Grammar of Music

Path

What to study before Chord symbols

The notation that names a chord by its root and quality, and how to read its extensions and alterations. Below, the concepts that come before, in the order in which one explains the next. Signed in, you see the same path minus what you already hold: your path.

  1. Notes and semitones

    The seven letter names, the accidentals that alter them, and the semitone as the system's smallest step.

    Level 0lesson Notes have names, and the names have a rule (First steps in theory)

  2. Intervals

    The distance between two notes, measured by a number taken from the letter names and a quality taken from the semitones.

    Level 1has practicelesson The distance between two notes (First steps in theory)

  3. Triads

    Three-note chords stacked in thirds, and the four qualities that result.

    Level 2has practicelesson Three notes, four chords (First steps in theory)

  4. Seventh chords

    The fourth note stacked on the triad, and the five qualities the repertoire actually uses.

    Level 3has practicelesson Seventh chords, and the tritone that pulls (Harmony for people who play)

  5. Chord symbols

    The notation that names a chord by its root and quality, and how to read its extensions and alterations.

    Level 3lesson Reading a chord symbol (First steps in theory)