KS3 Edexcel Music: Essential Formulas and Theorems Quick Reference | KS3 Edexcel 音乐：公式定理速查手册

📚 KS3 Edexcel Music: Essential Formulas and Theorems Quick Reference | KS3 Edexcel 音乐：公式定理速查手册

Just as mathematics relies on formulas and science on theorems, music has its own set of foundational rules that govern how melodies, harmonies, and rhythms are built. This quick reference handbook gathers all the essential ‘formulas’ of music theory that every KS3 Edexcel student needs to know – from scale patterns and interval calculations to chord-building blueprints and time signature logic. Use it to revise, check your understanding, and make confident progress in listening, performing, and composing.

正如数学依赖公式、科学依赖定理一样，音乐也拥有一套构建旋律、和声与节奏的基础规则。这本速查手册汇集了每一位 KS3 Edexcel 学生都必须掌握的所有核心音乐“公式”——从音阶模式、音程计算到和弦构建蓝图和拍号逻辑。用它来复习、检验理解，并在听力、演奏和创作中自信进步。

1. The Musical Alphabet and Pitch Notation | 音乐字母与音高记谱法

Western music uses a repeating cycle of seven letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. After G, the cycle returns to A. The distance between two notes with the same letter name, such as C to the next higher C, is called an octave. On the treble clef, the five lines are E, G, B, D, F (from bottom to top), and the spaces spell F, A, C, E. The bass clef lines are G, B, D, F, A, and spaces are A, C, E, G.

西方音乐使用七个字母的循环：A、B、C、D、E、F、G。在 G 之后循环回到 A。两个相同字母名音符之间的距离，如 C 到下一个更高的 C，称为一个八度。在高音谱号中，五条线从下往上依次是 E、G、B、D、F，四间依次拼出 F、A、C、E。低音谱号的线是 G、B、D、F、A，间是 A、C、E、G。

Treble Clef Lines	E, G, B, D, F
Treble Clef Spaces	F, A, C, E
Bass Clef Lines	G, B, D, F, A
Bass Clef Spaces	A, C, E, G

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2. Formula for Major Scales | 大调音阶公式

Every major scale follows a fixed pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H): W – W – H – W – W – W – H. Starting from any tonic note, apply this sequence to find the seven notes of the major scale. A whole step equals two semitones, and a half step equals one semitone. For example, C major uses only white keys: C (W) D (W) E (H) F (W) G (W) A (W) B (H) C.

所有大调音阶都遵循固定的全音（W）与半音（H）模式：W – W – H – W – W – W – H。从任意主音出发，依次应用这个序列即可找出大调音阶的七个音。全音等于两个半音，半音等于一个半音。例如，C 大调只用白键：C (W) D (W) E (H) F (W) G (W) A (W) B (H) C。

Major Scale Formula: W W H W W W H

Scale	Notes
C Major	C D E F G A B C
G Major	G A B C D E F♯ G
D Major	D E F♯ G A B C♯ D
F Major	F G A B♭ C D E F

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3. Formula for Minor Scales | 小调音阶公式

The natural minor scale uses this pattern: W – H – W – W – H – W – W. The harmonic minor raises the 7th degree by a semitone, creating a distinctive leap of one-and-a-half steps between the 6th and 7th notes. The melodic minor raises both the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending, and reverts to the natural minor when descending. A minor, for instance, is the relative minor of C major and shares the same key signature (no sharps or flats).

自然小调音阶使用模式：W – H – W – W – H – W – W。和声小调将第 7 级升高半音，在第 6 级和第 7 级之间形成一个半全音（增二度）的独特跳跃。旋律小调上行时升高第 6 级和第 7 级，下行时还原为自然小调。例如，a 小调是 C 大调的关系小调，共享相同的调号（无升降号）。

Natural Minor Formula: W H W W H W W

Scale	Notes (Natural)
A Minor	A B C D E F G A
E Minor	E F♯ G A B C D E
D Minor	D E F G A B♭ C D

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4. Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths | 调号与五度圈

The key signature is the set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a stave to indicate the key of the piece. The circle of fifths organises all major and minor keys by ascending fifths. Each clockwise step adds one sharp (or removes a flat). The order of sharps is F – C – G – D – A – E – B. The order of flats is the reverse: B – E – A – D – G – C – F. To identify a major key with sharps, go one semitone above the last sharp. For flat keys, the second-to-last flat names the key.

调号是位于谱表开头的一组升号或降号，用于指示乐曲的调性。五度圈通过上行五度关系组织所有大小调。顺时针每走一步增加一个升号（或移除一个降号）。升号出现的顺序是：F – C – G – D – A – E – B。降号顺序是相反的：B – E – A – D – G – C – F。要识别带有升号的大调，取最后一个升号上升半音。对于降号调，倒数第二个降号即为调名。

Major Key	Key Signature
G Major	1 sharp (F♯)
D Major	2 sharps (F♯, C♯)
F Major	1 flat (B♭)
B♭ Major	2 flats (B♭, E♭)

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5. Interval Calculation | 音程计算

An interval is the distance between two notes, counted in both letter names and semitones. The basic types are: minor 2nd (1 semitone), major 2nd (2 semitones), minor 3rd (3 semitones), major 3rd (4 semitones), perfect 4th (5 semitones), perfect 5th (7 semitones), minor 6th (8 semitones), major 6th (9 semitones), minor 7th (10 semitones), major 7th (11 semitones), and perfect octave (12 semitones). The interval quality (major, minor, perfect) can be altered by adding sharps or flats.

音程是两个音之间的距离，通过字母名和半音数来计算。基本类型有：小二度（1 个半音）、大二度（2 个半音）、小三度（3 个半音）、大三度（4 个半音）、纯四度（5 个半音）、纯五度（7 个半音）、小六度（8 个半音）、大六度（9 个半音）、小七度（10 个半音）、大七度（11 个半音）和纯八度（12 个半音）。音程的性质（大、小、纯）可通过添加升降号来改变。

Interval	Semitones	Example
Minor 2nd	1	E – F
Major 2nd	2	C – D
Perfect 4th	5	C – F
Perfect 5th	7	C – G
Perfect Octave	12	C – C’

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6. Chord Construction: Triads | 和弦构成：三和弦

A triad is a three-note chord built by stacking two thirds. The formula for a major triad is root + major 3rd (4 semitones) + perfect 5th (7 semitones). A minor triad uses root + minor 3rd (3 semitones) + perfect 5th. A diminished triad consists of root + minor 3rd + diminished 5th (6 semitones). An augmented triad is root + major 3rd + augmented 5th (8 semitones). Triads can be built on every scale degree; in a major key, triads on I, IV, and V are major, on ii, iii, and vi are minor, and viio is diminished.

三和弦是由两个三度叠置而成的三音和弦。大三和弦的公式是：根音 + 大三度（4 个半音）+ 纯五度（7 个半音）。小三和弦使用根音 + 小三度（3 个半音）+ 纯五度。减三和弦由根音 + 小三度 + 减五度（6 个半音）构成。增三和弦是根音 + 大三度 + 增五度（8 个半音）。三和弦可以建立在音阶的每一级上；在大调中，I、IV、V 级上的三和弦是大三和弦，ii、iii、vi 级是小三和弦，vii° 是减三和弦。

Triad Quality	Formula	Example in C
Major	Root + M3 + P5	C – E – G
Minor	Root + m3 + P5	C – E♭ – G
Diminished	Root + m3 + d5	B – D – F
Augmented	Root + M3 + A5	C – E – G♯

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7. Chord Progressions and Cadences | 和弦进行与终止式

A cadence is a two-chord formula that ends a musical phrase. The perfect cadence (V – I) sounds final and strong. The plagal cadence (IV – I) is the ‘Amen’ ending. The imperfect cadence ends on V (e.g., I – V, ii – V, IV – V) and feels incomplete. The interrupted cadence (V – vi) creates a surprise by avoiding the expected I chord. Common chord progressions in KS3 include I – IV – V – I and the 12-bar blues pattern using I, IV, and V chords.

终止式是结束乐句的两和弦公式。正格终止（V – I）听起来完整而有力。变格终止（IV – I）是“阿们”式的结尾。半终止结束在 V 上（如 I – V、ii – V、IV – V），感觉未完成。阻碍终止（V – vi）通过避开预期的 I 和弦制造惊喜。KS3 常见的和弦进行包括 I – IV – V – I 和使用 I、IV、V 和弦的 12 小节布鲁斯模式。

Cadence	Chords	Sound
Perfect	V – I	Strong, resolved
Plagal	IV – I	Gentle, Amen
Imperfect	? – V	Unfinished, pause
Interrupted	V – vi	Surprise

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8. Time Signatures and Rhythm | 拍号与节奏

The time signature appears at the start of a piece as two numbers. The top number tells you how many beats are in each bar; the bottom number tells you the note value that gets one beat (4 = crotchet, 8 = quaver, 2 = minim). Common time is 4/4, often indicated by a C symbol. Simple time signatures have beats that divide into two equal parts (2/4, 3/4, 4/4). Compound time signatures divide each beat into three equal parts (6/8, 9/8, 12/8). The formula for counting compound meter: divide the top number by 3 to get the number of dotted-crotchet beats per bar.

拍号出现在乐曲开头，由两个数字组成。上方数字表示每小节有多少拍；下方数字表示以何种音符为一拍（4 = 四分音符，8 = 八分音符，2 = 二分音符）。常见拍号是 4/4，常用 C 符号表示。单拍子的拍子可以分成两等份（2/4、3/4、4/4）。复拍子的每一拍可以分成三等份（6/8、9/8、12/8）。计算复拍子的公式：用上方数字除以 3，得到每小节的附点四分音符拍数。

Time Signature	Type	Beats per Bar
2/4	Simple duple	2 crotchet beats
3/4	Simple triple	3 crotchet beats
4/4	Simple quadruple	4 crotchet beats
6/8	Compound duple	2 dotted-crotchet beats
12/8	Compound quadruple	4 dotted-crotchet beats

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9. Dynamics and Tempo Markings | 力度与速度记号

Dynamics indicate the volume of music. The most common Italian terms are ‘formula-like’ instructions: pp (pianissimo, very soft), p (piano, soft), mp (mezzo-piano, moderately soft), mf (mezzo-forte, moderately loud), f (forte, loud), ff (fortissimo, very loud). Gradual changes include crescendo (getting louder) and diminuendo or decrescendo (getting softer). Tempo markings set the speed: largo (very slow), adagio (slow), andante (walking pace), moderato (moderate), allegro (fast, cheerful), vivace (lively), presto (very fast).

力度表示音乐的音量。最常见的意大利术语如同“公式”一般：pp（很弱）、p（弱）、mp（中弱）、mf（中强）、f（强）、ff（很强）。逐渐变化包括渐强和渐弱。速度记号设定音乐的快慢：largo（广板，很慢）、adagio（柔板，慢）、andante（行板，步行速度）、moderato（中板）、allegro（快板，欢快）、vivace（活泼的）、presto（急板，非常快）。

Dynamic	Meaning	Tempo	Meaning
pp	Very soft	Largo	Very slow
mf	Moderately loud	Andante	Walking pace
ff	Very loud	Allegro	Fast, cheerful
Crescendo	Gradually louder	Presto	Very fast

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10. Musical Forms and Structures | 曲式与结构

Musical form is the ‘architectural formula’ of a piece. Binary form (AB) has two contrasting sections, each often repeated. Ternary form (ABA) presents a first section, a contrasting middle, and a return of the opening material. Rondo form follows the pattern ABACADA, where the A theme keeps returning. Theme and variations uses a main melody (A) followed by altered versions (A’, A”, A”’). The 12-bar blues is a specific chord progression formula spanning 12 bars, typically with lyrics following an AAB pattern.

曲式是作品的“建筑公式”。二段体（AB）有两个对比乐段，通常各自反复。三段体（ABA）先呈现第一段，然后是对比的中段，最后回到开头的素材。回旋曲式遵循 ABACADA 模式，A 主题不断再现。主题与变奏以一个主旋律 (A) 开始，随后是一系列变化版本（A’、A’’、A’’’）。12 小节布鲁斯是一种特定的和弦进行公式，跨越 12 小节，歌词通常采用 AAB 模式。

Form	Structure Formula	Key Feature
Binary	AB	Two contrasting sections
Ternary	ABA	Return of the opening
Rondo	ABACADA	Recurring A theme
12-Bar Blues	I I I I IV IV I I V IV I I	Fixed chord sequence

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11. Ornaments and Articulation | 装饰音与演奏法

Ornaments are decorations added to notes, each with its own ‘formula’. A trill is a rapid alternation between the written note and the next note above. A turn ‘turns’ around the main note with the note above and below. A mordent is a quick single alternation to the upper (upper mordent) or lower (lower mordent) neighbouring note. An acciaccatura is a crushed, very short grace note; an appoggiatura is a longer grace note that takes half the value of the following note. Articulation marks include staccato (short, detached), legato (smooth, connected), accent (> or sfz, strong attack), and tenuto (held full value).

装饰音是附加在音符上的修饰，每种都有自己的“公式”。颤音是在本音与上方二度音之间快速交替。回音围绕主音，与上方和下方邻音进行装饰。波音是快速与上方邻音（上波音）或下方邻音（下波音）交替一次。短倚音是一个压碎的极短装饰音；长倚音则占据后续音符一半时值。演奏法记号包括断奏（短而分离）、连奏（圆滑连贯）、重音（> 或 sfz，强击）和保持音（奏足时值）。

Ornament	Symbol	Execution
Trill	tr	Rapid alternation with upper note
Turn	~	Four-note figure around main note
Upper Mordent	M	Main-upper-main quickly
Acciaccatura	Small note with stroke	Crushed, very short

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12. Glossary of Key Terms | 核心术语表

This quick glossary brings together essential words that function like ‘theorems’ in music. Texture describes how musical layers are combined (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic). Tonality refers to the key centre (major, minor, atonal). Syncopation places rhythmic stress on a normally weak beat. An ostinato is a persistently repeated musical pattern. A sequence repeats a melodic phrase at a higher or lower pitch. Understanding these concepts helps you analyse and describe music accurately in KS3 Edexcel assessments.

这份快速术语表汇总了在音乐中如同“定理”一般的基础词汇。织体描述音乐层次如何结合（单声部、主调、复调）。调性指调性中心（大调、小调、无调性）。切分音将节奏重音放在通常的弱拍上。

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