New To Music Theory? Start Here!
Start writing music today with this songwriting starter-pack!
All Lessons in This Series
How To Write Chord Progressions
Learn the fundamentals of writing chord progressions using diatonic chords. This beginner-friendly guide teaches you a simple 3-rule system for creating professional-sounding progressions in any major key.
Learn Scale Degrees: Music Theory for Guitar Players
Understanding the structure of scales through scale degrees is fundamental to music theory. Learn how to think about and communicate scale positions using this essential numbering system.
How to Write Chords and Songs in Minor
A crash course in writing with the minor scale. Learn the chords, progressions, and techniques for composing emotional and powerful music in minor keys.
Getting Started with Harmonic Minor - Leads and Jamming
An introduction to the harmonic minor scale. Learn how to play leads and jam using this exotic-sounding scale that adds tension and drama to your playing.
How To Write Progressions Using min7, maj7, and Dominant 7th Chords
Learn the structure of major seventh, minor seventh, and dominant seventh chords. Understand how they fit into the harmonized major scale and apply them to your songwriting.
Motifs and Chords: The Fast and Easy Way to Make Music
Learn a simple, effective, and versatile technique for writing music. Start with a melodic motif, build chords underneath it, then modify and reharmonize to create complete pieces.
How Inversions and Slash Chords Create Better Progressions
Learn how chord inversions free your bass line from moving in parallel with your chords. Understand first and second inversion, slash chord notation, and see 4 practical examples.
5 Easy Ways to Use and Write with Diminished Chords
Practical applications for diminished chords in your progressions. Learn to use them between whole steps, in two-chord jams, the ii°-V-I progression, as pivots to new keys, and as tonic diminished.
Secondary Dominants: Write Better Chord Progressions!
Learn how secondary dominant chords add color and interest to your progressions. Understand how these non-diatonic chords create mini modulations and why V7/vi is so common in modern music.