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.