Amazing how much more “alive” riff b felt in that first example. Good chord selection helps create interesting melodies all on its own, which can really help to escalate the main melodic line
@@Mafon2 Everyone's going to have a different tastes. There's no right or wrong. I personally find Riff A quite boring, but at the same time, I usually just prefer anything with a little dissonance over something that's a bit more major key sounding It's just personal preference at the end of the day.
the drums and bass ended up going in a completely different direction to what i was thinkin - thanks mate, never cease to surprise with awesome ideas :)
I was gonna say, sometimes I come up with a riff but start second guessing myself after recording. Once thrown into a mix though it sounds quite nice! I guess the lesson is to not second guess yourself and just follow through with your ideas.
It's basically just a snare roll with the kicks playing on each quarter note. Not sure if there's a specific name for that or not though, I usually just refer to them as "build-ups".
Sure thing! Yeah they're all 16th notes, and it helps if you accent certain parts when programming that sound - so in this case I was accenting all the quarter notes on the snare as well.
Great, thanks. On the riff, I get progressions using chords in a key, but do you then write a riff using a certain scale in that key?Like major or minor pentatonic? Or just more by ear?
You can do, there's really no rules. I'd say that isn't something I do - at least not on a conscious level, unless I'm really struggling to come up with anything that sounds good over a progression. I think the downside of *only* relying on scales is that you can quite easily box yourself in, and you may end up being scared to venture outside of these set patterns the more you do this. That's why I predominately write by ear, because if it sounds good, then I'll go with it, even if it's not "technically" correct.
How much music theory do you know/apply to your writing? Do you specifically play in a set key and use a determined scale for coming up with the melody, or is it just a mix of noodling and/or playing by ear until you find something nice?
Very little. I'd say I almost always go by ear whenever I write something. The only time I'm ever really using theory is if I'm working out some different chord voicing for another guitar part - I often like to play different voiceings in the left and right rhythm guitars, so for that I'll use some basic theory just to come up with the additional part, or again, just use my ear for this too. Hope that helps!
It comes stock with Reason - not sure if you're able to buy / download it by itself, though Reason does also double up as a plugin, along with being a standalone DAW.
Could you make a video about how you mix your songs or tracks? I am using Cubase and I love recording stuff, but I don’t get how to mix it and make it sound well… What are you using? Do you have advices? Love your content, Quentin 🤘✌️🎸
Hey Quetin! Mixing is such a broad topic that it would be difficult to break everything down into one single concise video. Is there a specific area you're struggling with currently? As a general piece of advice, I'd suggest practicing as much as you possibly can. Mixing is really no different from learning an instrument; the more time you put into it, the better you'll become. There's definitely something to be said for how long it takes to develop an ear for things too. Hearing nuances like compression and saturation usually doesn't happen overnight-you've just got to put in the hours, and eventually, you'll start to see improvements in each song you finish. If you're recording your own stuff, then hopefully you'll have enough material to work with. If not, try checking out Cambridge Music Technology-it's a great website that has tons of free multitracks you can download and practise with. I'd also recommend referencing your favorite mixes while working on your own songs. It acts as a palate cleanser and helps you stay focused. Try not to get too discouraged when things don't sound exactly like your favorite records-I think most mixers, myself included, are never completely satisfied with the outcome and always want to do better each time. It's a totally normal feeling to have. Oh, and as for gear, I use Reason for recording and production, and Reaper for mixing and mastering. Cubase will do fine, though; there's no need to switch DAWs unless you're looking for a different workflow. Just work with what you have and try to use any limitations to your advantage. If you have any further questions, feel free to reply, or you can always reach out via email. I hope some of this was helpful to you!
if you just copy the original track and paste it to a new track and then pin them hard and left, you’re going to have phasing issues. If you replay that same part, get it as close as possible to the original track, and then pin them left and right, the subtle differences will give you a much wider and full sound, especially for rhythm tracks.
It was made for a client I was working with, and J-Rock/ punk was the style they hand in mind for the song. Basically they'd give me a brief description of the "vibe" and I'd come up with something to fit that.
Yes, riffs do tend to have chord progressions underneath them... If you listened to what I said, then you'd get that it's literally the argument of the video. Focus less on writing the 'coolest' sounding riff, and focus more on your chords, because they have a huge impact in determining how 'good' a riff can sound. Knowing how one thing can affect another is always going to improve your songwriting abilities. Maybe you're opposed to that?
@@SugarpillProd If your English was better then I might agree - the title say's 'The simple trick to writing guitar licks'! NOT 'Focus less on writing the 'coolest' sounding riff, and focus more on your chords'.
@@SugarpillProd So predictable - I knew you would pick up on that! Just shows you can't take any constructive criticism - just admit the title was wrong, then the video would be ok.
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Amazing how much more “alive” riff b felt in that first example. Good chord selection helps create interesting melodies all on its own, which can really help to escalate the main melodic line
100%. It really makes even the most basic melodies sound that much better! You definitely phrased that better than I did in the video too 🤣
I have a terrible taste, I preffered riff A.
@@Mafon2 Everyone's going to have a different tastes. There's no right or wrong. I personally find Riff A quite boring, but at the same time, I usually just prefer anything with a little dissonance over something that's a bit more major key sounding
It's just personal preference at the end of the day.
nice to finally hear you talk in a video!
Thanks!
Wow what a catchy segment - I’d love to hear a full song! Thanks a lot for this tutorial by the way, super insightful.
Sure thing! It was made for a client so hopefully you'll hear the final version at some point.
Dude has a voice? Sick! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Thanks 😂🙏
someone’s a Bloc Party fan!
Big time!
You can create an anime intro with that riff in the end!
Haha you're not the first person to have told me that 😂 Thanks for watching!
That’s because of complexity and speed simpler sounds more like music that rocks
Dude you are so talented. Always love your videos
Thank you so much 😀
Whoa! as a guitarist of 25 years and a songwriter, this is amazing content. Instant sub!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate that!
the drums and bass ended up going in a completely different direction to what i was thinkin - thanks mate, never cease to surprise with awesome ideas :)
2 weeks without you, my life is not the same now
God damn. That final piece would have been right at home in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Loved it. Cheers man
Haha thanks man!
I was gonna say, sometimes I come up with a riff but start second guessing myself after recording. Once thrown into a mix though it sounds quite nice! I guess the lesson is to not second guess yourself and just follow through with your ideas.
Yeah I know what you mean! Normally I never like the sound of things until I've got the bass in there as well.
I've been struck on my ass for month, Thanks for taking me back and gave me confident in making my own riff again!
No problem, I hope it helps!
Hey man, you inspired me to make videos, love the content as per usual!
That's awesome to hear. Good luck with your channel!
Really great song idea… now for the arrangement. This could go a few very interesting ways. Thanks for the video!
You're very welcome!
This is excellent!! I've really been enjoying your videos. You've got a new fan in me!!
Awesome, thank you!
That last riff sounds like You and Me by Attack! Attack! (UK)
Shoutout to using Reason! My DAW of choice
It's awesome!
This is awesome. Subscribed!
Awesome, thank you!
That’s really cool! Great ideas
Thanks!
Great video mate!
Thanks a lot!
You have the best music channel on youtube
Thanks so much 🙏
Man, what a great video. What was the background / interlude music?
Thanks! It's just a thing I wrote for background music for these videos. It's basically just me noodling around in DADF#AD tuning, haha.
my fav guitar youtuber
Thanks so much!
great riffs man!!
Thank you!
what's the word for the drum technique you used as the intro for your song (3:42)??
It's basically just a snare roll with the kicks playing on each quarter note. Not sure if there's a specific name for that or not though, I usually just refer to them as "build-ups".
@@SugarpillProd thanks! are the snare hits played on every 1/16th note?
Sure thing! Yeah they're all 16th notes, and it helps if you accent certain parts when programming that sound - so in this case I was accenting all the quarter notes on the snare as well.
@@SugarpillProd appreciate it mate! I'm going through your uploads now, extremely useful info paired with a great format and boppin' tunes 🔥
Thanks so much. I appreciate that!
Great, thanks. On the riff, I get progressions using chords in a key, but do you then write a riff using a certain scale in that key?Like major or minor pentatonic? Or just more by ear?
You can do, there's really no rules. I'd say that isn't something I do - at least not on a conscious level, unless I'm really struggling to come up with anything that sounds good over a progression. I think the downside of *only* relying on scales is that you can quite easily box yourself in, and you may end up being scared to venture outside of these set patterns the more you do this.
That's why I predominately write by ear, because if it sounds good, then I'll go with it, even if it's not "technically" correct.
How much music theory do you know/apply to your writing? Do you specifically play in a set key and use a determined scale for coming up with the melody, or is it just a mix of noodling and/or playing by ear until you find something nice?
Very little. I'd say I almost always go by ear whenever I write something. The only time I'm ever really using theory is if I'm working out some different chord voicing for another guitar part - I often like to play different voiceings in the left and right rhythm guitars, so for that I'll use some basic theory just to come up with the additional part, or again, just use my ear for this too. Hope that helps!
Honestly reminds me of some of Bloc Party’s lesser know songs- like the Once And Future King
This video was great! Glad I subscribed a while ago…!
Thanks, I appreciate you sticking around!
thanks for the great videos. Can you tell me the name/manufacturer of the "scales and chords" plug-in you're using at 44 seconds?
It comes stock with Reason - not sure if you're able to buy / download it by itself, though Reason does also double up as a plugin, along with being a standalone DAW.
whats the background music? sounds amazing (also the riff in the video too is fantastic!)
Thanks! It's not really anything, just me playing some random chords in an open tuning, haha.
OMG WHAT GUITAR IS ON THE COVER I LOVE IT
one of tom delonges fender starcasters
Love this video!
Thank you!
Great video. What is that "Scales & Chords" keyboard plugin that you're using?
Thanks! It's a stock plugin that comes with Reason.
What are the chord shapes being played?
During which section?
@@SugarpillProd the jazzy emo section at 2:11; also played during the final playthrough
Ah, they're all 7th chords. Two major and two minor.
In the last song example, are you just playing maj & minor chords or are you using 7ths or 9s?
I believe I was playing all 7ths 👍
Super content!
Glad you think so!
Nice work as usual. Thank you.
Thanks so much 🙏
Could you make a video about how you mix your songs or tracks? I am using Cubase and I love recording stuff, but I don’t get how to mix it and make it sound well…
What are you using? Do you have advices?
Love your content,
Quentin 🤘✌️🎸
Hey Quetin! Mixing is such a broad topic that it would be difficult to break everything down into one single concise video. Is there a specific area you're struggling with currently? As a general piece of advice, I'd suggest practicing as much as you possibly can. Mixing is really no different from learning an instrument; the more time you put into it, the better you'll become. There's definitely something to be said for how long it takes to develop an ear for things too. Hearing nuances like compression and saturation usually doesn't happen overnight-you've just got to put in the hours, and eventually, you'll start to see improvements in each song you finish. If you're recording your own stuff, then hopefully you'll have enough material to work with. If not, try checking out Cambridge Music Technology-it's a great website that has tons of free multitracks you can download and practise with.
I'd also recommend referencing your favorite mixes while working on your own songs. It acts as a palate cleanser and helps you stay focused. Try not to get too discouraged when things don't sound exactly like your favorite records-I think most mixers, myself included, are never completely satisfied with the outcome and always want to do better each time. It's a totally normal feeling to have.
Oh, and as for gear, I use Reason for recording and production, and Reaper for mixing and mastering. Cubase will do fine, though; there's no need to switch DAWs unless you're looking for a different workflow. Just work with what you have and try to use any limitations to your advantage. If you have any further questions, feel free to reply, or you can always reach out via email. I hope some of this was helpful to you!
Sounds like Kana Boon.
what software do you use for recording and mixing? I love your videos
Thanks! I use Reason 12 for recording & arranging, and Reaper for mixing & mastering.
Sonds kinda SKAish
can you make a video how to make complex chords rather than power chords, saw lot of bands doing it right now
I've done quite a few on that topic already. This playlist might help you out - ruclips.net/p/PLVDwKzs2IcV1N1fZMi_iEBDvo6BX5OTtt&si=VuO88B1FO0uHMbd5
This really sounds like two door cinema to me
I'm familiar with the name, but I don't think I've ever heard a song by them, haha.
Two door cinema club
But isn’t duplicating a guitar track then pinning hard left and right just making a slightly louder mono track?
I don't believe I suggested doing that in the video. Which bit are you referring to?
if you just copy the original track and paste it to a new track and then pin them hard and left, you’re going to have phasing issues. If you replay that same part, get it as close as possible to the original track, and then pin them left and right, the subtle differences will give you a much wider and full sound, especially for rhythm tracks.
Dude let’s start a band
That sounded like japanese band rock Isn't it?
It was made for a client I was working with, and J-Rock/ punk was the style they hand in mind for the song. Basically they'd give me a brief description of the "vibe" and I'd come up with something to fit that.
@@SugarpillProd oh yeah, it gives that V I B E
I hear jujutsu kaisen ost
From the name I'm guessing some kind of anime or manga? Forgive my ignorance, I'm not super well-versed in that world, haha.
@@SugarpillProd yes its a anime. Keep it up bro. Its a eargasm
Everything is labeled "a secret " in music learning. Kinda gets on my nerves. But nice video
Yeah I hate it too, but that's unfortunately what you have to do to get people to click.
@@SugarpillProd That's true. You're cool, you got yourself a sub😁
face reveal at 100k
This has nothing to do with writing an actual riff - it's combining a riff with a progression! 👎
Yes, riffs do tend to have chord progressions underneath them... If you listened to what I said, then you'd get that it's literally the argument of the video. Focus less on writing the 'coolest' sounding riff, and focus more on your chords, because they have a huge impact in determining how 'good' a riff can sound. Knowing how one thing can affect another is always going to improve your songwriting abilities. Maybe you're opposed to that?
@@SugarpillProd If your English was better then I might agree - the title say's 'The simple trick to writing guitar licks'! NOT 'Focus less on writing the 'coolest' sounding riff, and focus more on your chords'.
@@geoffwatson Love how you didn't even quote the title right 🤡
@@SugarpillProd So predictable - I knew you would pick up on that! Just shows you can't take any constructive criticism - just admit the title was wrong, then the video would be ok.
@@geoffwatson What, pick up on you saying 'if your English was better ' then you proceeding to fail at English? 🤣