Theory & Songwriting
Music theory and songwriting craft — chords, scales, song structure, melody and lyrics.
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Sad Chord Progressions That Tug at Emotions
Sad chord progressions explained with examples in real keys. Learn why minor chords, the vi, borrowed chords and descending bass…
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What Is a Chord Progression?
What is a chord progression? A plain-English guide to how chords move, Roman numerals, why progressions create emotion, and how…
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What Are Power Chords and How to Play Them
Power chords explained: what the two-note “5” chord is, why it’s neither major nor minor, how to play it on…
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Chord Inversions Explained for Songwriters
Chord inversions explained for songwriters: what root position, first and second inversion mean, how slash chords work, and why inversions…
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The Pentatonic Scale Explained
The pentatonic scale explained: what the five notes are, how major and minor pentatonic differ, why it sounds so good…
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What Is the Dorian Mode and How to Use It
The Dorian mode is a minor scale with a bright raised sixth. Learn how to build it, what it sounds…
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Music Modes Explained: Ionian to Locrian
Music modes explained simply: the seven modes from Ionian to Locrian, how they relate to the major scale, their moods…
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Key Signatures Explained for Musicians
Key signatures explained simply: what the sharps and flats at the start of a staff mean, the order they appear,…
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What Is Ear Training and How to Start
Ear training teaches you to recognise intervals, chords and rhythms by sound. Learn what it is, why it matters and…
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Note Values Explained: Whole, Half, Quarter and Beyond
Note values explained in plain English: whole, half, quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes, dotted notes, rests and how they fit…