Here is the simple answer. James Blake plays open voicings similar to how black gospel musicians play. The open voicings allow him space to smoothly and creatively voice lead from one chord to the other. The mixing of this gospel style of voicing with his dark dense choices of harmonies is what makes his music different from the rest. For anyone who doesn’t already know but is interested in getting your chord choices closer to James Blake style (i.e. gospel style) look up drop 2 voicing. Also since there is a church music undertone to his music take a look at some Bach chorales as well. Good luck and sorry for getting all music theory on you but a bit more of an in depth yet simplified explanation was needed for those who really want to know and improve.
To me what makes james blake's chord so cool is that fact that he draws a lot from classical music. A lot of his music has quite simple chord progressions with very typical scale degrees like I IV V VI etc which define the key that he's in. Thats the reason why it was/is used in classical music on every ending or start in a piece. But what james blake does with these chords is inverting them in a way that would be unusual in classical music, even forbidden and regarded as bad sounding at that times. But today, as we are used to the sound of jazz, and are more open for earlier regarded dissonant chords it gives it a refreshing sound. That in combination with his jazz influence and all his of-tempo passing chords is what makes harmonicly the james blake sound, apart from the great production, beautiful voice etc.
I’ve watched a few of your videos today and I had to subscribe after watching this one and 2 others on understanding chords. First of all, the quality of your videos and the editing and way it all looks and is put together is beyond professional - so, so good. But the content is unbelievably succinct and easily digestible, broken down in a totally understandable way for anyone... and yet, the actually content and information your trying to teach is so relevant and useful and so well-done. Thank you very much for this! Look forward to more of your videos in the future!
I've been looking for a video explaining his chords, so thanks! I do have a few comments though (I'm not an expert, so maybe you can clarify on this and correct me on the terminology): 1. I think he draws a lot from gospel-chords. He uses a lot of notes outside the scale (not sure what the term is) to transfer from one chord to another, or at least, that is how it sounds to me. The chord progression seem to have "extra chords" in addition to the "main chords" 2. I find it fascinating that the chords are spread out, but I don't think you can just use these spreads to "Blakify" your chords. The sounds he uses for this chords seem to have a low-pass filter on them, meaning that if you spread out the notes to the higher parts, they still sound like chords. I think if you don't do that, the high tones will take over and the higher notes will sound like they are part of a melody, instead of the chords. But these are just things a non-music expert (=me) has noticed, so hopefuiy you can say more about this. I love your videos, the design and information, keep up the good work!
Idk if it’s me or the piercing iPhone speakers I have but I can focus on the cords with those chimey noises in the back it’s like I can hear anything else
whats the matter with those background chimes? they are beautiful. i guess you guys should go see a doctor if your hearing is that bad and you can‘t hear the chords out clearly
But doesn't it cause problems when mixing? When you play chords like that it occupies a huge frequency spectrum and conflicts with other instruments and vocals.
Also, to all James Blake lovers: I've just recorded my first EP. It contains influences from the man himself (Blake), Bon Iver, From Indian Lakes, Fionn Regan, and others. Check it out if you so please. Here's the first track. ua-cam.com/video/rjcIM1jP1TY/v-deo.html
The whole point of the bells are for you to hear the harmonic content. You wouldn't notice much of a difference in the chords if the bells weren't providing a harmonic background.
I'm sorry bit the background music was so aggravating and distracting and confusing for me... like I feel like I was really trying to engage and you didn't want me to. I'm not even that mad at it, it's just super loud for it to supposedly be n the background. Like I said... I'm sorry.
Oops sorry disregard this... I saw you were kicking yourself some years back based on the same comment as mine but delivered with much less anger and frustration... so disregard.
this is weird, saying “james blakeify” a chord when black people BEEN using this type of chord structure in Gospel, Neo-Soul, etc. He doesn’t trademark that style. smh 🤦🏾♀️
Here is the simple answer. James Blake plays open voicings similar to how black gospel musicians play. The open voicings allow him space to smoothly and creatively voice lead from one chord to the other. The mixing of this gospel style of voicing with his dark dense choices of harmonies is what makes his music different from the rest.
For anyone who doesn’t already know but is interested in getting your chord choices closer to James Blake style (i.e. gospel style) look up drop 2 voicing. Also since there is a church music undertone to his music take a look at some Bach chorales as well. Good luck and sorry for getting all music theory on you but a bit more of an in depth yet simplified explanation was needed for those who really want to know and improve.
Awesome summary man
thanks poolandmusic
this is probs the best youtube comment i've ever read bud
Great comment
Damn you know "Measurements" that's when I really heard the gospel.
"James-Blakify" Imagine your name used like this, should be the dream of every musician
that's going to be me...watch me in 5 years
@@RayyanKhanRayyanKhan best of wishes for you then ^ ^
@@RayyanKhanRayyanKhan nah mate, 2 years
@@小琰-j2l yeah I'm not going into music I don't think.
@@RayyanKhanRayyanKhan what happened D:
To me what makes james blake's chord so cool is that fact that he draws a lot from classical music. A lot of his music has quite simple chord progressions with very typical scale degrees like I IV V VI etc which define the key that he's in. Thats the reason why it was/is used in classical music on every ending or start in a piece. But what james blake does with these chords is inverting them in a way that would be unusual in classical music, even forbidden and regarded as bad sounding at that times. But today, as we are used to the sound of jazz, and are more open for earlier regarded dissonant chords it gives it a refreshing sound. That in combination with his jazz influence and all his of-tempo passing chords is what makes harmonicly the james blake sound, apart from the great production, beautiful voice etc.
Please please please come back!!! You're one of the best teachers I have ever stumbled upon!
background sound is fine, just lower it's volume when demonstrating. great video
Thank you great feedback! Kicking myself for not lowering it now :|
@@pierceporterfield6327 Shouldn't have been used in the first place
You are explaining the sound there is no need for background sound though whole video
@@shunkasir he already took the feedback theres no point in telling him to do what he was already given
@@pierceporterfield6327 i thought it was pretty and appreciated it. a bit quieter though iw ould agree
Wow. Production value on this is top notch. Definitely get rid of the background music for the demonstrations though.
umm this is the most relaxing video on youtube
It's not just the chord voicings - it's the progressions. He uses a lot of little secondary dominant and passing chords.
Brilliant video, thanks for sharing
great video man. people act like the bells were off key. think they provided a nice reference. keep it up!
A bit stupid to be playing continuous background chime sounds when you’re trying to demonstrate chord sounds!
I found it adds atmosphere without impeding the message. It's like bass and piano/guitar played together y'know?
it is a good idea , it gave so much character to the video , but it is kind of destructing.in a lower volume would be pefect .
Jesus christ I agree so hard.
David Jameson I agree. I hate it when people inhibit practicality in an effort to be stylish. Absolutely useless.
Also my first thought. The chimes are mixed louder than the voiceover!
This is an awesome video man xx
Definitely appreciate you
wow thank you~ this is just what I needed!
thank u for getting this across so well.
your videos are so wonderfully edited and useful, i really hope you start uploading again!
Every chord sounds like twinkling chimes! Gaaahh!
Dude your videos are mad nice👌🏾
I’ve watched a few of your videos today and I had to subscribe after watching this one and 2 others on understanding chords. First of all, the quality of your videos and the editing and way it all looks and is put together is beyond professional - so, so good. But the content is unbelievably succinct and easily digestible, broken down in a totally understandable way for anyone... and yet, the actually content and information your trying to teach is so relevant and useful and so well-done. Thank you very much for this! Look forward to more of your videos in the future!
"James-Blakify". I love the sound of it.
love your videos man
Top notch video man.
This video is really a gem lol ever since i watch it i look at chords different
Sick video my friend. Slick production.
Wow! Super good video! I want more like this on James Blake
I liked the Background music!(:
love this edit
best tut on chords ever
lovely edit. lovely info.
ty, cheers!
Awesome video.
i beg you to make more of these
Coming Soon!
Yes please!
Wow. Great to the point video.
Jesus Christ. Took ages to find this video to sub.
*_rip my search history_*
Love the term “James Blakeifying”
eh man, this is video is amazingly understandable, damn good format. You got something there !
You rock bro!
This was a really good video
I've been looking for a video explaining his chords, so thanks! I do have a few comments though (I'm not an expert, so maybe you can clarify on this and correct me on the terminology):
1. I think he draws a lot from gospel-chords. He uses a lot of notes outside the scale (not sure what the term is) to transfer from one chord to another, or at least, that is how it sounds to me. The chord progression seem to have "extra chords" in addition to the "main chords"
2. I find it fascinating that the chords are spread out, but I don't think you can just use these spreads to "Blakify" your chords. The sounds he uses for this chords seem to have a low-pass filter on them, meaning that if you spread out the notes to the higher parts, they still sound like chords. I think if you don't do that, the high tones will take over and the higher notes will sound like they are part of a melody, instead of the chords.
But these are just things a non-music expert (=me) has noticed, so hopefuiy you can say more about this. I love your videos, the design and information, keep up the good work!
The term for 1) is passing chords
I loved this
LOL...I LOVE the bells...tell em' all to kick rocks, LOLOLOL...
Great editing.
The chime sounds in the background were a poor choice, believe me 😊
Wow fucking love that! Great video
👍 nice
Good vid man!
You're a tutorial god man
Awesome video! Subbed
🤓 I wish there were more of those videos.
Ur vedios is unique and nice
Keep making music theory vids these are way more helpful then other UA-cam vids
What software did you use to get the sound frequency (Hz) chart at 1:30 in your video?
Can anyone tell me what’s the preset on wave table from Ableton?
It's odd, I really enjoyed this video, but it was over so quickly that I wanted more and felt like I didn't get enough. Great video though
could you do an analysis on monte booker, and blkswn by smino?
specifically the chord progressions
Vid was epic. Dont listen to haters
CHORD PROGRESSION IN THE END OF VIDEO?
I love the formula pf this video. The volume of bells could be a little bit lower but other than that, great contrnt!
can you make something like this but for king krule?
great videoooo . no background music during the chords though!
Sick
how do you make that chord patch
make more videos!!!!
just curious as to why you have that are arp louder than what you’re trying to teach. It’s a beautiful Arp but I can’t even focus on the chords dog
What chords are you playing at the end of the video?
It was while ago but most likely 1 - 4 - 5 in c major
What animation software are you using? Thanks!
Amazing video! But I have to know, where'd you get that synth from?
It's the Live 10 Wavetable Synth
Pierce Porterfield wich preset have you used?? Help
Idk if it’s me or the piercing iPhone speakers I have but I can focus on the cords with those chimey noises in the back it’s like I can hear anything else
what chord progression did you use in the end?
What's with the background music
if you promise to keep uploading I'll subscribe
Keep the arp in the background!! It’s fucking brilliant
IT WAS FOOOOKING BRILLIANT MATE
What instrument is this?
and also gospel changes
Rameau in 1722 be like fuck my life
Just found your channel. You're the guy that talks on the Samplified tutorial videos...Aren't you??
give me some james blake song recommendations
whats the matter with those background chimes? they are beautiful. i guess you guys should go see a doctor if your hearing is that bad and you can‘t hear the chords out clearly
I like the chimes but it's a bit too loud
Who is James Blake?
F**K! Thank you so much.
No need for background music when explicating on music.
Does he plays like this live? Does he has a gigantic hand? I saw him live but couldn’t tell…
The James Blake music discussed on music forums is vastly not his vocal music.
too loud background music
Bet.
But doesn't it cause problems when mixing? When you play chords like that it occupies a huge frequency spectrum and conflicts with other instruments and vocals.
Also, to all James Blake lovers: I've just recorded my first EP. It contains influences from the man himself (Blake), Bon Iver, From Indian Lakes, Fionn Regan, and others. Check it out if you so please. Here's the first track. ua-cam.com/video/rjcIM1jP1TY/v-deo.html
The whole point of the bells are for you to hear the harmonic content. You wouldn't notice much of a difference in the chords if the bells weren't providing a harmonic background.
Brandon Crow False
Moar
You are james blake 99% 7A copy👍👍👍
I'm sorry bit the background music was so aggravating and distracting and confusing for me... like I feel like I was really trying to engage and you didn't want me to. I'm not even that mad at it, it's just super loud for it to supposedly be n the background. Like I said... I'm sorry.
Oops sorry disregard this... I saw you were kicking yourself some years back based on the same comment as mine but delivered with much less anger and frustration... so disregard.
The bg music is so disturbing
Sorry too much synth tones muddy up your technique. Try just using "piano" tone and I'm sure more folks won't click away,,, like us 😪🙉😂😎💥😇
this is weird, saying “james blakeify” a chord when black people BEEN using this type of chord structure in Gospel, Neo-Soul, etc. He doesn’t trademark that style. smh 🤦🏾♀️
stupid background music
Bruh background music is awful