@@ChristopherBrellochs hi Dr. B. 🙂 I checked your patreon but I can't see the amount of videos that are available there. Can you please inform me what kind of schedule you follow regarding new videos? Thanks for the free stuff here. I really enjoy your way of teaching.
@@jelly.1899 Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I should definitely make this clear. So there are currently 5 videos already on PATREON that you can't get on RUclips (though some excerpts from the beginning of these videos is available). I haven't been able to upload new videos consistently or frequently so I have just started trying out some RUclips Live Q&A videos. What I do to give an extra benefit for my PATREON supporters is I let them submit questions in advance and I only announce the day & time there. People only following me on RUclips and who have turned on notifications ("rung the bell"), will get a message when I go "live" and can ask question in the chat which I will answer after my PATREON questions. I hope that clears things up a bit. Thanks for the question! Dr. B
@@ChristopherBrellochs Hi Dr. B., 🙂 thank you very much for your reply. As I am still a novice (binging music theory) I will definitely remind myself to check out your patreon, when I have leveled up my brain 😋 until then I will enjoy all your classes form start to finish to get the basics down.
Omg This is so amazing thank you. I think God saved you a special place in heaven. You aren't just helping college music students you are helping people who are self-thought or have no money to go to an actual music college learn. I am in that category I am a young guitar player and I really want to dive into music theory cause I think it's really cool and you are helping me with that thank you
Awesome! I agree with you - music theory is really cool and I enjoy music so much more with the additional level of understanding it gives me. Best wishes, Dr. B
I don't know how many of us have finally found one reliable source to learn music from here on RUclips. Thank you for making these priceless contents available to us without a charge. This is purely an intellectual philanthropy. Please Accept a Sincere Gratitude from Nepal 🇳🇵 . May God bless you . 😍
Your a great teacher kid, i've watched a lot of music theory tutorials and this is the only one that not only taught me a great deal, but didn't put me to sleep 10 mins into it.
I really appreciate you directing people to my videos; I couldn't be happier when they help people achieve their musical dreams. Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Wanted to post this for anyone who is trying to memorize the scales as this tip has helped me a lot along with everything you covered in the video. Besides writing everything out I am focusing on the first three sharp and flat scales respectively (FBbEb, GDA) and of course C as the foundational scales to memorize. Then whenever you get a scale that has more than 3 accidentals rather than outright memorizing the entire scale, simply take your foundational scale and convert the accidentals from that to natural, and all the original naturals to whichever accidental applies (+7 sharp or -7 flat depending what scale you want). For example instead of trying to remember that Gb Major has GbAbCbDbEbFb as accidentals, Take G Major which only has F#, F# becomes F natural and every other note becomes flat. Bb major to B Major, Bb and Eb become B and E natural and everything else is raised to a sharp, and so on. C# and Cb major have all 7 accidentals because C has no accidentals. Foundation Scale Conversion Scale G Gb D Db A Ab C C# Cb F F# Bb B Eb E Hopefully this makes sense and helps someone, I wouldn't say I've memorized all 15 scales to the extent I want yet but this has made the process a lot faster for me.
I was a music major my first two years of college before changing majors and going to film school. Now, 20 years later, I'm going back to relearn all the theory I've forgotten over the years. Your explanation of the circle of fifths is SO MUCH BETTER than how I was taught it (WWHWWWH) Here I thought I was just bad at music theory, turns out I just had a bad professor.
I'm happy you found this site! There's a lot of content here and sometimes people benefit from watching a music theory video more than once. Enjoy the journey! Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
25:45 this is the most replayed (therefore, most misunderstood) part of this video, which is the explanation of applying the Descending Melodic Minor formula. It’s the only part I also didn’t understand. I think it’s because Dr B. left the Ascending Melodic Minor scale there, and didn’t start from scratch again with writing out the Gb Major Scale that we are applying the formula to. For anyone else confused, just rewind to 23:36, and pretend to apply the Descending Melodic Minor formula (lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes), and then you can go back to 25:45 and it will make more sense. Dr. B, I still don’t understand why, at 26:42, you chose to work backwards to explain “on the way down”, but I’m happy to leave that, and I’m sure I’ll understand it after learning more. Many thanks for these videos!
Hi @JaydenLawson, I appreciate the detailed evaluation. I'm always looking for the best way to explain music theory with the least chance of misunderstanding. You make a good point and thanks for offering a way that might help other viewers understand. Best wishes, Dr. B
@@ChristopherBrellochs thank you, and your dedication to these replies, after so long, is truly inspirational. I wish you great joy and success from all the effort!
The descending melodic is just the natural minor scale , played on the way down. So melodic scale: play lowering only the 3rd on the way up. Play the natural minor( lower 3-6-7) on the way down.
Okay, this is only the first video, and he explains it so much better than my first music theory teacher did. This video is already showing me my true potential. Thank you!
I am 16 years old trying to learn music theory so I can produce good music and this video is really helpful I've seen 100s of other videos on RUclips but they we're confusing but the way you teach it is crisp and clear Thank you 🔥
The clarity of this lesson amazed me. I watched another video that taught the Whole/Half step approach, introduced the Circle of Fifths halfway through, and forgot about it. I never knew how useful it was! Thank you so much, for making music theory less scary for me and many others.
Good luck! And don't worry, I get to voice-leading in my videos. I've found that going in sequence from lesson 1 and forward in order, makes it easier to understand new concepts since you'll have a complete and solid foundation. Enjoy, Dr. B
Thank you. As someone in middle age and new to music theory, I appreciate the clarity and structure of this lesson. I will definitely check out the others.
My favorite words - "clarity" and "structure." As you check out more videos you will see how emotion naturally follows from everything as well. Enjoy, Dr. B
It's always so lovely to watch someone who wants to share their knowledge teach. I regret never taking music classes in college but decided to look into a bit of music theory on YT. What a gem these videos are! Your students are lucky to have you. Your effort does not go unappreciated. Thanks so much.
Dr B , I could not thank you enough for the contents of this music course . They are invaluable to me as a 74 years old self-taught lover of music . I am sure I'm not the only one feeling this way . With gratitude ...
I can't thank you enough for uploading all of these lessons. I'll be watching every single one over the next few months. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is gold. I'm gonna have some extensive vacations of my day job which has nothing to do with music, but I'm planning watch many of your classes, and study it. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you, Christopher.
I'm a learning bass player, with little knowledge in scales. Been trying to understand more of it and saw the circle of fifths. Everyone from online videos / tutorials explained it in a really technical way in which i didn't have the bases to understand it fully. I've been taking classes in a musical school, and everytime we went to the circle of fifths subject, i got lost midway. These examples are crystal clear to me! The patterns that you show and simplify helped me so much. I'm eager to watch all your other tutorials, as this helped me so much. Thank you so much for that man, you're a lifesaver!
Thank you so much for these lessons! I am doing this old school way by taking notes with pen and paper. I have also notebook for writing scales and other things again and again and again. I started playing music and learning music theory after my 30's and these videos help me a lot.
You are so right with the chunks and the ruls having sense and making your life easier. God, leaving the music aside, you are a great pedagogue! Proud of you!
Okay, not to put down the shower of compliments you deserve, because I really understood everything very well and am completely amazed that this is on youtube for free. But your circle of fifths is mirrored, and I almost learnt it that way if it wasn't for my curiosity making me wonder why it went down in notes to the right and up to the left, leading me to realize it's wrong. Mostly a warning for other people learning this for the first time as well.
I'm very happy you found this easy to understand. I've spent a lot of time trying to find the best sequence of presenting this information. Best wishes, Dr. B
I’ve watched this vid for 15 min and it’s the first time I’ve understood the fundamentals of the circle of 5ths in my life. I’m a guitar player but don’t hold that against me. Now it clicks 🎉
Glad to have you on board and enjoy the ride! When I teach these as in person classes it takes about 10 months to cover everything, so buckle up and let's learn some music theory. Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
The first thing that occurs to me when watching this lecture is how much easier and more logical it all seems to someone who has studied piano. In my opinion, any serious musician, no matter the instrument (including voice) should be strongly urged to learn scales on a piano at an early age if possible. In fact, most university level music programs do require this, but a surprising number of music majors arrive on campus never having touched a keyboard.
I agree 100%, and excellent points. I actually think that every serious musician should sing (to develop the ear and better understand melody), play piano (to better understand harmony and music theory), and drums (to better understand rhythm). Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Best music theory lectures! Currently I need to review music theory and history for grad school entrance. I am very grateful for the lectures you gave!
White board techniques. As you explained the descending melodic minor you used the line of the melodic minor scale.At this point, you correctly mentioned that we are starting with the major. I believe this creates the confusion you talk about. Which I myself have experienced at review of the lesson.But again Dr B. such a great an effective lesson.Thank you so much. Flats and sharps can be fun.
It is pretty easy to talk correctly about music theory but have methods that leave room for error. I am always trying to improve the way I explain things such that there is less room for confusion. In teaching the class again this semester I've already found a few new ways. I'm glad you're watching critically! Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
I can not stop thanking God enough, that i came across your videos, which is making my music theory very easy to understand. This year i was supposed to give Trinity Grade 6, Theory exam on 5th May 2019. But due to Corona Pandemic, the exam date still had not been declared. So i started searching for more theories videos and i found you. Thank you very much Dr. B, for all your videos......Regards, Rajshri from India....
Thank you for teaching and posting in a compassionate way! I took Music Theory I + II 7 years ago in college and my teacher was so wretched and cruel that I essentially quit music, other than playing songs I enjoyed. I hadn't really sought to hone my skills. I am now in college again and taking Theory III, but your videos are definitely going to help me regain what I lost (or never really learned!)
Thanks! Do you think I need some gimmicks? For example, for Halloween I could dress up a Shaggy and give a music theory lesson to Scooby. I'm kidding...I think. Best wishes, Dr. B
I was thinking I know the circle of fifths. I could skip this one. Amazing how often my OCD turns out to be a blessing. Turns out I did not nearly understand the circle of fifths. Thanks so much for the concise and clear explanations.
Sir. I have just started watching your videos. Thank you. You are a great teacher. I am learning new methods from this video. I am sure its going to be a great experience for me while walk through this series of lessons. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for the comment. Make sure to watch all the "Lesson" videos in order, and read the description/topics before watching as I identify exact spots if I misspoke or made a small mistake in the video. Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
It’s a great explanation, thank you, HOWEVER, for starters the point at 1:52 is very important to note: “Some people like to do it this way” - not some, pretty much EVERYONE looks at the Circle of Fifth the other way round than depicted here. The professor in this video mirrors the Circle of Fifth, then explains it very well, but if you memorized going down clockwise is the flat way, you’re doing it wrong with virtually every Circle of Fifth out there.
Thank you for all lectures! I'm lacking in music theory too, watched many lessons but yours are the best so far. Really treasure on YT. Have a nice day, sir :)
Writing music is my hobby and passion. I'm IT specialist by my true love is the music crafting :) Until now I was trying to do all by ear but very often I faced with progression & "resolving" problems. I hope that your lectures help me to understand what mistakes I made and still doing and how to "color" my chords and lead. I love the way you explain the theory. It's so enlightenment and easy to understand. Thank you for the effort that you put to make these videos, sir! Greets from Poland.
Keep using your ear, but when you get "stuck" and can't find something that works use music theory! I'll give you the most common solutions and resolutions. Enjoy.
Just came across these on reddit. Already subbed and liked, only halfway through the first video. Such a great teacher, I hope the reddit exposure helps subs.
Thanks. Some people point out that I write the Circle of Fifths opposite the norm. I argue that since we usually read it clockwise and that progressions go down in fifths that this way makes the most sense. Best wishes, Dr. B
Thanks. Share this everywhere and we'll see if we can get more people to teach it with the best step-by-step methods possible. BTW, I'm still working on a few topics like transposition which I think can be explained simpler. Enjoy, Dr. B
It’s easier if you use Fat Cat system so you don’t have to memorise the scales. It’s a much better tool and easier to use quickly. Same with BeadGCF. Happy to share the concept
I am watching all of your lessons! I know a lot of music theory but this revision is really good. I am also hoping you channel will improve my composing especially melodically
Thanks for the comment. I've been thinking about a video that talks more about melody; please be patient as it might take a while for me to get to it! Until then, enjoy all the lessons!
I totally agree the circle of fifths should be taught in fourths, but you've written the whole thing backwards. Clockwise is up fifths while counter clockwise is down fifths (or up fourths). We speak the same language just different dialects. I also have to disagree that this is faster than one whole whole halfing it to figure out a scale. The student starts seeing these shapes and patterns, I don't see the need to berate them with the alphabet. That being being said, you are doing an awesome job. 👍
Thanks for watching! You make some great points. Since the most powerful resolution is down a 5th and clockwise is the direction we tell time, I like to write out the circle of 5ths to align with that idea! I don't think the other way is wrong but I'm experimenting with how to teach it to students new to music theory in a way that is really cohesive. It would be great to do an experiment where one group of students is taught scales with WWHWWWH and the second group is taught with the circle of 5ths. We could settle once and for all which is faster :) Ultimately I want students to know all methods as each has its advantages. Thanks for giving me food for thought!
Ps. Prior to running the melodic descending minor we need to make the mind switch back to the major scale and then apply the formula b3, b6, b7. Thanks so much Dr.B
Yes! It is easy to miss that step and make mistakes. I'm still trying to decide if focusing on the natural minor and modifying from there would be easier. Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
@@ChristopherBrellochs IT IS PERFECTLY AND DEDACTICALLY CORRECT TO DO SO. AXIOMA : PEOPLE HEAR WHAT THEY SEE !!!! THANKS AGAIN DOC. MUCH LUV. HILARY FROM ARUBA.
@@ChristopherBrellochs I'm no pedagogue but it makes sense to me to focus on the natural minor. This allows for two solid bridges to be constructed between major and natural minor (the parallel minor and relative minor). My understanding is that the harmonic minor developed from the natural minor, as the idea of harmony took hold, so perhaps it makes sense today to consider it as the need begins to arise, when chords come to be considered. It seems that the advantages to harmony of the harmonic minor came at the cost (or perceived cost) of an "awkward" augmented second between ^6 and ^7. If so, it makes sense to consider the problem, and its rectification in the melodic minor, as the time to consider voice leading draws near (which also allows for an explanation of the difference between the two forms of the melodic minor.) In any event, having two routes from major to natural minor, plus one route from natural minor to harmonic minor and one route from natural minor to melodic minor is just four (simple) routes, whereas two routes from major to each form of the minor is six (confusable) routes.
Is there a workbook of some sort that coincides with this Music Theory course? Spent the last two days looking up Music Theory courses, paid and free. Came across a recommendation to check this course out on r/musictheory and loved this first lecture. You speak with passion, but also a sense of logical understanding to aim for the most efficient way in doing things. I'm taking my own notes in my notebook and writing my own action items based off what you say. Action item for Lesson 1: Practice writing the circle of fifths and major scales.
Thanks for letting me know where you heard about me. I'm so happy people are recommending my music theory lessons! When I teach the course at college I use "Tonal Harmony" by Kostka which has a textbook with self tests (answers) in back and workbook (no answers). You can get older editions relatively inexpensively. Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Thanks for your videos. Teaching music theory at my school but with this quarantine/stay-at-home I don't know how what to do. Highly recommend subscribing to your channel.
Great video Christopher! I'd be extremely grateful for a video on a) writing melody and b) writing "riffs" for contemporary music (there aren't many on RUclips). Thank you!
Thanks for the comment. Please be patient for videos on the two topics you mentioned. Both are VERY interesting topics that I'd like to cover in the future. Stay tuned!
I have just noticed some that doesn't add up regarding the Circle of 5ths, I wrote something in the key of Abm, I could have just as easily used G#m but I've chosen A flat minor. I know the Circle of 5ths inside out, I can easily write the entire thing on a piece of paper in less than 2 minutes. What I normally do after I compose something is I will delve into what I've done, scale degrees, cadences all of that. If you write the Scale of A flat minor linearly on a piece of paper with the Roman numerals etc, scale degree 4 (sub dom) inner circle is C#m (4 o'clock) but technically it should have its enharmonic equivalent noted in the circle, I will explain why, Dbm is the 4th degree of Abm, therefore if you were to modulate to from the tonic of Abm to its sub dominant it's technically Dbm but you have to call it C#m as Dbm is really a "theoretical key" and it has 8 flats with a B double flat that a composer would use when C#m has 4 sharps, far easier for a player to remember, I fully understand what enharmonic equivalents are, but this is another example of what I refer to as a work around. I use the Circle a lot and it's very useful, but it's far more logical and clear to write scales linearly in my opinion
You have made an excellent observation. Most composers don't write in A flat minor but if you look at the Brahms "Fugue in A flat minor" you will see lots of double flats (including B double flat)! ruclips.net/video/TN4TB3U5KXc/видео.html
I'm listening to this and the ambient noise sounds like the rain storms that I listen to while I sleep. Creepy. Cool. Conjecture. It's probably nothing. 😳
Haha, I never noticed that but I hear exactly what you mean. I wish I had recorded these with a lavalier mic on my lapel. Best wishes, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
I think my issue understanding this is how on earth did people ever figure this stuff out? I can memorize, but it's so crazy how music just works like this so visually simple but mathematically complex
For me it makes think there had to be a God who made us, it's all too complex to have just happened. The Bible even talks about God singing: Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
@@NathanJosiahOfficialstfu. You’re looking at thousands of years of human knowledge and figure out stuffs and saying we’re too dumb to come up with this. You’re the dumb one who can’t comprehend these concepts.
That's not the fastest way to get a minor scale: the notion of relative minor is way more efficient. Learn the circle of fifths in pairs major/minor and then derive harmonic and melodic by raising the 7th and the 6th and 7th respectively.
You might be right. It is interesting how there are often multiple ways to figure out a scale, chord, etc. Normally, I just present what I think is the most efficient but sometimes I'll teach multiple methods if they can be executed in similar speed. Of course you are right about how easy it is to modify a natural minor scale to derive harmonic and melodic minor. Thanks for the comment, Dr. B
You said that you can use the circle of fifth to know all the notes of a certain scale. The method you're proposing is picking a note on the circle, and write all the following notes in the alphabet until you go back to that note, and flatten the 4th note and the note previously flatten... How can I know which notes need to be flatten without writing all the previous scales ? Thanks ! Great content, great teacher...
Good question! Unfortunately there is no easy way to know which notes need to be flattened without writing all the previous scales. This method works ONLY if you do the scales in order (start with F, then Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb). The goal is to memorize them so you won't need to use the method forever. Some people find other methods more effective. For example you could try the formula: W W H W W W H (W = whole step, H = half step). For example, if you start with Ab (up a W = Bb, up another W = C, up a H = Db, up a W = Eb, up another W = F, up another W = G, up a H = Ab; you should end on the same note you started). Hope that helps, Dr. B www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Try to learn the "poeme" si mi la re sol do fa for scales with flats and inverse for scales with sharps. si for F, si, mi for B, si,mi,la for E etc..... i guess kids learn that way :)
Thanks! I want to thank France for the saxophone (which I play), macarons, and being a great place to visit (I've spent 2 weeks in Bordeaux, 1 week in Paris, and 1 week in Strasbourg).
People my age and younger tend to thenk that rote memorization is tedious. Probably because we were raised and/or educated by self-righteous hippies. Granted, some things are not worth memorizing. But some things are. The circle of 5ths is worth memorizing. The meaningful way of understanding it will remain elusive until the thing is simply memorized. I recommend frequent exposure to circle of 5ths flash cards, and some patience. Long practice is psychologically counterproductive. Frequency works better. Try to write out the circle once a day from memory. ONCE. You'll get it soon enough.
The mirror of 5ths/4ths decoding the circle after 300+ years with its universal mnemonic device is in alternative to the circle of 5ths for those who find the latter a bit hard to understand and memorize.
omg. a complete harmony course on you tube. this is priceless.
And once you are done with this, you can get more...for a price :), haha.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
@@ChristopherBrellochs hi Dr. B. 🙂 I checked your patreon but I can't see the amount of videos that are available there. Can you please inform me what kind of schedule you follow regarding new videos? Thanks for the free stuff here. I really enjoy your way of teaching.
@@jelly.1899 Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I should definitely make this clear. So there are currently 5 videos already on PATREON that you can't get on RUclips (though some excerpts from the beginning of these videos is available).
I haven't been able to upload new videos consistently or frequently so I have just started trying out some RUclips Live Q&A videos. What I do to give an extra benefit for my PATREON supporters is I let them submit questions in advance and I only announce the day & time there. People only following me on RUclips and who have turned on notifications ("rung the bell"), will get a message when I go "live" and can ask question in the chat which I will answer after my PATREON questions.
I hope that clears things up a bit. Thanks for the question!
Dr. B
@@ChristopherBrellochs Hi Dr. B., 🙂 thank you very much for your reply. As I am still a novice (binging music theory) I will definitely remind myself to check out your patreon, when I have leveled up my brain 😋 until then I will enjoy all your classes form start to finish to get the basics down.
@@ChristopherBrellochs HOW MUCH??
You have been helping countless of college music students who have to teach themselves due to bad teachers.
...using technology for the forces of good!
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Oof
also a lot of self thaught musicians
@@SuperIL12 word.
Absolutely right.
Omg This is so amazing thank you. I think God saved you a special place in heaven. You aren't just helping college music students you are helping people who are self-thought or have no money to go to an actual music college learn. I am in that category I am a young guitar player and I really want to dive into music theory cause I think it's really cool and you are helping me with that thank you
Awesome! I agree with you - music theory is really cool and I enjoy music so much more with the additional level of understanding it gives me.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
I don't know how many of us have finally found one reliable source to learn music from here on RUclips.
Thank you for making these priceless contents available to us without a charge. This is purely an intellectual philanthropy.
Please Accept a Sincere Gratitude from Nepal 🇳🇵 . May God bless you . 😍
Your a great teacher kid, i've watched a lot of music theory tutorials and this is the only one that not only taught me a great deal, but didn't put me to sleep 10 mins into it.
Thanks! I really appreciate it.
I've sent hundreds people to your videos. I appreciate what you do greatly
I really appreciate you directing people to my videos; I couldn't be happier when they help people achieve their musical dreams.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Wanted to post this for anyone who is trying to memorize the scales as this tip has helped me a lot along with everything you covered in the video. Besides writing everything out I am focusing on the first three sharp and flat scales respectively (FBbEb, GDA) and of course C as the foundational scales to memorize. Then whenever you get a scale that has more than 3 accidentals rather than outright memorizing the entire scale, simply take your foundational scale and convert the accidentals from that to natural, and all the original naturals to whichever accidental applies (+7 sharp or -7 flat depending what scale you want).
For example instead of trying to remember that Gb Major has GbAbCbDbEbFb as accidentals, Take G Major which only has F#, F# becomes F natural and every other note becomes flat. Bb major to B Major, Bb and Eb become B and E natural and everything else is raised to a sharp, and so on. C# and Cb major have all 7 accidentals because C has no accidentals.
Foundation Scale Conversion Scale
G Gb
D Db
A Ab
C C# Cb
F F#
Bb B
Eb E
Hopefully this makes sense and helps someone, I wouldn't say I've memorized all 15 scales to the extent I want yet but this has made the process a lot faster for me.
I was a music major my first two years of college before changing majors and going to film school. Now, 20 years later, I'm going back to relearn all the theory I've forgotten over the years. Your explanation of the circle of fifths is SO MUCH BETTER than how I was taught it (WWHWWWH)
Here I thought I was just bad at music theory, turns out I just had a bad professor.
Feel like I just hit the jackpot finding your site! TY CHris!!
I'm happy you found this site! There's a lot of content here and sometimes people benefit from watching a music theory video more than once.
Enjoy the journey!
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
ha ha ha ha (funny)
25:45 this is the most replayed (therefore, most misunderstood) part of this video, which is the explanation of applying the Descending Melodic Minor formula. It’s the only part I also didn’t understand. I think it’s because Dr B. left the Ascending Melodic Minor scale there, and didn’t start from scratch again with writing out the Gb Major Scale that we are applying the formula to.
For anyone else confused, just rewind to 23:36, and pretend to apply the Descending Melodic Minor formula (lower the 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes), and then you can go back to 25:45 and it will make more sense.
Dr. B, I still don’t understand why, at 26:42, you chose to work backwards to explain “on the way down”, but I’m happy to leave that, and I’m sure I’ll understand it after learning more.
Many thanks for these videos!
Hi @JaydenLawson, I appreciate the detailed evaluation. I'm always looking for the best way to explain music theory with the least chance of misunderstanding. You make a good point and thanks for offering a way that might help other viewers understand.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
@@ChristopherBrellochs thank you, and your dedication to these replies, after so long, is truly inspirational. I wish you great joy and success from all the effort!
The descending melodic is just the natural minor scale , played on the way down. So melodic scale: play lowering only the 3rd on the way up. Play the natural minor( lower 3-6-7) on the way down.
Okay, this is only the first video, and he explains it so much better than my first music theory teacher did. This video is already showing me my true potential. Thank you!
Just wait until you've watched all 47 videos in order! Your true potential is probably even higher than you realize.
Enjoy,
Dr. B
@@ChristopherBrellochs i will watch them all😊😊😊😊😊❤😊❤😊😊❤
I am 16 years old trying to learn music theory so I can produce good music and this video is really helpful I've seen 100s of other videos on RUclips but they we're confusing but the way you teach it is crisp and clear Thank you 🔥
SAAME
hey, how is it going? :Dd
The clarity of this lesson amazed me. I watched another video that taught the Whole/Half step approach, introduced the Circle of Fifths halfway through, and forgot about it. I never knew how useful it was! Thank you so much, for making music theory less scary for me and many others.
I'm happy to be helpful. Thanks for the comment and enjoy the rest of the video. Best wishes, Dr. B
omg i been looking for this kind of course for so long! yesss
Glad you found me!
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
I typed "voice leading lessons" and it got me here...I am not even complaining. Wish me luck.
Good luck! And don't worry, I get to voice-leading in my videos. I've found that going in sequence from lesson 1 and forward in order, makes it easier to understand new concepts since you'll have a complete and solid foundation.
Enjoy,
Dr. B
Thank you. As someone in middle age and new to music theory, I appreciate the clarity and structure of this lesson. I will definitely check out the others.
My favorite words - "clarity" and "structure." As you check out more videos you will see how emotion naturally follows from everything as well. Enjoy, Dr. B
It's always so lovely to watch someone who wants to share their knowledge teach. I regret never taking music classes in college but decided to look into a bit of music theory on YT. What a gem these videos are! Your students are lucky to have you. Your effort does not go unappreciated. Thanks so much.
Dr B , I could not thank you enough for the contents of this music course . They are invaluable to me as a 74 years old self-taught lover of music . I am sure I'm not the only one feeling this way . With gratitude ...
OMG YOU are my saviour!!!! CLEAR, ENTICING WITH ENERGY AND INTELLIGENCE essential qualities for this difficult subject....
You make me want to study to be a music teacher, and I've only watched this video. Looking forward to watching the rest :3
It is a ton of fun...
YOU HAVENT SEEN SETH MONAHAN YET
He's really good and not boring!
I studied EE, because I did not see this video.
@@ChristopherBrellochs I could quite literally study music theory day and night
Chris! This is exactly what I was looking for as a homeschooling dad! So clear and straight forward!
The only thing that has successfully taught me the Circle of Fifths! Bravo!!!
I can't thank you enough for uploading all of these lessons. I'll be watching every single one over the next few months. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You are welcome! Enjoy.
You are an outstanding music educator. Thank you for putting these lessons online.
This is gold. I'm gonna have some extensive vacations of my day job which has nothing to do with music, but I'm planning watch many of your classes, and study it. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you, Christopher.
I'm a learning bass player, with little knowledge in scales. Been trying to understand more of it and saw the circle of fifths. Everyone from online videos / tutorials explained it in a really technical way in which i didn't have the bases to understand it fully. I've been taking classes in a musical school, and everytime we went to the circle of fifths subject, i got lost midway.
These examples are crystal clear to me! The patterns that you show and simplify helped me so much. I'm eager to watch all your other tutorials, as this helped me so much. Thank you so much for that man, you're a lifesaver!
Thank you so much for these lessons! I am doing this old school way by taking notes with pen and paper. I have also notebook for writing scales and other things again and again and again. I started playing music and learning music theory after my 30's and these videos help me a lot.
I love how this guy teaches he makes everything so easy to learn that i once thought was really hard! (Thank You bro)
This is what i've been loking for.
Tomorow i start learning..
This will be an epic journey! Watch all 47 videos in order before you start watching the "bonus" videos.
Enjoy,
Dr. B
You are so right with the chunks and the ruls having sense and making your life easier. God, leaving the music aside, you are a great pedagogue! Proud of you!
Okay, not to put down the shower of compliments you deserve, because I really understood everything very well and am completely amazed that this is on youtube for free. But your circle of fifths is mirrored, and I almost learnt it that way if it wasn't for my curiosity making me wonder why it went down in notes to the right and up to the left, leading me to realize it's wrong. Mostly a warning for other people learning this for the first time as well.
This was so amazing. It lit up centers in my brain that lay dormant forever.
You are the best teacher here on youtube.
I am so glad I found this video series. You are an amazing professor. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
I'm so happy you find my videos useful.
Enjoy,
Dr. B
You are a greattttt teacher. Im 53 yrs and things I have struggled with since high school, you made sooooo easy. Thanks very much.
I'm very happy you found this easy to understand. I've spent a lot of time trying to find the best sequence of presenting this information.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
Great refresher on the basics. I'm looking forward to watching your other videos.
I have 40 music theory videos and growing, so there's a lot for you to watch! Enjoy!
I’ve watched this vid for 15 min and it’s the first time I’ve understood the fundamentals of the circle of 5ths in my life. I’m a guitar player but don’t hold that against me. Now it clicks 🎉
Day one of my lessons with Dr. B😍...this is the teacher I should’ve had years ago!!! I’m excited 😍
Glad to have you on board and enjoy the ride! When I teach these as in person classes it takes about 10 months to cover everything, so buckle up and let's learn some music theory.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
The first thing that occurs to me when watching this lecture is how much easier and more logical it all seems to someone who has studied piano. In my opinion, any serious musician, no matter the instrument (including voice) should be strongly urged to learn scales on a piano at an early age if possible. In fact, most university level music programs do require this, but a surprising number of music majors arrive on campus never having touched a keyboard.
I agree 100%, and excellent points. I actually think that every serious musician should sing (to develop the ear and better understand melody), play piano (to better understand harmony and music theory), and drums (to better understand rhythm).
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Best music theory lectures! Currently I need to review music theory and history for grad school entrance. I am very grateful for the lectures you gave!
Good luck on your entrance exams! Where are you going?
Christopher Brellochs Thank you! I have applied to 9 grad schools, so I am still waiting to hear from some schools.
Best wishes, Dr. B
White board techniques. As you explained the descending melodic minor you used the line of the melodic minor scale.At this point, you correctly mentioned that we are starting with the major. I believe this creates the confusion you talk about.
Which I myself have experienced at review of the lesson.But again Dr B. such a great an effective lesson.Thank you so much. Flats and sharps can be fun.
It is pretty easy to talk correctly about music theory but have methods that leave room for error. I am always trying to improve the way I explain things such that there is less room for confusion. In teaching the class again this semester I've already found a few new ways.
I'm glad you're watching critically!
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
FINALLYY A RELIABLE TEACHERRRR
I can not stop thanking God enough, that i came across your videos, which is making my music theory very easy to understand. This year i was supposed to give Trinity Grade 6, Theory exam on 5th May 2019. But due to Corona Pandemic, the exam date still had not been declared. So i started searching for more theories videos and i found you. Thank you very much Dr. B, for all your videos......Regards, Rajshri from India....
I'm watching these now Dr Brellochs. Thanks again for all u do. -Sarah R.
Wow. You are an incredible teacher, and have given me a thorough and digestible framework to move forward! Thank you so much
My pleasure, glad to help! Best wishes, Dr. B
Thank you for teaching and posting in a compassionate way! I took Music Theory I + II 7 years ago in college and my teacher was so wretched and cruel that I essentially quit music, other than playing songs I enjoyed. I hadn't really sought to hone my skills. I am now in college again and taking Theory III, but your videos are definitely going to help me regain what I lost (or never really learned!)
One of the greatest RUclips vids ever.
Impressive and can't be explained better, thanks for sharing your knowledge doctor!!
I'm happy to share the music! Thanks for the comment.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Amazing stuff. Keep it up Dr. B
Thank you very much! I really appreciate the comment - they do motivate me to keep making new videos.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
Thanks Doc.
I'm learning in China and don't have access to an English language theory teacher.
You're presentation is great.
Your didactic approach is brilliant!
Thanks! Do you think I need some gimmicks? For example, for Halloween I could dress up a Shaggy and give a music theory lesson to Scooby. I'm kidding...I think.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
Thank you so very much for your videos. I truly treasure them and hope to follow up with live classes. Thank you for your time and efforts.
Thanks Trae; I'm really happy you find the videos helpful.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
You’re an incredible teacher! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the world!
Best instruction on Music Theory online! Thank you.
I was thinking I know the circle of fifths. I could skip this one. Amazing how often my OCD turns out to be a blessing. Turns out I did not nearly understand the circle of fifths. Thanks so much for the concise and clear explanations.
Sir. I have just started watching your videos. Thank you. You are a great teacher. I am learning new methods from this video. I am sure its going to be a great experience for me while walk through this series of lessons. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for the comment. Make sure to watch all the "Lesson" videos in order, and read the description/topics before watching as I identify exact spots if I misspoke or made a small mistake in the video.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
@@ChristopherBrellochs Sure. Thank you so much.
It’s a great explanation, thank you, HOWEVER, for starters the point at 1:52 is very important to note: “Some people like to do it this way” - not some, pretty much EVERYONE looks at the Circle of Fifth the other way round than depicted here. The professor in this video mirrors the Circle of Fifth, then explains it very well, but if you memorized going down clockwise is the flat way, you’re doing it wrong with virtually every Circle of Fifth out there.
Thank you from 2024!! Brushing up on theory before Berklee!
Thank you for all lectures! I'm lacking in music theory too, watched many lessons but yours are the best so far. Really treasure on YT. Have a nice day, sir :)
You are welcome and thanks for the comment. You will be in good shape with music theory if you watch all these videos and then try to use everything!
Writing music is my hobby and passion. I'm IT specialist by my true love is the music crafting :) Until now I was trying to do all by ear but very often I faced with progression & "resolving" problems. I hope that your lectures help me to understand what mistakes I made and still doing and how to "color" my chords and lead. I love the way you explain the theory. It's so enlightenment and easy to understand. Thank you for the effort that you put to make these videos, sir! Greets from Poland.
Keep using your ear, but when you get "stuck" and can't find something that works use music theory! I'll give you the most common solutions and resolutions. Enjoy.
Just came across these on reddit. Already subbed and liked, only halfway through the first video. Such a great teacher, I hope the reddit exposure helps subs.
I barely scraped by to pass my theory 2 class so my teacher admonished me to study this stuff over the summer. Thank you!
Learning isn't always fun. Using what you learned especially to make money and great music always is!
Best explanation of the Circle of 5ths I've seen. Very nice.
Thanks. Some people point out that I write the Circle of Fifths opposite the norm. I argue that since we usually read it clockwise and that progressions go down in fifths that this way makes the most sense.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
Dr B please please please upload more videos I’m dying to learn music from you. You are so good at it damn 😭😭😭
Whoohaa this is great. I am so happy that I found this channel.
Thanks a lot for your lectures! They are extremely instructive and inspirational. Best regards Martin
My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
OMG, this is loads easier than the way I have been learning! Why is this not way taught all the time?!
Thanks. Share this everywhere and we'll see if we can get more people to teach it with the best step-by-step methods possible. BTW, I'm still working on a few topics like transposition which I think can be explained simpler.
Enjoy,
Dr. B
THANK YOU THIS IS SO MUCH EASIER THAT WHOLE STEP HALF STEP STUFF GIVES ME A HEADACHE
It’s easier if you use Fat Cat system so you don’t have to memorise the scales. It’s a much better tool and easier to use quickly. Same with BeadGCF. Happy to share the concept
Share away please! 🙏
I don’t play an instrument but learning this sounds fun so why not 😂 I’m going to go buy a notebook
So grateful for these lessons! Thank you so much!
I am watching all of your lessons! I know a lot of music theory but this revision is really good. I am also hoping you channel will improve my composing especially melodically
Thanks for the comment. I've been thinking about a video that talks more about melody; please be patient as it might take a while for me to get to it! Until then, enjoy all the lessons!
Thanks for making these lectures available for us!
I totally agree the circle of fifths should be taught in fourths, but you've written the whole thing backwards. Clockwise is up fifths while counter clockwise is down fifths (or up fourths). We speak the same language just different dialects. I also have to disagree that this is faster than one whole whole halfing it to figure out a scale. The student starts seeing these shapes and patterns, I don't see the need to berate them with the alphabet. That being being said, you are doing an awesome job. 👍
Thanks for watching! You make some great points.
Since the most powerful resolution is down a 5th and clockwise is the direction we tell time, I like to write out the circle of 5ths to align with that idea! I don't think the other way is wrong but I'm experimenting with how to teach it to students new to music theory in a way that is really cohesive.
It would be great to do an experiment where one group of students is taught scales with WWHWWWH and the second group is taught with the circle of 5ths. We could settle once and for all which is faster :) Ultimately I want students to know all methods as each has its advantages.
Thanks for giving me food for thought!
Ps. Prior to running the melodic descending minor we need to make the mind switch back to the major scale and then apply the formula b3, b6, b7. Thanks so much Dr.B
Yes! It is easy to miss that step and make mistakes. I'm still trying to decide if focusing on the natural minor and modifying from there would be easier.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
@@ChristopherBrellochs IT IS PERFECTLY AND DEDACTICALLY CORRECT TO DO SO.
AXIOMA : PEOPLE HEAR WHAT THEY SEE !!!! THANKS AGAIN DOC. MUCH LUV. HILARY FROM ARUBA.
@@ChristopherBrellochs I'm no pedagogue but it makes sense to me to focus on the natural minor. This allows for two solid bridges to be constructed between major and natural minor (the parallel minor and relative minor).
My understanding is that the harmonic minor developed from the natural minor, as the idea of harmony took hold, so perhaps it makes sense today to consider it as the need begins to arise, when chords come to be considered.
It seems that the advantages to harmony of the harmonic minor came at the cost (or perceived cost) of an "awkward" augmented second between ^6 and ^7. If so, it makes sense to consider the problem, and its rectification in the melodic minor, as the time to consider voice leading draws near (which also allows for an explanation of the difference between the two forms of the melodic minor.)
In any event, having two routes from major to natural minor, plus one route from natural minor to harmonic minor and one route from natural minor to melodic minor is just four (simple) routes, whereas two routes from major to each form of the minor is six (confusable) routes.
Is there a workbook of some sort that coincides with this Music Theory course? Spent the last two days looking up Music Theory courses, paid and free. Came across a recommendation to check this course out on r/musictheory and loved this first lecture. You speak with passion, but also a sense of logical understanding to aim for the most efficient way in doing things.
I'm taking my own notes in my notebook and writing my own action items based off what you say.
Action item for Lesson 1: Practice writing the circle of fifths and major scales.
Thanks for letting me know where you heard about me. I'm so happy people are recommending my music theory lessons! When I teach the course at college I use "Tonal Harmony" by Kostka which has a textbook with self tests (answers) in back and workbook (no answers). You can get older editions relatively inexpensively.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
This is awesome. I make time to take this course for sure. Thank you
Keep making videos Doctor B! I'll be back in the Spring most likely!
Thanks! Let me know if there is anything you want me to cover in a future video that will help you on your comeback!
Thanks for your videos. Teaching music theory at my school but with this quarantine/stay-at-home I don't know how what to do. Highly recommend subscribing to your channel.
Great video Christopher! I'd be extremely grateful for a video on a) writing melody and b) writing "riffs" for contemporary music (there aren't many on RUclips). Thank you!
Thanks for the comment. Please be patient for videos on the two topics you mentioned. Both are VERY interesting topics that I'd like to cover in the future. Stay tuned!
Love this! Shout out to my first music theory professor, Dr. Chave from UT Arlington, he was amazing!
You made explaining the scales easier!!
Glad to help! Best wishes, Dr. B
Amazing course, thank you very much! Watching from Costa Rica :)
This is classes are amazing I really appreciate for providing
I have just noticed some that doesn't add up regarding the Circle of 5ths, I wrote something in the key of Abm, I could have just as easily used G#m but I've chosen A flat minor. I know the Circle of 5ths inside out, I can easily write the entire thing on a piece of paper in less than 2 minutes. What I normally do after I compose something is I will delve into what I've done, scale degrees, cadences all of that.
If you write the Scale of A flat minor linearly on a piece of paper with the Roman numerals etc, scale degree 4 (sub dom) inner circle is C#m (4 o'clock) but technically it should have its enharmonic equivalent noted in the circle, I will explain why, Dbm is the 4th degree of Abm, therefore if you were to modulate to from the tonic of Abm to its sub dominant it's technically Dbm but you have to call it C#m as Dbm is really a "theoretical key" and it has 8 flats with a B double flat that a composer would use when C#m has 4 sharps, far easier for a player to remember, I fully understand what enharmonic equivalents are, but this is another example of what I refer to as a work around. I use the Circle a lot and it's very useful, but it's far more logical and clear to write scales linearly in my opinion
You have made an excellent observation. Most composers don't write in A flat minor but if you look at the Brahms "Fugue in A flat minor" you will see lots of double flats (including B double flat)! ruclips.net/video/TN4TB3U5KXc/видео.html
nice. I write out my major chords all the time too. Pretty much anytime i am stuck somewhere too. I always bring paper and two pens with me.
omg, this made it so simple. I can do things the circle of 5th now. thanks a lot
I'm listening to this and the ambient noise sounds like the rain storms that I listen to while I sleep. Creepy. Cool. Conjecture. It's probably nothing. 😳
Haha, I never noticed that but I hear exactly what you mean. I wish I had recorded these with a lavalier mic on my lapel.
Best wishes,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Crystal clear, thank you!
Thanks!
Best wishes,
Dr. B
Awesome Lesson ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
I think my issue understanding this is how on earth did people ever figure this stuff out? I can memorize, but it's so crazy how music just works like this so visually simple but mathematically complex
For me it makes think there had to be a God who made us, it's all too complex to have just happened. The Bible even talks about God singing:
Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
@@NathanJosiahOfficialstfu. You’re looking at thousands of years of human knowledge and figure out stuffs and saying we’re too dumb to come up with this. You’re the dumb one who can’t comprehend these concepts.
Thank you so much!! thank you for uploading your helpful lectures on youtube❤❤❤❤❤❤
That's not the fastest way to get a minor scale: the notion of relative minor is way more efficient. Learn the circle of fifths in pairs major/minor and then derive harmonic and melodic by raising the 7th and the 6th and 7th respectively.
You might be right. It is interesting how there are often multiple ways to figure out a scale, chord, etc. Normally, I just present what I think is the most efficient but sometimes I'll teach multiple methods if they can be executed in similar speed.
Of course you are right about how easy it is to modify a natural minor scale to derive harmonic and melodic minor.
Thanks for the comment,
Dr. B
You said that you can use the circle of fifth to know all the notes of a certain scale. The method you're proposing is picking a note on the circle, and write all the following notes in the alphabet until you go back to that note, and flatten the 4th note and the note previously flatten... How can I know which notes need to be flatten without writing all the previous scales ? Thanks ! Great content, great teacher...
Good question!
Unfortunately there is no easy way to know which notes need to be flattened without writing all the previous scales. This method works ONLY if you do the scales in order (start with F, then Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb). The goal is to memorize them so you won't need to use the method forever.
Some people find other methods more effective. For example you could try the formula: W W H W W W H (W = whole step, H = half step). For example, if you start with Ab (up a W = Bb, up another W = C, up a H = Db, up a W = Eb, up another W = F, up another W = G, up a H = Ab; you should end on the same note you started).
Hope that helps,
Dr. B
www.patreon.com/DrBMusicTheory
Try to learn the "poeme" si mi la re sol do fa for scales with flats and inverse for scales with sharps. si for F, si, mi for B, si,mi,la for E etc..... i guess kids learn that way :)
Thank you ❤
I finally get to hear Gordon Freeman's voice...
Hahaha, next video I should do in an HEV suit.
Christopher Brellochs I forgot to thank you when I made that small joke. Great course.🙂 So big thanks from France 😉
Thanks! I want to thank France for the saxophone (which I play), macarons, and being a great place to visit (I've spent 2 weeks in Bordeaux, 1 week in Paris, and 1 week in Strasbourg).
Hey, I want to learn music theory once and for all! Is this a full course on the theory? Like, will I learn everything I need to know? Thank you!
Yes you will. Watch all 47 videos in order and you will learn the first two semesters of college level music theory.
Enjoy,
Dr. B
Best interpretation of scales
People my age and younger tend to thenk that rote memorization is tedious. Probably because we were raised and/or educated by self-righteous hippies. Granted, some things are not worth memorizing. But some things are. The circle of 5ths is worth memorizing. The meaningful way of understanding it will remain elusive until the thing is simply memorized. I recommend frequent exposure to circle of 5ths flash cards, and some patience. Long practice is psychologically counterproductive. Frequency works better. Try to write out the circle once a day from memory. ONCE. You'll get it soon enough.
The mirror of 5ths/4ths decoding the circle after 300+ years with its universal mnemonic device is in alternative to the circle of 5ths for those who find the latter a bit hard to understand and memorize.