When people start to learn music, they tend to think that music is made up of notes. As they get more experienced they realise that what makes up a "tune" is the spaces between the notes (often referred to as "intervals"). If you don't believe me, try this test. Learn to play your national anthem - just the first few bars will do. Go and ask you neighbour if s/he can recognise the tune. Then put a capo on the first fret and play the exactly the same sequence, but one fret higher. Check with your neighbour who should still be able to recognise it as your national anthem, even though every single note is different.
So we move on from "there are only 12 notes" to "How many different intervals can we use during a four bar sequence?". Let me know when you've worked it out. Then we can make a start on harmony.
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