References, not rote memorization
RMS organizes theory into visual and logical references that reduce how much you need to memorize. Instead of scattered rules, you learn shortcuts that connect to each other.
Music theory · Practical approach
Reference Method Simplified
By Reinaldo Assis
RMS — a path to learning music theory with less to memorize and more clarity when you play.
Visual references, tablature, and scale maps that speed up memorization until it becomes instinct on your instrument.
What is RMS?
Reference Method Simplified starts from a simple idea: instead of piling up dozens of isolated rules, you learn reference points that work as anchors — fixed landmarks from which you can deduce the rest quickly.
Speed before perfection
The approach is unorthodox: the initial goal is to memorize fast enough that, in practice, everything becomes natural — on your instrument, in improvisation, in reading.
Built for strings
Many examples use string-instrument tablature. The major-scale shapes and neck note map are designed for people who learn by playing.
How it works in practice
The method does not follow the traditional conservatory order. The priority is to memorize the essentials quickly — scales, notes, intervals — so that later, when you play, you do not have to think: you just play.
Tablature and strings
Most examples use string-instrument tablature — guitar, bass, cavaquinho, and similar. Each theoretical concept appears where you will actually use it: on the frets.
Major scale shapes
Visual major-scale patterns are one of the central RMS tools. Memorizing the shape on the neck is faster than abstract formulas — and it works in every key.
Note Finder
Before moving on to scales and harmony, RMS teaches you to locate notes on the neck. The Note Finder page illustrates that process step by step — the visual foundation for the rest of your study.
Go to the Note Finder →How the site is organized
Each section covers part of the path. Start with the full method or jump straight to the tools — RMS is meant to be used in whatever order makes sense for you.
Full read
Reference Method Simplified
A start-to-finish explanation of the whole method: how the references work, the study order, and how each piece fits into your daily practice.
Open →Visual toolNote Finder
Interactive illustrations to locate notes on the instrument neck. This is the starting point for navigating the neck with RMS.
Open →Scales with RMSMethod Scale Finder
How to find scales with the method — adapted for string instruments, with the Greek modes of each tonic.
Open →Completely free
All content on this site is 100% free. RMS is a non-profit project created by Reinaldo Assis, built to help anyone learn music theory in a practical way — no paywall, no sign-up, no catch.
If this material helped you and you would like to support the project, I would be very grateful.
Support the project via Pix
Ready to begin?
Read the method from start to finish or explore the visual tools. The goal is the same: turn music theory into muscle memory as quickly as possible.
Read the full method