Real World Music Theory

Relative Minor and Parallel Minor EXPLAINED

Understanding the concept of relative and parallel keys is a must for any decent musician. Relative minor? Parallel major? These music theory terms are a lot easier than they might seem. Let's learn about relative and parallel keys now.

Reharmonizing Stand by Me (by Ben E. King)

Learn several approaches to reharmonizing this classic song. You can use the techniques I explain for any other song as well.

How a one-note melody became a number one hit

How to turn a one-note melody into a Billboard number one hit? Learn the music theory Toto used in their song Africa. We'll talk about one-note melodies, common chords and expectation vs. deception.

What is the longest musical chord name?

Did you ever think about the longest chord symbol you could write in music?

How many songs should an album have?

Many artists are wondering about how many songs they should put on their album — 10? 13? 21? 3? Read my advice in this article…

Real World Music Theory © 2026