Monthly Archives: November 2025

Quick Answer Chromatic mediants are a captivating musical concept where chords are related by a third interval but belong to different keys. This creates unique tension and resolution, surprising and delighting listeners. A classic example is Radiohead’s “Creep,” where the unexpected chord progression is crucial to the song’s emotional impact. Chromatic mediants shape modern music […]

Quick Answer Accidentals in music are symbols that modify a note’s pitch, either raising or lowering it from its natural state within a key. Bach, a master of musical expression, uses accidentals to weave complex emotional narratives, create tension, and facilitate smooth transitions between keys. Accidentals enhance the expressive quality of Bach’s compositions, adding depth […]

Quick Answer Understanding music theory through popular songs is like learning to cook your favorite dish by taste—it’s intuitive and enjoyable. By listening to music you love, you can uncover the secrets of intervals, chord progressions, and song structures without the burden of technical jargon. Popular songs offer an engaging gateway to mastering music theory. […]

Quick Answer Creating a jazz standard from scratch is akin to painting a musical masterpiece. It requires crafting a memorable melody, harmonizing it with rich jazz chords, and integrating syncopated rhythms to capture an authentic jazz feel. To create a jazz standard, develop a unique melody, harmonize it with jazz elements, and incorporate rhythmic complexity. […]

Quick Answer Unconventional time signatures are rhythmic patterns that deviate from the traditional 4/4 or 3/4 commonly found in mainstream music. They can range from 5/4 to 7/8 or more adventurous patterns like 13/8. These complex time signatures allow composers to explore new emotional landscapes, challenge performers, and expand the boundaries of musical expression. Composers […]

Quick Answer Secondary dominants are special chords that enhance a musical piece by acting as temporary dominants for chords other than the main tonic. They create a momentary shift in the listener’s ear, adding a delightful twist to the harmony. Essentially, secondary dominants lead to non-tonic chords, creating tension and enriching the music. Understanding these […]

Quick Answer Julius Vogler’s “526 Ready-to-Use Modulations,” published in 1936, is a treasure cherished by musicians and music theorists. This rare book is a practical resource for composers, offering a wealth of modulation techniques to facilitate musical transitions. Its comprehensive, hands-on approach to modulations and its historical significance make it unique in the evolution of […]

Quick Answer The Circle of Fifths is an invaluable tool for musicians, illustrating the relationship between key signatures and facilitating smooth transitions between them. Despite sounding alike on a piano, C# and Cb are distinct in music theory and composition. They are enharmonically equivalent yet separated in the Circle of Fifths due to their unique […]

Quick Answer Chord symbols are like secret codes that guide us in playing the right notes within a chord, facilitating communication in the universal language of music. One such symbol is A7#5, representing an altered dominant chord that musicians use to create tension and guide a piece toward resolution. A7#5 is a spicy chord that […]

Quick Answer Music theory, in the realm of guitar playing, serves as a secret map to a treasure trove of creativity and expression. It helps guitarists understand the “why” behind the “what” of music, enabling them to navigate the fretboard with confidence. By employing the methodologies of Ted Greene and Tom Kolb, electric guitarists can […]