Theory

Music theory

Rhythm, melody, and harmony in plain language. Save any specimen to your favorites and come back anytime.

01Rhythm02Melody03Harmony
// quick reference
pulse → meter → subdivision
collection → mode → cadence

Guides

Modules

RhythmBeginner

Rhythm & Meter: The Heartbeat of Music

Learn the fundamentals of rhythm, from basic beats to complex polyrhythms from around the world.

8 minutes

4/4 @ quarter = 120  |  measure: 1 e & a 2 e & a
Read module
MelodyBeginner

Scales & Modes: The Musical Alphabet

Discover the building blocks of melody, from major scales to exotic modes used in world music.

10 minutes

major: W-W-H-W-W-W-H  |  ionian = major
Read module
HarmonyIntermediate

Harmony & Chords: When Notes Work Together

Understand how chords create emotion and movement in music, from simple triads to complex jazz harmony.

12 minutes

I — IV — V — I  |  triad: 1-3-5
Read module

Path

Suggested order

  1. 1

    Rhythm & Meter: The Heartbeat of Music

    Rhythm

    Open
  2. 2

    Scales & Modes: The Musical Alphabet

    Melody

    Open
  3. 3

    Harmony & Chords: When Notes Work Together

    Harmony

    Open

Practice

Tools

A metronome and tuner help you turn reading into playing.

Metronome and tuner — Amazon
Full collection →

Reader inquiries

How should I use these theory modules?
Read the narrative once, then use the specimen blocks as a cheat sheet. Save snippets to favorites and pair them with a metronome or tuner when you practice.
What is meter in music?
Meter is how beats are grouped into repeating measures (e.g. 4/4). It is the grid that rhythm, melody, and harmony lock onto.
What is the difference between a scale and a mode?
A scale is a set of pitches within an octave in order. A mode uses the same collection but emphasizes a different tonal center, changing the mood and harmonic gravity.
Where can I practice rhythm and tuning?
The learn index links to curated practice tools. Follow affiliate links only if you want to support the archive while buying gear.