Guitar Theory
Our Naming & Relationship System
Guitar theory = music theory applied to the guitar.
Theory is the method of analyzing our musical system & describing relationships between tones. The true outcome of this theoretical system is the naming of everything (tones, relationships, chords, etc.), and relational description (how each thing relates to another).
The accepted music theory of today is but one of many approaches to explain, describe, & name our musical system.
Let's discuss the ...the big picture...first...
Western music uses a 12 tone system called Equal Temperament (equally spaced half steps). 7 naturals, & 5 sharps/flats.
I Love Guitar's research has found the following colors are associated with each of the specific tones of our 12 tone system.
The sharps & flats utilize stars & some outlines to differentiate them.
Again, in Western Music, there are 12 tones. These tones are ONE HALF step (h - on guitar, a half step is 1 fret) to the next adjacent tone (Equal Temperament).
Just Intonation is another system of tuning based on the pure vibrations of nature.
Some Guitar Theory (& all instrument) Definitions
A ROOT is the note that names a KEY, CHORD, or SCALE. It is the starting point for building something. It is the number 1 in our musical system for building anything. It can also be denoted R or 1 (or even 0).
A KEY is a Tonal Center. The Key is the central tone that a piece of music finally rests (Tonality) in our ear.
CHORDS are a combination of '3' or more tones played together (Harmony).
SCALES are a series of individual tones played one after another - alphabetically (whether NATURALS or SHARPED/FLATTED tones) ascending & descending.
ARPEGGIOS are chords played one note at a time (ringing or not ringing together). An arpeggio is a 'broken chord.'
Now that we have the big picture in mind, & have some definitions, let's move farther into guitar theory...
