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These pages cover transposition, the cycle of fifth's, modes, diatonic scale matrix, intervals, major seventh and seventh chords, accidentals, and enharmonic change - music theory.

Music notation is a language which replicates in writing, musical sounds, either played on an instrument or imagined. In order for everyone to be in tune and understand each other or play off the same sheet, conventions need to be followed.

Various scales (or ladders) of notes and modes of playing have developed over time. There are unlimited possibilities and ways to interpret music, an understanding can be gained by knowing how diatonic and chromatic scales are applied in music.

Diatonic (dia comes from the Greek "through") means through the tones, or degrees of a scale. The scale consists of seven notes in an alphabetical order, the eighth a repetition of the first one octave higher. So in the key of C major the notes are C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C.

Chromatic or coloured scales contain all of the twelve notes of a scale. So in the key of C major C the notes are C, Db,D,Eb,E,F,Gb,G,Ab,A,Bb,B,C. Alternatively we could write them as sharps C,C#,D,D#,E,F,F#,G,G#,A,A#,B,C which are exactly the same notes.

Minor keys are directly related to the major keys and can be further embellished by harmonic minor and melodic minor variations. In the diatonic scale C Major comprises the same notes as the a minor scale although in a different order. So a minor is the relative minor of C Major.

Scale patterns can be transposed up, down and across the fretboard. Some scale patterns which apply for a C scale can apply for Db, D, Eb, E and so on.n.

Understanding key structures allows a musician to define any keys that are relevant to a sequence of chords. This gives a fundamental basis for playing a melody to a set of given chords. By determining the key, the notes and modes that can be used are realised. This is invaluable to lead guitar improvisation and also utilising modes.

I hope these pages help you in your playing. You are welcome to print and use them for your personal use.