Music Theory Reference Guide for Guitar
Aeolian Mode:
A scale built from the 6th step of the major scale. Also referred to as the Natural Minor Scale. Scale formula for the Aeolian Mode is 1,2,b3,4,5,b6,b7. Structure from the root is whole step, half step, whole step whole step, half step, whole step, whole step
Altered Interval:
An altered interval is any interval that does not fall naturally within the Major Scale. The intervals within a Major scale are 1,2,3,4,5,6,7.8. Examples of an altered interval would be b3, #5, b7 etc.
Altered Tuning:
Standard tuning for a guitar from the 6th string to the 1st string is E A D G B E. An altered tuning occurs whenever the standard tung has been changed. The tuning is frequently, but not always, changed to sound a chord when all of the strings are strummed together. An example of a G tuning, from the 6th string to the 1st, would be G B D G B G. When all 6 strings are strummed, a G chord is sounded.
Arpeggio:
An arpeggio is sounded when the notes of a chord are played individually rather than sounded all at once.
Arranging:
Arranging is taking a song and reworking it for a particular instrument, instruments, voice, or artist. An arrangement might be adapting a song from one style of music to another.
Augmented Interval:
An augmented interval occurs when a perfect interval has been raised by a half step.
Barre Chord:
A barre chord is when a chord shape that is usually played in the open position, is moved up the neck. To keep the interval relationship, or rather the distance between each note the same, the first finger of the left hand barres across all 6 strings and serves the same function as the nut does in the open position.
Cadence (time):
Rhythmic flow, or regular beat of a piece of music.
Caged System:
The Caged System is a method of visualizing the guitar neck. It is a system of 5 interlocking scale patterns, which together make one large pattern of a single key which encompasses the entire neck.
Chord Cluster:
A chord cluster is a chord comprising 3 adjacent notes of a scale. For example, in the Key of C, a chord cluster would occur if the notes C D & E are sounded at the same time.
Chord Formula:
The intervals of a scale which make up the structure of a chord. The chord formula for a Major 7 chord would be would be intervals 1 3 5 7 of a major scale.
Chord inversions:
Chord inversions are whenever a chord tone other than the root is in the lowest note of the chord.
Chords of a Key:
Chords of a key are chords that are built off of each step of the scale using only notes found within that scale. They are referred to as the I chord, the II chord, the III chord, and so forth.
Chord Substitution:
A substitute chord is a chord that can be used in place of another chord to create a different effect. This is a great concept to understand for a songwriter, or an arranger.
Chord Tension:
Tensions are intervals that can be added to a basic chord family to create interest and color. A major chord, structured 1 3 5, can be enhanced by adding tensions such as 6, 9, #11 etc.
Circle of 5th’s:
The circle of 5th is an interesting relationship between the 12 notes of the chromatic scale. It is often used as a way to modulate from one key to another. Starting on any note, move to the 5th of that note. Then, starting on the note you just landed on, move to the 5th of that note. Continuing that sequence, you will move through all 12 keys and end up back in the original key you started in.
Common Chord Progressions:
Common chord progressions are numerous. Here are a few of the most common: Blues I IV V, Jazz I I+ I6 I7 , Ragtime…circle of 5thsI VI7 II7 V7, Classical I II- I/III IV V/IV I/III V7 I4 I, Rock VI- IV V VI-, Gypsy Jazz I- IV- V7 I-. We would be glad to send you a more complete list. Use the contact form or email us at jimsuttonisg@gmail.com and we will get that list to you
Composition:
Composition is putting together a song, or piece of music. A composition will usually have several distinct parts, or movements. Intros, verses, chorus, bridge, interlude, solo, outro, etc.
Compound Intervals:
Intervals larger than an octave are compound intervals.
Consonance:
That which isn’t dissonance. Consonance and dissonance are considered opposites. Sweetness and harshness. An example of consonance is a major 3rd interval. An example of dissonance would be a b2 interval.(flat 2 interval)
Diatonic:
A diatonic scale is a heptatonic scale that includes five whole steps and two half steps in each octave. The two half steps are separated from each other by either two or three whole steps, depending on their position in the scale.
Diminished Chord:
The term “diminished chord”, as it pertains to a triad, means that the 3rd has been lowered and the 5th has been lowered. The term “diminished chord”, as it pertains to a seventh chord, means that the third has been lowered, the fifth has been lowered, and the seventh has been lowered twice. (double flat….bb) Diminished chord formula 1 b3 b5 bb7
Diminished Interval:
A diminished interval occurs when a perfect interval is lowered by a half step.
Dissonance:
The opposite of consonance. Consonance is a sweet sound, dissonance is a harsh sound. An example of dissonance would be a b2 interval.
Dominant Chord:
The term can refer to the chord type, or the chord function. As a chord function, the dominant chord is the V chord. In other words, it is the chord built from the 5th step of the major scale. The dominant chord as a chord type, is a dominant 7 chord. Chord formula 1 3 5 b7
Dorian Mode:
The Dorian Mode is a scale built from the 2nd step of the Major scale. The scale formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7.
Dot:
The dot is a time symbol. It adds half of the time value of the note it follows, to that note. If a note was worth 1 beat, adding a dot would change the time value of that note to a beat and a half.
Drop 2 voicing:
Use a chord in the 2nd inversion. Take the 2nd highest note of the chord and drop it an octave.
Drop 3 voicing:
Bass note, skip a string, then notes on 3 adjacent strings
Drop D:
Drop D is an altered tuning where the 6th string is lowered a whole step. In other words, the 6th string which is normally tuned to an E note, is lowered a whole step so that it now sounds a D note.
Eighth Note:
The term eighth note refers to the time value of the note. This time value can vary depending on the time signature. However in common time, 4/4 time, the eighth note is worth a half of a beat.
Enharmonic Equivalents:
An enharmonic equivalent is a note, interval, or key signature that is equivalent to some other note, interval, or key signature. For example, G# and Ab are enharmonic equivalent notes. One note that has two different names.
Exotic Scales:
Scales that are not commonly used.
First Inversion:
A first inversion is when the 3rd of a triad has been moved into the bass note position.
Flat:
A term meaning to lower a note by a half step.
General Interval:
General intervals are intervals found within the major scale. Prime, Major 2nd, Major 3rd, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Major 6th, Major 7th, Perfect Octave
Grand Arpeggio:
An arpeggio built in thirds starting on any note of a scale and using only notes of that scale.
Grand Staff:
When music on two staves is joined by a brace, or is intended to be played at once by a single performer, a grand staff is created. Typically the top staff is treble clef and the bottom staff is bass clef.
Groove:
A repeated rhythmic phrase that creates the “feel” of the music.
Half Diminished Chord:
A half diminished chord is the same as a minor 7 (b5) chord. The chord formula is 1 b3 b5 b7
Half Note:
The term half note refers to the time value of the note. This time value can vary depending on the time signature. However in common time, 4/4 time, the half note is worth two beats.
Half Step:
A half step is the distance of one note to the next immediately adjacent note. On the guitar, it is the distance of one fret to the next fret on the same string. An example would be G to G#, or A to A#, etc.
Harmonic Cadence:
A harmonic cadence is a resolve, usually to a more stable chord. An example would be a V7 chord resolving to the I chord.
Harmonic Minor Scale:
The scale formula for the Harmonic minor Scale is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Harmonic Progression:
A Harmonic progression is a series of chords.
Harmonics:
Harmonics, as it pertains to the guitar, is a technique used to create a tuning fork type sound. This is achieved by lightly touching a string directly above the fret, and then picking the string so that the harmonic is sounded. Best results are at the 12th fret.
Harmony:
Harmony is when additional voicing/s are added to a single musical line or note.
Improvisation:
Improvisation is to create music in the moment.
Intervals:
Intervals are the distance, or difference of pitch, of one note to the next. An example would be an interval of a 3rd, or a 4th, or a 5th, and so on.
Inversions:
An interval is said to be inverted when one of the notes is moved up or down an octave.
Ionian Mode:
The Ionian Mode is also referred to as a Major Scale. The scale formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.
Keys:
Keys refer to the overall tonality that a piece of music is played in.
Key Signature:
A Key Signature is placed at the beginning of a piece of music. This is a way to identify which key that section of music is played in.
Lick:
A lick is a group of notes, usually within a key but not necessarily, that can be used within a solo or as a fill.
Locrian Mode:
The Locrain Mode is built from the 7th step of the Major Scale. The scale formula is 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Lydian Mode:
The Lydian Mode is built from the 4th step of the Major Scale. The scale formula is 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Melody:
Melody is musical sounds put together in agreeable sequence.
Major Interval:
In a major scale, the interval from the 1st step to the 2nd step is called a Major 2nd interval. The interval from the 1st step to the 3rd step is called a Major 3rd interval. The interval from the 1st step to the 6th step is called a Major 6th interval. The interval from the 1st step to the 7th step is called a Major 7th interval
Major Pentatonic Scale:
The Major Pentatonic is a 5 note scale. The scale formula is 1 2 3 5 6
Major Scale:
The Major scale is an 8 note scale from root to octave. It is built whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.It is also referred to as the Ionian Mode. The scale formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minor Interval:
A minor interval is a Major interval that has been lowered by a half step
Minor Pentatonic Scale:
A minor Pentatonic scale is a 5 note scale. It is probably the most popular scale for guitarists. The scale formula is 1 b3 4 5 b7
Minor Scale:
There are many minor scales, or rather scales that have a minor tonality. A scale only needs to have a b3 in it to be considered a minor scale. However, “The minor Scale” is also called the Aeolian Mode.
The scale formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Mixolydian Mode:
The Mixolydian mode can also be looked at as a Major Scale with a lowered 7th tone. It is the Greek Mode built off of the 5th step of the Major scale. The scale formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7.
Modes:
Modes are scales built off of different steps of a given scale yet still only using the notes of that scale. For example, the scale built from the 2nd step of the Major scale is called the Dorian Mode. Even though you are still using the notes of the major scale, you move the root tonality to the 2nd step (In the case of the Dorian Mode) The 2nd step has now become the root (or 1), so the interval relationship (distance) of the other notes to that new root is different than it would be if you continued to use the 1st step of the major scale as the root.
Modulation:
Modulation occurs when a song moves from one key to another.
Notation:
Notation is a system for writing music.
Octave:
A perfect octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another with half or double its frequency. An example would be the interval distance between the note on the 3rd string played open, and the 1st string played at the 3rd fret.
Perfect Interval:
In music theory, an interval is the difference between two pitches.Intervals are given names such as major, minor, perfect, augmented, and diminished as a way to identify them. Unison, 4ths, 5ths, and Octaves are considered Perfect Intervals
Phrase:
Phrase, and phrasing, are concepts related to the grouping consecutive melodic notes.
Phrygian Mode:
The Phrygian Mode is the scale built from the 3rd step of the Major scale. It has a minor tonality. It is also unique in the sense that it has a flatted 2nd. It can be looked at as a minor scale with a flatted 2nd. The scale is built half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step, Whole step, whole step. The scale formula is 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Pitch:
The pitch of a note means how high or low a note is. The pitch of a note can be measured in a unit called Hertz. This is a measurement of how fast a sound wave vibrates.
Power Chord:
The power chord is the 1st and 5th interval of the major scale sounded together. A chord by definition needs at least three notes, so the power chord is the exception to the rule. What is unique about the power chord is that it is missing the 3rd, which is the interval that determines whether a chord is major or minor. This is one of the reasons that it is a popular chord. Without defining the whether it is major or minor, the soloist is less restricted.
Primes, 4th’s, 5th’s, and Octaves:
Perfect intervals
Quarter Note:
The term quarter note refers to the time value of the note. This time value can vary depending on the time signature. However in common time, 4/4 time, the quarter note is worth one beat.
Resonance:
Resonance is the quality of being “resonant,” which can mean “strong and deep in tone”.
Rhythm:
Rhythm has to do with the flow of time, and the pulse of time. In music, time is divided into measures. A rhythmic phrase can be restricted to one measure, or encompass several. It is a movement of a recurring pattern of beat.
Rhythm Symbolism:
Rhythm Symbolism is a method writing rhythmic phrases.
Scales:
Scales are an organized structure of sequential notes. These are frequently systems of 5 or 8 notes, but can be many more.
Second Inversion:
2nd inversion is when the 5th of a triad has been moved into the bass note position.
Semitone:
A semi tone is always a half step. It is the smallest musical interval in modern Western music, or rather the smallest distance between notes in the chromatic and diatonic scales. There are two semitones in one whole tone.
Sharp:
Sharp means to raise a note up one half step. For example: G on the 6th string is played at the 3rd fret. G# on the 6th string is played on the 4th fret.
Simple Meter:
In simple meter, the beats can be divided into even divisions of two. 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures are all examples of simple meter.
Sixteenth Note:
The term sixteenth note refers to the time value of the note. This time value can vary depending on the time signature. However in common time, 4/4 time, the sixteenth note is worth one quarter (1/4) of a beat.
Slide:
Slide is a technique of moving from one note to another. Once a note has been sounded, you keep pressure on the string with the fretted hand and slide to the next target note without re-picking the string.
Slur:
A slur is similar to the slide technique. Rather than just sliding from one note to another, a slur can slide over several notes.
Staccato:
Staccato is a musical term that means an note, or sequence of notes should be performed in an abrupt, sharp, clear-cut manner. The staccato technique is indicated by a dot placed above or below.
Sub Dominant Chord:
The subdominant chord is the technical name for the chord built on the fourth tonal degree of the diatonic scale.
Sympathetic Vibration:
A vibration of one string causes another string to vibrate as well.
Synthetic Scales:
A synthetic scale is a scale which has been derived from a traditional diatonic major scale through the alteration of one degree by a semitone (a half step) in either direction.
Tablature:
Tablature is a method of scoring music for most stringed instruments that are plucked. Guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, etc. It is a method of placing a number indicating the fret being sounded, onto a line which indicates the string the fret is on.
Tertial Harmony:
Tertial harmony means that chords are built using intervals of 3rds. For example, a major chord is built 1 3 5 steps of the major scale. The 3 is the distance of a 3rd away from the 1. The 5 is a distance of a 3rd away from the 3. In other words, the notes have been stacked in thirds.
Tie:
The tie adds the time value of the two notes tied together. In other words, the note is sounded and lasts for the time value of the two notes combined. (The second note in the tie is not picked)
Time:
The passage of time is usually marked off in music. Each segmentation is called a measure. Each measure will contain a predetermined number of beats.
Time Signature:
The time signature is indicated by a set of numbers found at the beginning of a chart, and sometimes throughout the chart. The numbers indicate how each measure will be counted. The top number indicates how many beats there are in a measure, and the bottom number indicates what kind of a note is worth 1 beat.
Transcription:
In music, transcription can mean notating a piece which was previously unnotated.
Transpose:
Transpose means to move a chart, or a section of music from one key to another.
Triads:
A triad is a set of three notes that can be stacked in thirds.
Tritone:
The tritone is strictly defined as a musical interval composed of three adjacent whole tones. For example, the interval from F up to the B above it ( F–B) is a tritone. It can be decomposed into the three adjacent whole tones F–G, G–A, and A–B. Within a diatonic scale there is only one tritone for each octave. For instance, the above mentioned interval F–B is the only tritone formed from the notes of the C major scale.
Whole Note:
The term whole note refers to the time value of the note. In 4/4 time, the whole note is worth 4 beats.