Fundamentals
Circle of fifths
Layout: The circle is divided into 12 segments, each representing a note. Starting from C at the top, each subsequent note moving clockwise is a perfect fifth above the previous one.
Major Keys: The outer ring shows the major keys. Moving clockwise from C, you get G, D, A, E, B, F♯, D♭ (C♯), A♭, E♭, B♭, F, and back to C.
Minor Keys: The inner ring shows the relative minor keys, which share the same key signature as the major keys.
Key Signatures: Moving clockwise adds sharps to the key signature, and counterclockwise adds flats.
Chord Relationships: Adjacent chords on the circle sound harmonious when played together.
The Circle of Fifths helps with understanding key signatures, creating chord progressions, and composing music by showing how different keys and chords relate to each other.
What Are Intervals?
In music theory, an interval is the distance between two pitches, measured in steps and described by their specific tonal relationship. Intervals are named based on the number of scale steps they encompass and their quality (e.g., perfect, major, minor, augmented, diminished). Intervals can be simple (within an octave) or compound (exceeding an octave). They are fundamental to understanding harmony and melody, as they form the basis for chords, scales, and harmonic progression.
What is a major scale?
A major scale is one of the most fundamental scales in Western music, often described as having a "happy" or "bright" sound. It consists of seven distinct notes, followed by an eighth note that is the same as the first, but one octave higher. The formula for a major scale is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes: W - W - H - W - W - W – H or intervals of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,(8)
What is the dorian mode?
Dorian is one of the seven modes of the diatonic scale. It is often described as having a "minor" quality with a somewhat jazzy or soulful feel. The Dorian mode is similar to the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode) but with a raised sixth. This gives it a unique sound that is both minor and slightly brighter than a typical minor scale. The formula for Dorian is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes W - H - W - W - W - H – W or intervals of 1,2,♭3,4,5,6,♭7,(8)
What is the Phrygian mode?
Phrygian is known for its dark and exotic sound. It is essentially a natural minor scale with a lowered (flattened) second, which gives it its distinctive flavor. The formula for Phrygian is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes H - W - W - W - H - W – W or intervals of 1,♭2,♭3,4,5,♭6,♭7,(8)
What is the Lydian mode?
The Lydian mode is known for its bright and almost "dreamy" or "ethereal" sound. It is similar to the major scale but with a raised (augmented) fourth. This raised fourth gives the Lydian mode its distinctive sound, which is often described as more "open" or "floating" compared to the standard major scale. The formula for Lydian is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes W - W - W - H - W - W – H or intervals of 1,2,3,#4,5,6,7,(8)
What is the Mixolydian mode?
Mixolydian is known for its "bluesy" and "dominant" sound. It is similar to the major scale but with a lowered (minor) seventh. This gives the Mixolydian mode a bright yet slightly more grounded sound, often used in rock, blues, and jazz music. The formula for Lydian is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes W - W - H - W - W - H – W or intervals of 1,2,3,4,5,6,♭7,(8)
What is the Aeolian mode?
Aeolian, also known as the natural minor scale, is often used to create music that sounds somber, melancholic, or serious. The formula for Aeolian is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes W - H - W - W - H - W – W or intervals of 1,2,♭3,4,5,♭6,♭7,(8)
What is the Locrian mode?
Locrian is known for its highly dissonant and unstable sound. It is the least commonly used of the modes due to its tense and unresolved quality. The Locrian mode is essentially a natural minor scale with a lowered second and a lowered fifth, making it unique and quite different from the other modes. The formula for Locrian is based on a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes H - W - W - H - W - W – W or intervals of 1,♭2,♭3,4,♭5,♭6,♭7,(8)