Music Theory in 16 Minutes 

I like when he switches cameras. I was getting bored of being over there -- but now I'm over here -- yay!

Wouldn’t it be great if all teachers were as passionate, energetic, knowledgable, enthused & personable as Guy !!! Genuinely brilliant stuff ...

Kids have it easy today. My parents paid for a private piano teacher for me back when I was 10. She was wasn't even half the teacher that this guy is. We all are lucky to have someone like Guy to take time out to enrich us.

Simply amazing! The music theory what teachers could not patiently explain me 40 years ago and I quit music school at 8 thinking it was dreadful. Boring people that have no passion should not be anywhere near schools. People like Guy Michelmore are a gift to us! Thank you!

Put it at 2x speed, now learn music theory in 8 minutes

Guy: It's not rocket science Science teachers: It's not music theory

I’ve been playing music for about 10 years actively, and I’ve never been able to wrap my head around the theory more than a few basics. I even tried attending a school but I felt like I understood even less after that. This! The part about the intervals and the scales, it blew my mind! Thank you! I finally get it! Can’t wait to explore this further!!

15:15 to 15:25 is the GOAT 10 seconds of this video Awesome presentation and teaching style

This is how music should be taught, quick and concise without room for confusion. Wish I'd found you sooner. Thank you so much.

"Music theory isn't complicated. Musicians are complicated". ---Unknown

Your simple explanation of scales as essentially just patterns of intervals immediately made it click in my head. So much more engaging than just being told "these are major and these are minor because that's how it is" by my music teacher so many years ago. Thanks for the amazing video Guy.

You do your mum and dad proud. You have a great talent to educate. Many can teach, few can educate.

From one music teacher to another: this is true professionalism. I am truly amazed on just how simply you laid it all down for us. Thank you!!! And greetings from Vasa, Finland.

I’m 64. Years old now. Where was this gentleman 50 years ago? You Sir, are the teacher I needed. And I learned lots today to share to my 3 and 5 year old daughters and hope the can learn this lovely language that is music in their early years. Cheers!

This is wonderful! Just one thing: The major scale is actually the same pattern twice, as is the minor. Knowing this saves you from having to memorize that long pattern. You can just remember that the half step comes between the third and fourth notes in both four-note halves of the major scale and between the second and third notes in both four-note halves of the minor.

Im sorry but can we just have a round of applause for guy!! He is so passionate, happy, fun to be around, and many more things! Imagine if all the teachers were like this!

This man just taught us everything about music theory in 16 minutes in 2 languages

This is fantastic. I took piano lessons as a child but I never fully grasped everything and now as an adult I understand my learning style means I need more context and to understand the 'whys' behind what I'm being taught. This does that!

At age 40, I started to learn play guitar, to support my 12 years old son. We play few hours a week at home, just that. When we get to the point where we needed to start learning theory, we couldn't find anything on yt what would explain us scales and circle in so easy way. You're amaizing, you gave me more knowledge that I've found for months. Thanks

"And above C major there is...?" Me: "C colonel?"

Your transitions, your energy, the camera angles, your confidence, & knowledge. Made this very easy to digest. Your Studio setup is nice to look at too.

Being Gambian and seeing a Kora just sitting in the background brings me so much joy

I absolutely love how quickly you jump into the lesson, we need more people like you on RU-vid. This is perfectly crafted.

I've just learnt more in 16minutes than I was ever told by any music teacher or guitar tutor when I was younger. Great video.

Ive played guitar for 20 years and never learned theory. This made it click in my mind related to the frets and now i might pick up piano because it makes sense now. Thank you so much very well spoken

You've taught me the basics in 15 minutes better than years of music teachers in middle school

Brilliant! I've taught beginners music theory for several years. You cover as much as I do, but you do it five times as well in 1/5th the time. Thank you - wonderful video!

I probably learned more in 16 minutes of watching this than the last 16 years of trying to figure out these musical relationships you so eloquently presented. Thank you. Subscribed!

Timestamps! 0:26 Basics principles and piano layout 2:14 Note names 4:25 Major & Minor scale 8:37 Intervals 10:23 Chords 12:25 The circle of fifths

Taught myself Bass and Guitar (and a few other intruments) aurally over the years .... Guy, you've made more sense in 16 mins than in sooooo many hours of listening and reading, that my musical heart thanks you. You have a gift... You are a gift

WOW, Guy! This is really well put together. I remember studying music theory many years ago, and I often struggled with some things seeming arbitrary at the time, and it took me a long time to figure out some of the things that you have explained so thoroughly. I really enjoyed this video and if I could give it two thumbs up I would. Thanks for sharing your gift.

This man is a legend. My scottish higher music exam is tomorrow and throughout the whole year i was never able to understand how scales worked because my teacher never taught us the TTSTTTS method! Same goes for the circle of fifths. That is going to help me greatly tomorrow. Thank you.

MY BRAIN BEING INTRODUCED TO THEORY AT AGE 6:...Wot? MY BRAIN BEING INTRODUCED AGAIN TO THEORY AT AGE 60:...Wot?

This is actually the first time my brain is understanding music theory. I have a learning disability and music theory has always been so hard for my brain to grasp and really wrap itself around, but watching this explains it in a really user friendly way. Thank you so much for making this video

Exactly what I needed... to the point, no extra stuff and in-between. No showing off, not teaching 3 notes to make a chord but confusing the heck out of me with adding 7 more keys to the mix saying "you can also do this" like most videos I've watched. Thank you for your STRAIGHT FORWARD VIDE sir!

This is what it looks like when you are being taught by someone who is highly competent and trained, not only in the field in which they are teaching, but in the art of media and presentation. Thank you Guy. Your ability to impart knowledge unto others has helped me greatly. 👍

Where has this channel been hiding!?? So comical and straight to the point with perfect easy explanation with no stutters "umm"s and "humm"s! Great video sir

Dude, I have been making rap beats for about 35 years now without ever knowing a note, chord, completely music ignorant but just this video is like someone put my ears on for the first time. I always just relied on if something sounded right or not for all this time since every beat I made came from sampled sounds off records. I'm a drummer but thats it. I've learned more in the last 16 minutes of my life than the previous decades. Thank you sir.

I have been able to read music for decades and still found this very informative and useful. Thank you!

2 minutes in: "oh okay doesn't seem that hard" 14 minutes in: "wonder how much I can get for my keyboard on eBay"

Brilliant! The sign of a great teacher is that they can impart their vast store of complex knowledge in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. Full marks, Guy!

I just started learning piano at 40 years old and this is so well done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such an approachable way.

I have looked at music theory by so many tutors, but Guy made so much sense and that too in under 16 mins!!! Have never subscribed to a music theory video, but am doing it now! Thanks Guy!!

The editing and multiple camera angles adds an interesting depth to the video. Premium product. Well done.

Oh my word!!! I knew Chords and scales, but never knew how they all worked together. Everything make sense now!!! My head is exploding in amazement omgieeee AHHHHH why didn’t I learn about this sooner!!! Thank you!!!

Very clear! I love his style and he includes comments that other teachers and books don't say. Thanks!

I never quite grasped a perfect 4th and 5th definition. His quick explanation did it. Light bulb moment. So simple.

Loved the multiple camera angles and enthusiasm! This and Andrew Huang's music theory vid are godsends

69 years old! Played piano all my life! Always felt handicapped because I just "didn't get" theory. Thank you for teaching in a way I understand AND doesn't waste time.

I've never had any musical training or even old school classes, but am about to start learning finally and you've finally helped me wrap my head around all this! Always thought it was fascinating, but nearly everything went over my head til now. Thanks a ton, man!

I've, unknowingly, been looking for this video for 10 years. Finally, we had an intelligent dude sit down and explain it. I thank you very much! I've been a percussionist since the day I was born because nobody has explained the patterns and reason for names. This is very refreshing, and I am greatful for the well-done video.

Guy: "That one is called A. Take a wild guess on what that one is called?" Germany and Scandinavia: "H!"

This really is the introduction I got when I started in theory classes a long time ago. It takes some time and practice to get all of this really stuck in the memory of course, but this really is the foundational part of it in terms of the general structure of things as they are now. It's helpful to recognize that this is really just lesson 1 of what would normally be a 30 minute weekly class, but for rudiments of music you also have to get into things like clefs, time signatures, staves, and rhythms. That's pretty much all Theory 1 is. It does get a LOT more complicated than this, of course. BUT...without it getting too daunting... Music theory is simply the vocabulary that explains what's happening in music and enables you to discuss your ideas with other musicians using a common language. If you can name your strings and tune them, you're "using music theory." You might not know how to resolve a Neapolitan 6th in common practice, or compose a 12-tone matrix for marimba ensemble and euphonium, but it's still theory. Even just knowing the chords to a song is "using music theory." It would be so much simpler if people would stop treating music theory as some huge, daunting subject all on its own that you need six degrees and an abacus to figure out, and start thinking of it as being PART of music. It's just the language musicians use, and knowing more of it just gives you a bigger vocabulary. You can hold a conversation or write an email without ever knowing the rules of grammar or the principles of poetics, but if you want to become an accomplished poet or a novelist, having a deeper knowledge of literary form, story arcs, and meter will provide more powerful tools. That's all theory is.

Very well done! I never understood the relative intervals between the notes and chords. You have done a marvellous job in explaining in a clear and simple way how this all works. Thank you so much!

Excellent explanation in layman terms. I understand more from you than a lot of books I read about the theory of music. Thank you thank you

And also, nobody has ever shiwn me the circle of fifths in an ACTUAL CIRCLE! Brilliant, my friend

This is the first time I actually understood the point of the circle of fifths. And the major/minor triad. AND the perfect fourth/fifth.

Well done sir! I have been teaching introduction to music theory and beginner to intermediate guitar for several years and I must say I love your approach! You have my utmost respect.

Brilliant! I've been playing Native American Style flutes for almost forty years without knowing a single note. Just got a keyboard. Now I understand notes and scales, major and minor. Your methods are also greatly complemented by your manner. Thank you! I'll be back for more!

Wow! When i was at school, this made no sense to me at all! Now, as a 50+ in lockdown, you have opened my eyes. Keyboard and guitar down from the loft. Annoyed neighbours incoming...

this really shows the value of a good teacher - I just learned more about music in 15 minutes than I did in the 15 years before that

I had piano lessons for nearly 10 years with a lot of theory as well and took music in school but NEVER understood the subject especially not the cirle of 5ths, i just memorized everything that i needed to know. it all makes so much sense now! to think that it only took you 15 minutes to completely blow my mind when i already thought i had a good education in music theory and to finally really understand it so easily is absolutely amazing! thank you so much, i feel so much smarter now, as if i have been let in a secret. What a wunderfull teacher you are to break down this complex subject in this short amount of time, i am impressed!

Hi Guy I used to do work for your Mum and Dad in Reigate. They were always good to me and let me use the holiday home on the Isle of Wight . It is good to know you are thriving. I wish you well

I’ve never had someone explain this sooo well. I’ve watched hundreds of videos and they always lose me after triads and stuff but I think I almost got it now!! Thank you.

The guy is fantastic, I have heard "scale" a thousand times and not once was it explained in concrete terms I could understand and this guy explains it in 40 seconds and I get it.

So much info, and so compact without wasting any time. Great job!

This was the easiest way this sort of stuff has ever been presented to me. Thanks for sharing it in such an enthusiastic and, most importantly, simple way! As most of the comments have been saying, learning it as "patterns of intervals" has made this so much easier grasp, as well as fun for me to learn!

Guy, can I just say that this is by far the most straightforward, well explained, well presented video I have seen on this topic! Thank you

This was perfect. Never learned so much so simply in such short amount of time. Thank you. Subscribed

having taught myself music over 5 years, it's so very reassuring to know most stuff stated here! this should be the definitive bite sized guide for anyone starting out with music! you sir have my respect!

You are the BEST music teacher I've come across, both live and online! Thank you!!!

That was great. There is so much in this world to learn. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I do not know.

Why are you such a likeable person? You are truly an awesome man! thank you for giving us your time and knowledge! You have a way of articulating and explaining things, its beautiful!

What an awesome teacher.. so relaxed and fun to follow..I must look up some more of your work!

Sir, you have talent to educate people! Thank you for your amazing work!

It's quite rare that I subscribe to a channel after watching only one video but here we are. That was educational AND entertaining, all at once. Love it. Thank you so much for teaching us, Guy. Much appreciated.

Many guitar teachers start talking about circle of fifths without ever explaining what that is. I really appreciate your taking it from the base approach and being very thorough.

I've been trying to revive piano lessons I first learned decades ago and this was an incredible eyeopener. Patterns! Suddenly it makes sense! Thank you so much.

You, sir, are a fireball of passion, and clarity. To the ears of someone across the Atlantic, your accent rings true. Thank you.

One of the best videos I've seen in my life. My head was exploding.

Hey I'm from Germany. And here I understood in 15 min more than in 5 years of german music lessons in school. 😂

You know those teachers that know textbooks by heart and cause you to fall in love with a subject? This guy is one of them

This is amazing! I never thought music theory will be this easy to understand, but the way you explained it with all the patterns, it made it very easy! Thank you!

I've known all this for about 30 years now and still REALLY enjoyed watching this video! Brilliant teaching :)

having taught myself music years ago, so many things you realize and figure out finally make sense now. Great video.

You're amazing! This put together concepts I've trying to understand fully for years in a simple way. Thank you so much. 💖 This was so helpful.

Man, you are one of the best teachers i've seen, even if its on RU-vid you make this so comprehensive that im actually learning.

This is amazing. Sincerely thank you

You've taught me more in 16 mins than 14 years of formal education. Love your enthusiasm and passionate delivery. Great!!

What an excellent video, sir! I started to play the guitar 10 months ago and I did want to learn music theory as well. I have had 3 teachers so far but none explained to me scales in that simple and comprehensible way. Very clear explanations, very friendly tone - you earned a subscriber, sir. Thank you for this video!

I'm a drummer, so as my bandmates would jokingly tell you, not a musician. This video was really helpful for me to understand some of the basics. Thank you.

I'm picking piano back up for the first time in over 10 years. May I just say how wonderful this little video is for a quick reboot. Thank you so much!

I was lucky enough to have Joseph Iadone as my professor for Intro to Music Theory in the 1970s. Thanks for the memories. ❤️

This was brilliant! My daughter and I have been struggling to understand theory. We felt we never got the basics. This has really helped to give us a foundation to build upon. Many thanks!!

This was so beautifully perfectly exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for this introduction.

I can't stress how useful the circle of fifths can be. I have it tattooed on my forearm & reference it literally every day. Learn it, memorize it, tattoo it on yourself, just make sure you understand & appreciate how much information it contains, whatever you do!

I love how the camera view moves back and forth between views. It makes the video very dynamic and interesting. Also, very good teaching style. This was a fun lesson video.

I had no idea I could learn this so easily! Have never had anyone present something so well! Wow

my gosh. this man explained to me a full course on other (English isn't native language for me) language better and faster than an entire special school that I was attended for 7 years

Title of video should be “The First 16 Minutes of Music Theory in 16 Minutes”