Musical modes constitute a form of scale complete with their own distinctive melodic traits. The seven modes have their roots in some of western music’s oldest forms.
Tag: music theory
How to Write Interesting Chord Progressions: Pedal Notes
Another great way to create more interesting chord progressions is to use a pedal note or pedal point. A pedal note is a static bass note that sticks around for a few measures while the chords change over the top.
How to Make Music Theory Stick
For a majority of younger students, however, music theory is less familiar, though it is still important. Why is it so important, and how can you help your students remember what they have learned?
How To Write Interesting Chord Progressions: Inversions
One of the simplest and most effective ways to enrich your chord progressions is through the use of inversions. Depending which note you put in the bass, you end up with chords in first inversion or second inversion:
Some Basic Articulation Markings
It’s not just the words you say that get a message across—it’s the way you say them. Similarly, in music there are many ways to “say” the same notes. Without following articulation markings, your playing could end up sounding like the equivalent of speaking in a monotone. Here’s an easy guide to help you become more “articulate” and bring more life into your playing by using accents, slurs, and staccatos.
Songwriting Handbook for Beginners
Songwriters: Give Your Mind an Escape. When to Give in to Your Distractions. An excerpt from Emma McGann’s new book The Songwriting Handbook for Beginners, Volume One: Motivational Methods
Holds and Pauses
Dramatic pauses in your music are a great way to grab the listener’s attention. Like most instructions in music, holds and pauses are also notated.
Start Writing
Start Writing That Song — If your mind goes blank every time you try to put words to music, these ideas will get your songwriting process in gear.
6 Great Jazz Improv Tips
Jazz is a spontaneous art. If you want to learn how to improvise a jazz piece, here are 6 great jazz improv tips to master that will help you get started.
Molding Melodies
Musical inspiration can strike at any time: driving home from work, in the shower, or even when you wake up in the morning. You could hum a melody one day, and find it sticks around for days, weeks, or longer. Focus your inspiration while exploring the possibilities and you’ll soon be molding melodies of your own!