If you’ve ever looked at a chord chart and wondered, “Wait, what’s that chord doing here?”, you’re probably dealing with a non-diatonic chord. To avoid confusion, understanding the difference between diatonic chords and non-diatonic chords is a big step toward mastering music theory. Let’s break it down in this blog. What Does “Diatonic” Mean? Diatonic…
If you’ve ever listened to a song that surprised you with a sudden emotional shift, a haunting chord in a bright tune, or a hopeful moment in a somber ballad, there’s a good chance modal mixture played a role. Also known as mode mixture or modal interchange, this technique involves borrowing chords from a parallel…
If music is a language, then cadences are its punctuation. Just like a sentence can end with a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point, music uses cadences to signal pauses, endings, or unexpected turns. Think of them as musical commas, periods, or even dramatic plot twists. Whether you’re writing songs, learning to play…
If you’ve ever wondered why some solos sound so perfect, so locked-in with the music, the answer often comes down to one simple concept: chord tones. Whether you’re playing jazz, rock, blues, or even pop, mastering a chord tone is one of the true “secrets” to creating solos that connect deeply with the song. Today,…
Why Go Beyond Major and Minor? When most guitarists begin learning chords, they start with the usual suspects: major and minor shapes. While these are essential, they don’t cover the full range of harmonic expression available on the guitar. Enter suspended chords and add chords — two beautiful, often misunderstood chord types that offer new…
Why Should You Care About Whole and Half Steps? If you’ve been playing guitar for a little while, you’ve probably heard terms like whole step and half step thrown around in lessons or tutorials. But what do they really mean? And why should you care? Here’s the truth: Whole and half steps are the building…
Whether you’re just starting out on guitar, piano, or any other instrument, understanding triads will unlock the mystery behind most of the chords you’ll encounter. These are the foundational building blocks of harmony in Western music. Once you master these, you’ll see chord progressions in a whole new light. Let’s break them down—one step at…
As a guitarist, you’ve probably heard about scales, chords, and maybe even modes—but have you ever stopped to think about the building blocks behind them all? That’s where intervals come in. Understanding intervals is one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in becoming a well-rounded musician. Whether you’re writing your own music, improvising…
If you’ve been playing guitar for a little while and are starting to explore scales and modes, you might’ve stumbled across something called the Mixolydian mode. Sounds fancy, right? But don’t worry, it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. In this blog, I’ll break it down in plain English so you can start using…
If you’re a parent wondering, “When should I enroll my child in music lessons?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get asked as a music instructor. And the truth is, it depends. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are general guidelines based on child development, the type of instrument,…