Music Theory Notes PDF

Theory notes completed. Two minor thirds are diminished, and two major thirds are augmented. One minor third and a major third are major, and one minor third and a major third are minor. Don’t double the leading note at the beginning of a bar because it already has a leading note. Also, don’t doubl...

Theory notes completed. Two minor thirds are diminished, and two major thirds are augmented. One minor third and a major third are major, and one minor third and a major third are minor. Don’t double the leading note at the beginning of a bar because it already has a leading note. Also, don’t double a major third with a minor third (two octaves apart is fine). Double or omit the fifth is fine. You also cannot omit the third because it determines the quality of the chord. A pedal note is a lower part that suspends while the upper part changes. Contrary motion is when two notes move in opposite directions, similar motion is when two notes move in the same direction but have different intervals, and oblique motion is when one note moves and one says it keeps the independence of the voice. Parallel motion is when two notes move in the same direction and have the same interval. Parallel third and sixth are good. The seventh of a note always resolves down by step to release tension. The leading note always belongs in a V7 or VII7. Augmented sixth: Build up an octave, then put the higher octave a semitone down and the lower one follows. If you put in a major third, it becomes an Italian sixth. Now, still an augmented sixth, then put a major triad, it becomes a German sixth. Now, still an augmented sixth, and build a minor third now, another major second above it, it becomes a French sixth. Theory: Pivot chord: A pivot chord is used to make a smooth key change during modulations. Pivot chords are chords that have a relationship to both the modulated key and the base key (Q2/5).  Diatonic refers to notes within a specific scale, while chromatic refers to notes outside of that scale.  Major key goes down a semitone to work out the last sharp. Use primary chords to establish the key. Theory: - Secondary dominant is the dominant of the dominant and serves to strengthen the second fifth. - Chord extensions include 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords. - Melodic decoration involves using non-chord notes. - Changing notes involve one side leap and one side step. - Passing notes are non-harmonious notes that pass through the chord. - Notes of anticipation are new chord notes that come in the old chord. - Appoggiatura occurs on the accented beat and resolves by adding or subtracting a chord. - An approach, suspension, and resolution form a suspension. - An auxiliary note is a decorative note that moves up or down the two chord notes, and they must be the same note. - Vertical intervals are the pitch distances between two notes played simultaneously, used to create harmony. They are described by size (like second, third) and quality (like major, minor). - 7th chord inversion is similar to triads and can be inverted by moving the lowest note up an octave. In root position, the root note remains the same as in a triad and serves as the lowest (bass) note. - Vertical intervals are the pitch distances between two notes played simultaneously, used to create harmony. They are described by size (like second, third) and quality (like major, minor). - 7th chord inversion is similar to triads and can be inverted by moving the lowest note up an octave. In root position, the root note remains the same as in a triad and serves as the lowest (bass) note.  Chord Construction: Two minor thirds are diminished, two major thirds are augmented, and one minor third and one major third are major/minor. Chord Movement: Contrary motion, similar motion, oblique motion, and parallel motion are different ways notes can move. Key Change: Pivot chords are used to make smooth key changes during modulations. Chord Changes: Involves one side leap and one side step. Passing Notes: Non-harmonious notes that pass through the chord. Vertical Intervals: Pitch distances between two notes played simultaneously, used to create harmony.