Music Theory Summary

In Practical Terms

Generally for most modern popular styles of music:

  1. Select a key for your music.

  2. Use the key to create a chord progression

  3. Use the chord progression to create a bassline

  4. Use the chord progression to create a rhythm section / backing

  5. Use the chord progression to create a melody

  6. Repeat / repeat with variation / repeat process for new sections of music

Note a different order of the above is possible, and many styles of music may not require all steps.

More Info

Respectively:

  1. The "key" narrows down what notes to use that will not sound "out of key" (dissonant) for the music

  2. Choosing a chord progression further narrows down what notes to use at any point in time

  3. Generally, basslines follow the chord progression

  4. Generally, rhythm / backing instruments follow the chord progression

  5. Generally, melodies utilise chord notes on strong beats

  6. All structure is comprised of either the new, repetition, or repetition with variation