The fact that you've already created so many videos covering the chords numbers and STILL take a moment to briefly explain it is what makes you such a great resource. If you're looking for a good online course - get Pauls.
"It's the diatonics, the chords made of all the notes in the scale." That sentence just unlocked something in my brain for some reason. I'm starting to understand for the first time how keys, scales, and chords are related to one another. I spent an hour comparing the Amaj scale to the chords you had on screen. It's all staring to make sense now. Don't ask my why it was that sentence and this video to finally make it click but... thank you.
Dude, because you said that, I wrote down all the notes in order and circled the notes in g maj. then wrote the notes of each chord based on the circled notes... bananas how the notes in the scales form a pattern with the notes in the chord. Blew my mind and I have your comment to thank. So thanks
I remember when I had that realization. Well done on getting to this point in your guitar journey!!! The sky is the limit from here! If you want a "next step" start working on understanding modes and modal interchange. Super school stuff. Best of luck my friend
@@bee5616 @camps621 I remember as well. I also remember when finally "getting" altered harmony - seeing #5b9, #5#9 was driving me crazy - but if you look at them, they are again, just tense notes looking for resolution. A home note is just a 1/2 step away! It took me a long time to get it - my suggestion to someone new is to really listen to notes 'against' a chord. What does the 1 sound like, the 5, the 6, and so on. I love this stuff!
Funny because I had that "epiphany" just like a couple weeks ago as I started exploring piano/keyboard more in depth : visually it appears move obvious than all the chords you have in one scale are always made from the notes that compose that same scale.
It's something I've noticed over the years, how the Coldplay style of chord arrangements, giving that 'celebratory' kind of sound has influenced a lot of music that we use in corporate videos production for TV adverts etc. It's brightened things up considerably from the old fashion corporate video music of 15-20 years ago. Great video Paul. many thanks
Love how Paul makes these concepts accessible to anyone, simple plain words of English to introduce the Lydian mode… Almost without saying it! Top notch teaching here sir
This is one of the best videos I have seen to date that explains Western music theory in relation to chords, the Nashville number system, and Coldplay’s signature move to start on the IV chord. Thank you so much for making this!
I've been playing and avidly trying to learn guitar for thirty years, but every time I take the trouble to watch one of your little lessons, I learn something invaluable. Thank you, sir. What a kind thing to do! Regards.
I don't play any instrument, but your lessons help me better hear and appreciate the richness and talent put into these songs. I now hear them in a new way. That's why I subscribed. Thanks for that.
Paul, you are a teacher, a scholar, a gentleman with a nuanced tonality in your voice and playing. Thank you for boosting the quality on YT so much and letting us all participate, so generously.
This small dive into song writing is fantastic. There’s so much guitar playing I’m thinking about, but I’m still shying away from actually writing songs. This helps to spur me on. Thanks.
After hearing Chris Martin talk about his song writing process, dude is gifted, has a basic understanding of theory but really doesn't shy away from just going with what sounds good without knowing how it's technically supposed to make sense. As is the case with many rock/pop musicians of course.
@@lumossir5012 Aaah I don't think I can share links on RUclips (the messages don't appear), but I'm thinking of one where he talks about how he came up with Yellow.
He's a very capable musician, lots of his piano and guitar playing uses inversions and chord structures that more overtly virtuoso players might use also.
@@fatkitty4207 I can see that link....I've link stuff before and it's just randomly disappeared. So RUclips is kind of weird about it....That one is working for now.
Paul, with overwhelming guitar content on youtube, I find it very interesting and refreshing when you do song/theory analysis like this one. I can totally relate to your video as I am constantly analyzing a song in this same matter in my head and find it very hard to shut my brain and just enjoy the music. The IV chord is my favorite chord, the transition to the I chord or vice versa is my favorite progression, think Joe Satriani-made of tears, and whenever I got the chance, I always tried to end a song on the IV chord live, it kept people waiting…
I've been with a guitar teacher years ago that helped me progress from a complete n00b to a halfway decent guitar player (at least I think '^^). But you my man, are going to be my future teacher of choice. Love your way of explaining things so much! I'm going to sign up to that Next Level Playing course a 100%... this is going to be my way to spend the winter months :)
For someone who always just enjoyed Coldplay's music without being curious about why is it so good... this video is so interesting and, oh... I think my brain is leaking >
I loved how you said Chris is "drawn" to it, the pattern isn't intentional only more noticeable with the amount of recordings he has! I gotta see me a Coldplay show one of these days...
This is my first ever comment on a YT video, so here goes.. Can’t agree more with your analysis. Their chord progressions are second to none, and often break outside of the diatonic system. The use of pitch (both melodic and harmonic) in their work is just one of the stimulants their music gives you. A couple for rhythmic changes if anyone’s interested: Death and All His Friends - 7/4 time sig at 2:18 Charlie Brown - second bar of the 8 bar intro/verse chord progression is 2/4 Coloratura - 5/4 at 6:03 (4/4 and 3/4 at other times in the piece) Coloratura is an absolute pallet of tones, kind of like using an entire colour wheel. Each concept of music is thoroughly represented in their work at times (pitch, duration, dynamics and expressive techniques, structure, texture, tone colour and technology). I love that their last single was a 10 minute masterpiece that took me multiple listens to understand. I also think this is a boss move for one of the most popular bands in the world - showing they are still hungry for creativity and pushing beyond the point of what sells in exchange for brilliance. Fully agree with some of the other comments about Buckland - plays what matters, when it matters and like he means it. When I saw Coldplay in Sydney years ago, they were humbly honoured to have special guest Shane Warne (arguably Australia’s greatest ever bowler cricketer) up on stage with them - still the most random thing that makes me feel like they fit right in at Christmas with my relatives.
I've been trying to get into guitar for a long time and every time I lose motivation to practice due to other things in life, I always come back to your channel and I'm reminded again of the beauty of this instrument. Thank you Paul!
Brilliant explanation of how different harmonies feel like, including the short addition that a minor tonic can be just as much the tonic of a chord progression as the major tonic (something that a lot of people stuck in classical music theory seem to refuse to acknowledge), and then you briefly explain how it all ties in with the vibe that Coldplay’s music communicates. Awesome work!
I just love that you can learn at so many different levels when watching Paul's videos. You can learn about music theory, or just take away an insight into how bands and writers approach their songwriting.....or why certain songs convey a certain feeling! And of course, how to play and enjoy guitar! Love it all and long may Paul continue producing such great and interesting content!
I could always tell what key a song was in no matter the chord progression or the structure, even before I knew what keys were or the names of notes, but I could never explain how I knew it. This puts things in a new light.
I’ve never understood the Nashville System until today. I’ve looked at charts before but when your chord charts popped up on the screen, it just made sense. I paused the video and was looking at the chords under each number and it finally clicked. I don’t know why it didn’t click before, but I’m appreciative of you putting out this video! Thank you.
Numbers are one of the most useful concepts to understand in music in my opinion! It lets you see the chords as their function, and how they relate to the key instead of what the actual chords are. Also when you get comfortable thinking like this it makes key changes much easier! If you know that a progression is 4 5 6, then when you change keys it is still a 4 5 6!
As a huge Coldplay fan, love this type of content. Helps me understand why I enjoy their music so much and why it sounds different but similar at the same time. Beautiful.
IV chord, fourth position. Perfect. Noted. Thanks Paul. Every time I go explore a new topic in guitar you’re right there. Beard also in perfect position.
As someone who’s being playing in the Nashville Number System for a while, this video was very helpful and insightful. Those resolutions 4-1 are incredibly useful and happens all the time in current modern worship music.
Holy shit, think you may just have helped solve why Chris uses it so much. He was brought up in a very religious setting at a young age & struggled with it later on, he's spoken about it before. Guess that must have rubbed off on him
Watching Paul's videos are what I'd imagine meditation or therapy to feel like. Very calm and soothing. The theory or content often get away from me but I can't stop coming back for the next one.
The cool thing about this is that Chris doesn't read music or know a lot about music theory. He legitimately has a natural gift/talent for writing music. His chord structures on the piano and guitar are very unique, as are his tunings. Fantastic video Paul!
Love the presentation of this musical concept… especially with the fade outs (which usually I’d see as taking the easy way out to end a song), really does make their songs sound like your jumping on a moving train and then jumping off, as opposed to gingerly walking on and off one that is parked at its station… very cool man 👍🏼👍🏼
Speaking of secrets to beautiful formulas: You, my friend, have perfected the guitarformation platform. It’s very relaxing and professionally edited to aesthetic perfection. I feel that non-musicians would get wrapped up in your content. I’m an intermediate player but I always want to learn from you. Great job! Keep it up.
Love the accent love the expressions love the content love that I’ve been listening to Coldplay for years and never realised this Looking forward to learning more things that I didn’t know Many thanks for lesson
Probably the best guitar/music "teacher" on youtube (I would say it because you seem so humble whereas you"re delivering such proper and priceless content and knowledge!) thanks !!
One good way to tell the key (for simple songs) is to look at the major chords. Two major chords will be one letter name apart. The other one is the major key. Example: G major has G, C, D major. C&D are a letter name apart, so the other one, G is the 1 chord which is the key.
Truly a beautifully planned and delivered exercise in music theory, showing exactly why it matters and working from music instead of towards it. The question you asked yourself at the end, Paul, as to whether CM consciously always starts on the IV, demonstrates a real and delicate respect for creativity and an awareness that style is the expression of sensibility. Can’t imagine it being done better. Thank you!
I am a guitar player and I've often been wandering what makes this special Coldplay-Sound. The chords aren't so special but their progression really is. Thank you. Nerd stuff but very interesting. If you copy that and compose your own song this "Lydian" sound can make chord progressions sound more interesting.
nice one Paul, thank you, I have so many mixed feelings about Coldplay but strangely am never disappointed buy their actual musical talent and writing..
Thanks for another great video! And I completely agree with what you've said here. While I'm not a fan of everything Coldplay do, there are quite a few of their tunes I do love. And the progressions are always quite exquisite and tend to be carefully rendered, in just the right inversion, instrumentation, etc. The Lydian pull is certainly very strong in Chris Martin's writing; as you say, it's the brightest mode, and his music is shot through with an exuberance that Lydian is taylor-made for. Cheers!
This felt like a little bubble being popped and little break through I never knew how certain things worked in music and you just helped me understand multiple aspects in music I never knew.
U2’s Every Breaking Wave also starts on the IV and repeats for the entire song - the sequence is IV- vi - I - V in E. So, A - C#m - E - B. Same feeling of endless tension you describe in the Coldplay songs.
Been watching your videos for a while now, and man. You’re just awesome, the production value, your knowledge, your vibe. Sick. I’m not necessarily a mainstream music die hard, but I can admit, “don’t panic” is a pretty tubular song. Regardless, your videos are so enjoyable. Thank you Paul.
I discovered you by accident with a guitar soloing experiment to see what sounds and styles other guitarists would use. I am now a follower! This Video is a gold nugget. Thank you so much!
Fascinating lesson Paul. I saw him interviewed about his song writing process. It was highly intuitive and based on note/chord combinations he just liked very similar to Dave Grohl from foo fighters. Keep up the good work Paul luv the lessons!
Thanks Paul. I really appreciated this video. As a musician for over fifteen years I am wanting to dive deeper into the theory and analysis of some of my favorite songs and artists. I know the basics of music theory but have not tied it all together like this. This was exactly what I was looking for! I will be checking out more of your videos.
I hadn't seen an analysis on Coldplay guitars yet, this is super interesting. Their guitars can be a little shy, their chords disonant and weird, but they always sound beautiful and interesting to me. I bought a Martin D-15M (leftie) because I wanted that Coldplay sound, well, their old sound. It's great when bands evolve, the problem is that the post 'X & Y' era sounds more like a bad sequel to me. I hope they come back to what they were before Viva La Vida, just for an album. It's funny how people associate Coldplay with happiness. For me, they are the introverted, melancholic bunch of fellows from 'Sparks', 'The Scientist' or 'See you soon'. Happy music, everyone is doing it, but I don't see anyone capable of pulling out a 'Parachutes' or a 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' nowadays. Anyway, awesome analysis man, I'd love to see something related to Coldplay's two first albums! Cheers!
The beauty of Coldplay is they never stick to one theme or sound. Thank GOD for that. Otherwise we’d have Radiohead 2.0… AKA an absolute snooze fest lol
Paul, I don't know how you come up with these video ideas, but they're freaking awesome! You're one of the only reasons the internet should still exist.
He's talking about Coldplay. A super group is an artificial construct made of already established players of quality. They're not always good either. I think you mean a 'super group'.
Thanks Paul for such a clear musical explanation of why Cold Play songs are so awesome and for the encouragement to keep paying closer attention to the beauty of music. Cheers.
@@nick3718 i get that not everyone likes their music, i of course listen to and like a lot of other music. However, this band gives me the vibe, the feeling i just love their solo lines and their lyrics. I guess if it's about the favour, opinion and thinking about songs or style we sould only agree to disagree, yes? Now, tell me your fav band and i will still appreceate them, i don't hate anything about music ever ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽
You just gave an entire first year college music theory course in one practical great video with context in real world setting! You are on believable! Thank you
It’s one of the band, that famous all around the world, but still write Pink Floish style conceptual albums (Everyday life, Viva la Vida). But at another hand, they simply collaborate with today’s stars with super modern typical pop sound, and Chris like: I don’t give a shit, I wrote everything I want. Love this guys, and love your channel, keep creating! Thanks a lot!
Conversely, Trent Reznor writes music in essentially the same way. The method is modal but instead of the happy modes, he uses the sad modes. And leaves the listener feeling uneasy and unresolved. I learned that from another RUclips channel. Shout out to Ixi music!
This is just incredibly high quality, informative, entertaining content. There’s so little content out there like this, it’s really refreshing. Huge fan - thank you!
As someone with an almost visceral hate towards Coldplay (I really just don't like any of their music), I was apprehensive about clicking the thumb. But I still learned a lot, thanks! :D
Paul….ever since I discovered your channel, I not only subscribed, but the amazing part is every video of yours I watch puts a smile on my face. I’m not a very accomplished guitar player, but I enjoy the instrument nonetheless. Your videos are “must watch” for any aspiring musician, and the way you tell a story is captivating. Thank You 🙏 You are amazing!
I have been enjoying Coldplay for more than a decade, and I do play guitar and know a lot about musical theory. Despite all that, I've never realized this pattern on their songs. It surely explains the uplifiting, hopeful and dreamy mood of most of these songs. Nicely done, my friend, great analysis!
Nashville number system is the very first thing I learned in elementary school playing guitar. Love it and think about progressions in numbers instead of letters.
Paul, I'm a self taught guitarist of 24 years. Theory has always been a struggle for me. Videos like these have changed my whole world! Helps that Chris Martin is one of my favourite musicians / song writers :) Keep it up bro!
Paul is an amazing teacher. His visuals support the verbal content delivery at the right moment in which everything seems to make sense, when hearing for the first time👍🤗🎼🎵🎶🎸
Still one of the greatest things I have ever seen is Coldplay closing the 2012 Paralympics! I’ll never understand why it’s so popular to hate this band!
A lot of people feel the need to individualise themselves and not follow the larger group, especially at certain ages. Those who hate are not really that far from love.
Contemporary Christian music often follows a 4-1-5-6 or 4-5-6-1 progression. It was listening to that growing up that taught me the numbers system alongside learning guitar
Paul- your editing and teaching skills are simply world-class. Thank you!
Agreed!
Ditto
Agreed!
agreed!
I was thinking the same thing. The sync of the guitar and example recordings is impeccable.
The fact that you've already created so many videos covering the chords numbers and STILL take a moment to briefly explain it is what makes you such a great resource. If you're looking for a good online course - get Pauls.
"It's the diatonics, the chords made of all the notes in the scale." That sentence just unlocked something in my brain for some reason. I'm starting to understand for the first time how keys, scales, and chords are related to one another. I spent an hour comparing the Amaj scale to the chords you had on screen. It's all staring to make sense now. Don't ask my why it was that sentence and this video to finally make it click but... thank you.
Dude, because you said that, I wrote down all the notes in order and circled the notes in g maj. then wrote the notes of each chord based on the circled notes... bananas how the notes in the scales form a pattern with the notes in the chord. Blew my mind and I have your comment to thank. So thanks
I think I may have had the same epiphany
I remember when I had that realization. Well done on getting to this point in your guitar journey!!! The sky is the limit from here! If you want a "next step" start working on understanding modes and modal interchange. Super school stuff. Best of luck my friend
@@bee5616 @camps621 I remember as well. I also remember when finally "getting" altered harmony - seeing #5b9, #5#9 was driving me crazy - but if you look at them, they are again, just tense notes looking for resolution. A home note is just a 1/2 step away! It took me a long time to get it - my suggestion to someone new is to really listen to notes 'against' a chord. What does the 1 sound like, the 5, the 6, and so on. I love this stuff!
Funny because I had that "epiphany" just like a couple weeks ago as I started exploring piano/keyboard more in depth : visually it appears move obvious than all the chords you have in one scale are always made from the notes that compose that same scale.
You're not only teaching us how to play music
You're conveying the feeling of the scale and making us attached to it so beautifully
Paul's voice is so soothing and his video are so beautifully shot and edited.
Because of his voice, Paul is the "Bob Ross" of guitar teaching... :)
Can't understand why Paul's guitar sound is ALWAYS the best I can imagine for what he's doing... Bravo Paul!
You're a great presence on the internet, Paul Davids. A great teacher, a great player, and your tone is just so lush and lovely. Thank you.
im glad someone feels the same way i feel
It's something I've noticed over the years, how the Coldplay style of chord arrangements, giving that 'celebratory' kind of sound has influenced a lot of music that we use in corporate videos production for TV adverts etc. It's brightened things up considerably from the old fashion corporate video music of 15-20 years ago. Great video Paul. many thanks
Love how Paul makes these concepts accessible to anyone, simple plain words of English to introduce the Lydian mode… Almost without saying it! Top notch teaching here sir
This is one of the best videos I have seen to date that explains Western music theory in relation to chords, the Nashville number system, and Coldplay’s signature move to start on the IV chord. Thank you so much for making this!
I've been playing and avidly trying to learn guitar for thirty years, but every time I take the trouble to watch one of your little lessons, I learn something invaluable. Thank you, sir. What a kind thing to do! Regards.
I don't play any instrument, but your lessons help me better hear and appreciate the richness and talent put into these songs. I now hear them in a new way. That's why I subscribed. Thanks for that.
Chris Martin and the gang watching this video as they work on the next album: Pause it right there!! Write that down!! Write that down!!
Hopefully my channel will grow like you sir Paul Davis . They are all awesome PVC
i heard this Chris martins voice
😆😆
LOL
“We do that?”
Paul, you are a teacher, a scholar, a gentleman with a nuanced tonality in your voice and playing. Thank you for boosting the quality on YT so much and letting us all participate, so generously.
This small dive into song writing is fantastic. There’s so much guitar playing I’m thinking about, but I’m still shying away from actually writing songs. This helps to spur me on. Thanks.
I’d love to see some Radiohead broken down this way. They have even more fun with it by borrowing chords. Muse does too to some degree.
I think Rick Beato does it a bit as part of his "What makes This Song Great" series. But yeh I'd love Paul to do some too.
Here is a breakdown of Radiohead’s version of a James Bond theme: ruclips.net/video/tiesXqT1P3g/видео.html
@@raymonddickenson3639 Thanks Raymond- oh yes I saw this too. I'd just love to hear Paul do some...I love his gentle style,
Yes please do radiohead
Look up David Bennett, he mentions Radiohead at least once in every video.
After hearing Chris Martin talk about his song writing process, dude is gifted, has a basic understanding of theory but really doesn't shy away from just going with what sounds good without knowing how it's technically supposed to make sense. As is the case with many rock/pop musicians of course.
Hey can you link the video you saw pretty please?!
@@lumossir5012 Aaah I don't think I can share links on RUclips (the messages don't appear), but I'm thinking of one where he talks about how he came up with Yellow.
He's a very capable musician, lots of his piano and guitar playing uses inversions and chord structures that more overtly virtuoso players might use also.
@@arn999 you can? ruclips.net/video/CjLqcsehYZI/видео.html just like this
@@fatkitty4207 I can see that link....I've link stuff before and it's just randomly disappeared. So RUclips is kind of weird about it....That one is working for now.
I was having a terribly bad day today, but YT recommended this video, and as always, it made me feel better, mate, thanks! Your lessons are the best!
Paul, with overwhelming guitar content on youtube, I find it very interesting and refreshing when you do song/theory analysis like this one. I can totally relate to your video as I am constantly analyzing a song in this same matter in my head and find it very hard to shut my brain and just enjoy the music. The IV chord is my favorite chord, the transition to the I chord or vice versa is my favorite progression, think Joe Satriani-made of tears, and whenever I got the chance, I always tried to end a song on the IV chord live, it kept people waiting…
very interesting starting with the IV chord. also, amazing teaching with authentic passion. always appreciate your videos
Idc what anyone says, Johnny Buckland and Chris Marin are underrated guitarists…
Great vid Paul!
Chris Martin uses a lot of uncommon and interesting voicings that make simple chord progressions sound much more interesting
Facts and always appropriate for the song.
Great writers of music and words……
Yep. My personal favorite is “we never change”. Love that song.
@@robertwynkoop7112 Terrible words.
You have a great knack of tying together storytelling and teaching all in one. Truly extraordinary skill.
the way Chris writes so beautiful songs, and the same way Paul describes it. This is beautiful as well. Thank you Paul for cheers up my day.
I really love how you peppered in the isolated vocal tracks to your chords to bring context. Not easy I’m sure, but so brilliant!
I've been with a guitar teacher years ago that helped me progress from a complete n00b to a halfway decent guitar player (at least I think '^^). But you my man, are going to be my future teacher of choice. Love your way of explaining things so much! I'm going to sign up to that Next Level Playing course a 100%... this is going to be my way to spend the winter months :)
Credit to anyone who can make learning music theory this fun and entertaining
For someone who always just enjoyed Coldplay's music without being curious about why is it so good... this video is so interesting and, oh... I think my brain is leaking >
I loved how you said Chris is "drawn" to it, the pattern isn't intentional only more noticeable with the amount of recordings he has! I gotta see me a Coldplay show one of these days...
You’re a genius Paul. I don’t have a lot of spare time these days but I watch your videos as much as I can. Thanks for sharing your talent.
This is my first ever comment on a YT video, so here goes.. Can’t agree more with your analysis. Their chord progressions are second to none, and often break outside of the diatonic system. The use of pitch (both melodic and harmonic) in their work is just one of the stimulants their music gives you.
A couple for rhythmic changes if anyone’s interested:
Death and All His Friends - 7/4 time sig at 2:18
Charlie Brown - second bar of the 8 bar intro/verse chord progression is 2/4
Coloratura - 5/4 at 6:03 (4/4 and 3/4 at other times in the piece)
Coloratura is an absolute pallet of tones, kind of like using an entire colour wheel.
Each concept of music is thoroughly represented in their work at times (pitch, duration, dynamics and expressive techniques, structure, texture, tone colour and technology).
I love that their last single was a 10 minute masterpiece that took me multiple listens to understand. I also think this is a boss move for one of the most popular bands in the world - showing they are still hungry for creativity and pushing beyond the point of what sells in exchange for brilliance.
Fully agree with some of the other comments about Buckland - plays what matters, when it matters and like he means it.
When I saw Coldplay in Sydney years ago, they were humbly honoured to have special guest Shane Warne (arguably Australia’s greatest ever bowler cricketer) up on stage with them - still the most random thing that makes me feel like they fit right in at Christmas with my relatives.
Decoding Coldplay music, cool stuff - now I know why I’m so fascinated by it. Great piece of youtube video …
I've been trying to get into guitar for a long time and every time I lose motivation to practice due to other things in life, I always come back to your channel and I'm reminded again of the beauty of this instrument. Thank you Paul!
Brilliant explanation of how different harmonies feel like, including the short addition that a minor tonic can be just as much the tonic of a chord progression as the major tonic (something that a lot of people stuck in classical music theory seem to refuse to acknowledge), and then you briefly explain how it all ties in with the vibe that Coldplay’s music communicates. Awesome work!
Starting on the 4 chord is like starting the song soaring... With lots of movement.. I just love it
I just love that you can learn at so many different levels when watching Paul's videos. You can learn about music theory, or just take away an insight into how bands and writers approach their songwriting.....or why certain songs convey a certain feeling! And of course, how to play and enjoy guitar! Love it all and long may Paul continue producing such great and interesting content!
I could always tell what key a song was in no matter the chord progression or the structure, even before I knew what keys were or the names of notes, but I could never explain how I knew it. This puts things in a new light.
I always come back to this video when i feel uninspired, love it!
I'd like to see a similar video on Patrick Droney chord progressions too
Teaching is one of the hardest jobs ever and you are amazing at it. Thank You.
I’ve never understood the Nashville System until today. I’ve looked at charts before but when your chord charts popped up on the screen, it just made sense. I paused the video and was looking at the chords under each number and it finally clicked.
I don’t know why it didn’t click before, but I’m appreciative of you putting out this video! Thank you.
Numbers are one of the most useful concepts to understand in music in my opinion! It lets you see the chords as their function, and how they relate to the key instead of what the actual chords are. Also when you get comfortable thinking like this it makes key changes much easier! If you know that a progression is 4 5 6, then when you change keys it is still a 4 5 6!
2:29 you blew my mind right there. Love that transition.
Coldplay and Paul Davis? Clicking right away
Sir, just like Coldplay, you’re absolutely brilliant.
As a huge Coldplay fan, love this type of content. Helps me understand why I enjoy their music so much and why it sounds different but similar at the same time. Beautiful.
IV chord, fourth position. Perfect. Noted. Thanks Paul. Every time I go explore a new topic in guitar you’re right there. Beard also in perfect position.
As someone who’s being playing in the Nashville Number System for a while, this video was very helpful and insightful. Those resolutions 4-1 are incredibly useful and happens all the time in current modern worship music.
My music teacher told me that IV-I is called the amen cadence...
Holy shit, think you may just have helped solve why Chris uses it so much. He was brought up in a very religious setting at a young age & struggled with it later on, he's spoken about it before. Guess that must have rubbed off on him
Watching Paul's videos are what I'd imagine meditation or therapy to feel like. Very calm and soothing. The theory or content often get away from me but I can't stop coming back for the next one.
The cool thing about this is that Chris doesn't read music or know a lot about music theory. He legitimately has a natural gift/talent for writing music. His chord structures on the piano and guitar are very unique, as are his tunings. Fantastic video Paul!
the music industry should be as innocent as your statement
hey coldplaykb, can u make a tutorial for til kingdom come !
@@amirhaqimw I can definitely add it to the list to attempt at some point :)
Honestly the quality of your videos is just incredible. Don't know what to say more. It's just incredible
Love the presentation of this musical concept… especially with the fade outs (which usually I’d see as taking the easy way out to end a song), really does make their songs sound like your jumping on a moving train and then jumping off, as opposed to gingerly walking on and off one that is parked at its station… very cool man 👍🏼👍🏼
Speaking of secrets to beautiful formulas: You, my friend, have perfected the guitarformation platform. It’s very relaxing and professionally edited to aesthetic perfection. I feel that non-musicians would get wrapped up in your content. I’m an intermediate player but I always want to learn from you. Great job! Keep it up.
Love the accent love the expressions love the content love that I’ve been listening to Coldplay for years and never realised this
Looking forward to learning more things that I didn’t know
Many thanks for lesson
Probably the best guitar/music "teacher" on youtube (I would say it because you seem so humble whereas you"re delivering such proper and priceless content and knowledge!) thanks !!
One good way to tell the key (for simple songs) is to look at the major chords. Two major chords will be one letter name apart. The other one is the major key. Example: G major has G, C, D major. C&D are a letter name apart, so the other one, G is the 1 chord which is the key.
great tip !
Brilliant!
That's a good tip. I like to omit the 3rd a lot to keep the key ambiguous, sometimes you don't want a distinct tonality major or minor.
Thanks man. Gonna go back to my guitar now. Try out that theory. Cheers!
Truly a beautifully planned and delivered exercise in music theory, showing exactly why it matters and working from music instead of towards it. The question you asked yourself at the end, Paul, as to whether CM consciously always starts on the IV, demonstrates a real and delicate respect for creativity and an awareness that style is the expression of sensibility. Can’t imagine it being done better. Thank you!
As a non-musician I always feel like I get a ton out of these videos. They’re an amazing combo of incredibly technical and incredibly accessible
Fantastic breakdown of one of the great bands of our current age. Keep up the good work, Paul!
I am a guitar player and I've often been wandering what makes this special Coldplay-Sound. The chords aren't so special but their progression really is. Thank you. Nerd stuff but very interesting. If you copy that and compose your own song this "Lydian" sound can make chord progressions sound more interesting.
nice one Paul, thank you, I have so many mixed feelings about Coldplay but strangely am never disappointed buy their actual musical talent and writing..
I am a budding musician and I just stumbled upon your video and the way you explained everything gives me some musical ecstatic joy!!
Thanks for another great video! And I completely agree with what you've said here. While I'm not a fan of everything Coldplay do, there are quite a few of their tunes I do love. And the progressions are always quite exquisite and tend to be carefully rendered, in just the right inversion, instrumentation, etc. The Lydian pull is certainly very strong in Chris Martin's writing; as you say, it's the brightest mode, and his music is shot through with an exuberance that Lydian is taylor-made for. Cheers!
This felt like a little bubble being popped and little break through I never knew how certain things worked in music and you just helped me understand multiple aspects in music I never knew.
U2’s Every Breaking Wave also starts on the IV and repeats for the entire song - the sequence is IV- vi - I - V in E. So, A - C#m - E - B. Same feeling of endless tension you describe in the Coldplay songs.
I barely understand any of this, yet I find Pauls videos so fascinating
Been watching your videos for a while now, and man. You’re just awesome, the production value, your knowledge, your vibe. Sick. I’m not necessarily a mainstream music die hard, but I can admit, “don’t panic” is a pretty tubular song. Regardless, your videos are so enjoyable. Thank you Paul.
I discovered you by accident with a guitar soloing experiment to see what sounds and styles other guitarists would use. I am now a follower!
This Video is a gold nugget. Thank you so much!
Fascinating lesson Paul. I saw him interviewed about his song writing process. It was highly intuitive and based on note/chord combinations he just liked very similar to Dave Grohl from foo fighters. Keep up the good work Paul luv the lessons!
Thanks Paul. I really appreciated this video. As a musician for over fifteen years I am wanting to dive deeper into the theory and analysis of some of my favorite songs and artists. I know the basics of music theory but have not tied it all together like this. This was exactly what I was looking for! I will be checking out more of your videos.
I hadn't seen an analysis on Coldplay guitars yet, this is super interesting. Their guitars can be a little shy, their chords disonant and weird, but they always sound beautiful and interesting to me. I bought a Martin D-15M (leftie) because I wanted that Coldplay sound, well, their old sound. It's great when bands evolve, the problem is that the post 'X & Y' era sounds more like a bad sequel to me. I hope they come back to what they were before Viva La Vida, just for an album. It's funny how people associate Coldplay with happiness. For me, they are the introverted, melancholic bunch of fellows from 'Sparks', 'The Scientist' or 'See you soon'. Happy music, everyone is doing it, but I don't see anyone capable of pulling out a 'Parachutes' or a 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' nowadays. Anyway, awesome analysis man, I'd love to see something related to Coldplay's two first albums!
Cheers!
10000000% could not agree more. I was obsessed with pre-Viva La Vida Coldplay. I stopped listening after that album, unfortunately. Fingers crossed.
The beauty of Coldplay is they never stick to one theme or sound. Thank GOD for that. Otherwise we’d have Radiohead 2.0… AKA an absolute snooze fest lol
@@IsisRoseStudio I disagree with you about radiohead, but I like the word snooze fest lol
@@magicpeterpalmer lol welp🤷🏼♀️
Prospekt's March is a gem of an EP, Glass of Water, Rainy Days, Prospekt's March.
The explanation of the sound of Lydian is incredible
This was terrific! Really enjoyed hearing your explanation and breakdown of the progressions.
Paul, I don't know how you come up with these video ideas, but they're freaking awesome! You're one of the only reasons the internet should still exist.
Great lesson. Appreciate how you taught Music Theory in a way that was fun, enjoyable, and relevant to a Super Group.
He's talking about Coldplay. A super group is an artificial construct made of already established players of quality. They're not always good either. I think you mean a 'super group'.
Thank you so much to address somehow complex subjects for intermediate guitar players as it was walk in the park.
Paul Davids doing the impossible and actually making me appreciate a Chainsmokers song
Thanks Paul for such a clear musical explanation of why Cold Play songs are so awesome and for the encouragement to keep paying closer attention to the beauty of music. Cheers.
My goddd, my fav guitarist talks about my fav band i loveeee it
Ikr same I got so hyped seeing the thumbnail
Mannnn, and because of this, i realized alot of people love Coldplay which makes me sooo happy :3
if coldplay is your favorite band, you’re missing out on good music
@@nick3718 i get that not everyone likes their music, i of course listen to and like a lot of other music. However, this band gives me the vibe, the feeling i just love their solo lines and their lyrics. I guess if it's about the favour, opinion and thinking about songs or style we sould only agree to disagree, yes? Now, tell me your fav band and i will still appreceate them, i don't hate anything about music ever ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽
You just gave an entire first year college music theory course in one practical great video with context in real world setting! You are on believable! Thank you
It’s one of the band, that famous all around the world, but still write Pink Floish style conceptual albums (Everyday life, Viva la Vida).
But at another hand, they simply collaborate with today’s stars with super modern typical pop sound, and Chris like: I don’t give a shit, I wrote everything I want.
Love this guys, and love your channel, keep creating! Thanks a lot!
In each and every Paul video I wait for the "BUT". Simply brilliant explanations...
This was such a well made video. It’s as creative and artistic as the music you discuss.
Who says music theory should be boring. Thanks so much for this Paul!! amazing work as always
Conversely, Trent Reznor writes music in essentially the same way. The method is modal but instead of the happy modes, he uses the sad modes. And leaves the listener feeling uneasy and unresolved. I learned that from another RUclips channel. Shout out to Ixi music!
Big up to ixi! She really dives deep
This is just incredibly high quality, informative, entertaining content. There’s so little content out there like this, it’s really refreshing. Huge fan - thank you!
Love hearing you break down the theory and illuminate the magic behind Chris Martin's song writing. So eloquently described! Well done Sir.
Paul, your gift of breaking music down and in a completely enjoyable way is awesome. Thanks!
Paul, as always, you're just hitting the key points. Thank's a lot!
As someone with an almost visceral hate towards Coldplay (I really just don't like any of their music), I was apprehensive about clicking the thumb. But I still learned a lot, thanks! :D
How did you get 4 views (or 5 including me) in 4 seconds?!!! Amazing skills, Paul!!
Paul….ever since I discovered your channel, I not only subscribed, but the amazing part is every video of yours I watch puts a smile on my face. I’m not a very accomplished guitar player, but I enjoy the instrument nonetheless. Your videos are “must watch” for any aspiring musician, and the way you tell a story is captivating. Thank You 🙏
You are amazing!
I have been enjoying Coldplay for more than a decade, and I do play guitar and know a lot about musical theory. Despite all that, I've never realized this pattern on their songs. It surely explains the uplifiting, hopeful and dreamy mood of most of these songs. Nicely done, my friend, great analysis!
Nashville number system is the very first thing I learned in elementary school playing guitar. Love it and think about progressions in numbers instead of letters.
My Favourite band.
Paul, I'm a self taught guitarist of 24 years. Theory has always been a struggle for me. Videos like these have changed my whole world! Helps that Chris Martin is one of my favourite musicians / song writers :) Keep it up bro!
Paul is an amazing teacher. His visuals support the verbal content delivery at the right moment in which everything seems to make sense, when hearing for the first time👍🤗🎼🎵🎶🎸
man the way he explains it even if you have no background
epic!
thanks paul :)
Still one of the greatest things I have ever seen is Coldplay closing the 2012 Paralympics! I’ll never understand why it’s so popular to hate this band!
A lot of people feel the need to individualise themselves and not follow the larger group, especially at certain ages. Those who hate are not really that far from love.
@@danhermele I don't hate them, but I find them shallow and there's so, so, so, much better music to listen to.
The delay on that guitar and the tone makes everything you are playing sound like The Last of Us soundtrack and I love it.
Contemporary Christian music often follows a 4-1-5-6 or 4-5-6-1 progression. It was listening to that growing up that taught me the numbers system alongside learning guitar
Elevation likes starting on 4 a good bit. And then there’s songs like “Yes I Will,” “10,000 Reasons,” and “Waymaker”
I understand about 20% of the content but thoroughly enjoy your explanation, very articulate. Thanks. subscribed.