What are the secrets to behind being able to play by ear and write music? 2015 presentation from a Musicademy training day workshop with Tim Martin. Get over 40 free lessons from Musicademy http://bit.ly/1pQDyUF

1. what chord is
N E X T ?
understand some theory
thy things out
think about key

2. understanding
M U S I C
you’ll probably use the major scale
think: do – re – mi – fa – sol – la – ti – do
anyone can understand harmony

3. t h e m a j o r
S C A L E
Every key has SEVEN notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

4. t h e m a j o r
S C A L E
All notes found by using the same pattern
Root T T S (T) T T S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1(8)
3 rules….

5. t h e m a j o r
S C A L E
One of every alphabetical letter
Never miss out any letters
Never mix sharps and flats

6. t h e m a j o r
S C A L E
Example
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

7. t h e m a j o r
S C A L E
Example
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 1
G A B C D E F G

8. t h e m a j o r
S C A L E
Example
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 1
G A B C D E F# G

9. chords for a
S C A L E
Always follow the same pattern
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 1
maj min min maj maj min dim maj

10. chords for a
S C A L E
Example
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 1
G A B C D E F# G
maj min min maj maj min dim maj
1/3 5/7
G/B D/F#

11. chords for a
S C A L E
Example
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 1
G A B C D E F# G
maj min min maj maj min dim maj
1/3 5/7
G/B D/F#

12. w o r k i n g o u t
C H O R D S
Use the notes of the key
Play a note, miss a note…
G A B C D E F#
G major

13. w o r k i n g o u t
C H O R D S
Use the notes of the key
Play a note, miss a note…
G A B C D E F#
A minor

14. w o r k i n g o u t
C H O R D S
Use the notes of the key
Play a note, miss a note…
G A B C D E F#
C major

15. w o r k i n g o u t
C H O R D S
Use the notes of the key
Play a note, miss a note…
G A B C D E F#
D major

16. w r i t i n g o u t
C H O R D S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7
G A B C D E F#
B C D E F# G A
D E F# G A B C
G Am Bm C D Em
F#dim

17. a d d i n g
H A R M O N Y
use the chords to fit with your notes
chords 1 & 5 are most important
then 2, 4 & 6
end on chord 1 (with 5 or 4 before it)

18. a d d i n g t h e
M U S I C
melody is the most important factor
don’t get caught up on nice chords
start by singing (in time)

19. a d d i n g t h e
M U S I C
pick the right time signature
try to stick within a good range
just over an octave is best
harmonise the melody you come up with

20. s i m p l i f y i n g
C H O R D S
you can use the same process
to simplify chords for an arrangement
find chords that fit – 1 or 2 per bar
experiment and see what sounds good

21. QUESTIONS
?