This course is an extension of Music Theory for Electronic Musicians, in which we learned how to work with the piano roll editor in a DAW to make harmonies, melodies, and whole tracks. In this class we expand on those ideas and work with minor keys, focus some time on melody writing and bassline writing, and talk about how different tracks work.
Extensive Analysis
The most important part of this class is an extensive analysis of tracks by Daft Punk, Avicii, Skrillex, and many more. In each of these analysis segments, we look at their tracks on the piano roll editor, and talk about why they sound the way they do, and how you can use similar techniques in your own music. Each of these segments picks apart multiple elements of the song and dissects it in an easy to understand way.
Who should take this course?
Anyone interested in producing their own tracks. This will get you up and running and give your tracks a unique sound in no time.
Structure
This course consists of video lectures, which all contain a session in Ableton Live 9. If you are using a different program (or none at all), no worries! This isn't a class on how to use Ableton Live, and the concepts can be applied to any DAW.
For years I've been teaching Ableton Live in the college classroom. As a University Professor, my classes are sought after, and, frankly, expensive. I believe Music Theory can be learned by anyone, and cost shouldn't be a barrier.
What will I learn in this Course?
- Clip Fades
- The Push 2 Interface
- The Wavetable Instrument
- Browser Improvements
- Echo Effect
- Capture Workflow
- Automation Changes
- Programming Wavetable
- Pedal Effect
- Drum Bus Effect
REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE
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(Non-members redirected to purchase membership)
Welcome & Overview
Analysis: Shame on Me (Avicii)
Our first analysis – in this lesson we examine the track Shame on Me by Avicii, We find the chord progression, figure out why it sounds the way it does, and how it works.
Minor Scales & Keys
Every minor key has a relative major key, and every major key a relative minor. In this lesson, we talk about how to find the relatives, and how to use them.
Our old friend the diatonic chord progression that we learned in Music Theory for Electronic Musicians I in the major key is back. Now, we will learn it again in the minor key.
The minor scale (and key) isn’t as simple as the major. It has a few variations, and we will look at them in this lesson.
Analysis: Ghosts N Stuff (Deadmau5)
The Circle of Fifths
What is the circle of fifths, why is it important, and how can we use it in our tracks?
Now that you have a command over the circle of fifths, we can use it as a creative tool to find new and different chords for our tracks.
Analysis: Get Lucky (Daft Punk)
In this lesson we examine the track Get Lucky by Daft Punk, We find the chord progression, figure out why it sounds the way it does, and how it works.
A Few More Chord Extensions
Moving beyond 7th chords, we can add more extensions – 9ths and 13ths. See how these sound and can be useful to us.
Adding the 2nd and 4th into our chords for a “suspended” sound.
Why not a little Michael Jackson? Let’s try reading a chord chart, you will be surprised at what you already know how to do.
Found a chord without a good name? Call it a cluster chord.
Analysis: Everything You Do is a Balloon (Boards of Canada)
In this lesson we examine the track Everything you Do is a Balloon by Boards of Canada, We find the chord progression, figure out why it sounds the way it does, and how it works.
Melody Writing
How can we find a melody that fits with a chord progression? Some techniques and strategies for finding a melody in this lesson.
We now have a chord progression and a melody. In this lesson, we look at adding another layer – a countermelody – to the mix.
Analysis: Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (Skrillex)
In this lesson we examine the track Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex, We find the chord progression, figure out why it sounds the way it does, and how it works.
Bass Lines
How do we find a bass line that works with a chord progression?
If we have a bass riff, how can we find chords that work together with it? A few tricks in this lesson.
A word of caution for creating bass lines.
Analysis: Windowlicker (Aphex Twin)
In this lesson, we examine the track Windowlicker by Aphex Twin. We find the chord progression, figure out why it sounds the way it does, and how it works.
Chromaticism
Getting outside of the box with your chords. Way outside of the box.
Wrap Up
Thanks for hanging out!