Music theory
Music theory describes how scales, keys, chords and intervals work. This section explains it with seven free interactive tools: every concept can be seen on the piano keyboard and heard.
Tools to play with rather than pages to read: pick a key, see it on the keyboard, listen to it. The key you pick follows you from one tool to the next.
Explore a key
Note names
C major
- Key signature
- no sharps or flats
- Relative key
- 1C
- 2D
- 3E
- 4F
- 5G
- 6A
- 7B
PatternW – W – H – W – W – W – H(W = whole step, H = half step)
Tap a key to hear the note.
Tools
- Major and minor scalesAll twenty-four keys at a glance: notes, degrees and chords of every scale.
- Scale finderModes, pentatonic, blues and other scales starting from any note.
- Chords of a keyPlay the chords built on each degree, with inversions and sevenths.
- Circle of fifthsHow keys, key signatures and relative keys relate, on an interactive wheel.
- Quick referenceEverything worth knowing about a key, gathered on a single page.
- IntervalsListen to intervals and train your ear to recognise them.
- ChordsHow chords are built, from triads to ninths, to see and hear.
All scales, from every noteAll chords, on every noteAll keys
Frequently asked questions
- Where should I start learning music theory?
- With the major scale and intervals: every other scale and chord is described by comparing it with the major scale. Then move on to keys, the chords on each degree and the circle of fifths.
- Are the theory tools free?
- Yes. All seven tools are free and need no account. Signing up is only required for GEN, the app that generates the exercises.
- What is the difference between Do Re Mi and C D E?
- They are two ways of naming the same notes: the syllables Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si are used in Italy, France and Spain, the letters C D E F G A B in English-speaking countries. In Germany B is called H and B flat is called B.
From theory to practice
With GEN you generate ever-new exercises on the scales you are studying.