Here, the book is discussing intervals and what they are. This is pretty basic knowledge to me since I am relatively proficient in music, but nonetheless it is extremely important to know.
There are 7 notes in a diatonic scale, and 12 available in total (chromatic scale). In the Key of C Major, this would be
C D E F G A B C
and
C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C
As you can see, the diatonic scale has five whole steps, and two half steps.
Full steps include C>D, D>E, F>G, G>A, A>B. Half steps are E>F, B>C.
Intervals are formed when you play two different notes from a certain key. For example, C to E is a major third since E is the third note in a C Major Scale.
How this helps you may ask? Well, being aware of this can help extremely in song writing, chord progressions, and in soloing/improvising. When I first started playing guitar, (bass more specifically) my hands would just run along the neck playing notes that sounded "right". I'm aware of intervals now, but yet I still forget about it, especially when I'm in a rush.
The book helped refresh my mind on these intervals, and now I don't just play whatever I feel playing when playing guitar, bass, or music in general.
"...we employ another term that is meaningful to all instruments. If you had said o up a minor 3rd an the other player knew what intervals were, they would arrive at the same note no matter what instrument they played," (Vogl 7). This quote really shows the importance of intervals as well. Intervals are highly important, and essential to a musician's vocabulary.
Tell me your thoughts on this post!
This is very insightful. I like the research. Tell me this: Do you feel that this book will make you a better musician in whole, or just a guitarist?
ReplyDeleteI think it will make me a better musician, at least refine my skills and knowledge of music. It has a good mount of theory that is applicable to most forms of music.
DeleteThis is very informational. It also refreshed my mind about intervals and the importance of understanding scales. Does this book also work for understanding to play instruments other than the guitar?
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd say it would, as the theory in the book is applicable to virtually every form of music except maybe middle eastern music (microtonal).
DeleteThis brought me interest more towards music, specially the chromatic scale and knowing the purpose behind it. I never thought of the important of chromatic scale, but seeing the purpose behind it, it would improve my play style more carefully and more in tune on my violin and more in future to be able to write music if I choose the path to do so or relate things toward the Chromatic.
ReplyDeleteYes! The chromatic scale is very essential in knowing multiple musical techniques, and being able to have a more open mindset in music into writing music and improvising.
DeleteThanks! It really would. It can also help improve your practice regiments, and to help better yourself as a musician. Theory is key for staying in-key :).
ReplyDeleteThis post was so enlightening and beneficial towards anyone who wants to learn more about music and intervals! I'm glad I took the time to read this blog. It's really well structured and detailed.
ReplyDeleteThis post definitely shows that knowing what notes are where isn't the only part of playing an instrument. Your book definitely promises to help you and others in playing and learning technique. Blog is put together well; very organized.
ReplyDelete