play by ear and write music

what chord isNEXT?understand some theory

thy things out

think about key

understandingMUSICyou’ll probably use the major scale

think: do – re – mi – fa – sol – la – ti – do

anyone can understand harmony

the majorSCALEEvery key has SEVEN notes

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

the majorSCALEAll notes found by using the same pattern

Root T T S (T) T T S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1(8)

3 rules….

the majorSCALEOne of every alphabetical letter

Never miss out any letters

Never mix sharps and flats

the majorSCALEExample

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

the majorSCALEExample

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

G A B C D E F G

the majorSCALEExample

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

G A B C D E F# G

chords for aSCALEAlways follow the same pattern

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

maj min min maj maj min dim maj

chords for aSCALEExample

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

G A B C D E F# Gmaj min min maj maj min dim maj

1/3 5/7 G/B D/F#

chords for aSCALEExample

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

G A B C D E F# Gmaj min min maj maj min dim maj

1/3 5/7 G/B D/F#

working outCHORDSUse the notes of the key

Play a note, miss a note…

G A B C D E F#

G major

working outCHORDSUse the notes of the key

Play a note, miss a note…

G A B C D E F#

A minor

working outCHORDSUse the notes of the key

Play a note, miss a note…

G A B C D E F#

C major

working outCHORDSUse the notes of the key

Play a note, miss a note…

G A B C D E F#

D major

writing outCHORDS1

2 3 4 5 6 7

G A B C D E F#B C D E F# G AD E F# G A B C

G Am Bm C D Em F#dim

addingHARMONYuse the chords to fit with your notes

chords 1 & 5 are most important then 2, 4 & 6

end on chord 1 (with 5 or 4 before it)

adding theMUSICmelody is the most important factor

don’t get caught up on nice chords

start by singing (in time)

adding theMUSICpick the right time signature

try to stick within a good rangejust over an octave is best

harmonise the melody you come up with

simplifyingCHORDSyou can use the same processto simplify chords for an arrangement

find chords that fit – 1 or 2 per bar

experiment and see what sounds good

QUESTIONS

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