Music Theory for Electronic Musicians, Part 1: Chords Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Foundations of Chords

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Piano Roll editor basics
• Understanding octaves
• Identifying major and minor thirds
• Building perfect fifths and triads
• Locating Middle C and navigating black-key scales in your DAW

Module 2: Diatonic Harmony & Progressions

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Understanding what it means to be “in key”
• Using moveable chord patterns
• Finding all diatonic chords in a key
• Creating common chord progressions
• Applying Roman numeral analysis

Module 3: Minor Keys & 7th Chords

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Building and identifying minor chords
• Constructing major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chords
• Applying 7th chords in electronic music contexts
• Creating expressive minor-key melodies and basslines

Module 4: Advanced Patterns & Inversions

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Understanding chord inversions
• Applying voice leading techniques
• Using suspensions for tension and movement
• Rearranging triads into inversions within a I–V–vi–IV progression

Module 5: Production Techniques Through Theory

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Integrating chord theory into full track production
• Using black-key scales creatively in arrangements
• Following along with nine full Ableton Live sessions
• Downloading, remixing, and practicing with project files

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Create an original electronic track using diatonic chords
• Incorporate minor chords and 7th chords effectively
• Apply inversions and voice leading for smooth transitions

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with a DAW (Ableton Live preferred)
• No prior music theory knowledge required
• Access to a MIDI keyboard or mouse-input capability

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Build and apply major, minor, and 7th chords confidently in electronic music
• Construct diatonic chord progressions using Roman numeral analysis
• Use the Circle of Fifths and moveable patterns to generate melodic ideas
• Master navigation and editing in the Piano Roll for efficient workflow
• Enhance productions with inversions, voice leading, and harmonic variation