Music theory

What is music theory?

What is music theory?

Music theory is the foundation of great music, and the all-important set of rules that most music follows – from harmony and melody, to rhythm.

Find all our latest music theory features and analyses here.

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Music theory features

Circle of fifths new asset

What is the circle of fifths?

QUIZ: Could you pass Grade 5 music theory?

QUIZ: Could you pass Grade 5 music theory?

Lifestyle

muses greek mythology

Modes: What are they and how do I use them?

Music theory song

One song that teaches you everything about music theory

Music theory analysis

david cameron humming musical analysis

We’ve done a musical analysis of the tune David Cameron was humming outside Downing Street

Exclusive
Lady Gaga sings at Joe Biden's Inauguration

We asked a professional soprano to appraise Lady Gaga’s national anthem at the Biden inauguration
How good is Billie Eilish’s singing voice, from a classical music perspective?

How good is Billie Eilish’s singing voice, from a classical music perspective?

All I Want For Christmas Is You

A music theory analysis of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’

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Most shared music theory features

Fibonacci sequence in music

What is the Fibonacci Sequence – and why is it the secret to musical greatness?

Nirvana, but in a major key

Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ remixed in a major key shows the importance of tonality
Musician vocal ranges

We looked at the vocal ranges of these iconic singers — and they’re really impressive

Period Table from Tone Deaf Comics

This Periodic Table of composers makes music history really, really geeky

Can you pass Grade 1 music theory?

QUIZ: Could you pass Grade 1 music theory?

Lifestyle

Music theory Valentine’s Day cards

16 Valentine’s Day cards perfect for music theory nerds

Mr Bean soundtrack joke

A fan of the original ‘Mr Bean’ series has discovered the hilarious hidden joke in the soundtrack
Threatening Music Notation

13 horrifying music notations that will make you want to tear up your sheet music

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Latest music theory features

What makes Christmas music sound so Christmassy?

What makes Christmas music sound so Christmassy?

5 months ago

The history of the Christmas carol

The surprising origins of Christmas carols: explained

5 months ago

Christmas

Auld Lang Syne

What are the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne, and what does Auld Lang Syne actually mean?

5 months ago

What does this song teach us about music theory...?

Why ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’ is the perfect song to teach music theory

5 months ago

Why do we sing Christmas carols?

Why do we sing Christmas carols?

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Christmas

Latest quizzes

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QUIZ: Can you unscramble these iconic classical composer names?

QUIZ: Can you unscramble these iconic classical composer names?

17 days ago

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Can you guess the John Williams film score from the cryptic emoji sequence?

Can you guess the John Williams film score from the cryptic emoji sequence?

29 days ago

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Which opera character is your soulmate?

We’ll reveal your opera soulmate from this in-depth personality quiz

2 months ago

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Pick your favourite classical music and we’ll reveal your best personality trait

Pick your favourite classical music and we’ll reveal your best personality trait

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Mozart knows your deepest desires...

This classical music personality test will reveal your deepest desire

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Latest features

See more Latest features

Queen Elizabeth II marks 70 years on the throne

Platinum Jubilee playlist: classical music to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70-year reign

3 days ago

St Paul’s Cathedral Choir sing ‘Jerusalem’

What are the lyrics to the hymn ‘Jerusalem’, and is it England’s national anthem?

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Parry

A music school was destroyed by Russian forces this weekend

Donbas music school destroyed by Russian shelling in Eastern Ukraine

5 days ago

Kyiv’s National Opera House reopened this weekend

Kyiv’s National Opera House defiantly reopens as war rages on in Ukraine

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What does music sound like when played in Mars’ atmosphere?

What would music sound like on Mars? We spoke to a planetary scientist to find out...

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