Grammar of Music

Path

What to study before Sixth chords

A sixth added to the triad, which sounds like rest where a major seventh would sound like colour. 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, semitones and the rule of names (Harmony for people who play)

  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 Intervals, in number and quality (Harmony for people who play)

  3. Triads

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

    Level 2has practicelesson Four triads, and the third that decides (Harmony for people who play)

  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. Sixth chords

    A sixth added to the triad, which sounds like rest where a major seventh would sound like colour.

    Level 3lesson Rest with colour (Chords beyond the triad)