(AM) Musical Analysis Lesson

Musical Analysis

Musical analysis is the means of answering directly the question 'How does it work?'." The method employed to answer this question, and indeed exactly what is meant by the question, differs from analyst to analyst, and according to the purpose of the analysis.

Every musical analysis basically analyzes pieces of tonal music with the aim of understanding the way each piece is structured and how chord progression patterns and other components of the music contribute to the style of its composition.    

Musical analysis, by some, is regarded as a dry theoretical exercise that is of little practical use to musicians. However, if used effectively, analysis is a practical tool which can help in the understanding of how tonal music is constructed.

The basis of the musical analysis explained in this lesson will involve being able to figure the spelling of a chord and then assigning a Roman numeral analysis to that chord (based on the key signature of the music and the root of the chord). Inversions are also a part of this analysis process and will be notated by numbers (6 and 6/4) along with the figured bass symbols.

Steps in Analysis

• Step 1 - Identify the Key Signature
• Step 2 - Identify Each Individual Chord Spelling
• Step 3 - Notate Each Chord with a Roman numeral and Inversion Symbol (if needed)

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