This book is a "hands-on" approach to music theory with lots of playing examples for the banjo. Music theory does not have to be mysterious or difficult. In fact, taken a little bit at a time, it's easy and fun! Each of the approximately 50 lessons in this book has a limited scope, but by the time you complete them, you will have a thorough understanding of the basics of music theory as applied to the banjo. While a single book can't cover everything in so vast a subject, the author has tried to choose topics that will address the needs of most beginning banjo players. These include: scale theory, reading tablature and standard notation, key signatures, accidentals,transposition, time signatures and note values, intervals and chord construction, the three kinds of minor scales, pentatonic scales, and more. In addition, each chapter features playing examples and review questions to both test and clarify understanding of the materials presented. Rather than proceeding from chapter to chapter, as each individual banjo player is likely at a different point in their musical journey, the reader is encouraged to 'jump around and spend more time in those areas that interest you most. The important thing about the journey is to begin. Includes access to online audio and video.
Contents
Chapter 1: The Major Scale
The Major Scale is the Basis of All Music Theory!
Producing Musical Sounds
Whole Steps and Half Steps
What is a Major Scale?
Playing Examples
Review Questions for Chapter 1
Reading Notation and Tablature
Chapter 2
Overview
Reading Tablature
Reading Standard Music Notation
Musical Symbols and Song Structure
Review Questions for Chapter 2
Chapter 3. Key Signatures
What is a Key Signature?
Why Even Have Different Keys?
Accidentals
Transposing Between Major Keys
Transposing Instrumentals
Review Questions for Chapter 3
Chapter 4. Timing
Overview: Timing Is Everything!
Time Signatures
Note Values and Counting
Rests
Chapter 5. Musical Intervals
Overview: It's Like Using a Ruler
Musical Intervals Have a First Name and a Last Name