Chord symbols and how to read them
Decode lead sheet notation and understand exactly what each symbol demands.
NaCl Studios / Theory
Courses
Core theory
Learn the core systems that explain key centers, harmony, and interval relationships.
1. Major and Minor Pentatonic Scales
Learn how the formulas differ, how relative pentatonic scales share notes and how their patterns connect across the fretboard.
2. The Five Positions of the Pentatonic Scale
Practise the five connected A minor and A major pentatonic positions with interactive tablature and audio playback.
3. Major Scale Positions on Guitar
Learn the full set of connected major scale shapes across the fretboard.
4. Play the Seven Major Scale Positions
Practise all seven connected major scale positions with interactive audio and tablature playback.
5. How to Harmonise the Major Scale
Build diatonic triads and understand chord quality across the scale.
6. Keys and Key Signatures
Track tonal center quickly so transposition and analysis are easier.
7. The Circle of Fifths
Visualise relationships between keys, accidentals and common movement patterns.
8. The Natural Minor Scale
Connect relative and parallel minor sounds to major-key thinking.
Chords and voicings
Go beyond shape memorization and learn how chord quality, function, and tension actually work.
Triads - advanced
Expand triad knowledge with inversions, string sets, and movement choices.
Power chords
Use interval-based root and fifth structures across styles and gain levels.
7th chords (maj7, min7, dom7, half diminished, dim7)
Build richer harmonic color and hear the role each seventh quality plays.
CAGED system
Link fretboard zones so chord and scale shapes become one connected map.
Add chords
Introduce suspended and add-tone harmony for modern, open textures.
Upper extensions and altered chords
Control color tones and tension choices for jazz, fusion, and cinematic harmony.
Chord functions
Identify harmonic role so progressions feel intentional, not random.
Scales and modes
Develop a flexible scale framework so you can target chord tones and shape lines with intent.
Major scale as the parent system
Anchor scale relationships to one central model for easier recall.
Natural minor and relative/parallel keys
Compare tonal centers to hear mood changes and chord behavior differences.
Pentatonics and blues scale
Build expressive, style-flexible phrasing using high-impact note choices.
Modes of the major scale
Learn modal color and when each mode fits over chords or vamps.
Harmonic minor and melodic minor
Explore advanced sounds and their related chords for modern harmony.
Scale degrees and avoid notes in context
Choose tension notes intentionally and resolve them musically.
Pattern sets (CAGED, 3NPS, string sets)
Move horizontally and vertically so ideas flow across the neck.
Harmony and application
Translate theory into live musicianship with practical frameworks for rhythm, melody, and arrangement.
Building chords from a key (diatonic harmony)
Derive usable chord palettes quickly for composing and arranging.
Chord function (tonic, subdominant, dominant)
Hear forward motion and release so progressions feel purposeful.
Common progressions (pop, blues, jazz basics)
Recognize shared movement patterns used across genres.
Voice leading and smooth chord movement
Create cleaner transitions with minimal movement between chord tones.
Improvisation frameworks (chord tones, guide tones, tension and release)
Shape solos with direction by targeting strong notes and planned tension.
Songwriting tools (melody from chord tones, harmonising melodies)
Turn theory ideas into memorable hooks and supportive chord beds.
Ear training and transcription (putting theory into reality)
Close the loop by connecting what you hear to what you can play and explain.