Chapter One — Intervals and Triads
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Naming a Chord Once You Know the Common Names of the Intervals, the Naming of Chords Is a Little Less Daunting
Naming a Chord Once you know the common names of the intervals, the naming of chords is a little less daunting. Still, there are a few conventions and short-hand terms that many musicians use, that may be confusing at times. A few terms are used throughout the maze of chord names, and it is good to know what they refer to: Major / Minor – a “minor” note is one half step below the “major.” When naming intervals, all but the “perfect” intervals (1,4, 5, 8) are either major or minor. Generally if neither word is used, major is assumed, unless the situation is obvious. However, when used in naming extended chords, the word “minor” usually is reserved to indicate that the third of the triad is flatted. The word “major” is reserved to designate the major seventh interval as opposed to the minor or dominant seventh. It is assumed that the third is major, unless the word “minor” is said, right after the letter name of the chord. Similarly, in a seventh chord, the seventh interval is assumed to be a minor seventh (aka “dominant seventh), unless the word “major” comes right before the word “seventh.” Thus a common “C7” would mean a C major triad with a dominant seventh (CEGBb) While a “Cmaj7” (or CM7) would mean a C major triad with the major seventh interval added (CEGB), And a “Cmin7” (or Cm7) would mean a C minor triad with a dominant seventh interval added (CEbGBb) The dissonant “Cm(M7)” – “C minor major seventh” is fairly uncommon outside of modern jazz: it would mean a C minor triad with the major seventh interval added (CEbGB) Suspended – To suspend a note would mean to raise it up a half step. -
The 17-Tone Puzzle — and the Neo-Medieval Key That Unlocks It
The 17-tone Puzzle — And the Neo-medieval Key That Unlocks It by George Secor A Grave Misunderstanding The 17 division of the octave has to be one of the most misunderstood alternative tuning systems available to the microtonal experimenter. In comparison with divisions such as 19, 22, and 31, it has two major advantages: not only are its fifths better in tune, but it is also more manageable, considering its very reasonable number of tones per octave. A third advantage becomes apparent immediately upon hearing diatonic melodies played in it, one note at a time: 17 is wonderful for melody, outshining both the twelve-tone equal temperament (12-ET) and the Pythagorean tuning in this respect. The most serious problem becomes apparent when we discover that diatonic harmony in this system sounds highly dissonant, considerably more so than is the case with either 12-ET or the Pythagorean tuning, on which we were hoping to improve. Without any further thought, most experimenters thus consign the 17-tone system to the discard pile, confident in the knowledge that there are, after all, much better alternatives available. My own thinking about 17 started in exactly this way. In 1976, having been a microtonal experimenter for thirteen years, I went on record, dismissing 17-ET in only a couple of sentences: The 17-tone equal temperament is of questionable harmonic utility. If you try it, I doubt you’ll stay with it for long.1 Since that time I have become aware of some things which have caused me to change my opinion completely. -
A Group-Theoretical Classification of Three-Tone and Four-Tone Harmonic Chords3
A GROUP-THEORETICAL CLASSIFICATION OF THREE-TONE AND FOUR-TONE HARMONIC CHORDS JASON K.C. POLAK Abstract. We classify three-tone and four-tone chords based on subgroups of the symmetric group acting on chords contained within a twelve-tone scale. The actions are inversion, major- minor duality, and augmented-diminished duality. These actions correspond to elements of symmetric groups, and also correspond directly to intuitive concepts in the harmony theory of music. We produce a graph of how these actions relate different seventh chords that suggests a concept of distance in the theory of harmony. Contents 1. Introduction 1 Acknowledgements 2 2. Three-tone harmonic chords 2 3. Four-tone harmonic chords 4 4. The chord graph 6 References 8 References 8 1. Introduction Early on in music theory we learn of the harmonic triads: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. Later on we find out about four-note chords such as seventh chords. We wish to describe a classification of these types of chords using the action of the finite symmetric groups. We represent notes by a number in the set Z/12 = {0, 1, 2,..., 10, 11}. Under this scheme, for example, 0 represents C, 1 represents C♯, 2 represents D, and so on. We consider only pitch classes modulo the octave. arXiv:2007.03134v1 [math.GR] 6 Jul 2020 We describe the sounding of simultaneous notes by an ordered increasing list of integers in Z/12 surrounded by parentheses. For example, a major second interval M2 would be repre- sented by (0, 2), and a major chord would be represented by (0, 4, 7). -
Shifting Exercises with Double Stops to Test Intonation
VERY ROUGH AND PRELIMINARY DRAFT!!! Shifting Exercises with Double Stops to Test Intonation These exercises were inspired by lessons I had from 1968 to 1970 with David Smiley of the San Francisco Symphony. I don’t have the book he used, but I believe it was one those written by Dounis on the scientific or artist's technique of violin playing. The exercises were difficult and frustrating, and involved shifting and double stops. Smiley also emphasized routine testing notes against other strings, and I also found some of his tasks frustrating because I couldn’t hear intervals that apparently seemed so familiar to a professional musician. When I found myself giving violin lessons in 2011, I had a mathematical understanding of why it was so difficult to hear certain musical intervals, and decided not to focus on them in my teaching. By then I had also developed some exercises to develop my own intonation. These exercises focus entirely on what is called the just scale. Pianos use the equal tempered scale, which is the predominate choice of intonation in orchestras and symphonies (I NEED VERIFICATION THAT THIS IS TRUE). It takes many years and many types of exercises and activities to become a good violinist. But I contend that everyone should start by mastering the following double stops in “just” intonation: 1. Practice the intervals shown above for all possible pairs of strings on your violin or viola. Learn the first two first, then add one interval at a time. They get harder to hear as you go down the list for reasons having to do with the fractions: 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 3/5, 4/5, 5/6. -
The Misunderstood Eleventh Amendment
UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA LAW REVIEW Founded !"#$ Formerly AMERICAN LAW REGISTER © !"!# University of Pennsylvania Law Review VOL. !"# FEBRUARY $%$! NO. & ARTICLE THE MISUNDERSTOOD ELEVENTH AMENDMENT WILLIAM BAUDE† & STEPHEN E. SACHS†† The Eleventh Amendment might be the most misunderstood amendment to the Constitution. Both its friends and enemies have treated the Amendment’s written † Professor of Law, University of Chicago Law School. †† Colin W. Brown Professor of Law, Duke University School of Law. We are grateful for comments and suggestions from Sam Bray, Tom Colby, Scott Dodson, Jonathan Gienapp, Tara Grove, Julian Davis Mortenson, Caleb Nelson, Jim Pfander, Richard Re, Amanda Schwoerke, Eric Segall, Jonathan Urick, Ingrid Wuerth, and from participants in the Fall Speaker Series of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution, the Hugh & Hazel Darling Foundation Originalism Works-in-Progress Conference at the University of San Diego Law School, and Advanced Topics in Federal Courts at the University of Virginia School of Law. Thanks as well to Brendan Anderson, Kurtis Michael, and Scotty Schenck for research assistance, and to the SNR Denton Fund and Alumni Faculty Fund at Chicago for research support. (!"#) !"# University of Pennsylvania Law Review [Vol. "!$: !#$ text, and the unwritten doctrines of state sovereign immunity, as one and the same— reading broad principles into its precise words, or treating the written Amendment as merely illustrative of unwritten doctrines. The result is a bewildering forest of case law, which takes neither the words nor the doctrines seriously. The truth is simpler: the Eleventh Amendment means what it says. It strips the federal government of judicial power over suits against states, in law or equity, brought by diverse plaintiffs. -
Clint Fisher and His Musical Buddies
EDITOR: Amelia Martin ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Sarah Fitzjarrald CONSULTING EDITOR: CONTENTS Carolyn Pollan GUEST WRITER: VOL VIII, NO. 1 APRIL, 1984 Doc Miller PROOF READERS: Letter From Editors 2 Pam Pearce Alphonso Trent, One of the Best 3 Dr. Larry Pearce Mary Nell Euper Hammer's Bands 7 Rosalie Platt Amrita Grotto Band 9 Col. C.B. "Pat" Porter Jimmie Grace and His Ozarkians 10 PHOTOGRAPHIC STAFF David King The Southerners, Edgar A. Robinson, Director 12 INDEXING Doc Miller's Orchestras 14 Floy Looper Clint Fisher and His Musical Buddies 16 OFFICE STAFF Del Conger Fred Rose 18 Felix Thomson Wayne Redden and His Arkansas Valley Boys 19 Thelma Black Velma Barber Froebel E. Lee 19 Frank Jedlicka Heart Throbs 20 BOARD AND OFFICERS: Paul Lewis 20 Amelia Martin, Pres. Chris Allen, V.P. Calvin Carter and the Border City Ramblers, Mary Nell Euper, Sec. Rhonda "Kye'Tleming 21 Donald Peer, Treas. Floy Looper, Corres. Sec. News & Opportunities 22 Wayne Bledsoe Book Notes: Fort Smith, Siloam Shorts, Del Conger Fire In The Hole 25 Gilmer Dixon Sarah Fitzjarrald Marriage Book B, Fort Smith District, Mary Lou Jacobsen Sebastian County, Arkansas 26 Rosalie Platt Col. C.B. (Pat) Porter Corrections, Marriage Book A 32 Felix Thomson Contents, Past Issues 34 Thelma Wray 1884 Newspapers Excerpts 35 Membership in the Fort Smith Historical Index 49 Society includes subscription to The Journal of the Fort Smith Historical Society, which is published semi-annually. Year begins Jan. 1 COVER: Some of Fort Smith's "Big Band Era" Bands and Orchestras and ends Dec. 31. «Copyright 1984 ISSN 0736 4261 For membership, send dues with your name By the Fort Smith Historical Society, Inc. -
Ninth, Eleventh and Thirteenth Chords Ninth, Eleventh and Thirteen Chords Sometimes Referred to As Chords with 'Extensions', I.E
Ninth, Eleventh and Thirteenth chords Ninth, Eleventh and Thirteen chords sometimes referred to as chords with 'extensions', i.e. extending the seventh chord to include tones that are stacking the interval of a third above the basic chord tones. These chords with upper extensions occur mostly on the V chord. The ninth chord is sometimes viewed as superimposing the vii7 chord on top of the V7 chord. The combination of the two chord creates a ninth chord. In major keys the ninth of the dominant ninth chord is a whole step above the root (plus octaves) w w w w w & c w w w C major: V7 vii7 V9 G7 Bm7b5 G9 ? c ∑ ∑ ∑ In the minor keys the ninth of the dominant ninth chord is a half step above the root (plus octaves). In chord symbols it is referred to as a b9, i.e. E7b9. The 'flat' terminology is use to indicate that the ninth is lowered compared to the major key version of the dominant ninth chord. Note that in many keys, the ninth is not literally a flatted note but might be a natural. 4 w w w & #w #w #w A minor: V7 vii7 V9 E7 G#dim7 E7b9 ? ∑ ∑ ∑ The dominant ninth usually resolves to I and the ninth often resolves down in parallel motion with the seventh of the chord. 7 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ & ˙ ˙ #˙ ˙ C major: V9 I A minor: V9 i G9 C E7b9 Am ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ? ˙ ˙ The dominant ninth chord is often used in a II-V-I chord progression where the II chord˙ and the I chord are both seventh chords and the V chord is a incomplete ninth with the fifth omitted. -
Alternate Tuning Guide
1 Alternate Tuning Guide by Bill Sethares New tunings inspire new musical thoughts. Belew is talented... But playing in alternate Alternate tunings let you play voicings and slide tunings is impossible on stage, retuning is a between chord forms that would normally be nightmare... strings break, wiggle and bend out impossible. They give access to nonstandard of tune, necks warp. And the alternative - carry- open strings. Playing familiar fingerings on an ing around five special guitars for five special unfamiliar fretboard is exciting - you never know tuning tunes - is a hassle. Back to EBGDAE. exactly what to expect. And working out familiar But all these "practical" reasons pale com- riffs on an unfamiliar fretboard often suggests pared to psychological inertia. "I've spent years new sound patterns and variations. This book mastering one tuning, why should I try others?" helps you explore alternative ways of making Because there are musical worlds waiting to be music. exploited. Once you have retuned and explored a Why is the standard guitar tuning standard? single alternate tuning, you'll be hooked by the Where did this strange combination of a major unexpected fingerings, the easy drone strings, 3rd and four perfect 4ths come from? There is a the "new" open chords. New tunings are a way to bit of history (view the guitar as a descendant of recapture the wonder you experienced when first the lute), a bit of technology (strings which are finding your way around the fretboard - but now too high and thin tend to break, those which are you can become proficient in a matter of days too low tend to be too soft), and a bit of chance. -
Guitar Best Practices Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 Nafme Council for Guitar
Guitar Best Practices Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 Many schools today offer guitar classes and guitar ensembles as a form of music instruction. While guitar is a popular music choice for students to take, there are many teachers offering instruction where guitar is their secondary instrument. The NAfME Guitar Council collaborated and compiled lists of Guitar Best Practices for each year of study. They comprise a set of technical skills, music experiences, and music theory knowledge that guitar students should know through their scholastic career. As a Guitar Council, we have taken careful consideration to ensure that the lists are applicable to middle school and high school guitar class instruction, and may be covered through a wide variety of method books and music styles (classical, country, folk, jazz, pop). All items on the list can be performed on acoustic, classical, and/or electric guitars. NAfME Council for Guitar Education Best Practices Outline for a Year One Guitar Class YEAR ONE - At the completion of year one, students will be able to: 1. Perform using correct sitting posture and appropriate hand positions 2. Play a sixteen measure melody composed with eighth notes at a moderate tempo using alternate picking 3. Read standard music notation and play on all six strings in first position up to the fourth fret 4. Play melodies in the keys C major, a minor, G major, e minor, D major, b minor, F major and d minor 5. Play one octave scales including C major, G major, A major, D major and E major in first position 6. -
85 Modern Interval Reference Songs Contents
! EasyEarTraining.com 85 Modern Interval Reference Songs This is a list of modern interval reference songs, provided by EasyEarTraining.com to accompany the article: Interval Reference Songs - That You've Actually Heard Of! Do you know a great modern reference song not included here? Let us know! http://www.easyeartraining.com/forums/ Oh - and don't miss the special offer at the back of this booklet... Contents Minor Second 2 Major Second 5 Minor Third 8 Major Third 11 Perfect Fourth 15 Tri-Tone 18 Perfect Fifth 21 Minor Sixth 24 Major Sixth 26 Minor Seventh 29 Major Seventh 30 Perfect Octave 32 !1 Copyright 2014 Easy Ear Training Ltd ! EasyEarTraining.com Minor Second Ascending K'naan - Wavin' Flag Section: Chorus Interval: “your - flag” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amXeJrA-wDc Enrique Iglesias - Somebody's Me Section: “You.. Do you remember me” Interval: ”do - you” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9hrQzU0cA Backstreet Boys - Show Me the Meaning Section: “Show me the meaning of being lonely” Interval: “of - BE” !2 Copyright 2014 Easy Ear Training Ltd ! EasyEarTraining.com https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=aBt8fN7mJNg Descending Avenged Sevenfold - Dear God Section: “Some search never findin’ a way” (bridge) Interval: “Some search” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzX0rhF8buo Bryan Adams - Summer of ‘69 Section: “Those were the best days of my life” Interval: “the - best” https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=9f06QZCVUHg MYMP - Especially for You Section: “Especially” Interval: “Espe-cially” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IimqpTcrakU !3 Copyright 2014 Easy Ear Training Ltd ! EasyEarTraining.com The Pixies - Where Is My Mind Section: Introduction/Bridge (wee-ooh) Interval: “Wee-Ooh” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrHl0wpagFc !4 Copyright 2014 Easy Ear Training Ltd ! EasyEarTraining.com Major Second Ascending Katy Perry - Wide Awake Section: “I’m wide awake” Interval: “wi-de a-wake” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0BWlvnBmIE Breaking Benjamin - Diary of Jane Section: “If I have to. -
Frequency Ratios and the Perception of Tone Patterns
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 1994, 1 (2), 191-201 Frequency ratios and the perception of tone patterns E. GLENN SCHELLENBERG University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada and SANDRA E. TREHUB University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada We quantified the relative simplicity of frequency ratios and reanalyzed data from several studies on the perception of simultaneous and sequential tones. Simplicity offrequency ratios accounted for judgments of consonance and dissonance and for judgments of similarity across a wide range of tasks and listeners. It also accounted for the relative ease of discriminating tone patterns by musically experienced and inexperienced listeners. These findings confirm the generality ofpre vious suggestions of perceptual processing advantages for pairs of tones related by simple fre quency ratios. Since the time of Pythagoras, the relative simplicity of monics of a single complex tone. Currently, the degree the frequency relations between tones has been consid of perceived consonance is believed to result from both ered fundamental to consonance (pleasantness) and dis sensory and experiential factors. Whereas sensory con sonance (unpleasantness) in music. Most naturally OCCUf sonance is constant across musical styles and cultures, mu ring tones (e.g., the sounds of speech or music) are sical consonance presumably results from learning what complex, consisting of multiple pure-tone (sine wave) sounds pleasant in a particular musical style. components. Terhardt (1974, 1978, 1984) has suggested Helmholtz (1885/1954) proposed that the consonance that relations between different tones may be influenced of two simultaneous complex tones is a function of the by relations between components of a single complex tone. ratio between their fundamental frequencies-the simpler For single complex tones, ineluding those of speech and the ratio, the more harmonics the tones have in common. -
Vocal Similarity Predicts the Relative Attraction of Musical Chords
Vocal similarity predicts the relative attraction of musical chords Daniel L. Bowlinga,1, Dale Purvesb,1, and Kamraan Z. Gillc aDepartment of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria; bDuke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708; and cDepartment of Pathology, CBLPath, Rye Brook, NY 10573 Contributed by D. Purves, November 21, 2017 (sent for review July 27, 2017; reviewed by Aniruddh D. Patel and Laurel J. Trainor) Musical chords are combinations of two or more tones played to conspecific vocalization. Accordingly, we here ask whether the together. While many different chords are used in music, some are consonance of tone combinations in music can be rationalized on heard as more attractive (consonant) than others. We have pre- this basis: that is, whether our attraction to specific chords is pre- viously suggested that, for reasons of biological advantage, human dicted by their relative similarity to human vocalization. tonal preferences can be understood in terms of the spectral Answering this question requires perceptual data that docu- similarity of tone combinations to harmonic human vocalizations. ment the relative consonance of chords. Previous evaluations have Using the chromatic scale, we tested this theory further by focused on the two-tone combinations (“dyads”) that define the assessing the perceived consonance of all possible dyads, triads, chromatic scale, a set of 12 tones over an octave used in much and tetrads within a single octave. Our results show that the music worldwide (Table S1). Studies of dyadic consonance have consonance of chords is predicted by their relative similarity to been repeated many times over the last century and, despite some voiced speech sounds.