Theory Archives - Instrumentality

Can cellos play the blues?

Cellos have a pretty serious image. They're seen primarily as classical instruments, whereas the violin gets to play everywhere. So I set out to put this right and give the cello a chance to play the blues.

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Progressions

Are two chords really enough?

If you search for songs with just two chords you'll be provided with lists of songs for beginners. But are two-chord songs necessarily simplistic? History proves otherwise.

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Harmony

Walking with Pythagoras

Pythagoras is often thought of as the 'father of harmony.' He believed that mathematics could explain everything, including music. On the basis that playing with notes is just playing with audible numbers, I had a go at walking with Pythagoras.

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Progressions

Theory

Can cellos play the blues?

Are two chords really enough?

Walking with Pythagoras

The Chorale is OK by me

Amanecer – a Phrygian dawn

Playing with time

In search of the lost chord

Suspended delights

Amazing descents – the enduring beauty of the lament bass

One progression, two very different melodies