From the course: Introduction to Songwriting

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Music theory and notation

Music theory and notation

From the course: Introduction to Songwriting

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Music theory and notation

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- [Instructor] Let's start with a definition of music theory. Music theory is the codification of the elements of music including pitch, rhythm, melody, and harmony, and provides a standardized way of communicating them by use of notation. To me, an understanding of music theory gives me the power of knowing what possibilities are available when I make my songwriting decisions. For example, music theory helps me to know which chords work with a specific melody or which melody notes work best over a certain chord or even what rhythms create the most effective way of communicating my song's message. Music theory is a language used to communicate musical ideas among musicians. For example, when I demo songs in my recording studio, I'm better able to explain my musical vision to the session musicians and the vocalist since we all speak the same musical language. For example, I could ask my guitarist to play something darker, to change the mood of a particular part of the song, but that…

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