#6 LEARN FREE MUSIC THEORY

Andrew Furmanczyk
20 Jan 201026:40
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis music theory video lesson covers advanced note values including dotted notes and triplets. Dotted notes add 50% of a note's value, allowing more rhythmic control. Triplets group 3 notes in the time of 2, creating a 'duplet' feel. The instructor explains how to count and write dotted notes and triplets properly while still fitting the correct time signature. Homework involves writing practice bars in simple duple time signatures like 2/4 and compound triple time signatures like 6/8, incorporating dotted notes and triplets.

Takeaways
  • 😀 The lesson covers dotted notes, which add 50% of a note's value, and triplets, which cram 3 notes into the space of 2
  • 🎹 Dotted notes look like regular notes but with a dot, adding extra length
  • 👂 Triplets help create compound rhythm by grouping 3 quick beats as 1
  • 🥁 Duple time has marching feel with even groupings, compound time has a waltz feel with groups of 3
  • 😖 Rhythm is the hardest but most important part of music theory to learn
  • 🎵 Once you learn rhythm the rest of music theory is downhill
  • ⏱ Keeping steady rhythm makes music catchy, irregular rhythm sounds messy
  • 🎻 Use the word 'blueberry' to practice triplets - 3 syllables in 1 beat
  • ✏️ Do homework practicing duple and compound time signatures
  • 💪 Don't give up learning music theory if you want to master it
Q & A
  • What are dotted notes?

    -Dotted notes are notes with a dot after them, which adds 50 percent of the note's value. So a dotted half note would equal 3 beats instead of 2.

  • How are triplets different from regular notes?

    -Triplets are groups of 3 notes that get the same time value as 2 regular notes. So 3 eighth note triplets would equal 2 regular eighth notes.

  • What is the difference between duple time and compound time?

    -Duple time has rhythms grouped in 2s (2/4, 4/4 etc), while compound time has rhythms grouped in 3s (3/4, 6/8 etc.), creating a different feel.

  • What makes the first beat of a measure different?

    -The first beat of a measure is nearly always accented, meaning it is played louder, which gives it more emphasis. This helps establish the rhythm.

  • What is polyrhythm?

    -Polyrhythm is when you have two contrasting rhythms played at the same time, such as triplets over regular 8th notes. This creates a complex interplay of rhythms.

  • What does blueberry represent?

    -Blueberry is used as a 3 syllable word to represent playing the notes of a triplet evenly - "blue-ber-ry" lines up with the 3 notes.

  • Why is rhythm so important in music?

    -Steady rhythm allows listeners to follow along and get into the music. Without steady rhythm, the music would become chaotic and lose its appeal.

  • What are strong and weak beats?

    -Strong beats are accented, while weak beats are unaccented. The pattern of strong and weak beats contributes to the rhythm and feel of the music.

  • What is the homework assignment?

    -The homework is to write 10 bars in duple time signatures (2/4, 4/4 etc.) and 10 bars in compound times (3/4, 6/8 etc.) while incorporating dotted notes and triplets.

  • What music concepts will be covered next?

    -The next concepts are strong and weak beats - how to place accents in the rhythm to create different feels and grooves.

Outlines
00:00
🎵 Introducing Dotted Notes and Triplets

This paragraph introduces the concepts of dotted notes and triplets. It explains that dotted notes add 50% of the note's value, giving examples with half, quarter, and whole notes. It also mentions double dotting notes briefly. The paragraph then begins explaining triplets - groups of 3 notes played in the time of 2 notes, using 'blueberry' as an example word to practice subdividing beats into 3 equal parts.

05:00
🎶 Using Dotted Notes and Triplets in Rhythm

This paragraph continues explaining how to use dotted notes and triplets in rhythms. It shows how dotted rhythms sound different than regular rhythms. It also cautions not to combine triplets and regular notes into complex polyrhythms yet. The paragraph emphasizes learning foundations first before getting into more advanced concepts.

10:01
🎵 Building Up Music Theory Concepts

This paragraph uses a house building analogy to explain how music theory concepts build on each other. It reassures not to get overwhelmed by all the new information, as it will come together later similar to a finished house.

15:03
➕ Duple Time vs. Compound Time

This paragraph introduces the concepts of duple time (groups of 2) vs. compound time (groups of 3). It relates them to even and odd numbers and uses imagery of marching (duple) and waltzing (compound). It also briefly touches on time signatures and how they break into 2s or 3s.

20:03
🦶 Understanding Rhythm Through Body Movements

This paragraph further explains duple and compound time using accents and body movements. It relates duple time to walking on 2 legs, compound time to 3-legged skipping. It introduces the concepts of strong and weak beats which will be explored further in the next lesson.

25:04
🎼 Wrap Up and Homework Assignment

The final paragraph assigns homework to write musical exercises using duple and compound time signatures to practice the concepts. It encourages using dotted notes and triplets as an additional challenge. The paragraph closes by positively reflecting on the music teaching experience.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡dotted notes
Dotted notes are notes with a dot after them, which extends the duration of the note by half of its original value. For example, a dotted half note equals 3 beats instead of 2. Dotted notes are used to create more complex rhythms within a piece of music. The script provides several examples of how to calculate the durations of different dotted notes.
💡triplets
Triplets are groups of three notes played in the time of two notes of the same kind. They create a 'triple feel' to the rhythm. The script recommends saying the word 'blueberry' to get the right rhythm for triplets. Triplets add more rhythmic interest and syncopation to a musical piece.
💡duple time
Also called 'simple time', duple time signatures have top numbers that are divisible by 2 (2/4, 4/4 etc.). The beats usually follow a 'strong-weak-strong-weak' pattern, creating a marching feel. Duple time has a repetitive, two-feel to it.
💡compound time
Compound time signatures have top numbers divisible by 3 (3/4, 6/8, 9/8 etc.). The beats are grouped in threes, creating a 'triple feel'. Compound time adds more of a waltz lilt to the music.
💡polyrythm
A polyrhythm occurs when two contrasting rhythms are played together at the same time. For example triplets played against straight 8th notes. It creates complex interweaving rhythmic layers. The script says polyrhythms are too advanced for this introductory video.
💡pulse
The pulse is the steady beat that underlies a piece of music. Keeping a steady pulse is crucial for playing rhythms correctly. A pulse provides rhythmic stability for the other elements of the music.
💡syncopation
Syncopation refers to placing accents in unexpected places, off the main beats. This creates interest and tension. Triplets and dotted notes are tools used to create syncopation within rhythmic patterns.
💡tempo
Tempo refers to the speed of the music. The script gives an example of how mixing up the tempo too much makes a song annoying to listen to. Keeping a steady tempo is important for musicality.
💡time signature
The time signature defines the meter and rhythm of a piece of music. It has two numbers - the top number indicates how many beats per bar, the bottom number indicates the note value for one beat. Common examples are 4/4, 3/4, 6/8 etc.
💡rhythm
Rhythm refers to the patterns of long and short notes in a piece of music. Along with melody, it is one of the fundamental elements that gives music its unique identity and feel. Mastering rhythm is crucial for musical skill.
Highlights

Dotted notes add 50 percent of the value of the note onto it

Triplets group 3 notes together that equal the time of 2 regular notes

Use the word "blueberry" to practice playing triplets

Duple time has a marching feel with accents on the strong beats

Compound time has a waltz feel with groups of 3 beats

Time signatures with even top numbers are likely duple time

Time signatures with top numbers divisible by 3 are likely compound time

Steady rhythm helps people get into the music

If you enjoy learning, you will learn faster and retain more

Never give up when learning something new

2/2 and 4/2 time signatures take up the same number of beats

Implement dotted notes and triplets in your rhythm exercises

Approach learning with a positive mindset

Rewatch lessons if you don't fully understand the first time

Enjoy every moment of the learning process

Transcripts
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