Hooktheory I: Music Theory

This is the music theory / songwriting book you’ll love. Hooktheory is an intuitive, modern take on music theory that answers the questions you care the most about: Why do certain chords fit together easily, and others not so easily? How can I get from this chord to that chord? How can I create a great sounding melody?

The concepts we teach are applicable to all types of music, but examples are drawn from popular songs you’ve probably heard on the radio. Also, because the explanations are drawn from our TheoryTab format, people that don’t read conventional sheet music will benefit from the concepts we cover just as much as those that do.

What people are saying:

“★★★★★ Outstanding! A great explanation of music theory, and the relationship between melody and chord progressions. Having the video/audio examples built-in makes this book really stand apart from others I have read. I wish all music books were made this way!” - Jeffrey Hall

“★★★★★ Worthy of multiple re-reads. Hooktheory I was a great book. I have been looking for a resource that made writing music comprehensible. This is that resource. The graphs and explanations were clear and easy to follow. The various examples from popular songs helped a great deal.” - Jeremiah Spassion

“★★★★★ Absolutely loved your first book. I learned so, so much. Currently going through it a second time. Can’t wait for the next one!” - @rogerclark

The book is 6 chapters long with 41 exercises and 94 audiovisual examples from artists like: Aerosmith, Avicii, Beyonce, Bon Jovi, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Daughtry, Diana Ross, Green Day, John Mayer, Journey, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Matchbox 20, Pink, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, The Four Seasons, The Killers, Tom Petty, … and more.

Table of contents:

1. Building Blocks
- The building blocks of music
- Relative notation
- Chords
- Combining chords and melody
- Wrap up

2. Harmony I
- The I chord: home base
- Basic chord function
- The vi chord: a minor sound
- Being creative
- Check for understanding

3. Melody
- Introduction
- Meter
- Stable vs. unstable scale degrees
- Rhythmic patterns
- Melodic themes
- Check for understanding

4. Harmony II
- The iii chord
- The ii chord

5. Inversions
- Introduction
- The I6 chord
- The V6 chord
- The cadential 64 chord
- Pedal harmony
- Final Thoughts

6. Conclusion
- Closing remarks

Created by David Carlton, Ryan Miyakawa, and Chris Anderson - the creators of www.hooktheory.com, Hookpad, and TheoryTabs. Hookpad is software that simplifies songwriting by helping you choose chords that sounds good together and guiding you to write a good melody. TheoryTabs are tabs that show the theory behind songs. Learn more at www.hooktheory.com

Join the thousands of guitarists, pianists, singers, DJs, producers, and students all over the world that have fallen in love with Hooktheory.

FAQ

● Do I have to be able to read sheet music? No. Hooktheory I uses TheoryTabs to explain the function of chords and melody so knowledge of conventional sheet music isn’t necessary. TheoryTabs make it easy to see and hear what is going on in a song.
● Does the app require an internet connection? No. All media is packaged with the initial app download.
● What if I have questions? We love to talk to our readers. To get help or ask a question, you can email us at [email protected].