music theory

[darkmist115]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:57pm

this is shameful, i know, but i really haven't the slightest idea about minor/major scale differences. diatonic? minor/major chords?
AHH.
can someone explain to me, in a few sentences, what i really need to know about music theory?

thanks!

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 7:17pm

Too much to fit in one thread.
But to help you with major/minors-
A minor scale is the same as a major scale, but you go down half a step on the 3rd and the 6th. So with chords, the minor will be the same as the major, just with the third being down half a step. In other words, there'll be a flat and it will sound depressing.

[CostumeMistress]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 5:12pm

You may want to check out a good theory book to help you out a bit. Beginning piano books delve into basic, practical theory - you can buy those at any music store. For something more in-depth, I use the "Encyclopedia of Music Knowledge," edited by Dr. William F. Lee, published by Santorella Publications, Ltd. It has busloads of musical definitions and tons of helpful charts and diagrams for ANYTHING about music that you would want to know. It's 150 pages and I bought it for 9.99 at my local music store, I'm sure you can find it online.