Practicing scales and learning how to create and name them is a valuable tool for learning music. Scales are made from the 11 tones that have different sound wave frequencies. The notes are named A, B flat, B C, C sharp, D, E flat, E, F, F sharp, G, G sharp. Various scales are formed by patterns. For example, the C major scale has no sharps or flats, so the eight tones go from the low C, D, E, F, G, A, B, high C. There are many variations on the major and minor scales. For example, the minor scale flats the third, sixth and seventh notes of the major scale. Thus, in the scale of C Minor the third tone is flatted to an E flat, the sixth tone is flatted to an A flat, and the seventh tone is flatted to a B flat. The scale is played with the notes low C, D, E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat, high C. Variations of the minor scale include the harmonic minor scale that flats the third and the sixth notes of the major scale, while the melodic minor flats only the third.
Taking the time to learn how to put the notes to a beat is an important tool to learning music. Counting the beats and putting the accent where it may fall in a particular pattern can create pleasing rhythms. For example, in rock, country and blues music, a four-beat measure is common. Two measures would be counted ONE, two, three, four, ONE, two, three, four. A metronome or digital click track are tools that can help the musician stay on the beat if there is no drummer present.
One of the greatest tools for learning music is the ability to read it. Players who can decipher the time signature and name the notes have an advantage because they don't have to take the time to figure out the notes on their own. The musician can then add his own personal touches.
Chords are made of three basic notes of the scale, which produces a harmonic tone when played together. Major chords, for example are made of the first, third and fifth note of a scale, while minor chords flat the third. Chords can be colored by adding the seventh, the flatted seventh, or whatever other notes fit the piece.