liminfoMusic Theory Reference
Free web tool: Music Theory Reference
About Music Theory Reference
The Music Theory Reference is a free browser-based tool covering four essential areas of music theory: major scales (all 12 keys with note names and sharp/flat counts), chord formulas (major, minor, diminished, augmented, dominant 7th, major 7th, minor 7th, sus2, sus4), the circle of fifths (all 12 keys with their key signatures), and common time signatures (4/4, 2/2, 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, 7/8, 12/8) with their characteristics and typical uses.
This reference is used by music students, instrumentalists, composers, and producers who need quick access to theoretical information while practicing, arranging, or composing. Rather than flipping through a textbook or searching multiple pages online, you get all the key data in one searchable, tabbed interface. The search bar filters results in real time across whichever tab is active.
The tool presents data from four tabs: Scales shows all 12 major keys with their 7 notes and key signature; Chords lists 9 chord types with intervallic formulas and C-based examples; Circle of Fifths displays all keys in order with their sharp/flat counts; and Time Signatures explains 7 common meters with their beat structures and typical musical genres where they appear.
Key Features
- All 12 major scales with note names and sharp/flat key signature counts
- 9 chord types with interval formulas (R, M3, P5, etc.) and C-based note examples
- Complete circle of fifths reference showing all 12 keys with their key signatures
- 7 time signatures explained with beat structure and typical genre examples
- Real-time search bar that filters entries across all four tabs
- Tabbed navigation: Scales, Chords, Circle of Fifths, Time Signatures
- 100% client-side — all data is built into the page, no network requests needed
- Dark mode and mobile-friendly card layout for on-the-go reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What key information does the Scales tab show?
The Scales tab lists all 12 major keys (C through F#, plus the flat keys F through Db). For each key it shows the 7 note names (including sharps or flats), and the number of sharps or flats in the key signature. You can search by key name or by any note in the scale.
What chord types are covered in the Chords tab?
The Chords tab covers 9 chord types: Major (R, M3, P5), Minor (R, m3, P5), Diminished (R, m3, d5), Augmented (R, M3, A5), Dominant 7th (R, M3, P5, m7), Major 7th (R, M3, P5, M7), Minor 7th (R, m3, P5, m7), Sus2 (R, M2, P5), and Sus4 (R, P4, P5). Each shows its interval formula and the notes when built on C.
What is the circle of fifths and how is it organized here?
The circle of fifths is a diagram showing the 12 major keys arranged by intervals of a perfect fifth. Moving clockwise adds one sharp; moving counterclockwise adds one flat. In this reference, all 12 positions are listed with the key name and its sharp/flat count (e.g., G = 1#, F = 1b, B/Cb = 5#/7b).
What time signatures are included?
Seven time signatures are covered: 4/4 (common time), 2/2 (cut time/alla breve), 3/4 (waltz time), 6/8 (compound duple), 5/4 (irregular five), 7/8 (irregular seven), and 12/8 (compound quadruple). Each includes its beat structure and typical musical genres.
How does the search work?
The search bar filters the currently active tab in real time as you type. On the Scales tab it matches key names and note names. On the Chords tab it matches chord names and formula text. On the Circle tab it matches key names. On the Time Signatures tab it matches the time signature, name, and description text.
Does this reference cover minor scales or modes?
The current version focuses on major scales. Minor scales, modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, etc.), and other modal content are not included in this version. The reference is designed as a concise quick-reference rather than a comprehensive theory textbook.
Is the Music Theory Reference free?
Yes, it is completely free with no usage limits and no account required. It is part of liminfo.com's collection of free online music and reference tools.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Absolutely. All data is embedded in the page and loaded in the browser. No user data, search queries, or other information is sent to any server.