How to FIX a BORING Ostinato

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  • Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
  • It doesn't take much to make an ostinato more interesting!
    ⚔️ Learn To Compose An INTRODUCTION From Skyward Sword • I listened to 190 Zeld...
    Film composers use ostinatos all of the time. They give cues an underlying motor and are incredibly useful for laying down a driving layer that other harmonies and lines can be added to. But it's easy to write an ostinato that feels active but is really about as useful as a glorified metronome.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 405

  • @RyanLeach
    @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +135

    ⚔️ Learn To Compose An INTRODUCTION From Skyward Sword ua-cam.com/video/dRSw15TDsx4/v-deo.html

    • @l.2264
      @l.2264 2 роки тому

      Hi. Can you talk about the last of us themes?

    • @thegr8malachite370
      @thegr8malachite370 2 роки тому

      thank you so much for this simple and concise, information dense video

    • @warpedmine9682
      @warpedmine9682 2 роки тому

      Hey can you review bo burham's inside

    • @TanoshiSan
      @TanoshiSan 2 роки тому

      Duuude I made a cover of Skyloft from skyward sword!!!! And it's literally my favorite track I've ever made, the album art is my profile pic 😂

    • @jameseverett4976
      @jameseverett4976 Рік тому

      you know how to teach, and keep it short, without so much unnecessary blahblah that adds nothing to the skills. I just watched another video on the same subject that went off into harmony and endless blahblah -16 minute video, with 4 seconds of anything worth hearing.... such a drag. Good teachers are so rare.

  • @SuperSeaMonkey
    @SuperSeaMonkey 2 роки тому +61

    I watched this and went from writing Ostinatos to writing BOSStinatos.

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +5

      Ha, glad I could help

  • @jons_7402
    @jons_7402 2 роки тому +535

    I think it's important to mention that this is mostly applicable if you have a "feeling conflict". If the music asks for a simple quarter note ostinato to give that steady pulse, by all means, do it!
    You can also mask whatever simplicity you're trying to avoid using the instrumentation, like giving each instrument a section of the melody; you'd basically be using color and timbre rather than rhythm to spice things up.

    • @celadewallace474
      @celadewallace474 2 роки тому +8

      "Flavor"/"Coloar" in timbre (variations of the sounds themselves) is a really amazing tool. As an example, try making a drone song with single core note. Not only can we vary harmonics around a drone note but just by varying the quality of the sound (having it change in timbre and even rhythmic structure) suddenly turns it into something interesting that provides surprises and delights for your brain to follow. Whether we're using chord progressions or just the complex qualities of sound (ambience) it is finding this interesting sound landscape to explore that makes all the difference.

  • @fanman1
    @fanman1 2 роки тому +201

    Great video. That Sith ostinato from Duel of the Fates, when played backwards becomes the main shape of the Force theme E F#GA G. John Williams is the GOAT!

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +49

      That's pretty sick, never noticed that. And the melody version of the ostinato even includes that low B like the pickup to the force theme!

    • @mattpiano11824
      @mattpiano11824 Рік тому +3

      That blew my mind! Also, Augie’s Great Municipal Band, from the scene at the end, contains emperor palpatine’s theme in the background but it’s transposed.

    • @velxcity07
      @velxcity07 Рік тому +1

      @@mattpiano11824 oh yea I’ve heard abt that too. Plus the last notes of Anakin’s theme has fragments of the main imperial March motif in it. (I like how our inner film music nerd is showing in these comments ☠️)

  • @cmichael6243
    @cmichael6243 2 роки тому +305

    this is great. As a composer who always present music to the directors, when it comes to ostinato (which is common in film scoring), they always have this comment about ostinato section being too repetitive. This gives me another idea on what to do next! Thanks Ryan

  • @elijahgemmill2000
    @elijahgemmill2000 2 роки тому +2

    I saw the thumbnail. In high school we played duel of the fates written like "boring". It had a slur between 3rd and 4th notes but the saxophones played it like the "good" one and the conductor called us out on it because that's not how it was written.

  • @RobLandes
    @RobLandes Рік тому +97

    Learned something new, thanks man!

    • @n0identity295
      @n0identity295 Рік тому +2

      Rob lowkey getting ego checked. 4 mil subs and 9 likes 💀

    • @RobLandes
      @RobLandes Рік тому +13

      @@n0identity295 I honestly don’t mind lol. Just here to learn and I want him to know it.

    • @hi28
      @hi28 Рік тому +2

      ​@@n0identity295 what did you expect the video is a year old

  • @DepressedCapitalist
    @DepressedCapitalist 2 роки тому +182

    Great video! Your pace and clarity at explaining is what makes it fun yet educational. Keep it up!

  • @transitive6261
    @transitive6261 2 роки тому +9

    Mr. Blue sky "I'm going to just ignore this and make s banger with only quarter notes" (makes banger)

  • @aria250mm
    @aria250mm 2 роки тому +104

    Very informative and the real world examples/comparisons are fantastic.

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

  • @robkunkel8833
    @robkunkel8833 2 роки тому +9

    2:51 OMG … suddenly the sound that made me hooked on Game of Thrones for a few seasons. Until that awful wedding. Then, I moved on. I digress. That ostinato is SOO distinctive. This is a fun channel. Deserves Patreon support.

  • @samueleversole5187
    @samueleversole5187 2 роки тому +16

    Maybe it’s because I watch videos a little sped up. But the “boring” version of Pirates of the Caribbean sounded like the infamous jazz lick 😄

  • @analcough5321
    @analcough5321 2 роки тому +29

    a really cool case where this rule fails is in technical death metal, if you take enough time visualizing melodies you can make it pure 16th notes and it will sound fantastic if its a thoughtful melody

  • @longstoryshort3882
    @longstoryshort3882 2 роки тому +19

    Duel of the Fates and the Darth Maul fights carried the Phantom Menace movie 😅- Great vid as always Ryan!

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +4

      When that movie came out I got swept up in how cool it was just to have a new Star Wars movie. When I watched it again not too long ago with my son I was just like "oh man..."

    • @inlonging
      @inlonging 2 роки тому

      @@RyanLeach it was the groundbreaking special fx movie but is beginning to look dated. Good thing Lucas sold Disney else he would be working on a special edition haha

  • @samfarabee2963
    @samfarabee2963 2 роки тому +11

    What a great way to enhance the music you're writing! If I'm ever composing and getting writers block I'll look through and see if I can use any of this to get things flowing again.

  • @Delcat42
    @Delcat42 2 роки тому +18

    I'm loving your videos! I'm an aspiring game dev and confirmed audiophile, but writing music has always been daunting to me. Your work makes the idea of composing my own tracks IMMENSELY less daunting and WAY more fun. Thank you so much for these!

  • @etsbeats9689
    @etsbeats9689 2 роки тому +3

    dude not only are you extremely direct with your explanations, but all of your movie scene references are on par!!!! definitely subscribing. I'm on the musical journey using ableton and a keyboard so hopefully I can apply your tricks to my projects

  • @CallMeCaroline
    @CallMeCaroline 2 роки тому +23

    Love how simple yet effective this is!

  • @brianj4090
    @brianj4090 Рік тому +3

    Just found the channel and have found each vid I’ve watched very helpful and practical. I really like the comparison of examples in this one and using super familiar examples is perfect.

  • @TheRamBoiiii
    @TheRamBoiiii 2 роки тому +2

    Wow, your editing and video quality are amazing! Helpful diagrams with tangible, relatable examples!

  • @BusterofGlitch
    @BusterofGlitch 2 роки тому +10

    I loved hearing examples both without the 16th note and with the 16th note, and hearing examples from different themes. Thank you! :)

  • @jibjubby
    @jibjubby Рік тому +2

    So much respect to you for making a 5 minute video where you said something really interesting and informative, and left it at that. Literally the only educational youtuber I've seen who doesn't pad out videos with bullshit for the algorithm.

  • @_thalescorrea
    @_thalescorrea 2 роки тому +1

    Great video! It’s really well edited, concise and super useful advice. Loved your use of footage like Barbosa’s commentary towards the end. Got me subscribed!

  • @ChronoMune
    @ChronoMune Рік тому +1

    First video I’ve ever seen of yours. One of my easiest decisions to subscribe only halfway through it. Thanks for sharing the musical love like this with us.

  • @catboyhumper
    @catboyhumper 2 роки тому +3

    really informative video, loved the examples you used. one thing i thought of is how i think i've seen the opposite approach in some media, like omori- white space, the music for the aptly named area you start out in, and lost at a sleepover, the music that plays in the room where you meet up with your friends, both use very simple and repetitive quarter-note melodies. however, without going into too much detail at risk of spoilers, it becomes very apparent later on that they're *supposed* to be simple, with those areas being used as safe spaces- not necessarily in a harmless way.

  • @e7mac693
    @e7mac693 2 роки тому +37

    So good! I've been using the dotted note a lot already, but I'll add the other 2 to my toolbox as well! Thanks for the awesome examples!

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks, I hope you can put it to use!

  • @TanoshiSan
    @TanoshiSan 2 роки тому +1

    Dude this video is a gold mine of value for a producer like myself, seriously thank you so much. I'm 100% subscribed and can't wait to see the value you'll bring us next 💘

  • @arthurllongjr382
    @arthurllongjr382 2 роки тому +1

    Wow! Thank you for the lesson Ryan! Easy to understand and helps to not over/underthink my composing. I wish you continued success 😎

  • @kevinmacharia5109
    @kevinmacharia5109 2 роки тому +5

    As a hobbyist musician, your videos are really insightful, thank you for these lessons

  • @fishoscine1220
    @fishoscine1220 11 місяців тому +1

    Love this! Thanks, Ryan!

  • @Sanayukia
    @Sanayukia 2 роки тому +5

    You just helped me fix all my music!! Finally know what I was doing wrong and like you said, super easy to adjust ! Thank you so much!

  • @fabiofsumi
    @fabiofsumi Рік тому

    Fantastisch, Michi!! Da steckt so viel drin,- allein mit diesem Video kann man schon super viel üben!

  • @davidyanez4u
    @davidyanez4u 2 роки тому

    I AM SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!!!!!!!!
    SUBSCRIBED!!!!
    This is just what I needed: Hell I need all your videos. I'm learning something new everyday.
    THANK YOU

  • @maikdellebaracche_music866
    @maikdellebaracche_music866 Рік тому

    Thank you Ryan, your videos are helping me a lot

  • @miguelbarrera8052
    @miguelbarrera8052 2 роки тому

    Beautiful. Great video. Hats-off and a Thank You for keeping it short but nicely put. You covered a lot and with examples, in such a short time. Sometimes I feel that youtubers more and more often make videos over 10 min on purpose just to get the ads and all. So thank you for being brave. Not saying you shouldn't do the same if the topic requires that. Thanks for the great explanations and the examples.

  • @NeelDhar
    @NeelDhar Рік тому

    Loved the teaching via examples. Keep up the good work.

  • @Markrspooner
    @Markrspooner 2 роки тому +2

    Great video Ryan and very much agree, I always look to add a bit of spice or variation to something that might otherwise be a bit lackluster.

  • @nigelirwin9958
    @nigelirwin9958 2 роки тому

    Been fascinated with Ostinato's for a while now and this video is one of the best explainer videos I've seen. Nice work.

  • @Kitties_are_pretty
    @Kitties_are_pretty 2 роки тому +4

    This is super useful advice.
    edit: Showing contrasting versions of an ostinato really demonstrates how the tiniest difference can completely change the meaning and effect of a musical figure.

  • @samsignorelli
    @samsignorelli 2 роки тому +11

    Surprised you didn't use the classic ostenato from Holst's "Mars."

  • @lioneddy6702
    @lioneddy6702 Рік тому +1

    Finally UA-cam suggests something so worthy, wish i found this channel earlier but i still found you so i am happy.

  • @EytschPi42
    @EytschPi42 Рік тому

    WOW... this is a REALLY great video. Great editing, superb information!

  • @Goldhawk7
    @Goldhawk7 2 роки тому

    You are bringing me back to my band days! I love it. Thanks!

  • @wernervannuffel2608
    @wernervannuffel2608 Рік тому

    WoW : I like the way you build up music by first row building music part(icle)s (melody, pedal notes, ostinatos, rhythm patterns, etc..) in a way they sounds in their row version together at least melodical/harmonical right/correct... And uplifting it then to the next level by fine tune building variations of this ''particles'' and in this way implementing secret herbs mixtures on top of it to get all more interesting.and more flavoured. Again a wonderfull video. Thank you, Ryan. I learned so much with all your videos👍👌

  • @christophercondry4224
    @christophercondry4224 2 роки тому

    So happy I found your channel. THis video is an informative and insightful as the rest! Thanks so much!

  • @mrburnout
    @mrburnout 2 роки тому +5

    oh man this is so helpful, I'm trying to write electronic music and its all very applicable advice

  • @MartinHeidenreichMusic
    @MartinHeidenreichMusic 2 роки тому +3

    This is so simple and so genius at the same time. THANK YOU SO MUCH, very helpful

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому +1

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @Jath2112
    @Jath2112 Рік тому

    Thanks algorithm! I have immediately subbed. Love the content.

  • @adrianschilbach8756
    @adrianschilbach8756 Рік тому

    Great video. To the point, informative and really eye opening

  • @omarbahrour
    @omarbahrour 2 роки тому

    Great video dude, super interesting and very clear in terms of how much a little shift can make.

  • @snuppssynthchannel
    @snuppssynthchannel 2 роки тому +4

    The ostinato in the first movement from ELP's "Tarkus" is an awesome, iconic and powerful sounding Ostinato!

  • @corvendata
    @corvendata Рік тому +1

    Great succinct explanation of a very effective solution

  • @iarreolav
    @iarreolav Рік тому

    what a great channel. i appreciate your work.

  • @athegodofanime7108
    @athegodofanime7108 2 роки тому +1

    Niiiice! Keep up the great work!

  • @drg9522
    @drg9522 Рік тому +2

    Basically the classical antecedent of a riff

  • @stephengoodman9058
    @stephengoodman9058 2 роки тому +1

    Speaking as an interested amateur with no musical training...that was a very clear explanation. Thank you 👍.

  • @sambivins9858
    @sambivins9858 2 роки тому +1

    This is a great channel; so glad I found it

  • @Hyper5nic
    @Hyper5nic Рік тому

    Thank you Ryan! This made my day! Excellent fixes for times that writer's block looms in.

  • @drykeon6182
    @drykeon6182 2 роки тому +9

    I've felt this before, but in a different way. Years ago, when I was playing undertale, I started to wonder why megalovania sounded so tense. I noted that the first and fourth beat have fast sixteenth notes, whereas the second and third beat have syncopated notes of at least eighth note length, giving it a feel of ebb and flow every measure. I extrapolated that rule to a lot of other tracks, including when I thought of dual of the fates. This video has given me a nice alternate perspective to look at, and a better zoomed out perspective.

  • @taajuuskone
    @taajuuskone 2 роки тому

    Very useful information. Great video!

  • @benjamin9901
    @benjamin9901 2 роки тому

    Very nice! My composing days are long over, but I still enjoy music theory and composition. Good tips - it helps me understand why I find something musically interesting

  • @maxx27i
    @maxx27i Рік тому

    I found good examples of ostinato, thank you!

  • @sammysammuelson2425
    @sammysammuelson2425 2 роки тому

    One word: BRILLIANT. BRAVO 👏🏻

  • @theandroids
    @theandroids Рік тому +1

    This is really useful. Thanks.

  • @karlrovey
    @karlrovey 2 роки тому +6

    It also depends on the purpose of the ostinato. Sometimes you wind up with something like Pachelbel's canon (with the half-note ground bass). It works well for that piece because it's not a main auditory feature of the piece.

  • @zachariusd
    @zachariusd 2 роки тому

    Epic video. Subscribed!

  • @GreenHope42
    @GreenHope42 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks for the great tips. It's amazing how some simple changes are so effective.

  • @felipenovais8364
    @felipenovais8364 2 роки тому

    Absolutely excellent content, 'grats, man!

  • @-mcl2006
    @-mcl2006 Рік тому

    Awesome video. Thank you

  • @benicioparedes8745
    @benicioparedes8745 11 місяців тому

    Absolutely amazing videos defo subscribing

  • @donkeyfacekilla1
    @donkeyfacekilla1 2 роки тому

    Excellent video! Having this exact issue with a current production! New sub

  • @Inzomniac9
    @Inzomniac9 Рік тому

    Nice advice! Thanks

  • @vehemore
    @vehemore 2 роки тому

    beauuutiful!!! thank you so much for this

  • @myroslavsaratovkin6868
    @myroslavsaratovkin6868 2 роки тому +1

    Every video is very useful and interesting. Thank you.

  • @shemsbendali2151
    @shemsbendali2151 2 роки тому

    Great video man ! Very usefull

  • @Rayman120
    @Rayman120 2 роки тому +33

    Great video. My only suggestion would be to have both lines (the basic one and the tweaked and improved one) at the same time on screen, so us folks without too much music reading skills have an easier time comparing the two. An idea for future videos :)

  • @connorryan2715
    @connorryan2715 2 роки тому

    Well thanks to the algorithm for plopping this random video in my lap cuz this was kinda cool. I’m not terribly musically literate but I really like listening to those who are. Everything you described in this video I feel like I innately knew from listening to music but never would have put into words

  • @melonmusiks
    @melonmusiks 2 роки тому

    really interesting, thanks for sharing.

  • @alphaenemyplus8376
    @alphaenemyplus8376 9 місяців тому

    This is fantastic content. Not for myself, but for those that still aren't getting it. Well done, thank you! Very simply explained composition.

  • @ramonavisconti674
    @ramonavisconti674 2 роки тому

    great tips, great video, thanks!

  • @imightmakefunofyou4433
    @imightmakefunofyou4433 2 роки тому

    What a great video and use of the memes man😂subbed!

  • @chrisf1600
    @chrisf1600 2 роки тому

    Fascinating. I didn't even know what an Ostinato was before watching this video, but now I know what it is AND I know how to make it interesting :) thanks !

  • @JaneDoe-gq1kr
    @JaneDoe-gq1kr 2 роки тому

    I know this was meant for orchestral pieces but this will actually really help my pead guitar playing. You've given me a lot to think about, thank you.

  • @MrKeithterrett
    @MrKeithterrett Рік тому

    Another great video on an important harmonic device not well covered by others!

  • @howard555
    @howard555 2 роки тому

    this is a good ass video man, well worded too. i subbed and am looking forward to ur future vids

  • @HrHTeam
    @HrHTeam 5 днів тому

    So useful, thanks very much.

  • @ArcticBeats
    @ArcticBeats Рік тому +1

    Cool video, appreciate it!

  • @bnbsda
    @bnbsda Рік тому

    Great Video!

  • @Thelaretus
    @Thelaretus Рік тому +1

    One of my favourite ostinatos ever is the _Confutātis_ from Mozart's last Requiem.
    It literally sounds like fire.

  • @joeleke64
    @joeleke64 2 роки тому

    Great video!

  •  2 роки тому

    great content! subscribed

  • @Onurb2821
    @Onurb2821 2 роки тому +1

    Do I have any idea what an ostinato is? No. Have I ever learned anything about music composing? No. Did I click just because Darth Maul was in the thumbnail? Yes.
    Anyway, great video dude. I don't think I understood much but it was fun listening to the differences and learning a bit about music. You're great at explaining. Great work!

  • @caytlinparker6371
    @caytlinparker6371 2 роки тому

    Look I know nothing about music.... But yet you got me hooked. New sub I'm intrigued by this newfound musical theory

  • @calvinfoo
    @calvinfoo Рік тому

    No wonder I felt those awesome songs I listened to always doesn't follow the metronome timing exactly but feel so nice

  • @lollertoaster
    @lollertoaster Рік тому

    Lifesaver for a hobbyist composer like me, it's all so complicated but this trick is so simple.

  • @ShivSagar010
    @ShivSagar010 9 місяців тому

    Thank You Very Much Sir! 🙏🙂

  • @FelixPando
    @FelixPando Рік тому

    Yess super ideas.thanks.

  • @giln4689
    @giln4689 Рік тому

    thank you!! something i was not even aware of. thank you.

  • @ricardohernandez2771
    @ricardohernandez2771 2 роки тому

    Gracias..tremenda info!

  • @MrFalkbossa
    @MrFalkbossa 2 роки тому +1

    Very good video! Something to remember!

    • @RyanLeach
      @RyanLeach  2 роки тому

      Thanks, glad you liked it!