The ’33-minute rule’ is something I have been using on and off in my work since college (2014). It has allowed me to better focus my efforts to get my music written and mixed. And, as of late, it has greatly improved my ability to effectively get blog posts written! I honestly cannot remember where I…
The Harmonic Major Scale is probably the least know of the 4 main heptatonic scales (Major, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, Harmonic Major). As we’ve done with the other scales listed above, in this article we’ll look into the chords of the Harmonic Major Scale! We’ll look mostly at triads and seventh chords but will stray away…
Inspired by my Chords of the Melodic Minor Scale article, I would like to present chords based on harmonizing other heptatonic scales. In this article, we’ll discuss the chords of the Harmonic Minor Scale! More specifically, we’ll look at the triads and seventh chords. We’ll also look at a cool application of these chords and how…
It’s human nature to imagine and wait for a future when everything is how it’s supposed to be. A perfect opportunity to make your dreams come true. A perfect time for making music. There’s no such thing. There’s no such thing as a perfect time to start, a perfect path to take, or perfect execution….
How many possible chords are there in music? This is a question I remember thinking about when I started learning music theory but have never answered. Until now! This is, admittedly, a pseudo-intellectual topic. But still, it might be fun to do some math and discuss the chords of music. This article will run through…
When thinking diatonically in functional harmony, we harmonize and build chords based on the Diatonic Scale (Major Scale and its modes). This creates strong and common chord progressions. But what happens if we build chords based upon the Melodic Minor Scale? Well, it wouldn’t be considered “functional harmony,” but the chord progressions would certainly sound…
Tertian harmony describes music and chords constructed with thirds. Based on the diatonic scale, and the basic concept of intervals, these thirds are either minor (an interval of 3 semitones) or major (an interval of 4 semitones). Tertian harmony forms the 4 triads of music as well as 8* of the most common seventh chords. *There…
Keeping a music journal has been one of the best habits I’ve developed to improve my craft as a musician, composer, and producer. In my journal, I include: Writing a music journal is proving to be an invaluable asset in my creative process. Hell, I probably would never have started blogging about music if I…
The most basic chords in music are called triads. A triad is made of three notes, hence the name. It’s a tertian chord, meaning that it is built from stacking thirds. Therefore a triad consists of a first, a third, and a fifth scale degree. This article will discuss the 4 triads of music, their inversions,…
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about modes, modal composition, and modal arpeggios. Studying modes and modal composition has been fulfilling and inspiring in my musical journey. And I’d like to share a concept I’ve been using in my music. What I call modal arpeggios! What Is A Modal Arpeggio? Let’s break it down: Therefore…
Intervals are the basis of harmony and harmony is important to us as musicians, composers, and music producers. This article will discuss what intervals are and tips on how to use them in compositions. A Single Note Holds A Lot Of Information More Notes, More Information But there’s not really music in a single note. One way…
When learning music theory, the term diatonic will undoubtedly come up. Let’s discuss what it means and how we can think about it when composing and producing our music! What does diatonic mean exactly? When I was first told about diatonic playing, I thought it meant picking a scale and playing only the notes from that…
