#9 LEARN FREE MUSIC THEORY

Andrew Furmanczyk
27 Jan 201016:05
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this music theory lesson, chromatic and diatonic semitones are explained - chromatic uses the same letter name (ex. A to A sharp) while diatonic uses different letter names (ex. A to B flat). An exercise helps illustrate that identifying whole tones can be tricky, since the interval between E and F is a semitone, not a whole tone. The concept of enharmonic notes is also covered - same notes with different letter names (ex. D sharp and E flat). For homework, students are tasked with identifying and writing various intervals to solidify understanding of these concepts.

Takeaways
  • 😀 Two main types of semitones - chromatic (same letter name) and diatonic (different letter name)
  • 😉 Chromatic semitones use the same letter name with sharp or flat (e.g. A to A#)
  • 🤓 Diatonic semitones use different letter names (e.g. A to Bb)
  • 🧐 Whole tones have a note in between on keyboard, unlike semitone between E and F
  • 🤯 Inharmonic tones are same note frequency but different letter names due to flats/sharps (e.g. D# and Eb)
  • 😳 Identifying whole tones can be tricky, such as the exception of E to F which is a semitone
  • 👍🏻 Visualize keyboard to understand whole tones versus semitones
  • 🎹 Use keyboard to double check intervals when doing homework exercises
  • 📝 Homework covers identifying/writing chromatic & diatonic semitones, whole tones, and inharmonic tones
  • 🤓 Learn note names extremely well before getting into intervals and theory
  • 😊 With consistent practice, will have solid understanding of music theory foundations in about 10 more lessons
Q & A

  • What are the two main types of semitones discussed?

    -The two main types of semitones discussed are chromatic semitones and diatonic semitones.

  • What is the difference between chromatic and diatonic semitones?

    -Chromatic semitones use the same letter name (e.g. A to A#) while diatonic semitones use different letter names (e.g. A to Bb).

  • Why is it important to know your note names on sheet music before learning about semitones and tones?

    -It's important to know your note names well so you can read sheet music faster and understand what notes the semitones and tones are referring to.

  • What was the purpose of the whole tone exercise?

    -The purpose was to show that identifying whole tones can be tricky, and visualizing where they are on a keyboard is the best way to understand them.

  • Why is e to f not considered a whole tone?

    -E to F is not considered a whole tone because there is no note in between them on the keyboard - it is a semitone.

  • What are inharmonic intervals?

    -Inharmonic intervals refer to notes that are the same pitch but have different letter names, like D# and Eb.

  • What should you watch out for with diatonic semitones?

    -You have to watch out for the E to F rule - if you just write E to F that is a semitone, not a whole tone.

  • What is a quick way to check if an interval is a whole tone?

    -Check if there is a note in between the two notes. If there is, it's a whole tone. If not, it's a semitone.

  • What kind of sequence should you follow when using flats?

    -Go from the basic white key tone first, then apply the flat by visualizing going down a semitone.

  • What is a good foundation to have in music theory before moving forward?

    -Having a solid understanding of 10 more theory lessons will give you a pretty good foundation to build on.

Outlines
00:00
🎵 Introducing New Music Theory Concepts

The instructor introduces new music theory topics that will be covered including chromatic semitones, diatonic intervals, whole tones, and inharmonic tones. He explains the differences between chromatic (same note letter name) and diatonic (different note letter name) semitones. He also demonstrates how whole tones and semitones look on sheet music using the keyboard.

05:01
🎹 Identifying Whole Tones and Semitones

The instructor explains why identifying whole tones vs semitones can be tricky, using the piano keyboard visualization as an example. He highlights that E to F is a semitone, not a whole tone, which is a common mistake. He provides several examples of whole tones and semitones on the staff.

10:02
👥 Inharmonic Intervals

The instructor introduces the concept of inharmonic intervals, where two notes sound the same but have different letter names. He gives examples like D#/Eb and explains that these types of intervals are common with sharps/flats.

15:04
📝 Homework Assignments

The instructor assigns homework for the viewer to practice drawing chromatic and diatonic semitones, whole tones, and inharmonic intervals on the music staff. Detailed instructions are provided for the number to draw and rules to follow for each type.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡chromatic semitone
A chromatic semitone is a semitone between two notes that have the same letter name, like C to C#. It simply means going up one fret on a guitar or one key on a piano. The video explains that with chromatic semitones, you use the same letter name and add a sharp or flat, like going from A to A#.
💡diatonic semitone
A diatonic semitone is a semitone between notes with different letter names, like C to Db. So instead of using the same letter name and adding a sharp or flat, you use different letter names that are only a semitone apart, like C and Db. The video says diatonic means "different", while chromatic means "same".
💡whole tone
A whole tone is an interval encompassing two half steps or semitones. On a piano keyboard, a whole tone includes a white key and the adjacent black key (like C to D). The video explains that identifying whole tones can be tricky, like the example of E to F which is not a whole tone but a semitone.
💡enharmonic
An enharmonic note or interval means two notes that sound the same pitch but have different letter names, like C# and Db. The video uses enharmonic intervals to illustrate that D# and Eb are the same frequency or pitch on the keyboard, but our notation system gives them different names.
💡intervals
An interval in music refers to the difference in pitch between two notes. Intervals underlie important music concepts like chords, harmony and melody. The video introduces semitone, whole tone and enharmonic as types of intervals that are fundamental to understanding music notation and theory.
💡treble clef
The treble clef is used in sheet music to indicate higher register notes. When drawing semitones, whole tones etc. the video advises trying them in both treble and bass clefs to get experience with music notation.
💡sharps and flats
Sharps and flats are symbols used in sheet music to indicate raising or lowering a note by a semitone. Understanding their use is key for identifying intervals correctly. The video's exercises involve liberal use of sharps and flats to challenge the viewer.
💡keyboard
A keyboard is used frequently throughout the video as a visual reference for intervals and notation. Having a keyboard handy allows you to validate that your written intervals actually match the physical keys and semitone distances.
💡music theory
Music theory encompasses the underlying rules and systems for how music works. Topics like intervals, notation, harmony and scales are all part of understanding theory, which the video aims to teach through practical exercises.
💡ear training
Though not directly mentioned, a critical accompaniment to learning music theory is training your ear to recognize intervals, chords etc. by sound. The video focuses on notation but applies it to real instruments.
Highlights

Chromatic semitones use the same letter name, diatonic semitones use different letter names

Chromatic is the same, diatonic is different when referring to semitones

Visualize a keyboard to understand why E to F is not a whole tone

A whole tone has a note in between on the keyboard

Inharmonic intervals mean the same note with different letter names

Target the same keys and describe in two ways for inharmonic tones

Mix up clefs, sharps, flats, and keys when practicing

Double check intervals against a keyboard

Watch for the E to F exception with diatonic semitones

Learn your note names cold before moving on

Understand why finding whole tones can be tricky

Grasping these concepts takes a solid foundation

Doing exercises cements your understanding

You'll have a good grasp in about 10 more theory lessons

Keep going, you're getting somewhere!

Transcripts

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