This is enlightening. This is useful. This is very kind of the producer to do. For those that are irritated that this is somehow "cheating" or "go learn an instrument" ... check this out -- this is how things are moving, at least in pop music. This is progress. That these basics (the "cause") are becoming easier over time, but the outcome (the "effect") is still a beautiful song/riff (in key), mission accomplished. Technology and dispersion of knowledge is a natural arc. At one point, few people knew theory and even fewer could afford the instruments to play. Should we go back to that primitive (and ultimately elitist) state? Same thing has happened to photography, driving, even other forms of art (painting, drawing, creating of all kinds). Be happy about this progress, not resentful. It will produce a lot of crap, but the good stuff will rise to the top.
Great video man! 19:47 didn't know Ableton had that feature. Good to know. *For those who don't understand why inversions (voice leading) are important* 1. Makes chords easier to play (less hand movement) 2. Adds different tones/color *Root chord:* 1-3-5 *1st inversion:* 3-5-1 *2nd inversion:* 5-1-3 The only thing that's moving here is the bass note. Same goes for extended chords.
Thank you for this video. I've been looking for someone who explains how to write chords in such a way. I need more of this for sure! My mind has been opened.
in this world you have 3 types of producers • Great producers who actually WORK this particular way, inverting chords etc + those who know how to sound like the songs on billboard • Curious producers/beatmakers trying to explore the music world and learn every single day, on youtube, music classes or whatever • Wack people calling themselves producers and tell people what to do ! For example : " Buy an instrument and learn " Wack mofos leave wack comments don't even have a flute great video man hook theory is the shit
I have been "properly trained" until i was about 10 years old and have never touched the piano ever since, until now, at 21. I'm taking this alternative approach and sticking to it.
Came across your video and i have no experience in scales and chords. Ive started up a music tech club on campus and Im trying to learn as much as I can so I don't look like a fool .lol. but this did help. so thanks man.
Love the video bud. Everyone interprets music differently. There was once a time when they said people who play music by ear weren't real musicians...Well tell that to Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. Great lesson plan brother. Keep doing your thing, this video was very helpful. I see peoples comments about this being "cheating," or "go learn to play the keyboard and stop cheating" which is theeee most stupidest comments ever. Clearly you understand the laws and rules of music but choose to execute it differently, how is that cheating? A wise man once said, "don't just work hard, but work smart"...You just broke down a music theory/execution that took people years to comprehend and play fluently, and you broke it down in 27.48 minutes. Give yourself a pat on the back brother, you just put a music theory professor out of work...With their over-paid ass...lol. Keep up the good work and i'll be tunning in for your next video. P.S. never mind the haters, keep doing you. Cheers, Lee Beatzz
As someone who has practised music and music theory for years, what this guy told you was pretty valuable. It might sound a little complex but this would be weeks or even months of learning regularly. Try to figure it out :D
Great tutorial Ethan !!! I am one of those song writers, producers that learn music through music theory. I also play by ears, but as a song writer, I can't always trust my ear. I need some sonic science evidence that I'm doing the right thing. Especially on harmonies. Thanks for the info and tips I thought I was the only one who like formulas. Much Peace !!!
I just wrapped my head around playing major & minor triads & just picked back up Ableton, folding the scale you did was brilliant. Suggestion for future video could be an example of adding melody/ other instruments on top of your chord progression, thanks.
I make beats in Protools. This is saving me so much time. TEMPLATE TEMPLATE TEMPLATE!!! this inspired me to make a new beat!! just finished!!! THAAANK YOOUUUUU!!!!!
hey I really enjoyed you teaching the basics of scales and chords as a follow up video do you think you could discuss the importance of putting together music in a specific style while being creative with it and bringing something new to that style ?
Music theory is easily taught but hard to put in illustration. Music theory is numbers and sounds put together the hard part is self creation meaning understand sound theory and that right there is what is the difficult part of all music making unique sounds that fits the music.
Most all music and famous songs are just simple arrangements and a 3 chord trick. The rest is high quality . reverbs and building a wall of sound using a mixing technique. You want to learn how to use high quality vsts. Which are already loaded with a sound that supports your sound or project. Act like a Dj think like a Dj mixing two sounds or songs. Then go to your instrument and repeat that.
First this is one of the greatest video instructions online. I'm subbing to your page asap. What do you do to turn these chords into rb, jazz, nu soul, chords? Thanks in advance.
I need help with screen recording, when I'm recording I can hear myself talking on my mic but when I play my sound in maschine, logic pro etc.. I cant hear that sound. What am I doing wrong?
+Greg Savage yeah like for example in this video you can hear the guy talking and you can hear what he's playing in Ableton. When I screen record and play it back I can hear myself but I can't hear the beat I'm playing in Logic Pro.
Hey can you teach me how... to sound like J dilla... with a pinch of Kanye... with the drums of DJ Premiere... awwwww, what the hey... SINCE YOU ARE THE EXPERT... What is the CHEAT CODE to...SOUND LIKE YOU... BE SO FAMOUS... and have all of the hit records and publishing... like YOU... xD
Software is cool but music theory beats this in creating every kind of music all day. Because your mind is so open to the theory there is nothing you cannot do. How can you make a certain music without knowing how to identify the key your in. Now granted you can hear the sound. but the music still needs to speak a language. That being said your music would be very elementary you would be stuck, never coming to the understanding of anything musical. Starting with growth everything will sound the same. No offense but anyone who knows real music theory would know this. This is not music theory. This is nonsense.
***** Sorry if i get your comment wrong because my english isnt perfect. My point just was that if your working without caring for music theory youre still following its rules because usually youre gonna take what sounds good so you sometimes stay in scale without knowing about. I just think its a good idea to learn the theory because its workflow enhancing. The advantage of learning instruments is that you can record acoustic instruments which sound most likely better than samples. I started producing with knowledge about piano and guitar playing, meanwhile i got a bass guitar, several analog synths and drums. I just think music theory is as essential as mixing arrangement etc.
22:11 you are not adding seventh, you are doubling the fifth of the V chord, which is G (G-B-D) in C major. Same with the vi (A-C-E). When you added "9th" to the V chord, you added 7th which you tried to add earlier. I know your intentions were good, but please do not spread misinformation.
On the chords he inverted, he re-added the 5th though. He most likely forgot he inverted the 5th and then was re-adding the 5th an octave above the inverted 5th.
This is enlightening. This is useful. This is very kind of the producer to do. For those that are irritated that this is somehow "cheating" or "go learn an instrument" ... check this out -- this is how things are moving, at least in pop music. This is progress. That these basics (the "cause") are becoming easier over time, but the outcome (the "effect") is still a beautiful song/riff (in key), mission accomplished. Technology and dispersion of knowledge is a natural arc. At one point, few people knew theory and even fewer could afford the instruments to play. Should we go back to that primitive (and ultimately elitist) state? Same thing has happened to photography, driving, even other forms of art (painting, drawing, creating of all kinds). Be happy about this progress, not resentful. It will produce a lot of crap, but the good stuff will rise to the top.
You're a man of culture
i really needed to hear this man
I've been playing instruments by ear only, with no knowledge of music theory at all. I also use Ableton Live and this video is MIND BLOWING!!! Thanks!
Great video man! 19:47 didn't know Ableton had that feature. Good to know.
*For those who don't understand why inversions (voice leading) are important*
1. Makes chords easier to play (less hand movement)
2. Adds different tones/color
*Root chord:* 1-3-5
*1st inversion:* 3-5-1
*2nd inversion:* 5-1-3
The only thing that's moving here is the bass note. Same goes for extended chords.
This is pretty good for beginners. Especially the "a passion for jazz" reference. Helpful for people struggling to progress chords/scales.
Thank you for this video. I've been looking for someone who explains how to write chords in such a way. I need more of this for sure! My mind has been opened.
in this world you have 3 types of producers
• Great producers who actually WORK this particular way, inverting chords etc + those who know how to sound like the songs on billboard
• Curious producers/beatmakers trying to explore the music world and learn every single day, on youtube, music classes or whatever
• Wack people calling themselves producers and tell people what to do ! For example : " Buy an instrument and learn "
Wack mofos leave wack comments don't even have a flute
great video man hook theory is the shit
Go here if you want the best music production software online: HootMusic.info
true
fantastic video! Most comprehensive intuitive music theory vid I've seen. THANK YOU!
My God this Chordify. What an Amazing tool I am blown away. Good shit
I have been "properly trained" until i was about 10 years old and have never touched the piano ever since, until now, at 21. I'm taking this alternative approach and sticking to it.
I believe you helped me a lot back in 2009/10 with maschine MK1 stuff..thanks for keep doing the do sir!
Came across your video and i have no experience in scales and chords. Ive started up a music tech club on campus and Im trying to learn as much as I can so I don't look like a fool .lol. but this did help. so thanks man.
Fantastic video. Soooo helpful. Thanks for taking so much time to educate the uneducated such as myself!
Thank you for taking time and effort for this tutorial; very useful and informative.
Love the video bud. Everyone interprets music differently. There was once a time when they said people who play music by ear weren't real musicians...Well tell that to Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. Great lesson plan brother. Keep doing your thing, this video was very helpful. I see peoples comments about this being "cheating," or "go learn to play the keyboard and stop cheating" which is theeee most stupidest comments ever. Clearly you understand the laws and rules of music but choose to execute it differently, how is that cheating? A wise man once said, "don't just work hard, but work smart"...You just broke down a music theory/execution that took people years to comprehend and play fluently, and you broke it down in 27.48 minutes. Give yourself a pat on the back brother, you just put a music theory professor out of work...With their over-paid ass...lol. Keep up the good work and i'll be tunning in for your next video.
P.S. never mind the haters, keep doing you.
Cheers,
Lee Beatzz
As someone who has practised music and music theory for years, what this guy told you was pretty valuable. It might sound a little complex but this would be weeks or even months of learning regularly. Try to figure it out :D
Dope tutorial. Def got a better understanding of Circle of Fifths
Tricky indeed, but worth learning
Great tutorial Ethan !!! I am one of those song writers, producers that learn music through music theory. I also play by ears, but as a song writer, I can't always trust my ear. I need some sonic science evidence that I'm doing the right thing. Especially on harmonies. Thanks for the info and tips I thought I was the only one who like formulas. Much Peace !!!
Well, that really was a fun and useful tutorial/cheat video ^^
I just wrapped my head around playing major & minor triads & just picked back up Ableton, folding the scale you did was brilliant. Suggestion for future video could be an example of adding melody/ other instruments on top of your chord progression, thanks.
Thanks for your time and knowledge! Gained a supporter!
Thank you for this, and your humble spirit, Peace.
Great tutorial!!
good video, brother. thanks for the learnin'
Nice. I like the language metaphor.
Nice video and thanks for sharing that info ....
Nice video it has helped a lot thank you
Bro Great tutorial man.
Excellent advice my brother.
Yes sir.
this is a really really great video. thanks for all the info!
Fascinating stuff man.
Thank you bro this was very helpful
Nice video, thanks for sharing 🙌
Excellent work brother! Just getting into music theory & this helps a lot. PLEASE do more.
Thank you sir! very useful information!
GREAT TIPS
Very helpful. Thank you.
much appreciated video thanks.
Great video
you maked it look so easy xD I loved your vid. thx
I make beats in Protools. This is saving me so much time. TEMPLATE TEMPLATE TEMPLATE!!! this inspired me to make a new beat!! just finished!!! THAAANK YOOUUUUU!!!!!
Thank you for this Sir
You are so kind! this is amazing!
Thanks man !!! good video !
This was Dope
hey I really enjoyed you teaching the basics of scales and chords as a follow up video do you think you could discuss the importance of putting together music in a specific style while being creative with it and bringing something new to that style ?
thanks for this master!!!
This was great!!!
Always on point with the info brotha! 💯🙏🏾
Thank you!
This helped me alot MG :)
THIS IS AMAZING!!!!
thank you for this bro!! helped me a lot
what a fuckin awesome tutorial.
Great video, can you post links to sites used in video
I got like 25 more wrinkles in my brain from this one. Feel like I needa give you some money. Thanks again.
Thanks for the vid. What're some plugins you would recommend? I use ableton as well
Music theory is easily taught but hard to put in illustration. Music theory is numbers and sounds put together the hard part is self creation meaning understand sound theory and that right there is what is the difficult part of all music making unique sounds that fits the music.
Nice!
cool!
Most all music and famous songs are just simple arrangements and a 3 chord trick. The rest is high quality . reverbs and building a wall of sound using a mixing technique. You want to learn how to use high quality vsts. Which are already loaded with a sound that supports your sound or project. Act like a Dj think like a Dj mixing two sounds or songs. Then go to your instrument and repeat that.
Great advice for people who want to write totally uninspired crap.
13:33 you've recreated "La Bamba"!
Holy shit, good ear...LMFAO!!
I'm pretty sure you can teach someone music theory.. Its the one thing that hasn't changed in music for hundreds of years.
You can learn the theory, thats why its called a theory.
The way they use the theory, the style, you can not learn.
Some people just can't teach for shit this guy sure can however
MIND. FUCKING. BLOWIN!
Appreciate it ..
real thight Video - thanks! you have any intentions to extend this series with a Melodie tutorial too?
First this is one of the greatest video instructions online. I'm subbing to your page asap. What do you do to turn these chords into rb, jazz, nu soul, chords? Thanks in advance.
yeah i liked!!
Can you do A tutorial on the more advanced stuff 16:40?
Can you do a Reason 9.5 video?
You sound like a black Christopher Walken. Thats fucking great.
What website was that circle of fifth chart on?
there was a website that would let u hear the chords as well as having them in the keys.. virtual piano. com ...its a different website now tho
i wish maschine had ghost notes like FL
I need help with screen recording, when I'm recording I can hear myself talking on my mic but when I play my sound in maschine, logic pro etc.. I cant hear that sound. What am I doing wrong?
^^^ I don't understand your question. You need help with Screen recording and linking that with maschine and logic?
+Greg Savage yeah like for example in this video you can hear the guy talking and you can hear what he's playing in Ableton. When I screen record and play it back I can hear myself but I can't hear the beat I'm playing in Logic Pro.
beezy430 What application are you using to screen record?
quick time
beezy430 so basically what you'll need to do is reroute your audio. You can do this via your interface or you can use something like soundflower
I'm pretty sure still Dre is his biggest song. Which also is practical though.
Good stuff! I Learned a lot thank you!
What Software Are You Using.... Is That Logic
Jay Skony ableton live
How do u make the notes orange, not red
Wow, where'd that half hour (almost) go?????? I was engrossed.
You're welcome, and thank you too. Very informative and useful!
are you busy works beats?
👍👍
octayve
komani code.
Are you busyworksbeats clone?
Its easy to write a chord progression, but its hard to write a good chord progression.
Hey can you teach me how... to sound like J dilla... with a pinch of Kanye... with the drums of DJ Premiere... awwwww, what the hey... SINCE YOU ARE THE EXPERT... What is the CHEAT CODE to...SOUND LIKE YOU... BE SO FAMOUS... and have all of the hit records and publishing... like YOU... xD
entonces no hablas español? :)
+MG The Future jajajajajajajj
+MG The Future you are better at composing definitely :)
Software is cool but music theory beats this in creating every kind of music all day. Because your mind is so open to the theory there is nothing you cannot do. How can you make a certain music without knowing how to identify the key your in. Now granted you can hear the sound. but the music still needs to speak a language. That being said your music would be very elementary you would be stuck, never coming to the understanding of anything musical. Starting with growth everything will sound the same. No offense but anyone who knows real music theory would know this. This is not music theory. This is nonsense.
+MG The Future 😁
弹劾同性恋者露王岐山
music is simple shut up and listen .....music makes itself ...listen too stories around u and music will reveal itself to you
Stop cheating and learn how to play an instrument.
stfu
+gwallamann6 🎹🎸🎺🎷🎻??? Familiar?
Well its true. Its needed to produce good music.
***** WEll ofc thats true, but the thing is when youre producing without knowing music theory your still in fact using it.
***** Sorry if i get your comment wrong because my english isnt perfect. My point just was that if your working without caring for music theory youre still following its rules because usually youre gonna take what sounds good so you sometimes stay in scale without knowing about. I just think its a good idea to learn the theory because its workflow enhancing. The advantage of learning instruments is that you can record acoustic instruments which sound most likely better than samples. I started producing with knowledge about piano and guitar playing, meanwhile i got a bass guitar, several analog synths and drums. I just think music theory is as essential as mixing arrangement etc.
22:11 you are not adding seventh, you are doubling the fifth of the V chord, which is G (G-B-D) in C major. Same with the vi (A-C-E). When you added "9th" to the V chord, you added 7th which you tried to add earlier. I know your intentions were good, but please do not spread misinformation.
He added a B to the C major chord which is a C maj 7 (C-E-G-B)
On the chords he inverted, he re-added the 5th though. He most likely forgot he inverted the 5th and then was re-adding the 5th an octave above the inverted 5th.
Awesome tutorial!!
Thank you bro this was very helpful
Thank you !