This is a discussion of basic music harmony. It includes scale structure, intervals, chord structure and chord progressions. I am hoping to provide a foundation for discussion of some more complex musical topics in the future.

Watch it on

I love the Beatles classic, Yesterday. It is a very sophisticated song, sweetened by a string section and arranged by the talented George Martin. There is syncopation, as in most Beatles songs, a suspended chord for interest, and Martin uses counterpoint to bring out the melody of the song and to provide a nostalgic feeling to go along with the lyrics. I have loved this song for a long time, and years ago I worked out an arrangement to it. Play it as it is, or use just the elements you like. Either way, have fun.

Dad just posted another video on YouTube. This one talks about syncopation and using rubato in Travis picking. There are other good tips on how to make Wabash Cannonball and City of New Orleans interesting.