Chords in the church mode
Creating chord progressions
Applying church scales
Pentatonic scales
Degree analysis within the key
Relatedness in chords
Leading tones
Determining the key based on the melody
Determining the key by ear
Other scale families
Exceptions in chord progressions
Modulations
Keys outside of the church mode
Input
Blues
Making bass lines
Harmonic mixing
About the method
SV Method focuses on the practical application of melodic music theory. SV stands for systematic and visual. Systematic, because it reveals the connections between scales and chords. Visual, because all theory is presented in numbers, with special attention to string instruments. With that knowledge, you can start writing, analyzing, and performing music. I originally developed the SV Method for myself, after failing my first music theory exam in one specific area: scales, specifically the church modes. I came up with this system, which allowed me to quickly play all scales in all keys. I never had to study scales again. By seeing the connection with chords, I was also able to apply the scales: in bass lines, melodies, solos, improvisations, chord progressions, and so on.
That’s when it became fun. You don’t need music theory knowledge to make music. Music theory is not a set of rules you have to follow. It doesn’t dictate what does or doesn’t sound good: it only explains. Any theory that claims otherwise blocks the path to innovation and creativity. Theory isn’t a commandment; at most, it’s a guide. Music theory can inspire you and spark new ideas, by showing you how to use something or letting you hear sound combinations you haven’t encountered before.
By showing you the logic behind it, so you can see more possibilities. By demonstrating that you can break every rule, as long as you can imagine what it will sound like. That’s my vision of music theory; that’s what I intend with the SV Method. Curious? You can take a look at the chapter Foundation chapter to see if the method aligns with what and how you want to learn.
About the author
My name is Sanne Verbogt and I'm a bassist. During my studies at the conservatory (Codarts, Rotterdam), I devised a method for understanding music theory and applying it to the bass guitar. When I heard from others that it helped them too, I started developing it as a method. To this end, I conducted various research projects (bachelor's and master's theses) and started studying Educational Sciences (Master's and PhD).
As a bassist, I play in various projects featuring different genres of music, usually pop/dance/jazz/microtonal, and preferably with a lot of improvisation. I write my own music and am a session musician. I also work as a lecturer and educational scientist at Codarts, the Haarlem Conservatory, and the Rock Academy. More information about me: www.sanneverbogt.nl
Recommandations
Sanne teaches or has taught the SV Method at three Dutch conservatories, to students in pop, electronic music production, jazz, classical, and world music departments, including instrumentalists, vocalists, and producers.
Reactions from bass players (varying in level, style, age, and ambition):
- I can apply the theory immediately.
- Makes music theory less difficult.
- Less boring and hard-to-digest theory.
- I’m creating my own bass lines now.
- A solid foundation for improvisation.
- I feel more freedom in my playing.
- Insightful and relevant content.
- This system is easy to understand.
- I see so many new possibilities now!
- I’ll definitely keep using it.
- You get results quickly.
- Clearly written, for both beginners and advanced players.
- Great method for people who want more than just playing songs. Essential for ambitious players, and a useful reference for professionals.
- It is fun, because it connects theory and practice.
- A revelation to see the connection between chords and scales.
Reactions from conservatory students:
- It works and gives a clear overview.
- I never thought I would understand it so quickly.
- It adds something meaningful and gives inspiration.
- Some things finally became clear, even though many people had tried to explain them to me before.
- It clarified everything I wanted to know about improvisation. helder gemaakt.
- This is exactly what I’d been looking for for years.
- I feel more freedom while improvising.
Reactions from SV Method users:
- You learn things you can build on, things that are truly useful.
- I find it innovative.
- I definitely learned what I hoped to learn.
- I’ve never seen anything like this before.
- This is exactly what I was looking for.
- A solid method, not just for beginners.
- A clear explanation of a topic that was hard for me to grasp.
- Heldere uitleg over een voor mij lastig onderwerp.
- Well structured: once you get it, you wonder why everyone makes music theory so complicated.
- Finally, a method that connects scales and chords.
- How come I didn’t think of this myself?
- It’s clearly possible to learn theory in a structured way in a relatively short time.
For anyone who wants to use melodic music theory: if you want to understand scales and chords and how to use them. This could include writing your own music, analyzing existing music, improvising, or soloing. You’ll learn the underlying logic.
For all instruments. For string instruments (bass guitar, guitar, double bass, cello, viola, mandolin, and ukulele), the method emphasizes visualizing theory on the fretboard. If you play another instrument, sing or produce music, you can use this method as well.
For all levels. The method has been tested with and is suitable for beginners, advanced players, and professional musicians.
It’s designed to teach you everything from the ground up and connecting the material to your own musical practice. Once you learn how to apply the content from the Outside the lines chapter, you'll reach a level where you understand the logic behind everything and can analyse and play anything you encounter.
Good to know: you don’t need to be able to read sheet music to use this method.
For all Western music styles, including pop, jazz, dance, rock, classical, and everything in between. The examples currently focus mainly on pop, but in the Spotlight chapter, there’s space to ask specific questions and suggest specific music. Based on this input, the method will continue to expand.
You don’t need an account to access the Foundation chapter: you can explore it to see if the method fits how and what you want to learn.
The method is divided into chapters, each with explanations (text and sometimes video), plus examples or exercises. The chapters build on each other, but you don’t need to follow them in order. You can choose with the topics you’re most interested in.
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The Foundation chapter covers all the basics: notes, intervals, church scales, chords, and keys. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to play scales and chords in any key.
You don't need an account to view this chapter: you can explore it to see if the method fits how and what you want to learn.
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The Within the lines chapter focuses on how music works within a key: chord progressions and how to use them to analyze songs and create your own music.
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The Outside the Lines chapter focuses on going outside the key: when and why that happens. It also explores more complex types of scales, connecting them to chords so you can use them directly.
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The Spotlight chapter highlights specific topics — for example, how to create walking bass lines or apply harmonic mixing in DJ sets. You can also ask your own questions here: like analysing specific songs or going deeper into a particular technique. The method will expand ow based on your input.
This method does not cover rhythm or specific playing techniques on your instrument. You can check the subchapter titles to see what is — and isn’t — included.
SV stands for Systematic and Visual. Systematic because it connects all the topics. Visual because it presents theory using numbers, and projects that onto the fretboard for string instruments.
And not coincidentally they’re also the initials of the author: Sanne Verbogt.
In Dutch and English. With an account, you can view all content in both languages.
26,95. Eenmalig.
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Yes. SV Method is not a subscription. Think of it as an online book, with free updates and expansions.
By entering your email address. (My account)
Yes! Register with your own email address so that you receive the invoice. Then get in touch via Contact and specify who the gift is for: the account will be set up using their name and email address.
Not yet.
Get in touch via Contact. I’m happy to help!
And you’ll be helping me too: your questions show me what I might need to explain more clearly.
Feel free to reach out via contact.
English (UK) 
Nederlands (Formeel)