Musical Tension – The Release!

Musical tension comes from many places… dynamics, instrumentation, rhythm, chord flavor, and harmonic pulse (frequency: how often chords change). Once tension has been built, one is compelled to get back home, back to the I Chord, to release the tension. There are also many ways … Continue reading

Musical Tension – The Buildup!

Musical tension begins once you play and leave the I Chord… from that very moment, you’ll be looking for a way to get back home – back to the I Chord. Tension can also come from instrumentation, dynamics, feel, mood, and/or atmosphere. But regardless of … Continue reading

It’s All About The Numbers!

Music in general is all about numbers… time signatures, tempo, note lengths (duration), rhythm, progressions, note names (letter names), transposings, inversions (note placement within a chord – figured base). The number system is really easy – once you get it in one key, you’ll know … Continue reading

Scale Degrees: It’s All In The Name

Scale degrees are 1 through 7 and have specific names that identify them… The I Chord – “The Tonic Chord”: This chord is the Root, or place of rest, and usually identifies the key that the piece is in. This chord is usually repeated, and … Continue reading