Music Theory in 16 Minutes

Hi everyone - just want to let you know about our course, Learn Music Theory. It's quick, practical and fun, and takes you from square one through to more advanced topics like modes and chromatic harmony.
Over 12 hours of video, quizzes, course text and much more. Check it out here:
thinkspaceeducation.com/cours...
For the FREE PDF mentioned in this video, and a free micro series in music theory, check out our email series 'Getting Started with Music Theory':
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00:00 Introduction
00:26 Basics principles and piano layout
02:14 Note names
04:25 Major & Minor scale
08:37 Intervals
10:23 Chords
12:25 The circle of fifths
Join composer Guy Michelmore as he explains the essentials of music theory in just 16 minutes! What is an octave? How do you make scales? What are intervals? What's the difference between major and minor? What is the circle of fifths?! All explained in less time that it takes to make and drink a fresh cup of tea.

[@tedcruzkidneyhunter736]

Put it at 2x speed, now learn music theory in 8 minutes

[@SAHBfan]

ted cruz kidney hunter - I am watching it for the fourth time, I reckon another day or two for it to sink in 😳

[@ffggddss]

And don't forget to also set your brain to 2x before starting! Fred

[@jgoodie751]

That's big brain thinking right there

[@user-ec6kt2fg7m]

If you can graduate music slowly, you can graduate music quickly.

[@Calamity_Jack]

Or just plug a data cable into your cortical plug and learn it instantly!

[@guruuDev]

I like when he switches cameras. I was getting bored of being over there -- but now I'm over here -- yay!

[@rickc7487]

I kept getting distracted by the professionalism of his videography and had to rewind. (I'm a studio engineer lol) The camerawork and lighting are impeccable.

[@Stingray7423]

Simply amazing! The music theory what teachers could not patiently explain me 40 years ago and I quit music school at 8 thinking it was dreadful. Boring people that have no passion should not be anywhere near schools. People like Guy Michelmore are a gift to us! Thank you!

[@user-ch8th6vs5h]

It's because if it was revealed that it was that easy to teach they wouldn't look smart and there job plus feeling of importance would be losed

[@HarshKS2]

Best line: Boring ppl having no passion shouldn't be anywhere near schools.. Yeah cuz even if a kid likes smthn he would think omg its so hard n boring just cuz he got a bad teacher nd he's terrified to learn that thing..

[@UTAH100]

Don't blame teacher for you not pursuing music. Lame. What do you do now- sell cars? Live with regrets and blame others? Blame Covid? Blame your ex-wife? Do better.

[@dudebroguymate]

The problem is passionate people lose their passion if they're treated like shit and paid poorly, which let's be honest most teachers are. Your teachers were probably as energetic as this guy at some point, they just got worn down by reality.

[@chinmeysway]

@@user-ch8th6vs5huh ok interesting guess but not really

[@lh1678]

Kids have it easy today. My parents paid for a private piano teacher for me back when I was 10. She was wasn't even half the teacher that this guy is. We all are lucky to have someone like Guy to take time out to enrich us.

[@11thChikkyNuggie]

Don't disrespect that teacher. I'm sure they tried their best. You learned didn't you? lol

[@Kinobambino]

There's pros and cons to it all. Having so much at your fingertips is easily overwhelming. Grass isn't greener over here. It's hard to digest it all amongst the distractions

[@leogazzlo]

have it easier today yet you had a private tutor?

[@tanner1111]

@@leogazzlo I know, that's such an ignorant comment, like wtf. I grew up on a council estate with a single parent and no hope of a private musical education.

[@kennylux]

You're lucky that your parents paid for your teacher and taught you music in your childhood. Don't be ungrateful.

[@mikespink2037]

Wouldn’t it be great if all teachers were as passionate, energetic, knowledgable, enthused & personable as Guy !!! Genuinely brilliant stuff ...

[@pirojfmifhghek566]

Most music teachers are, but you should get yourself a private tutor. Learning music one on one is so much more intense and tailored to your knowledge level than a class. Also, it's not typical to go to a music lesson with your tutor and have them unload a dumptruck of knowledge on your lap like in this video. It's also incredibly difficult because the teacher making this video can make video edits, you can pause his lesson when you get lost and he doesn't have to field questions from the student as he goes. A real life music teacher has to go through these things slowly to make sure that their student gets it. They have to focus on the knowledge of the instrument itself as well. Plus, I'd say this is only about 1/8th of all the musical theory concepts that can be put into a nutshell. But if you like your music lessons to be purely entertainment, I would suggest watching some standup by Bill Bailey. Brilliant comedian with a soft spot for Mozart.

[@mikespink2037]

Pirojf Mifhghek thanks for this - but I was merely highlighting Guy’s infectious enthusiasm, fun & ‘wow’ factor as a teacher ! I’m actually 51 years old and an ex - lecturer / teacher myself at 16-18 yrs and at degree level (18+) re music & music production... I have an extensive knowledge of music theory, music performance, recording and music production myself (platinum & 2 x platinum - back to back No.1 albums) so I’m ok re access to learning this stuff personally - I just wanted (as an ex teacher myself) to flag how brilliant Guy is here ! And If I was still teaching I’d recommend that all my students watched Guy’s videos ! I maintain and stand by my observations - He is brilliant ! Vibrant, Energetic & Engaging teacher ... He also ensures you immediately learn something from his high octane teaching sessions without the learner ever having chance to get bored ! No easy task I can assure you - I know this from the 5 years I was a teacher myself ! So thanks for the advice - but I think you took my observations completely out of context.

[@pirojfmifhghek566]

@@mikespink2037 I agree, he's a great teacher. It just felt a little like you were saying that teachers in general aren't fun or informative like this. He has the advantage here of having a nicely edited video as his medium, so it felt like an unfair comparison.

[@stobbinsboy]

Yes, I've learned more in this 16 min. than a lifetime of trying to make sense of this trying to piece it together on my own! Just WOW!

[@chittoorrajendraprasadmn8919]

Exited .... thanks is a simple expression but no way.... thank you sir....

[@dawnydoodah]

This is how music should be taught, quick and concise without room for confusion. Wish I'd found you sooner. Thank you so much.

[@JaydenLawson]

But I’m still confused

[@Schneification]

@@JaydenLawson kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJjEhX-oj6yfoZI Try that dude, slightly more concise than this guy

[@JaydenLawson]

@@Schneification thank you 🙏🏼

[@DethMetalGuitars]

@@Andras_Schiff Perhaps there was a miscommunication. A G major chord is G B D in ANY order. So it is possible that when you say "rooted with D" he thought or saw a G chord with D as the bass note. I am not exactly sure of the circumstance or the voicing of the chord so i can't tell you exactly what disconnected where and with whom, but i figured i would share. cheers!

[@bjornlange635]

The root note does not have to be the deepest not of the chord. The deepest not might be the third or the fifth of the chord, because every note repeats after one octave. G-B-D is the Root Position. B-G-D is the First inversion and G-D-B is the second inversion of the chord. As you all might know, there are no black and white keys on a guitar or bass fretboard. Some guitar players can play chords with inversions on the guitar. I standard tuning the guitar string with the lowest note is an E. Next string is tuned a perfect fourth higher A, next string is tuned a perfect fourth higher which is D, next trying another fourth higher is G, and the next note is a major third higher, which is the B, which is 4 semitones higher not 5 as the perfect fourth, and the last string is a perfect fourth higher that the B, which is E. If you play a note somewhere on the guitar fretboard, on the guitar for right handed people, and you look from above, the next fret to the left is a semitone down and one fret to the right is 1 semitone up, but, if the next string is a fourth higher means, one higher string is fourth, one higher string + 2 frets higher is the fifth, and 2 strings higher + 2 frets ( semitones ) higher is the octave. Between the G and the B string is a major third, therefore the pattern between strings is different. Between G an B string, 4 semitones. Therefore the fourth is from G to B string plus 1 fret ( semitone)

[@Andle95]

Your simple explanation of scales as essentially just patterns of intervals immediately made it click in my head. So much more engaging than just being told "these are major and these are minor because that's how it is" by my music teacher so many years ago. Thanks for the amazing video Guy.

[@carldahlqvist1290]

I’ve been playing music for about 10 years actively, and I’ve never been able to wrap my head around the theory more than a few basics. I even tried attending a school but I felt like I understood even less after that. This! The part about the intervals and the scales, it blew my mind! Thank you! I finally get it! Can’t wait to explore this further!!

[@realFlusi]

Same here. It helped so much to start thinking of things being in relation to one and other in a certain way than just thinking of them being like they are individually.

[@fflickerz9376]

Honestly the same with me, I have been playing for about 10-12 years since I was like 6 and I only now have learnt that there is a pattern to scales.

[@patrickwithey4093]

I've been playing for 20+, attempting to learn theory for 10+, and in 15 minutes it all suddenly makes a lot more sense. Truly brilliant stuff in this video.

[@lwarm8681]

How can you play music for 10 years without knowing a scale? I’m genuinely interested. I learnt basic minor and major scales independently after about 6 months and have been playing and self teaching for about 14 years.

[@carldahlqvist1290]

@@lwarm8681 Well I picked up on things of course. Ended up learning how to play the pentatonic scale by playing rock songs etc etc. You end up knowing a lot of things but not knowing the terms and names of things, or that certain notes go together, but not why etc. Like, you learn lots of theory by just playing, but you dont actually Know the theory.

[@rudolffrajman3914]

Guy: It's not rocket science Science teachers: It's not music theory

[@kaivalyarao3730]

LMFAOOOO

[@kanedNunable]

not brain surgery is it? ;) rocket science is just a controlled explosion anyway :P (youtube the mitchell and webb sketch of this)

[@beats4days984]

haha good one..😅😅😅

[@jordanedlinger8347]

I'm a scientist and music theory has always blown my mind. These 16 minutes helped.

[@djnando7293]

💀💀💀💀

[@davidgronlund4853]

From one music teacher to another: this is true professionalism. I am truly amazed on just how simply you laid it all down for us. Thank you!!! And greetings from Vasa, Finland.

[@tharealeast4967]

Can I have your Facebook ?

[@Kpopchxrry]

Im sorry but can we just have a round of applause for guy!! He is so passionate, happy, fun to be around, and many more things! Imagine if all the teachers were like this!

[@johannalvarsson9299]

Yes!, wow, this guy summarized the first 2 pages of my "common music knowledge" text-book!

[@kjamison5951]

You do your mum and dad proud. You have a great talent to educate. Many can teach, few can educate.

[@prismblue8514]

"Music theory isn't complicated. Musicians are complicated". ---Unknown

[@sjplhavebrainwilltravel5700]

And the more complicated the Musician, the lesser the harmony. LEARN MUSIC THEORY!!!

[@timhitt9541]

@@sjplhavebrainwilltravel5700 yep Theory is power

[@signas9896]

Thats the most hilarious and truest thing I've ever read in a long time, You win friend XD

[@fbnflaviusbroadcastingnetw6786]

Prism Blue yeah, especially when they involve math into music theory! Which I was never good at and failed out of.

[@MusicmanPyx]

Naw

[@kathyratino962]

This is wonderful! Just one thing: The major scale is actually the same pattern twice, as is the minor. Knowing this saves you from having to memorize that long pattern. You can just remember that the half step comes between the third and fourth notes in both four-note halves of the major scale and between the second and third notes in both four-note halves of the minor.

[@halfcoconut90]

15:15 to 15:25 is the GOAT 10 seconds of this video Awesome presentation and teaching style

[@fluturacelaj6432]

I RAN to the comments section to find THIS!!!! hahahah made my night

[@ShineMedia1]

😂

[@paulmetdebbie447]

"And above C major there is...?" Me: "C colonel?"

[@nathanc9866]

Nice

[@Abaggie81]

half step lt. col tehe

[@kanekarazi6477]

Lmao

[@mmccartney6579]

That would be C Lieutenant Colonel. :)

[@fbnflaviusbroadcastingnetw6786]

Paul met Debbie no, that’s D flat!

[@Steinthedude]

This man just taught us everything about music theory in 16 minutes in 2 languages

[@talkingweevil3172]

Well kinda 2 languages but they are both English

[@swftwlly]

@@talkingweevil3172 The US and the UK...two countries separated by a common language.

[@edenic7328]

Probably only one letter seperates them, the S and the K😀

[@Steinthedude]

Thanks for explaining you all, only now realised they are basically the same language.. How did i not know this?

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

steen I wonder?😏

[@phillippagarnett1675]

This is fantastic. I took piano lessons as a child but I never fully grasped everything and now as an adult I understand my learning style means I need more context and to understand the 'whys' behind what I'm being taught. This does that!

[@chejnalinho]

At age 40, I started to learn play guitar, to support my 12 years old son. We play few hours a week at home, just that. When we get to the point where we needed to start learning theory, we couldn't find anything on yt what would explain us scales and circle in so easy way. You're amaizing, you gave me more knowledge that I've found for months. Thanks

[@Gearhead_47]

Ive played guitar for 20 years and never learned theory. This made it click in my mind related to the frets and now i might pick up piano because it makes sense now. Thank you so much very well spoken

[@nada401]

I’m also here bc of guitar but I want to learn music theory and all this stuff before I buy one

[@mynameisweevil]

Guitarists are almost always bad at theory and piano players good. Piano teaches you so much more than guitar because it is all laid out in front of you.

[@Gearhead_47]

@@mynameisweevil maybe not the best guitarists but i agree with your point. I didn’t mean to convey in my OP that I didn’t understand theory at a basic point just that it was never formally taught to me and have had to piece it together in my own way just by listening/playing. I definitely hold pianists in utmost regards especially for pieces that require abnormal syncopation between hands.

[@marlonknockaert3233]

@@mynameisweevil thats the best tip ever! If you want to learn music theory, do it with a piano!

[@funnysecksnumber6998]

that is a based name also yeah, i started music with bass about 1-2 months ago, its been great fun, this last few days ive been absolutely decimating my fingers playing all day everyday, and would you look at that, ive started getting some slap tones today! so i thought, this whole thing would really be so much easier if it made sense. and how do we make sense of music? thats right, music theory. what im basically doing is identifying as many possible ceilings i could hit in the future as i can, and basically maximising the acceleration of my progression in hopes of gathering enough momentum to brute force through them in the future. maybe i wont be a pro bassist, but i will be one. i wont be the guy that bought a guitar and never played. so yeah, if i grind while i have the motivation still, i wont have to deal with as much backtracking im still going to take some proper theory courses after this bass course, though.

[@lessermook7608]

Your transitions, your energy, the camera angles, your confidence, & knowledge. Made this very easy to digest. Your Studio setup is nice to look at too.

[@ryanalabaster6531]

Did you ever hear the story of Darth plageius the wise?

[@lessermook7608]

@@ryanalabaster6531 _i r o n i c._

[@FromDaground]

That first transition at note names I was ready to skip an ad

[@avi4767]

I absolutely love how quickly you jump into the lesson, we need more people like you on KZbin. This is perfectly crafted.

[@MiC-T]

Dude, I have been making rap beats for about 35 years now without ever knowing a note, chord, completely music ignorant but just this video is like someone put my ears on for the first time. I always just relied on if something sounded right or not for all this time since every beat I made came from sampled sounds off records. I'm a drummer but thats it. I've learned more in the last 16 minutes of my life than the previous decades. Thank you sir.

[@leewilson1368]

I’m 64. Years old now. Where was this gentleman 50 years ago? You Sir, are the teacher I needed. And I learned lots today to share to my 3 and 5 year old daughters and hope the can learn this lovely language that is music in their early years. Cheers!

[@deeptinageshdhaygude3071]

you are 64 and your daughters are 3 and 5?

[@leewilson1368]

What better time to start a family than when you can pay REAL attention to them! Less distraction and more practical knowledge to share.... and a young mother helps too!

[@squidslapper7328]

@@leewilson1368 sus

[@leewilson1368]

@@squidslapper7328 is that a suspended 3rd or something? Or am I simply to tell you to slink off somewhere private and slap your tiny squid? sarc.

[@AishaAisha-nz8ug]

@@deeptinageshdhaygude3071 WTF this is rude

[@lisaheesters4508]

Timestamps! 0:26 Basics principles and piano layout 2:14 Note names 4:25 Major & Minor scale 8:37 Intervals 10:23 Chords 12:25 The circle of fifths

[@theouhrik1501]

That circle blew my mind! It all finally came together

[@kritisundarr8531]

Thanku...it helped me a lot u made my day....

[@TonyMontana33452]

15:15 His Donald Trump moment

[@kaizer4506]

@@TonyMontana33452 Idk man that looks a lot more like a Biden bit

[@itz_bktouray]

Being Gambian and seeing a Kora just sitting in the background brings me so much joy

[@shay6953]

You've taught me the basics in 15 minutes better than years of music teachers in middle school

[@PsychoticSalamander]

This man is a legend. My scottish higher music exam is tomorrow and throughout the whole year i was never able to understand how scales worked because my teacher never taught us the TTSTTTS method! Same goes for the circle of fifths. That is going to help me greatly tomorrow. Thank you.

[@slambodianjones]

How did you do?

[@PsychoticSalamander]

@@slambodianjones It actually went really well!

[@slambodianjones]

@@PsychoticSalamander Awesome!

[@luciusl753]

Wtf your teacher Never taught you ttsttts??? Wtf

[@PsychoticSalamander]

@@luciusl753 maybe i just wasnt listening lmfaooo but when we were going over everything this wasnt in it at all

[@dubster82]

I've just learnt more in 16minutes than I was ever told by any music teacher or guitar tutor when I was younger. Great video.

[@zappthetitans2377]

Same

[@fgpd7710]

Learned more in video than from community College intro to music theory ffs. I want my money back!!

[@mikecmw8492]

That's cause none of them know this. They learn from the same crappy books.

[@danielnetz5173]

Right?! I just dropped a comment saying the same lol.

[@s4lroachclip]

because most music teachers or guitar tutors, are failed players that resort to teaching when they cannot earn money playing. It completely amazes me how many horrible instructors out there that we have. And the good ones, are the least fun. They make you do it the hard way, the right way, but without fun people go elsewhere. So they want to let it be fun so you return and they keep getting your money. So you return week after week. I suggest finding a successful player, not in the bar scene, but a signed artist, or formerly signed to a major label. Be around people doing what you want to do... You learn the most by playing with other people. But find a successful player that teaches, not the local idiot in mom and pops music store that doesn't know anyone . One guy told me learn the scales and i will automatically have good form...instead of answering my direct question to observe my form and help me. Less than a year goes by after that and my Les Paul frets are ruined, from pressing too hard attempting bends. My new guitar lasted less than a year, now I tune it, but its never in tune when i play a fretted note, from extreme fret wear. Terrible teacher horror story. Especially since I caused it, therefore no warranty coverage and I cannot afford a new les paul every year. Then I got another high end guitar, but have not had help with my form so I have probably 2 guitars that need new frets, if not all my guitars. and after years, i still suck at it, partly due to being unable to hear or play the proper notes

[@daveg1683]

Taught myself Bass and Guitar (and a few other intruments) aurally over the years .... Guy, you've made more sense in 16 mins than in sooooo many hours of listening and reading, that my musical heart thanks you. You have a gift... You are a gift

[@stop6production]

Exactly what I needed... to the point, no extra stuff and in-between. No showing off, not teaching 3 notes to make a chord but confusing the heck out of me with adding 7 more keys to the mix saying "you can also do this" like most videos I've watched. Thank you for your STRAIGHT FORWARD VIDE sir!

[@samuelglass6805]

MY BRAIN BEING INTRODUCED TO THEORY AT AGE 6:...Wot? MY BRAIN BEING INTRODUCED AGAIN TO THEORY AT AGE 60:...Wot?

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

Me too! Might as well be higher mathematics.

[@DaWizeDeciple]

hahahaha

[@markanderson6707]

Only it ain't no joke

[@tomanderson848]

Thank goodness. I thought I was the only one.

[@geert5583]

It does make sense to me. The problem is that it doesn't stick to my brain. I can't seem to remember it. So frustrating...

[@edt9666]

I probably learned more in 16 minutes of watching this than the last 16 years of trying to figure out these musical relationships you so eloquently presented. Thank you. Subscribed!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Ed T - I Agree 100% - this gentleman is an amazing teacher. Easy to understand & digest.

[@dl4350]

same but for 3 years

[@jonc8561]

What the hell, how.

[@rjlchristie]

Face palm. You could have got all this, and more, in the first four or five pages of any reputable beginner music theory book.

[@timothyhawkins6048]

my thoughts exactly! Subscribed!

[@rickytamir4907]

Brilliant! I've taught beginners music theory for several years. You cover as much as I do, but you do it five times as well in 1/5th the time. Thank you - wonderful video!

[@TheItsjakeyoShow]

This is actually the first time my brain is understanding music theory. I have a learning disability and music theory has always been so hard for my brain to grasp and really wrap itself around, but watching this explains it in a really user friendly way. Thank you so much for making this video

[@jaaa935]

Loved the multiple camera angles and enthusiasm! This and Andrew Huang's music theory vid are godsends

[@carsonnichols7428]

Once you get more into theory, rick beato has some fantastic videos as well

[@b0y_in_str1ped_shirt36]

@@carsonnichols7428 thanks forte advice

[@atp19xx]

@@b0y_in_str1ped_shirt36 Inaff...

[@simon4096]

@@b0y_in_str1ped_shirt36 idk if that was intended or just a typo but that made me crack up

[@xxCrimsonSpiritxx]

Where has this channel been hiding!?? So comical and straight to the point with perfect easy explanation with no stutters "umm"s and "humm"s! Great video sir

[@lxvideostuff7200]

umm... err... well... isnt that overconfidence?

[@kaelrenaud643]

I think we can all agree that Guy deserves more subs :)

[@dedeye1325]

my gosh. this man explained to me a full course on other (English isn't native language for me) language better and faster than an entire special school that I was attended for 7 years

[@mauricetremblay1324]

Amazingly straightforward!! Cheers

[@ghostthred7002]

2 minutes in: "oh okay doesn't seem that hard" 14 minutes in: "wonder how much I can get for my keyboard on eBay"

[@mostoriginal3897]

sell it to me dood

[@raptormx9502]

Bro I’m dying 😂

[@packratglg]

@@raptormx9502 I agree that made me laugh out loud!

[@jimsutton9407]

Wanna buy a guitar instead? Or three?

[@hungry2hear]

It is me and I am not a music theorist nor a rocket scientist yet I would swear he said half step or semi tone were the black keys! Every semi tone or half step he named in the scale he used the white keys only. Who wants to buy mine...

[@Duvoncho]

This is what it looks like when you are being taught by someone who is highly competent and trained, not only in the field in which they are teaching, but in the art of media and presentation. Thank you Guy. Your ability to impart knowledge unto others has helped me greatly. 👍

[@brainloading5543]

Just the fact that the guy is well over 55 and has LEDs in the background is enough to know he's competent

[@ashleyedwards3082]

This is the kinda guy I wish I had as a music teacher.

[@capt.redbeard8361]

WOW, Guy! This is really well put together. I remember studying music theory many years ago, and I often struggled with some things seeming arbitrary at the time, and it took me a long time to figure out some of the things that you have explained so thoroughly. I really enjoyed this video and if I could give it two thumbs up I would. Thanks for sharing your gift.

[@PeterRosaDK]

Guy: "That one is called A. Take a wild guess on what that one is called?" Germany and Scandinavia: "H!"

[@creestooz]

and Poland!

[@jogeem5480]

And Finland

[@sammusicsweden6843]

Joacim Sarén but finland is also in scandinavia countries right ? ;) (It’s a joke obviously)

[@jogeem5480]

@@sammusicsweden6843 nope

[@yasharmj1717]

@@jogeem5480 finaland is an engima all on its own LoL

[@Omegatonboom]

The editing and multiple camera angles adds an interesting depth to the video. Premium product. Well done.

[@MackNNations]

Interesting, but overdone in several spots. You don’t need to switch camera angles 7 times in the same sentance.

[@jtaylorstudios]

I never quite grasped a perfect 4th and 5th definition. His quick explanation did it. Light bulb moment. So simple.

[@victorabekhale2856]

One of the best music lectures ever...love ur delivery sr..from Nigeria

[@roogrey]

Brilliant! The sign of a great teacher is that they can impart their vast store of complex knowledge in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. Full marks, Guy!

[@woodsnstrings]

This really is the introduction I got when I started in theory classes a long time ago. It takes some time and practice to get all of this really stuck in the memory of course, but this really is the foundational part of it in terms of the general structure of things as they are now. It's helpful to recognize that this is really just lesson 1 of what would normally be a 30 minute weekly class, but for rudiments of music you also have to get into things like clefs, time signatures, staves, and rhythms. That's pretty much all Theory 1 is. It does get a LOT more complicated than this, of course. BUT...without it getting too daunting... Music theory is simply the vocabulary that explains what's happening in music and enables you to discuss your ideas with other musicians using a common language. If you can name your strings and tune them, you're "using music theory." You might not know how to resolve a Neapolitan 6th in common practice, or compose a 12-tone matrix for marimba ensemble and euphonium, but it's still theory. Even just knowing the chords to a song is "using music theory." It would be so much simpler if people would stop treating music theory as some huge, daunting subject all on its own that you need six degrees and an abacus to figure out, and start thinking of it as being PART of music. It's just the language musicians use, and knowing more of it just gives you a bigger vocabulary. You can hold a conversation or write an email without ever knowing the rules of grammar or the principles of poetics, but if you want to become an accomplished poet or a novelist, having a deeper knowledge of literary form, story arcs, and meter will provide more powerful tools. That's all theory is.

[@rollandjoeseph]

How long have you've been reading music, always easier said then remembered, unless you do it day in and day out..unfortunately it's not like riding a bike for every musician ..lol

[@philipcaswell870]

Oh, great. So, what am I to do now with this abacus?

[@woodsnstrings]

@@philipcaswell870 teach polyrhythms to drummers at Berklee.

[@tachoudhury]

Great comment

[@worldchamp1999]

good lord u have opened my eyes

[@sportsdave7281]

I've, unknowingly, been looking for this video for 10 years. Finally, we had an intelligent dude sit down and explain it. I thank you very much! I've been a percussionist since the day I was born because nobody has explained the patterns and reason for names. This is very refreshing, and I am greatful for the well-done video.

[@cbrugge9132]

Amazing explanation! really openined my eyes with this simple and straightforward explanation!! thanks!

[@Abbyonice]

Oh my word!!! I knew Chords and scales, but never knew how they all worked together. Everything make sense now!!! My head is exploding in amazement omgieeee AHHHHH why didn’t I learn about this sooner!!! Thank you!!!

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

And every time someone tried to explain it, it sounded like some foreign language.

[@MsShellie2U]

And also, nobody has ever shiwn me the circle of fifths in an ACTUAL CIRCLE! Brilliant, my friend

[@ConradW]

Understanding that a major scale is TTSTTTS makes all of this make so much more sense. Minor is TSTTSTT, meaning they're exactly the same but start at different places.

[@durstbigalow]

I just started learning piano at 40 years old and this is so well done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such an approachable way.

[@jocelynewise1961]

69 years old! Played piano all my life! Always felt handicapped because I just "didn't get" theory. Thank you for teaching in a way I understand AND doesn't waste time.

[@emanttnf]

I'm 26 and I thought I was slow for not getting it. Haha. The comments for this video give me all the validation I need to keep trying.

[@almaerica563]

nice

[@supertrooper6011]

this really shows the value of a good teacher - I just learned more about music in 15 minutes than I did in the 15 years before that

[@freedom4683]

Massively grateful. Thank you. Such great teaching🙏

[@mrbubbies_]

Love your teaching style and energy

[@BlazingCobaltX]

This is the first time I actually understood the point of the circle of fifths. And the major/minor triad. AND the perfect fourth/fifth.

[@ACGreviews]

This is amazing. Sincerely thank you

[@noonespecial6938]

Wow didn't expect to see you here. Love your reviews 👍

[@oibruv3889]

This is really wierd. Why are you tubers watching KZbin videos

[@Aramane]

As someone who is trying to come back to music and piano, having stopped when I was 15 (30 years ago), this was a great refresher

[@named_yas7177]

To anyone reading, i went to this great man and his team website and bought music theory course of them..... best thing ever, totally worth it and also you need it no cap

[@MrFishman1963]

Guy, can I just say that this is by far the most straightforward, well explained, well presented video I have seen on this topic! Thank you

[@darvish2776]

I’ve never had someone explain this sooo well. I’ve watched hundreds of videos and they always lose me after triads and stuff but I think I almost got it now!! Thank you.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Darvish 27 it’s a great video, but would you be able to follow it if you didn’t see and practice the content of the other videos you saw?

[@SidetrackRxz190]

Man, you are one of the best teachers i've seen, even if its on KZbin you make this so comprehensive that im actually learning.

[@carolinavelloso]

What a wonderful lesson! Thank you!

[@grahamcharters1638]

Wow! When i was at school, this made no sense to me at all! Now, as a 50+ in lockdown, you have opened my eyes. Keyboard and guitar down from the loft. Annoyed neighbours incoming...

[@ClandestineMerkaba]

You a virtuoso yet?

[@paulg444]

The guy is fantastic, I have heard "scale" a thousand times and not once was it explained in concrete terms I could understand and this guy explains it in 40 seconds and I get it.

[@guitargriff3490]

That's awesome, where next for you?

[@andylec5879]

Totally agree, finally clicked into place. I find it easier to learn if I can see the big picture which I now can!

[@matwhite57]

It’s also interesting that the word “scale” comes from the Latin or Italian scala (I’m not sure about the spelling) which translates to stair or steps. Going up or down scales or steps....

[@paulg444]

@@guitargriff3490 when you reach a mountain top like I just did.. friend, its time to rest !

[@paulg444]

@@matwhite57 What I find amazing is that we need a scale at all, since we already have 8 full notes and the half tones as well. So the scale must be needed because the human ear and psychoacoustics can not deal with too many half tones. I dont know enough but I will guess that too many tones that are not resonant with each other produces a cacophony in the mind that is displeasing. So it is easier for the music maker to confine his craft to a scale that has only so much breadth of sound.

[@Moldy_Lemon]

15:12 When you imitated us, the viewer, and then immediately apologized, it was so sincere and funny

[@AlwaysDrawing2012]

You are the BEST music teacher I've come across, both live and online! Thank you!!!

[@heavypen]

Perhaps you've heard this one: A child says to his mum, "Mother, when I grow up I'd like to be a musician." Mother sighs and smiles, "Well honey, you know you can't do both."

[@byronstutorialspage2134]

🤣 That is now my favourite musician joke... surpassing the classics: Q: How do you know if a drummer is knocking on your front door? A: It keeps getting louder and faster! Q: How do you get two violinists to play the same note at the same time? A: Shoot one of them. Q: What do you call a person who hangs around with musicians? A; the singer.

[@ralfybaby]

@@byronstutorialspage2134 The answer to your third question is actually the drummer!

[@kedskies]

@@ralfybaby drummers are not musicians??? Duh dude

[@colinandrew8573]

Q. Why is a drum machine more efficient than a drummer? A. You only have to punch the instructions in once.

[@DGaryGrady]

@@byronstutorialspage2134 The conductor notices that a viola player is in tears and asks what's wrong. The viola player manages to choke out, "One of the trombonists de-tuned one of my strings!" The conductor says, "Well, that's obnoxious, but why are you that upset about it?" "He won't tell me which one!" An orchestral musician once told me that the difference between a bull and an orchestra is that with a bull the horns are in front and the ass is in the back. I'm actually not a musician, but I"ve known a lot of them, and I used to date an oboist. I once speculated that the best kissers in the orchestra were probably trumpet players because they get a lot of experience using their tongues. She said that actually in her experience it was the French horn players, but they sure do hold you funny. Two snare drums and a cymbal fall off a cliff: Pa-dum, tsssssssshhhhhh!

[@permculture]

Many guitar teachers start talking about circle of fifths without ever explaining what that is. I really appreciate your taking it from the base approach and being very thorough.

[@callin8827]

So much info, and so compact without wasting any time. Great job!

[@StagnantMizu]

you should make a video with all music theory in 2 hours like literally all including reading scores, getting rhythm mnemonics, the italian terms and symbols for dynamcis tempo etc. would be the most amazing souce of knowledge for all beginners who get into music if you do it!

[@TraxtasyMedia]

students try to learn this in years. Guy Michelmore:"hold my keyboard n gimme 16 minutes"

[@MrDrSirGuyManJr]

Title of video should be “The First 16 Minutes of Music Theory in 16 Minutes”

[@jean-marcknight8816]

or "a quick partial flyover music theory"

[@ianmatthews1724]

Lol yea exactly

[@nozecone]

Well - you do have to admit, he crammed quite a bit into that first 16 minutes.

[@ianmatthews1724]

@@nozecone it doesn't even cover grade 1 theory

[@nozecone]

@@ianmatthews1724 You get what you pay for; caveat emptor - you have to admit, it IS music theory, and it is 16 minutes ... !

[@IanSinclair77]

I have been able to read music for decades and still found this very informative and useful. Thank you!

[@Haylo545]

You teach beautifully, thank you for sharing!

[@darkchocolate4643]

It's quite rare that I subscribe to a channel after watching only one video but here we are. That was educational AND entertaining, all at once. Love it. Thank you so much for teaching us, Guy. Much appreciated.

[@Matticulous-Media]

Why are you such a likeable person? You are truly an awesome man! thank you for giving us your time and knowledge! You have a way of articulating and explaining things, its beautiful!

[@victoza9232]

Matticulous Mee He reminds me of Stephen Fry.

[@hollymac999]

Vic Toza he reminds me of Tony Robinson! 😉

[@djrand62]

You never once felt judged for not knowing this stuff already. In fact, he convinced you with his enthusiasm and attitude that you would get it, that it would be easy. And he was right. You got it. And that's what makes a great teacher.

[@joleneloveland2942]

He's British and therefor has not butchered the Queen's English, unlike us slangers.

[@TheoSauve]

Sir: you parted the clouds in 16 minutes. Simply excellent.

[@pavankarimbil1909]

I have looked at music theory by so many tutors, but Guy made so much sense and that too in under 16 mins!!! Have never subscribed to a music theory video, but am doing it now! Thanks Guy!!

[@kelef666]

I've known all this for about 30 years now and still REALLY enjoyed watching this video! Brilliant teaching :)

[@KrugerFS]

having taught myself music years ago, so many things you realize and figure out finally make sense now. Great video.

[@d4ddyK]

Thank you for this. What a great job explaining.

[@microdavid7098]

I have been looking for a good and short tutorial on music theory for a year now. Thanks for this

[@mikework8557]

You've taught me more in 16 mins than 14 years of formal education. Love your enthusiasm and passionate delivery. Great!!

[@machobob9401]

I've been playing guitar seriously for almost two years, I started on Feb. 14, 2020. I watched this video when it was brand new. I've come back and watched this video many times because I knew it was really this simple. I finally learned all the notes on the fretboard and after watching this video tonight. It appears to be sinking in. It made sense. My next step is to get a keyboard. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. And for those of you just beginning, re-watch these videos that confuse you at first. Not right away, but stack your knowledge and then come back and find gold in the spots you thought was just dirt.

[@Kurobeau]

U explain everything so well. Watching this as a refresher from taking a break from music and ur way of relating this is so much easier to understand

[@andreaszircher]

So awesome! 😆👌 thanks for this brilliant, joyful explanation!

[@ziziroberts8041]

I was lucky enough to have Joseph Iadone as my professor for Intro to Music Theory in the 1970s. Thanks for the memories. ❤️

[@youtubepilot6092]

Hey I'm from Germany. And here I understood in 15 min more than in 5 years of german music lessons in school. 😂

[@zappthetitans2377]

Same Bruder

[@wbaumschlager]

Music theory is completely different in Germany. They use an H instead of a B.

[@zappthetitans2377]

@@wbaumschlager and we have Fis Eis Dis...

[@danielnetz5173]

Me too lol

[@StardustRenegade]

The Circle of Fifths just blew my mind. I know what I'm doing with scales now.

[@BenFoldsFan421]

That part about the black notes being the same note, but having two completely different names is making me absolutely mental… I couldn’t figure it out and didn’t make any sense at all and then I come here and watch this video. I’m like oh OK I get this now. Awesome, so thank you

[@viennapalace]

I can't stress how useful the circle of fifths can be. I have it tattooed on my forearm & reference it literally every day. Learn it, memorize it, tattoo it on yourself, just make sure you understand & appreciate how much information it contains, whatever you do!

[@srsykes]

That was great. There is so much in this world to learn. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I do not know.

[@ghareibs]

I’ve been watching videos for hours now and finally I understood it in 16 min, thanks

[@Thatoneguy9989]

This was the easiest way this sort of stuff has ever been presented to me. Thanks for sharing it in such an enthusiastic and, most importantly, simple way! As most of the comments have been saying, learning it as "patterns of intervals" has made this so much easier grasp, as well as fun for me to learn!

[@abdielbarraza6193]

This was perfect. Never learned so much so simply in such short amount of time. Thank you. Subscribed

[@Kottesque]

Exactly..and likewise Subbed!