Breves (Double Whole Notes)
Breves The longest note we have come across in earlier theory grades is the semibreve (whole note)- written as an open note-head without a stem. We’ll now learn about a …
Triads and Chords
We have already learnt about tonic triads – how we can build a simple three-note chord based on the tonic of the key. For example, the tonic triad in the key …
Intervals Between Any Two Notes
So far, we have only learned about intervals between the tonic (lower noter in the interval) and another note in the major or minor scale built on that note. In …
Chromatic Scales
The word “chromatic” actually means “colourful” – the scales are very colourful since they use ALL 12 different notes available in one octave, instead of just 7 of them! The …
Scales and Keys with 5 Sharps/Flats
You should already know the keys with 4 sharps/flats. In this lesson we will learn about the four keys that have five sharps or flats in the key signature. They …
Technical Names of Scale Degrees
Technical names Each note of a scale can be given a number from 1-7. For example, in the key of C major, C=1st, D=2nd and so on. These are called …
Double Sharps/Flats and Enharmonics
Double Sharps The sharp symbol (#) raises the pitch of a note by a semitone (or “half step”). D# is one semitone higher than D, and F# is one semitone …
ABRSM Grade 4 Music Theory
In some ways, grade four is quite a big jump from grade three music theory. Grade three didn’t introduce a lot of new concepts – it built up on the …