note Identification: Knowing the musical alphabet allows guitarists to identify the notes on the fretboard and to communicate with other musicians about specific notes. 
  • Chord and Scale Construction: The musical alphabet is also used in chord and scale construction, as it defines the relationships between the notes in a specific key or scale. Knowing the musical alphabet makes it easier for guitarists to understand the relationships between notes and to build chords and scales. 
  • Improvisation: The musical alphabet is also useful for improvisation, as it helps guitarists to understand the relationships between notes and to navigate the fretboard when soloing. 
  • Ear Training: Understanding the musical alphabet is important for ear training, as it helps guitarists to better recognize the relationships between notes and to identify chords and scales by ear.

Musical Intervals on the guitar

Musical intervals on the guitar refer to the distance between two notes. The most common intervals on the guitar include the following: 

  • Unison: when the two notes are the same 
  • Minor second: one fret apart 
  • Major second: two frets apart 
  • Minor third: three frets apart 
  • Major third: four frets apart 
  • Perfect fourth: five frets apart 
  • Tritone (augmented fourth or diminished fifth) : six frets apart 
  • Perfect fifth: seven frets apart 
  • Minor sixth: eight frets apart 
  • Major sixth: nine frets apart 
  • Minor seventh: ten frets apart 
  • Major seventh: eleven frets apart 
  • Octave: twelve frets apart

Why are musical intervals Important?

Musical intervals on guitar are important because they form the basis of melody, harmony, and chord construction. 

  • Melody: Intervals are used to create melodies and determine the distance between notes in a melody line. Understanding intervals helps guitarists to better create and understand melodies. 
  • Harmony: Intervals are also used in chord construction, as the distance between notes in a chord is defined by intervals. Knowing intervals makes it easier for a guitarist to understand chord progressions and create their own chords. 
  • Improvisation: Intervals are useful for improvisation, as they provide a roadmap for creating solos and improvising over chord progressions. Guitarists can use intervals to guide their soloing and add structure to their playing. 
  • Ear Training: Understanding intervals is also important for ear training, as it helps guitarists to better recognize the relationships between notes and to identify chords by ear.

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