Ready to master grade 2 music theory? Our comprehensive study guide takes you from zero to confident exam candidate, breaking down every music theory concept into simple steps.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Music theory is finally making sense! - Joanne S
The Challenge Ahead
You’ve already laid the groundwork with basic music theory. Now it’s time to take that next step and tackle the more challenging topics of Grade 2.
Whether you’re continuing your own musical studies or supporting a passionate learner, you know that a deeper understanding of theory can transform how you play and appreciate music.
But there are so many new concepts to navigate at Grade 2:
Complex Time Signatures (2/2, 3/2, 4/2, 3/8)
Triplets
Grouping Notes and Rests
Ledger Lines
Major & Minor Scales (including relative keys)
Intervals
Performance Directions
It’s enough to feel overwhelming if you don’t have a clear roadmap.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive PDF guide specifically for Grade 2—designed to simplify the learning process and build on the knowledge you’ve already gained.
Our mission? To make advancing in music theory easier and more enjoyable for everyone—so you can deepen your musical skills, expand your repertoire, and play (or support someone who’s playing) with absolute confidence!
Introducing
Building on everything you’ve learned at Grade 1, our comprehensive Grade 2 Music Theory Study Guide is your next step toward deeper musical understanding and exam success. We’ve carefully structured this guide to tackle more complex time signatures, scales, and intervals—while keeping concepts clear and enjoyable to learn.
We start where Grade 1 leaves off, so you’ll feel supported and ready to master new topics without being overwhelmed.
With chapters that delve into everything from 2/2 and 3/8 time signatures to advanced scales and intervals, you’ll have all the tools you need to excel in your Grade 2 exam—and beyond. Get ready to expand your musical horizons and enjoy the confidence that comes from really knowing your theory.
Take a look at what some of the 7000+ people who bought our study guides had to say about them.
Teacher, UK
"I love using these study guides with my pupils. It is not only informative but also laid out very clearly. It works with students of all ages. I’d highly recommend it for all teachers and students alike."
Student, South Africa
"Thank you for your excellent resources. I received my results yesterday and achieved 100% on my first exam. Your guides helped me prepare well for my exam, and I was confident and relaxed."
Parent, US
"A game-changer! The explanations are clear, the examples are practical, and the guide is structured in a way that makes learning enjoyable.
What You'll Learn
Chapter 1
In this chapter, we explore complex time signatures including 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8. Learn the key differences between similar-looking signatures like 2/2 and 4/4, and understand concepts like duple, triple, and quadruple time.
Chapter 2
Here we're going to look at the concept of triplets - three notes played in the time of two. Discover how to read and write triplets, understand their time values, and learn how they can include rests and different note values.
Chapter 3
Learn the proper way to beam notes together in different time signatures, particularly in half note beat signatures. Understand how to handle tied notes in 3/2 and 4/2, and explore the rules for rests within beamed notes.
Chapter 4
Explore the rules for grouping rests, including whole measures of silence and the placement of rests on beats. Learn important exceptions to these rules in 4/4 and 4/2 time signatures.
Chapter 5
In this chapter, we expand your note-reading range up to two ledger lines above and below the staff. Learn to read notes in both treble and bass clefs beyond the staff, understand how these notes relate to each other, and quick identification techniques.
Chapter 6
Discover three new major scales: A major, Bb major, and Eb major. We'll learn their construction, fingerings, and key signatures. Learn to write them in both ascending and descending forms while understanding the patterns of whole steps and half steps that create these scales.
Chapter 7
In this chapter we're going to study key signatures containing up to three sharps or flats. Learn the standard order of sharps (F C G) and flats (B E A), understand their placement on the staff, and quick identification techniques. Practice writing key signatures correctly in both treble and bass clefs.
Chapter 8
Explore natural and harmonic minor scales in A minor, D minor, and E minor. Understand how they differ from major scales, particularly the flattened third and raised seventh in harmonic minor. Learn to write these scales confidently in both ascending and descending forms.
Chapter 9
In this chapter, we look at the relationship between major and minor keys that share the same key signature. Learn the reliable method of finding relative keys by moving three half steps, and understand how composers use these relationships in their music.
Chapter 10
Expand your understanding of intervals with an introduction to major and minor thirds and sixths. Learn to identify both melodic intervals (notes played successively) and harmonic intervals (notes played simultaneously), and understand their role in creating music.
Chapter 11
And finally, in this last chapter, we look at the new Italian musical terms and symbols for Grade 2. Learn important tempo markings, dynamic instructions, and expressive directions. Study essential symbols like marcato, tenuto, and 8va, and understand how they affect musical performance.
Hi, I’m Dan, and I run Hello Music Theory. I’ve been teaching music for the last 18 years and studied my undergraduate at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
My mission is to make learning music easier. Whether you're teaching music and want resources, or you're learning an instrument and want to be able to read music, we're dedicated to helping you on your journey.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help.
FAQ section
You've got questions. We've got answers.
We've written this book specifically with the ABRSM Grade 2 Music Theory syllabus in mind. But, it's suitable for any beginner whether you're following a syllabus or not.
Sadly, not yet. We're looking into getting these printed at one point, but at the moment, they're only available as a digital download.
Absolutely. While we've worked hard to make this guide as good as it can be, we realize it might not be for everyone. Just let us know within 30 days of your purchase, and if we can't make it right, we'll refund you.
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