Welcome to Practical Music Theory
This course is designed to help you understand how major scales, key signatures, chords, and progressions work together.
Although the examples are demonstrated on guitar, the concepts apply to virtually any instrument. If this is your first time through the course, begin with Lesson 1 and work through each lesson in order. Returning students can continue where they left off.
How to Use This Course
Each lesson builds on the previous one, so it is best to complete the course in sequence.
You will begin by learning how the major scale is constructed in different keys. From there, you will work with sharps, flats, and key signatures before learning how triads and chord progressions are built from the scale.
The Nashville Number System connects these ideas by showing how chords function within a key. As you work through the lessons, focus on the relationships between the concepts rather than treating each topic as a separate set of rules.
Practice Tips
Keep your instrument nearby and apply each concept as you learn it. Play the major scales, locate the notes, build the chords, and listen to how each progression sounds.
Write the scales and chord numbers down when needed. Saying the note names and chord numbers aloud can also help reinforce the relationships.
Take your time with the material and revisit earlier lessons whenever necessary. Music theory becomes useful through repetition and practical application.
Let’s get into it!
Shane
