@@TheCrowHillCo Thanks so much….very timely…I’m on a quest to discover new ways of understanding some aspects of music theory and approaches to composing on the piano.👏👏🙏🙏🏿👍
I am 69yrs old I started my music creation journey off the back of your videos just prior to the pandemic when I started my own RUclips channel.. I played guitar and moved to keyboard..no music training except what I learned from videos. All I can say is thank you Christian you and your team are doing a wonderful job.. thank you for vaults and helping this old pensioner create some music😊💖
This was like being invited in from the cold and given a big earthenware mug of hot, hearty soup when you're frozen to the marrow. Thank you, Christian Henson. You are among my very favourite virtual mentors.
Of all the Crow Hill vids, or in fact those from any of the composers I follow here on youtube (you, Guy, Spitfire, etc.), this is the one vid I'm returning to when I'm stuck. Thank you so very much, Mr. Henson, for taking the time to explain this so very well.
Год назад+5
Been studying different instruments for 17 years now. You're the first person who managed to explain modes to me in a super clear and practical way. I'm in awe.
I lost touch with your activities over the last 6 months due to a major job change and I’m absolutely delighted to have rediscovered you on the new channel…Christian, you ooze such genuine interest, joy, enthusiasm and inspiration …you remind me of when Steve Jobs was ejected from Apple, founded NeXt after which he exploded with new ideas and creativity and then of course the rest is history…Crow Hilltastic…!!!
This is impressive, how clear and inspirational this approach is, it doesn't fight theory and instead it simplifies it at a level that's understandable to everyone. You are a marvelous teacher Chris.
I still remember when I was first introduced to this concept years ago. I started to plateau musically, and needed a new perspective. Modes opened my mind and reignited my love for music.
According to Wikipedia, Irving Berlin only ever played the Black keys and always wrote in F#. That's also what I'd always heard. The way I remember basic modes are remembering where the two half-steps in each mode are. It doesn't hurt to remember that only the 1st, 4th and 5th modes (lydian and mixolydian) have a major feel. Those numbers correspond to primary chords too.
There is a practical advantage to playing (mostly) on the black keys: It's harder to hit the wrong note or two keys at the same time. As I recall, one of Berlin's pianos is in the Smithsonian. A nice feature of equal temperament is that you can transpose simply by physically shifting the the relative positions of the strings and the hammer assembly.
This is a very clever way to encourage to experiment without complicating things. Intuition before theoretical knowledge. Heart over brain. By far the best explanation of the moods I have come across. You are so ahead of your time, Christian.
I like what you said at the beginning about desire to create, versus ability. I’m not a great piano or guitar player but I’ve managed to get some albums out there over the years. If I can, you can. Your lesson on modes it’s absolutely what beginners need to know. Just sit there and play, you’ll find something you like, I guarantee it.
Christian... this video is INCREDIBLY BRILLIANT!! Thank you for framing modes as you have here!!! It makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE than the average 'mode' of teaching them... giving them a name that describes their function as opposed to giving them some meaningless Greek god name. BRILLIANT!!! More content like this... PLEASE!!! Time for me to spring for String Murmurations! It's in my budget soon enough!!
Your best video yet, in my humble opinion. I can't keep those Greekish names straight, but your mnemonics and flavour profiles - THOSE stick for me - Thank you!
Wow. Best explanation of modes I have ever had. Really resonates with me as I am self taught. Thanks so much. I kinda wanna try writing something in locrian now.
Spot on! I finally quit thinking "theory" etc. years ago and adopted two dictums: "There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind." - Ellington...and Ray Charles' challenge: "What does it sound like?"
I know scales and chords fairly well, but I have never heard modes explained so clearly and simply, demonstrating why they create such different moods. Thank you Christian!
brilliant tutorial. I started making music at 60 in 2019 without any theoretical knowledge and did my first theater music score 2 years late, in 2023 my first short movie score...
Stunning video Christian. No disrespect to Rick Beato, who mentions these modes often, but this description is just pure gold and supercedes anything I’ve ever learned from his videos.
This is like having the scales (too soon?) lifted from my eyes. I've been blinded by major cheese writing and ignoring modes. Switch now flipped - brilliant description in this video.
Thank you, Christian. As someone self taught who knows nothing about these modes - but kinda gravitates towards these various feelings, this is the only compelling explanation I've ever seen. Saved to my training playlist :)
Thanks for the "weird greek god names", that made my day. Finally somebody good at music that understood that the majority of us doesn't care whether something is a "diminished 7th phrygian over F sharp" or whatever. We just want to play what sounds good, not turn everything into a maths problem.
This video explained so much for my composition that I haven't learned from playing piano conventionally for over 20+ years. Top quality Christian, great to see these videos coming out with fantastic content and FREE! vaults.
I got through about a quarter of the video and had to hit pause - not because it was lame; it was the total opposite. The video was seriously awesome and super inspiring. It's the kind of thing I'll bookmark and send to friends and family who keep saying they want to get into making music but won't take lessons from me [I mean, come on, right? LOL!]. No, what really made me stop was your new plugin, "String Murmurations." It's just so dang beautiful, and here I am, tight on cash, trying to resist the urge to splurge on another plugin. I swear, my mouse cursor practically danced over the "Add to Cart" button, and it took all my willpower not to click it. Such a cool plugin guys!!!! Anyway, thank you for the VAULTS stuff. The piano itself has become my go to piano. You can tell there is so much passion and genius behind the work yall are doing. Just know, you've got a fan, maybe even an evangelist here. All the best!!
Wow. Best music theory lesson I've ever had - and so perfect for me at my stage of my musical journey. For many years I've made videos (mostly non-professionally) and been a wannabe guitarist/musician. Then I got an 88 key keyboard and started to put more time into guitar - with the goal of being able to make my own music for my movies. This lesson helps me finally understand modes sooo much more clearly! Thank you very very much.
one of my favorite things about this is laying down some basics for a compelling soundtrack with only the three vsts! having a fullness of sound is important but you dont need to overproduce a good idea and this demonstrates that well.
We're driving home from a road trip today. I'm going to pass my ten-year-old the video and ask her to work her way through the modes on her iPad on the way home. We'll see how it goes. 🤞
This is the best video I've seen on RUclips in a long while. No doubt it comes from Christian Henson, a man from whom I've learned so much. All for free. Thank you, sir.
Hey Christian, I want to say that the success you have is because of your openness and your will to share not only your final product but the process with the world.
Christian, I can’t begin to tell you how amazing this video is. I’m a guitarist, and even though I understand the theory behind the modes, they have always been too esoteric to stick in my little brain. In 20 mins you’ve explained them so well, it’s like a veil’s been lifted that covered a lightbulb, inside a cave that is now wired to the grid. Absolutely essential viewing for every musician. I’m sending it to everyone I know. Thank you so much.
This is great, i think i will be sending people the link to this in 20 years, i couldn't imagine a better introduction for a layman, not just about making atmospheric, instrumental music, but it really taps into the essence of music for music's sake, following your inner muse wherever it leads you...... i know he's got a plugin to flog but Christian has done a very good thing here making such an accessible 'way in' for people of any musical background, even none, this video says to everyone "you can probably do this... all of you..." Thank you Man
With my limited grasp of theory, I have just had the spark of encouragement I needed. You have presented music in such a wonderfully human way in this 20-minute piece that I now have a better feel for using Murmurations. Lastly, your naming of the modes is so right on, and much easier for me to absorb. Wherever you go from here, I'll be eager to listen, as I have for years when you were at Spitfire. I'm glad you have moved into this new venture.😀
I’ve been professional musician for a long time and back in the day modes are what unlocked it all for me. Particularly as a creative: they are the colors to paint with hidden right there in Do Re Mi. This was a great breakdown. Always remember that theory is just names and numbers attributed to sound. It’s in everything that’s ever been written but the writer wasn’t necessarily thinking about theory when they wrote it. If it sounds good it is, theory just helps us understand why it sounds good and how to replicate it again :)
@@mrnelsonius5631 Thank you for that! I really get the part about the writer not necessarily thinking about theory when they wrote it. They probably didn't.
This is an excellent explanation of modes, something that despite trying to get my head around, I’ve always found them tricky to understand. Thanks very much Christian!
Felt stuck with composing for a while and I just noticed I always compose in Ionian and Aeolian. I completely forgot about ALL the other beautiful modes that I can use. Thank you so much for this great reminder!!! And I loved all the vivid interpretations and explanations of the modes.
Brilliant video, Christian. I think for the first time in my life I'm starting to understand the modes. There are some lovely sounds hidden away in them.
I've never been able to understand modes as my brain can't move from thinking about what intervals are involved from a theory perspective. This, my friend, is absolute gold dust! I hope both yourself and TCHC has a magnificent 2024.
I got sent for piano lessions as a kid, but I hated playing the music I was given to practise. As soon as I was old enough I gave it up. Then I saw a synth and it ignited a passion that was perhaps more a gadget freak passion at the time- and, as I couldn't afford either a Jupiter 8 or even a Roland SH101, I ended up buying a Jen SX1000 and that began a journey of writing music. I now wish I'd stuck at the piano lessons as I'm really barely able to string notes together and certainly would never sit in front of anyone and play. But it was just enough to compose and that journey has I think saved my soul. Edit - awesome video btw
This make so much sense to me - I think I always did it instinctively, cause I can't read music, have dyslexia and can't understand very well the black notes. Thank you for this video.
Great inspiration. I’m a non musically trained Modular Synth player. Can’t read music or tickle the ivories, but my ears work ok so I play what sounds nice….it brings me joy and if it does the same for others then what else is there. Keep up the good work matey.
This presentation has been excellent. So simple and sincere, thank you for taking the time to make it. Ive been really enjoying the vaults, theyve given me so much inspiration. Thank you
This may be the most actionable theory lessons I've seen. It's immediately approachable and makes so much sense with he display, description and your practical application of the modes. Thank you Christian! My biggest challenge is using reverb in a pleasing and complimentary way. I'd love to know how you use it in your productions.
I just watched this for a second time after a few days of allowing the contents to ‘simmer’ in my subconscious. This is one of your best videos overall in content coupled with your own unique style of delivery. Kudos to you, Christian!
I have always liked your music Christian, now i understand the soul behind the creation. I am a frustrated musician that hears the sounds/melodies in my head but cannot get my fingers to recreate it in the real world.
Great descriptions of the modes!!! 🙌 Lydian always makes me feel like I'm flying. Probably because of Joe Satriani's "Flying in a Blue Dream" being in a Lydian mode. 😊
This is a great explanation on using the white keys in ways that I've been trying to figure out for awhile now. I've never really thought about using some of those modes the way that you just easily explained. Thank you, Christian!
Stunning presentation. I like the idea of Irving Berlin shifting the entire register of the piano with a lever. Easy to do with a midi pitch plugin these days. Want D major? Set the plugin to +2 semitones and dance fearlessly around the white keys with middle C remaining your home 😊
True innovation is coming out of your powerhouse of music production experience. Where others continue in a linear fashion you are pushing horizons to encompass what music is all about. That spontaneous spark of inspiration that allows both the new and the old to music making to explore and excite the emotional senses. Music is for everyone. Not just the trained composer. Thank you for what you are doing. Remarkable, inspiring, exhilarating.
Not only have you given us incredible plugins, you are a fantastic teacher! Thanks so much for your hard work mate. I have played piano for 30 years, and the way you have put these various modes is the best I have heard.
Yet another superb video from you Christian, and Crow Hill - thank you. I *think* John Williams' opening theme for Jaws 2 dabbles nicely in Locrian before moving on.
I can only give the opinion of a mediocre, play-mostly-by-ear violinist, but this kind of explanation has the potential to revolutionize the teaching of music. Traditional music theory is still of great value, but this introduction makes so much more sense, and is so much more artistically satisfying than starting with the technicalities of scales. It makes a much better case for the "why" of music. Your love of music is infectious and the way you explain things makes so much sense to my brain. I work in marketing, and so your way of putting complicated concepts into terms that anyone can understand is inspiring. As good of a musician as you are, what really has me hooked is your giftedness at communication. Thank you.
Even if now probably 200 purists have just had a heart attack, that was such a nice and effective way of explaining things, and encouraging people, which is good and not that common. Have a good one. Cheers.
Such a great video / tutorial! I’ve done some scores but typically I’ve focused on melody and then thought in scales. Now I’m realizing the power of thinking / planning in modes. So helpful! Thank you.
Wow, I never realized the relation between the root notes and the other notes when only played with the white keys. I've learned composing music and writing melodies by myself and experimenting, and I can't read the notes. However for me it's (or rather it was) unimaginable to compose melodies without using the black keys, this is how it got rooted in me - but thanks to your awesome video, I came to realization what awesome things can be achieved by only using the white keys. And the way you explain it is on the spot, easy to follow and perfectly demonstrated. Thanks a lot for time invested in creating such videos and sharing with us, much appreciated!
Brilliant! Thank you Christian. I thought I was alone in trying to grapple with all these modal names. A friend gave me a tutorial book on how to play improvisation and it immediately went into a load of theory which really turned me off. Your approach is much more easily understood, simple, straight forward and down to earth. I love your mnemonics and Flavour Profiles. They get the message over much more than the weird Greek god names. Major diatonic, minor diatonic and so on just drove me to a gin-and-tonic!! Only use the white notes. Who'd have guessed it was as easy as that.
Oh FFS, thank you Christian! I learned these modes on my own decades ago on guitar (thank you guitar player mag) but never really understood what was different about them, They were all the same notes! Sure you started them in a different part of the sequence, but... Now I see that what was missing was the relationship between the notes and the root! The reordering of the sequence of seconds and thirds - major and minor keys. Sometimes you just need someone to clue you in to the most elemental knowledge. It's like painting with just blue, yellow and red and finding out years later that you always had green, orange and purple - you just mix the colors!
This video is an absolute game changer. Ive been learning piano since Christmas, in the hope of benefitting my music production and moving away from techno, to some more, dare I say musical pieces (ambient, lo-fi and cinematic stuff). I can't wait for my next session and using the stuff you covered here to actually jam. Thank you :)
Really good video. There's a lot of mystery and confusion surrounding modes and you give a great description of how to envisage them. For me modes are more like flavours or colours rather than merely note patterns derived from a scale.
Incredible. I want someone to make a period table based on these mode descriptions - I would print that out as a poster and hang in my studio
Your wish is my command thecrowhillcompany.com/hub/ all are welcome to download, save, print, hide in a drawer or stick up on your wall!
@@TheCrowHillCoamazing! Thanks. ✊🏼
@@TheCrowHillCo Brill!
@@TheCrowHillCo Woohoo, this is uh-may-zing, thank you!
@@TheCrowHillCo Thanks so much….very timely…I’m on a quest to discover new ways of understanding some aspects of music theory and approaches to composing on the piano.👏👏🙏🙏🏿👍
I am 69yrs old I started my music creation journey off the back of your videos just prior to the pandemic when I started my own RUclips channel.. I played guitar and moved to keyboard..no music training except what I learned from videos. All I can say is thank you Christian you and your team are doing a wonderful job.. thank you for vaults and helping this old pensioner create some music😊💖
I'll pass that on to the team, thanks for commenting!
you and me both dude!
This was like being invited in from the cold and given a big earthenware mug of hot, hearty soup when you're frozen to the marrow. Thank you, Christian Henson. You are among my very favourite virtual mentors.
Oh mate thanks... plenty of these during these forthcoming frosty months
I feel like you are the Robin Hood of music- taking music OUT the ivory tower and giving us ALL the gift of music making
Of all the Crow Hill vids, or in fact those from any of the composers I follow here on youtube (you, Guy, Spitfire, etc.), this is the one vid I'm returning to when I'm stuck. Thank you so very much, Mr. Henson, for taking the time to explain this so very well.
Been studying different instruments for 17 years now. You're the first person who managed to explain modes to me in a super clear and practical way. I'm in awe.
I lost touch with your activities over the last 6 months due to a major job change and I’m absolutely delighted to have rediscovered you on the new channel…Christian, you ooze such genuine interest, joy, enthusiasm and inspiration …you remind me of when Steve Jobs was ejected from Apple, founded NeXt after which he exploded with new ideas and creativity and then of course the rest is history…Crow Hilltastic…!!!
Up the crows!
This is impressive, how clear and inspirational this approach is, it doesn't fight theory and instead it simplifies it at a level that's understandable to everyone. You are a marvelous teacher Chris.
I still remember when I was first introduced to this concept years ago. I started to plateau musically, and needed a new perspective. Modes opened my mind and reignited my love for music.
Yeah... saves bloody modulating!
Learns Phrygian , instantly writes an epic riff. Thanks
I really like the graphics (the musical content is impeccable too :) )
According to Wikipedia, Irving Berlin only ever played the Black keys and always wrote in F#. That's also what I'd always heard. The way I remember basic modes are remembering where the two half-steps in each mode are. It doesn't hurt to remember that only the 1st, 4th and 5th modes (lydian and mixolydian) have a major feel. Those numbers correspond to primary chords too.
I really should do my research before doing these and relying on something I read once on a bus!
@@TheCrowHillCo Don't feel bad. I've done it myself in some of my videos and teaching my piano students.
@@TheCrowHillCoThe overall idea remains the same. That’s what matters.
There is a practical advantage to playing (mostly) on the black keys: It's harder to hit the wrong note or two keys at the same time. As I recall, one of Berlin's pianos is in the Smithsonian. A nice feature of equal temperament is that you can transpose simply by physically shifting the the relative positions of the strings and the hammer assembly.
This is a very clever way to encourage to experiment without complicating things. Intuition before theoretical knowledge. Heart over brain. By far the best explanation of the moods I have come across. You are so ahead of your time, Christian.
Indeed, I prefer understanding to simply learning.
I like what you said at the beginning about desire to create, versus ability. I’m not a great piano or guitar player but I’ve managed to get some albums out there over the years. If I can, you can. Your lesson on modes it’s absolutely what beginners need to know. Just sit there and play, you’ll find something you like, I guarantee it.
I totally agree!
This might be the best explanation of modes in that it describes how to use them.
Aw thanks, I was v nervous about this one.
Wow. You made me realise so much I was missing in order to start play music, my music.. Thanks.
Christian... this video is INCREDIBLY BRILLIANT!! Thank you for framing modes as you have here!!! It makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE than the average 'mode' of teaching them... giving them a name that describes their function as opposed to giving them some meaningless Greek god name. BRILLIANT!!! More content like this... PLEASE!!! Time for me to spring for String Murmurations! It's in my budget soon enough!!
Yeah, at least give us names we can spell (ahem)
@@TheCrowHillCo ... and you did!! WooHoo!!
I really hope there are expansions for Murmerations for more instruments, styles and articulations.
Excellent video! I will definitely show this to my students. Also, bonus, lappy escape at 2:01 🤣
That annoyed me thoroughly when editing it!
Your best video yet, in my humble opinion. I can't keep those Greekish names straight, but your mnemonics and flavour profiles - THOSE stick for me - Thank you!
Oh man thanks so much, I had doubts about this one!
Wow.
Best explanation of modes I have ever had. Really resonates with me as I am self taught.
Thanks so much.
I kinda wanna try writing something in locrian now.
Locrian is kind of interesting but there is no tonic or root, so you can never resolve, so its weird.
Spot on! I finally quit thinking "theory" etc. years ago and adopted two dictums: "There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind." - Ellington...and Ray Charles' challenge: "What does it sound like?"
"How does it make you feel" is an under asked question IMHO.
Best explanation ever, as a guitar player who now focuses on writing cinematic music. it’s great, thank you 🎉
Hurrah, what a relief!
I know scales and chords fairly well, but I have never heard modes explained so clearly and simply, demonstrating why they create such different moods. Thank you Christian!
brilliant tutorial. I started making music at 60 in 2019 without any theoretical knowledge and did my first theater music score 2 years late, in 2023 my first short movie score...
Such great news,. congratulations.
Only just discovered this channel today and so far, I can’t get enough. Thank you 🙏
Stunning video Christian. No disrespect to Rick Beato, who mentions these modes often, but this description is just pure gold and supercedes anything I’ve ever learned from his videos.
Aww shucks thanks... I love Rick too.
This is the simplest yet most comprehensible and genius way of describing the modes.
this must be one of the best explanations ever....
Oh my thanks.
This is like having the scales (too soon?) lifted from my eyes. I've been blinded by major cheese writing and ignoring modes. Switch now flipped - brilliant description in this video.
Yeah it can really open stuff up.
Thank you, Christian.
As someone self taught who knows nothing about these modes - but kinda gravitates towards these various feelings, this is the only compelling explanation I've ever seen.
Saved to my training playlist :)
💯
so glad it was worth m,aking!
I havn't notice how good your free instruments sounds until. I will probably start using them more. 👍
Please do!
Thanks for the "weird greek god names", that made my day. Finally somebody good at music that understood that the majority of us doesn't care whether something is a "diminished 7th phrygian over F sharp" or whatever. We just want to play what sounds good, not turn everything into a maths problem.
This video explained so much for my composition that I haven't learned from playing piano conventionally for over 20+ years. Top quality Christian, great to see these videos coming out with fantastic content and FREE! vaults.
Thanks soooo much, feel like a total imposter doing these!
What a fantastic, easy and practical explanation of modes. Thank you!
So relieved it made any sense!
I got through about a quarter of the video and had to hit pause - not because it was lame; it was the total opposite. The video was seriously awesome and super inspiring. It's the kind of thing I'll bookmark and send to friends and family who keep saying they want to get into making music but won't take lessons from me [I mean, come on, right? LOL!]. No, what really made me stop was your new plugin, "String Murmurations." It's just so dang beautiful, and here I am, tight on cash, trying to resist the urge to splurge on another plugin. I swear, my mouse cursor practically danced over the "Add to Cart" button, and it took all my willpower not to click it. Such a cool plugin guys!!!!
Anyway, thank you for the VAULTS stuff. The piano itself has become my go to piano. You can tell there is so much passion and genius behind the work yall are doing. Just know, you've got a fan, maybe even an evangelist here. All the best!!
Wow. Best music theory lesson I've ever had - and so perfect for me at my stage of my musical journey. For many years I've made videos (mostly non-professionally) and been a wannabe guitarist/musician. Then I got an 88 key keyboard and started to put more time into guitar - with the goal of being able to make my own music for my movies. This lesson helps me finally understand modes sooo much more clearly! Thank you very very much.
Thanks Gary, I was nervous about this as I am in no fit state to be a teacher but am so glad you found it useful!
Christian, what an inspiring video. I totally agree and the message is a beautiful one. Feeling above all else.
Thanks for commenting, really apprecxiate it!
one of my favorite things about this is laying down some basics for a compelling soundtrack with only the three vsts! having a fullness of sound is important but you dont need to overproduce a good idea and this demonstrates that well.
Wow. This is such a powerful opening and reflects where I am at with guitar and reinventing my approach
Thanks for this... I am thinking about ditching all my samples... starting again... hmmmm, don't know if I'm brave enough.
My new favorite professor! Bravo, my friend. Subscribed and drinking up the knowledge!
A new way of approaching composition.
Refreashing
To Christian's point, I've been writing for a few years now and ended up learning a whole bunch from this. Thank you, sir.
Absolute pleasure!
We're driving home from a road trip today. I'm going to pass my ten-year-old the video and ask her to work her way through the modes on her iPad on the way home. We'll see how it goes. 🤞
This is the best video I've seen on RUclips in a long while. No doubt it comes from Christian Henson, a man from whom I've learned so much. All for free. Thank you, sir.
Hey Christian, I want to say that the success you have is because of your openness and your will to share not only your final product but the process with the world.
Thanks so much... I've turned over-sharing from a blight in my life to a light!
Christian, I can’t begin to tell you how amazing this video is. I’m a guitarist, and even though I understand the theory behind the modes, they have always been too esoteric to stick in my little brain.
In 20 mins you’ve explained them so well, it’s like a veil’s been lifted that covered a lightbulb, inside a cave that is now wired to the grid.
Absolutely essential viewing for every musician.
I’m sending it to everyone I know.
Thank you so much.
This is great, i think i will be sending people the link to this in 20 years, i couldn't imagine a better introduction for a layman, not just about making atmospheric, instrumental music, but it really taps into the essence of music for music's sake, following your inner muse wherever it leads you...... i know he's got a plugin to flog but Christian has done a very good thing here making such an accessible 'way in' for people of any musical background, even none, this video says to everyone "you can probably do this... all of you..." Thank you Man
With my limited grasp of theory, I have just had the spark of encouragement I needed. You have presented music in such a wonderfully human way in this 20-minute piece that I now have a better feel for using Murmurations. Lastly, your naming of the modes is so right on, and much easier for me to absorb. Wherever you go from here, I'll be eager to listen, as I have for years when you were at Spitfire. I'm glad you have moved into this new venture.😀
Really appreciate the comment Craig
I’ve been professional musician for a long time and back in the day modes are what unlocked it all for me. Particularly as a creative: they are the colors to paint with hidden right there in Do Re Mi. This was a great breakdown. Always remember that theory is just names and numbers attributed to sound. It’s in everything that’s ever been written but the writer wasn’t necessarily thinking about theory when they wrote it. If it sounds good it is, theory just helps us understand why it sounds good and how to replicate it again :)
@@mrnelsonius5631 Thank you for that! I really get the part about the writer not necessarily thinking about theory when they wrote it. They probably didn't.
This is an excellent explanation of modes, something that despite trying to get my head around, I’ve always found them tricky to understand. Thanks very much Christian!
This is amongst the best explanations of modes. Or perhaps it IS the best, no need for complicated blabbering, brilliantly done
Felt stuck with composing for a while and I just noticed I always compose in Ionian and Aeolian. I completely forgot about ALL the other beautiful modes that I can use. Thank you so much for this great reminder!!! And I loved all the vivid interpretations and explanations of the modes.
This is the best explanation of modes I’ve ever come across. Thanks very much, this is so accessible!
Still my favorite video of yours... (I'm just revisiting it today for inspiration) I'd love more of these!
Dude, this is the video so many of us needed. Great work!
So glad mate thanks dude!
Brilliant video, Christian. I think for the first time in my life I'm starting to understand the modes. There are some lovely sounds hidden away in them.
Thanks mate! I don't think I'll vere understand the Locrian mode!
I've never been able to understand modes as my brain can't move from thinking about what intervals are involved from a theory perspective. This, my friend, is absolute gold dust!
I hope both yourself and TCHC has a magnificent 2024.
Make sure you download the blagsheet! thecrowhillcompany.com/hub/
I got sent for piano lessions as a kid, but I hated playing the music I was given to practise. As soon as I was old enough I gave it up. Then I saw a synth and it ignited a passion that was perhaps more a gadget freak passion at the time- and, as I couldn't afford either a Jupiter 8 or even a Roland SH101, I ended up buying a Jen SX1000 and that began a journey of writing music. I now wish I'd stuck at the piano lessons as I'm really barely able to string notes together and certainly would never sit in front of anyone and play. But it was just enough to compose and that journey has I think saved my soul. Edit - awesome video btw
Thanks so much for taking time to qwrite this
Love the names you used. Easier to remember. A great tutorial indeed. Thank you.
Really interesting exploration of the modes - thanks Christian!
Thanks Joe, appreciate you writing a comment.
That. frankly. was the best explanation of modes. Thank you
This is genius, you're a great teacher!
If you knew me better you'd know what a funny idea that is!
This make so much sense to me - I think I always did it instinctively, cause I can't read music, have dyslexia and can't understand very well the black notes. Thank you for this video.
You really good artist bring art to people and correcting the idea about creation of art, greetings to you and your efforts
the best Music Theory explanation ever!
Great inspiration. I’m a non musically trained Modular Synth player. Can’t read music or tickle the ivories, but my ears work ok so I play what sounds nice….it brings me joy and if it does the same for others then what else is there. Keep up the good work matey.
Thanks mate, this was a huge "Ahhhhhhh, wow!" moment for me. I've never bothered with modes all these years because they sounded too complicated.
Great video. Id love to see one with some tips on working with the white keys and black keys.
There are in-between modes too... something I didn't realise, will investigate!
This presentation has been excellent. So simple and sincere, thank you for taking the time to make it. Ive been really enjoying the vaults, theyve given me so much inspiration. Thank you
This may be the most actionable theory lessons I've seen. It's immediately approachable and makes so much sense with he display, description and your practical application of the modes. Thank you Christian!
My biggest challenge is using reverb in a pleasing and complimentary way. I'd love to know how you use it in your productions.
Simply brilliant use of modal construction, so for me some respite from trying to conquer writing in B minor 👏👏🎶
I have a really good solution for that too! (transpose -1) 😉
you are a very good teacher man. your voice is so appeasing and articulate it's very nice to listen to. great video thank you :)
Great way to present this. Love it!
Thanks mate!
I just watched this for a second time after a few days of allowing the contents to ‘simmer’ in my subconscious. This is one of your best videos overall in content coupled with your own unique style of delivery. Kudos to you, Christian!
I have always liked your music Christian, now i understand the soul behind the creation.
I am a frustrated musician that hears the sounds/melodies in my head but cannot get my fingers to recreate it in the real world.
Fantastic video, also major props to whoever is animating all the arrows on the keyboard graphic :)
Great descriptions of the modes!!! 🙌 Lydian always makes me feel like I'm flying. Probably because of Joe Satriani's "Flying in a Blue Dream" being in a Lydian mode. 😊
I'll tune into that the next time I get on a plane!
@@TheCrowHillCo If you really want to fly, check out his track "Crystal Planet". You won't be disappointed!!! 🎶✨️😎
This is a great explanation on using the white keys in ways that I've been trying to figure out for awhile now. I've never really thought about using some of those modes the way that you just easily explained. Thank you, Christian!
Well said Christian! You've inspired me, and I'm sure hundreds of others. I love that you still create music that you want, and not what others want.
Such a lovely message thanks
Stunning presentation. I like the idea of Irving Berlin shifting the entire register of the piano with a lever. Easy to do with a midi pitch plugin these days. Want D major? Set the plugin to +2 semitones and dance fearlessly around the white keys with middle C remaining your home 😊
Can you imagine how a device like that would work its about a ton of pressure he was messin' around with!
Thank you so much for this, as somebody who makes music but knows no music theory whatsoever this is very reassuring!
True innovation is coming out of your powerhouse of music production experience. Where others continue in a linear fashion you are pushing horizons to encompass what music is all about. That spontaneous spark of inspiration that allows both the new and the old to music making to explore and excite the emotional senses. Music is for everyone. Not just the trained composer. Thank you for what you are doing. Remarkable, inspiring, exhilarating.
Not only have you given us incredible plugins, you are a fantastic teacher! Thanks so much for your hard work mate. I have played piano for 30 years, and the way you have put these various modes is the best I have heard.
Thanks Rich.... phew! Felt the biggest imposter on this video more than any other!
Yet another superb video from you Christian, and Crow Hill - thank you. I *think* John Williams' opening theme for Jaws 2 dabbles nicely in Locrian before moving on.
I can only give the opinion of a mediocre, play-mostly-by-ear violinist, but this kind of explanation has the potential to revolutionize the teaching of music. Traditional music theory is still of great value, but this introduction makes so much more sense, and is so much more artistically satisfying than starting with the technicalities of scales. It makes a much better case for the "why" of music. Your love of music is infectious and the way you explain things makes so much sense to my brain. I work in marketing, and so your way of putting complicated concepts into terms that anyone can understand is inspiring. As good of a musician as you are, what really has me hooked is your giftedness at communication. Thank you.
Beautifully explained, to the point where even this auld duffer managed to cotton on - a world first.
This old duffer had huge doubts daring to make this vid!
Excellent way to explain the basics of Modes - great job
Thanks so much!
Even if now probably 200 purists have just had a heart attack, that was such a nice and effective way of explaining things, and encouraging people, which is good and not that common.
Have a good one. Cheers.
Such a great video / tutorial!
I’ve done some scores but typically I’ve focused on melody and then thought in scales. Now I’m realizing the power of thinking / planning in modes. So helpful! Thank you.
Wow, I never realized the relation between the root notes and the other notes when only played with the white keys. I've learned composing music and writing melodies by myself and experimenting, and I can't read the notes. However for me it's (or rather it was) unimaginable to compose melodies without using the black keys, this is how it got rooted in me - but thanks to your awesome video, I came to realization what awesome things can be achieved by only using the white keys. And the way you explain it is on the spot, easy to follow and perfectly demonstrated. Thanks a lot for time invested in creating such videos and sharing with us, much appreciated!
A very inspiring and inciteful lesson. Thanks Christian!
you remind me of David Attenborough commenting on music..... classic..... thank you for these videos there helping me on my journey
Wonderfully explained Christian! The delivery and pacing was really digestible. Looking forward to more!
This was a brilliant video. more of these please🎉
Your wish is my command!
Brilliant! Thank you Christian. I thought I was alone in trying to grapple with all these modal names. A friend gave me a tutorial book on how to play improvisation and it immediately went into a load of theory which really turned me off. Your approach is much more easily understood, simple, straight forward and down to earth. I love your mnemonics and Flavour Profiles. They get the message over much more than the weird Greek god names. Major diatonic, minor diatonic and so on just drove me to a gin-and-tonic!! Only use the white notes. Who'd have guessed it was as easy as that.
Absolutely brilliant video! Great insights. Thanks Christian,
Thanks so much!
Excellent video Christian with lots of good info for people at all levels.
Oh FFS, thank you Christian! I learned these modes on my own decades ago on guitar (thank you guitar player mag) but never really understood what was different about them, They were all the same notes! Sure you started them in a different part of the sequence, but... Now I see that what was missing was the relationship between the notes and the root! The reordering of the sequence of seconds and thirds - major and minor keys. Sometimes you just need someone to clue you in to the most elemental knowledge. It's like painting with just blue, yellow and red and finding out years later that you always had green, orange and purple - you just mix the colors!
The code has been cracked! +100 skill!
Hurrah!
Brilliant! Your perspective and explanation is so refreshing and easy to understand.
This video is an absolute game changer. Ive been learning piano since Christmas, in the hope of benefitting my music production and moving away from techno, to some more, dare I say musical pieces (ambient, lo-fi and cinematic stuff).
I can't wait for my next session and using the stuff you covered here to actually jam.
Thank you :)
Really good video. There's a lot of mystery and confusion surrounding modes and you give a great description of how to envisage them. For me modes are more like flavours or colours rather than merely note patterns derived from a scale.
Great to see you back. Terrific tutorial. Thanks, Christian.