Introduction to Music Theory

Contributed by Sara Israel — A Student’s Speak Up for Kid’s Volunteer.

Overview

Music theory is the foundation for understanding how notes, rhythms, and harmonies work together to create music. Whether you’re just starting out, brushing up on what you learned before, or simply curious about how music works, this guide is designed to make everything clear and approachable. We’ll go over the basics—like note values, dotted notes, and how to read the treble and bass clefs—so by the end, you’ll have a strong foundation to build on.

Understanding Basic Notes

Let’s start with the most basic notes you’ll learn in music. These are the building blocks for reading and playing music.

• Quarter Note (♩) — held for 1 beat

• Half Note (Open [hollow] oval note head with a stem) — held for 2 beats

• Whole Note (Open [hollow] oval note head with no stem) — held for 4 beats

• Eighth Note (♪) — held for ½ beat

A fun fact about eighth notes is that if you put two of them together, they make one full beat because ½ + ½ = 1.

Dotted Notes

Now, let’s talk about dotted notes. A dot can be added after any note to make it a little longer. The rule is simple: you take half of the note’s original value and add it on.

Examples:

• Dotted Quarter Note (♩·)

  • A quarter note is 1 beat

  • Half of 1 beat = ½ beat

  • Total length = 1½ beats

• Dotted Half Note

  • A half note is 2 beats

  • Half of 2 beats = 1 beat

  • Total length = 3 beats

This rule works for any dotted note—just remember: add half of the original note’s value.

The Staff

The staff is where music is written. It’s made up of five lines and four spaces. Each line and space represents a specific pitch.

There are two basic clefs you’ll encounter most often: the treble clef and the bass clef.

Treble Clef

The treble clef is the most common clef for beginners.

• Lines (E-G-B-D-F)

  • Memory aid: Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge

• Spaces (F-A-C-E)

  • Memory aid: FACE

These memory tricks help you quickly identify the note names when reading music.

Bass Clef

The bass clef is a little harder for beginners at first, but still simple once you practice.

• Lines (G-B-D-F-A)

  • Memory aid: Great Big Dogs Fight Animals

• Spaces (A-C-E-G)

  • Memory aid: All Cows Eat Grass

Final Thoughts

And just like that, you’ve taken your first steps into understanding music theory! Now you know how to read basic notes, understand dotted notes, and identify the pitches on the treble and bass clefs. Remember, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Music is an endless journey full of discovery, and every bit you learn opens the door to new possibilities. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly—have fun making music!