Music Theory Masterclass: Drilling the Basics

YouTube Video

Summary

This YouTube transcript is from a music theory and ear training lesson, presented by Rick Beato, focusing on basic chord construction and ear training principles. The video serves as a promotional piece for his “Music Theory and Ear Training Master Collection” bundle, which includes three courses: “Music Theory for Songwriters,” “BIATBook Interactive,” and an “Ear Training Program.” The bundle is offered at a discounted price until March 28th.

The lesson begins with a demonstration on a whiteboard and keyboard, starting with the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B) and numbering its notes 1 through 7. Beato then explains how to build basic triads using formulas derived from the major scale.

Chord Types Explained:

• C Major Chord: Built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the C major scale (C-E-G). He emphasizes that the order of these notes doesn’t change the chord’s identity, demonstrating inversions and spread voicings.
• C Minor Chord: Derived from the C major chord by lowering the 3rd note by a half step (C-Eb-G). Formula: 1-♭3-5.
• C Augmented Chord: Derived from the C major chord by raising the 5th note by a half step (C-E-G#). Formula: 1-3-#5. Beato uses examples from songs like “Hey Jude” and “Stairway to Heaven” to illustrate the use of augmented chords, countering the idea that they are uncommon.
• C Diminished Chord: Derived from the C major chord by lowering both the 3rd and 5th notes by a half step (C-Eb-Gb). Formula: 1-♭3-♭5. He also notes it can be formed by lowering the 5th of a minor chord.
• C Sus4 Chord: Replaces the 3rd note of a C major chord with the 4th note (C-F-G). Formula: 1-4-5. He highlights its common usage and tendency to resolve to the major chord.
• C Sus2 Chord: Replaces the 3rd note of a C major chord with the 2nd note (C-D-G). Formula: 1-2-5. Similar to Sus4, he mentions its prevalence and typical resolution to the major chord.
• Lydian Triad: Introduced as “1-♯4-5” (C-F#-G), demonstrating its unique sound and referencing its use in themes like “The Simpsons” and “Six Feet Under.”

Chords in a Major Key:

Beato then quickly outlines the diatonic triads in the C major scale, listing them as:

1. C Major
2. D Minor
3. E Minor
4. F Major
5. G Major
6. A Minor
7. B Diminished

He explains the pattern of chord qualities in any major key: Major - Minor - Minor - Major - Major - Minor - Diminished. He emphasizes the importance of memorizing this pattern and the fact that the I, IV, and V chords are always major in a major key, II, III, and VI are minor, and VII is diminished.

Ear Training and Relative Pitch:

The lesson transitions to ear training, emphasizing that music theory knowledge is best learned through memorization and practice, similar to learning an instrument. He stresses the importance of developing a “vocabulary of recognized sounds” for different chord types.

Beato demonstrates the difference in sound between major and minor chords and encourages viewers to learn to distinguish them by ear. He then elaborates on relative pitch, explaining it as the ability to recognize intervals and notes in relation to a reference pitch. He uses examples of singing notes within chords and scales to illustrate this. He describes an exercise from his ear training course called “complete the chord,” where listeners identify missing notes in a chord progression.

He highlights the practical application of relative pitch for figuring out songs, improvising, and understanding music by ear, citing professional musicians who rely on this skill. He explains that by recognizing intervals (minor 2nd, major 2nd, minor 3rd, etc., up to the octave), one can decipher any musical passage. He lists these intervals, reinforcing their importance in ear training.

Course Promotion and Conclusion:

The video concludes by reiterating the value and affordability of his “Music Theory and Ear Training Master Collection,” urging viewers to take advantage of the limited-time offer. He encourages viewers to subscribe to his YouTube channels and mentions his interview with Adam Duritz as further content to explore. The overall message is that understanding basic music theory and developing ear training skills are fundamental for any musician and that his courses provide a comprehensive and accessible path to achieving this.

Accuracy

The information provided in the transcript regarding basic music theory is generally accurate and aligns with established knowledge.

• Chord Formulas: The formulas for major, minor, augmented, diminished, sus4, and sus2 triads are correctly presented (1-3-5, 1-♭3-5, 1-3-#5, 1-♭3-♭5, 1-4-5, 1-2-5 respectively).
• Major Scale and Diatonic Chords: The explanation of building chords from the major scale and the resulting sequence of major, minor, and diminished triads (Major - Minor - Minor - Major - Major - Minor - Diminished) in a major key is accurate.
• Chord Inversions: The concept of chord inversions and that the order of notes doesn’t change the fundamental chord type (e.g., C major remains C major regardless of inversion) is correctly explained.
• Intervals: The listing of intervals within an octave (minor 2nd, major 2nd, etc.) is accurate and fundamental to music theory.
• Relative Pitch: The explanation of relative pitch as understanding intervals and note relationships in relation to a reference point is a correct and key concept in ear training.

Minor Points of Nuance/Simplification (not inaccuracies, but points for deeper understanding):

• Lydian Triad: While described as “1-♯4-5” and labeled “Lydian triad,” it’s important to note that a “Lydian triad” isn’t a standard, universally recognized chord term in the same way as major, minor, etc. It’s descriptive of a triad using the root, Lydian fourth, and fifth of a scale. It’s more accurately a major triad with a raised 4th in the context of Lydian harmony, or simply a triad that contains those intervals. It’s not wrong to call it a “Lydian triad” for descriptive purposes, but it’s not a category like the others.
• Sus chords resolving: While it’s common for sus4 and sus2 chords to resolve to their respective major or minor chords (Sus4 to major/minor, Sus2 to major/minor or Sus4), it’s not a strict rule. Sus chords can function independently and resolve in various ways depending on the musical context. The statement “usually that sus 4 resolves down to the third” is a generalization, though often true in common practice music.
• “Friian Triad”: Mentioning “Friian triad” briefly without further explanation might be confusing. It’s likely referring to a minor triad with a minor second interval above the root (root-minor second-minor third-perfect fifth), which is characteristic of the Phrygian mode but not a standard chord type in the same way as the others discussed. It’s quickly dismissed as “kind of a different chord,” which is appropriate for the level of this lesson.
• Diminished Symbol: While using a circle “°” to denote diminished is common, sometimes “dim” or “min7♭5” (in the case of a diminished seventh chord with a lowered 5th) are also used, depending on context and notation style. The circle is perfectly acceptable for basic triads.

Overall: The transcript presents accurate basic music theory concepts in a simplified and accessible manner suitable for beginners. The slight nuances mentioned above are not inaccuracies but rather areas where further study could provide a more detailed understanding. For the intended audience and purpose of the video (introductory lesson and course promotion), the accuracy is sufficient and effective.

Resources

Here are 5 relevant resources to learn more about the subjects presented in the transcript (music theory and ear training), catering to different learning preferences and levels:

1. “The Complete Musician” by Steven G. Laitz: (Textbook, Comprehensive)

   • Why it’s relevant: This is a highly respected and comprehensive music theory textbook used in many university-level courses. It covers all aspects of music theory in detail, from basic concepts to advanced harmony and counterpoint. It goes far beyond the basics covered in the transcript, offering a deep and rigorous understanding.
   • Helpful for: Students who want a thorough, academic approach to music theory. It’s excellent for those preparing for music degrees or wanting a very in-depth knowledge base.

2. “Ear Training for Musicians” by Michael Horvit, Timothy Koozin, and Robert Nelson: (Textbook & Exercises, Ear Training Focus)

   • Why it’s relevant: This book is specifically focused on ear training and complements the theory aspects of the transcript. It provides structured exercises and methodologies for developing relative pitch, interval recognition, chord identification, melodic dictation, and more.
   • Helpful for: Anyone serious about improving their ear training skills. It’s a practical and systematic approach with exercises for various skill levels.

3. Teoria.com: (Website, Interactive Exercises, Free)

   • Why it’s relevant: Teoria.com offers a vast array of free, interactive music theory lessons and ear training exercises. It covers topics from basic notation to advanced harmony and provides excellent tools for practicing interval recognition, chord identification, scale and chord construction, and more.
   • Helpful for: Visual and interactive learners. It’s a fantastic free resource for practicing and reinforcing music theory concepts and ear training skills. It aligns directly with the practical ear training focus of the transcript.

4. musictheory.net: (Website & Apps, Lessons & Tools, Free & Paid)

   • Why it’s relevant: Similar to Teoria.com, musictheory.net offers free, clear music theory lessons and exercises. It’s known for its straightforward explanations and user-friendly interface. They also have paid apps for mobile ear training practice.
   • Helpful for: Beginners and those who prefer a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to music theory. The website is great for quick reference and learning foundational concepts.

5. JustinGuitar.com - Music Theory Course: (Website & YouTube, Video & Text Lessons, Free)

   • Why it’s relevant: JustinGuitar is a hugely popular online guitar lesson platform, and their free music theory course is excellent and practical. Justin’s teaching style is very clear and guitar-focused, making it relatable for guitarists. He covers similar basic theory concepts to the transcript but in a more structured course format with exercises and practical application on the guitar.
   • Helpful for: Guitarists and musicians who prefer video-based learning and a practical, instrument-focused approach. It provides a good balance of theory and application in a free and accessible format.

These resources offer a range of learning styles and levels, from comprehensive textbooks to interactive websites and video courses, allowing individuals to deepen their understanding of music theory and ear training based on their preferences and goals.