Basic Music Theory

Basic Music Theory and Composition

Introduction

This is a short, simple textbook on the basic theory of music. It focuses on Western Cultures (such as Europe and the America).

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Contents

1. Notes
   1. Sound Science
   2. Why the notes are where they are
2. Scales and Modes
   1. Key Signature
   2. Musical Modes
   3. Major Scale
   4. Minor Scales
   5. Other Western Scales
3. Harmony and Counterpoint
   1. Consonance and Dissonance
   2. Harmony
   3. Basic Chords (Triads)
   4. More Advanced Chords
   5. Compound Chords
   6. Changed Chords - Inversions
   7. Changed Chords - Open and Closed Positions
   8. Counterpoint
   9. Counterpoint - Use of Consonance
   10. Counterpoint - Rules for Movement
   11. Counterpoint - Use of Dissonance
   12. Counterpoint and Harmony Together
4. Musical Texture
   1. Monophony
   2. Polyphony
   3. Homophony
   4. Rhythm
5. Organizing Music
   1. Themes
   2. Hooks and Motifs
   3. Phrases and Passages
   4. Musical Forms
6. Meanings of Special Words (Glossary)