REWIRE MUSIC THEORY
Learn
4.5 chords IN Standard notation
Using the knowledge of chordal rhythm parts to write in standard notation opens up new possibilities as a composer and arranger. Chord parts in standard notation can be used for strings in film scoring, horn parts in a commercial music ensemble, and vocal divisi in choral arrangements to name a few. Voice leading in a progression is also easier to see in standard notation because of the visual organization of pitches on the staff.
Watch the walkthrough video.
Learn the information below.
treble clef
The treble clef is called the G clef because it circles around the second line, which is the G line on the staff.
INVERSION IDENTIFICATION
Terms
Root Position: All of the notes in a root position triad are stacked. In root position, every voice is either on a consecutive line or space. The root is in the bottom voice for all root position triads.
First Inversion: The bottom two voices in a first inversion triad are stacked on top of each other. The top voice is three notes away from the middle voice. The root is in the top voice of a first inversion triad.
Second Inversion: The top two voices in a second inversion triad are stacked on top of each other. The bottom voice is three notes away from the middle voice. The root is in the middle voice of a second inversion triad.
KEY SIGNATURES
Key signatures are written in the staff and show which accidentals (sharps # or flats b) a song or section uses. Songs that are either in the key of C or are in no key (atonal) do not have sharps or flats in the key signature.
SHARP KEYS
The first sharp in a key is always F# and additional sharps are added a fifth away. Since the last sharp in a key is the seventh scale degree, a quick way to identify the major scale that is associated with a sharp key signature is to raise the last sharp by a half step.
FLAT KEYS
The first flat in a key is always Bb and additional flats are added a fourth away. The last flat in a key is the fourth scale degree. The key of F has one flat, and the second-to-last flat in every other key is the name of the tonic.
Identify
KEY SIGNATURES
Apply your knowledge of key signatures with the Key Signature Worksheet →
Work on naming notes on the treble clef staff with the exercise below.
Practice
INVERSIONS
Check your understanding of chord inversions and voice leading by Completing the Inversions in a Progression Noteflight worksheet below.
Compose
CHORD COMPOSITION
Combine your knowledge of triad inversions and voice leading with chordal rhythmic roles to compose chordal parts using the Noteflight score below.