Not knowing music theory and trying to write songs makes me feel like stumbling around in the dark trying to figure out what works. That makes me uncomfortable and makes me want to learn music theory honestly.
Yup. Before I decided to take my theory knowledge beyond basic scale shapes and chords, I'd just come up with a bunch of half-baked ideas, and not know where to take them next. Knowing how the chords and scales actually work really helps with moving onto that next step.
To be honest, even if you don't know music theory, you're still using it without realising. The chords that you play are based on theory of harmony even if you don't know what note or interval goes where. Connecting chords together is also above intermediate course of theory, but someone else established that for you, now you're just putting one chord shape or another that you only needed a few minutes to memorise and only a few days/weeks to be able to play them. The process of writing melodies without knowing theory is basically playing random notes until you can differentiate what sounds better, what sounds worse and cling on your findings to further develop what you have established. You don't need knowing theory that explains *why* something sounds better or worse, you just need to find *what* sounds better or worse. However, writing melody over harmony/chords, or harmony over melody is using theory without knowing it, because if you live in the western world, you are much more likely to fall under some modes and scales in your creations and establish what sounds dissonant and what sounds consonant based on the western musical system which you have grown up used to. Even rhythm is heavily influenced by already established theory. Even though rhythm, more than anything, is based on intuitions and personal emotional states, it's still psychologically influenced by music you have heard in your life, thus carrying on the legacy that was based and established in music theory. More often than not, you'll just be playing Lego's with already established rhythmic shapes because you'll have them grown into you. So to those people that are stubborn about not learning music theory, you're probably not going to escape it, learning it just helps you see things more clearly.
for real though. 30, been playing since 15ish. if someone says something like "play minor a chord" I have no idea wtf they are talking about. c chord? I call it the 3,2,3 chord cause of frets lol
He Who Judges I've tried to learn music theory, the class was all band kids so I felt out of place and felt it was tailored to them, I dropped out after the first half, and yeah I wanna learn but I can't really because I can't afford a teacher, Ive tried learning from the internet but nothing really helps, that is unless you have a good site to teach music theory in relation to guitar?
_3xodus _ Music theory itself is pretty universal for all instruments and even vocals so learning general music theory isn't a bad idea. Same tendencies apply to any instrument. Even though you're leaning towards guitar, having a piano keyboard nearby helps enormously because the western music tone system is laid out there in front of you. What ever you learn on keyboard, you can apply on guitar. However, if you really want music theory to be tailored solely towards guitar, then the list of suggestions certainly narrows down a lot. It also highly depends on how well you've learned so far, because you will find that many different sources will only offer the same things you have already learned several times before. I would highly recommend theory books from a library of some college/university or academy of music if you have the access since it can propel you far above the typical Internet sources you can find everywhere. But if you don't have access to such libraries, then it's going to be a bit harder. I don't know your level in theory, so it's really hard to recommend something that could be useful to you. Whether you want to have theory tailored towards guitar or not, I would still suggest to run through musictheory.net website and see if you have already learned everything the website has to offer. Otherwise, if you're a beginner, intermediate or somewhere in between, there's an online teacher Nick Minnion who has a programme "Secret Guitar Teacher" where he teaches all-things-guitar, including theory. The more advanced lessons aren't free, but the basics and fundamentals are free, he also has a RUclips channel of the same name. Find the video "How to study guitar music theory" to begin. If you're more advanced, there's an online teacher Andrew Wasson who leads "Creative Guitar Studio" courses. Again, his more advanced lessons aren't free, but the basics are, and yes, he also has a RUclips channel with the same name as well. Ultimately, when studying theory, I highly recommend to not just take in the information you learn, but also to use it practically no less than you learn, and analyze the material you have learned thoroughly on your own without the need of the teachers to analyze it for you, you may find very interesting aspects and connections in even the most simplest things.
I think theory is just an enabler, its a box of tools to help you. I used to avoid theory but now that I know more theory, not only is it awesome to know what it is I've been doing for years but its also helped me incredibly with writing. Love your channel man its so underrated. Keep it up!
On the flip side ; the more Theory I learn , it just opens more questions faster than I can find answers . For basic songwriting , 2 or 3 chord progressions account for 80-90% of songs . Just know your I, IV, and V ( with occasional VIm or IIm for spice ) , and move on lyrics .
nice lesson! It is what my music teachers all taught me: "you heve to learn theory and the let it go again" I use theory to comminicate what comes naturally.
wtf? I subscribed a few months ago when you were at 4k subscribers or so cause I thought you deserved more. you're at 66k right now, that's amazing. Good job! :)
It's weird, I know a good amount of music theory and am still learning yet when I write, I find my writing process flourishes better when I ignore any music theory, I have a very free jazz approach where what I hear sounding good, just works for me. Rhythmically it can end up in any time, tonally it can end up anywhere, instrumentation can vary hugely, for many reasons you can really find a beautiful way to express yourself more than using theory strictly. I find that this pinpoints what you naturally like the sound of when you write music. For example I find I end up writing in odd timings, like 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 etc. because I like the triplet-y syncopated feel of the rhythms that you don't really find in 4/4. I end up just playing things in minor tonalities or just atonal, I've found my body just hates major tonalities, at least as a focus of a song. I can use major chords but the overall tone of the song just works as minor for me. I find certain instruments are preferred when writing or types of percussion. That's just me rambling tbh but I think it's very important to just sit down and make something that ignores any of your theory, if you end up using it, great, but approach music without forcing yourself to think about it or thinking about it at all.
yeah, having been the music major myself, I remember music theory 101, then 201, then next year, professor said to forget everything you learned in music theory so far, and then it got strange, because anything goes in contemporary.
Your videos are very well made and extremely useful. Thank you for taking your time to make them. I hope RUclips pays you enough to keep doing it. You're an awesome guitarist by the way.
Really really love your videos! I've been playing for about 8 years now, mostly self taught, so I know there's so much for me to improve on! Every time I watch one of your videos you get me thinking about something I hadn't thought about before. Or thinking about it in a way I hadn't previously considered.
I love your channel.This video is so relatable. I started playing guitar an year ago and have never learnt any theory but I am looking forward to change that (because you are never smart for not knowing something-thanks for this). I never played any instrument before, however I do have relative perfect pitch to some extent so a bit of improvisation comes to me intuitively. I have even composed a few stubs. It was like writing poetry but instead of searching of words I had to weave notes together to fabricate patterns. I love it. Keep making awesome videos.
It's amazing how you never fail to upload useful content every single day. Its helping me so much with my work. Coming from someone who's very passionate abt music. Thank you.
Would love to hear this uploaded to Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Pandora, whatever else there is. I would enjoy listening to all your tracks everywhere I go.
Hey man this video is awesome. I've been playing for about three years by now, and people say that I play at a 5 year player's level (which TBH is kinda bull but meh). I know my fair share of music theory but I've always preferred writing music without it. I feel it's too technical with theory. Great lesson, keep up the good work
Honestly, I just play what comes from the heart, I don't care if people say shit like "Oh you're not using a proper blues scale! oh that pentatonic scale is ripping off Yngwie Malmsteen's famous scale in a very shitty way!" I just play what comes from the heart, plain and simple.
wow man this really opened up a whole new world for me. Ive been trying to understand music theory for a little over a year with like no progress. now i have a general idea on how to start coming up with better music, even if all i play is stoner metal! thanks man, and keep making these extremely underrated videos!
This is excellent in regards to creating a chord sequence and a groove. When most of us think of writing a song we are thinking of the main definition of a "song" which means melody and lyrics: "a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung." Maybe you should do a part 2 video where the melody and lyrics are added to illustrate actual full songwriting process.
there are two ways to write a song, basically: Write Lyrics first, music around the lyrics. Write music first, write lyrics into the music. first option is fun and makes some interesting music second option is very much a simple way to write a song.
Very nice lesson. I'm a wannabe musician that has struggled creatively because I have very basic guitar skills, but your video has opened my eyes to see that I'm making things a little too complicated in my own mind. The subtle changes in the chords make a huge difference and open up a whole new realm of possibilities for someone simple like me. Thank you.
Sagar Saluja To be fair, children who learn to play an instrument in their early years naturally have a good vibrato, especially violin players. If you want to offend someone, say "my grandpa who started playing recently has a better vibrato than you". That being said, don't be an ass.
Great stuff! I've been a guitarist for 25 years or so, and a song writer for almost that long as well. I almost always start with chords that sound cool, and the melodies usually flow from that. Rarely do I start with written lyrics. Been enjoying your channel since I found it a few days ago. Keep it up!
My method is just to play crazy fast riffs with tons of notes, I know some theory in terms of how different scales work with thirds fifths, sevenths, etc., but I just play some nutty riffs and see what comes of it.
this is how i first learned to write! I am studying production now at Full Sail University. Once you get hooked learning comes easy. it becomes a passion instead of a class.
I always find myself writing songs exactly like this, but when I do get stuck (Lets say a dominant I want to switch octaves across a chord progression) it's always useful to know even just a little music theory :)
My only asset to music is my ears. And regarding theories they are no way close to me neither they would be. You kept it simple and easy for me to proceed without doubting my abilities. Thank-you and greetings from Nepal.
Music theory is in no way necessary for you to write songs, but it does help. The problem is most people approach music theory with the wrong mindset. They think it teaches you what is "wrong" and what is "right" in music, but it is certainly not that. Music theory is what helps you expand your creative reach. Using it, you are able to put in practice the things you imagine more easily. Also, music theory is almost essential if you wanna make something that is different.
Roger S. Understanding music theory is like being literate. You can make poetry while being illiterate if you pour your heart into it, but you have a whole bigger chance at it if you can also read and write... P.S. This comment is not to counter argue yours, just to add further on yours.
He Who Judges That's what I was trying to say. And to respond to the guy above, to give you one example of many, let's go with tension. Say you have a vocal melody in your head, and you want to create tension for an upcoming C chord in your song, but if you are gonna follow the melody in your head you might end up putting the same chord two bars in a row, and that's not what you want. With music theory. you can easily find many other chords you can put in that spot, instead of just having to follow your guts. You are still, in a way, doing so, but you know where you want to go. If you want examples of bands with background on music theory, I am pretty sure (not 100% though) that both the guitarrist and the bassist of Blur went to music school.
Roger S. See thats what I have a problem with Music Theory. If one is accustomed to listening in their head and being able to put that out on their instrument, they'd be able to portray tension in ways even music theory doesn't probably approve of. what I am trying to say is that I somehow hate to believe that Music Theory becomes a go to bible when you are probably thinking "how do I create tension" at this point in the piece. I somehow feel that it hinders a musicians freedom to do something out of the box. For instance, the micro tonal bends in blues , the raked bends are nuances that aren't talked about in Theory, they most probably came into existence when somebody heard that sound in their heads first. Even Guthrie says, he never tried studying theory explicitly, he only realised the technologies later and picked them up so that he could use that as the language to communicate with other musicians ..
The only problem I have in songwriting is to match the chords with the lyrics. I seem to have a problem actually singing with the chord progression that I made. I thought it was gonna get touched here but still a solid lesson!
samme79 Singing at the same time takes practice, but I also have a hard time making lyrics sounds good going along with music. I find it to be the hardest part of writing
Kinda new to your channel and I see this is quite an old’ish video but with that I just wanted to say that been playing guitar for quite a while without knowing any music theory, obviously picked up a little bit here and there, because of YOU and some of the other videos of Yours that I’ve seen I have lernt Some more but more theory that I wouldn’t have lernt, cause I don’t have the patience to learn but quickly get the just of it if it said. So thank you for putting your knowledge out there in bite sizes for people who are like me. Stay safe dude 🤘🤘🤘🤘
For me I always start with lyrics. I have 58 lyrics fully done with about 15 of them songs having some guitar on them. Ink of a melody write lyrics for that then go back and see if a guitar riff/chord pattern sounds good for the melody. If it does than I see if I need to alter the melody and make it fit. This will be easier to do now that I have 2 great guitarists in my band. Bare in mind that I've literally turned 17 yesterday and have been writing for about 1.7 years.
Jacob Fox You shouldn't need that. If you have a drive to writing music the songs lyrics should have a meaning to you, making them come fairly naturally.
You have inspired me to get so much better with my Guitar playing. Keep the good work and yes you definitely deserve more SUBSCRIBERS!! Cheers Mate! :)
As a music and music technology student these videos help me a lot with compositional work aswell as putting a practical application to the theory work
thank you so much for this! great tips!! I always thought I needed theory to write music and just recently started trying regardless of how little theory I know. you just reassured me that I don't necessarily need it and I'm super excited to start writing my own songs :) thank you
Trying to get into guitar playing. I've been a drummer for about 9 years now, and even with the little knowledge I have, your videos are really helpful
Good idea. My only issue with the "no theory" approach is that it is not really possible. Theory allows us to easily refer to the patterns in music. A writer may use a Am-F-C-G progression because they are familiar with the sound, and they think it will fit their song. They have recognized the pattern, they refer to that progression. They have used theory- they have heard the pattern and refer back to it. The "theory" that people are scared of is the one that just names the progression 6-4-1-5 for easy reference. Rather than trying to call the progression, "Oh you know the one that sounds kinda sad but moving, ooh its the one used in the Chorus of Africa by Toto!" Anytime a musician refers back to any bit of music for any reason in their performance or writing, they use theory. Whether or not they can name and describe what is actually happening is a different story.
I’d agree that you don’t need theory to write a kick ass guitar solo or a funky bass groove, but it really helps and speeds up the process dramatically, takes the time from maybe a couple of months to less than a week, sometimes even a couple of minutes if it’s on the fly and you know where you can and can’t go either way. I have a friend at college who refuses to learn theory because it’s ‘all just rules and limits my creativity’, which is a very bad mindset to have I think. Theory is something that some people don’t think they know, however as long as you write something that’s pleasing to the ear you’re still using some kind of theory without knowing it, and learning what you’re actually doing helps you to do it again and get a love for what you’re playing.
exactly. i have the problem to hold on to what i’ve just learned. short attention span i think. so many names but it’s those names that i tend to forget quickly, the melody or music in our head makes it. if it works, it works i think right. what works for each.everyone knows theory, but some just can’t get past the basics and f... around and train from there.
You just played the most amazing chord progression I have ever heard, then you say, "That doesnt sound very good" along with a look of just having smelled something bad...
I started doing covers on Ukulele several months ago.. All i know how is to copy and replicate. Making my own sweet songs is my dream.. And this is already so much more sense than b4! I terrible at math but anything intuitive is easyyy
From the beginning you were exercising theory. Theory is essential. Just to learn a single chord is theory.with one chord you have all the sounds to make a progression. Having some sort of theory is what sets the ball rolling.
I've gotta get a resonator...this guy is a great gtr teacher, buy his courses, they are ridiculously down-priced, he keeps up with e-mail daily if you have a query.
Just the information that chords can't be copyrighted is already a huge help, I was always terryfied of accedentally copying someone and getting fucked by Copyright Trolls, thanks for that
Watched yr vid, made notes & fell asleep z-z-z 😪. Must've hit play; when asleep, dreamed we were friends, & that you kept talking across the room w/guitar (it was the video), & didn't answer until I yelled. Asleep I noticed your likeable voice; maybe consider singing too if you don't alrdy.🎶🎙🎤🎸🎧👍
I love the song you created! I would like to know what genre it would be considered as because I'd like to make music like this and I'd like to dive in and research and get some inspiration. Thank you and have a great day guys!
I recently discovered your channel,just wanted to say it's great I can tune in when I have questions,or when I'm frustrated and need answers.Ive been playing 20 years with no music theory.The only thing I would say to you is.....Got to put a picture of Stevie Ray up there on that other wall.Just my opinion.I have an SRV improv/cover of Texas Flood.13 mins long with 13's on it.Joe Cerino Texas Flood.Id like some feedback from you to be honest.Love all your videos!
I started without theory but only looked into theory slowly in small parts as it interested me, there’s no point learning it all,a giant chunk each week if you’re not interested in it, I mostly just did covers until that theory started to intrigue me, or until I found a song that uses it really well
In short; Just learn basic Theory. It's much simplier than people make it out to be. It makes music less of this absolute rule and makes it more this relative idea you can play with in any scale or tonal center. Learn what minor and major seconds/thirds and fourths and fifths etc. are. Learn what scale degrees are. Get a simple idea of what different scales do to the degrees. It'll enlighten you and make music communicating and understanding SO much easier. Thanks for the video though, it's great how you broke it down into bare chords and developed it from there. Makes me want to try and create some songs from the most basic chord shapes.
![Eminem - Somebody Save Me (feat. Jelly Roll) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Vwa0HenQMi4/mqdefault.jpg)
5:26 you can see the pain in his eyes while he's forcing himself
not to say the note's actual name
Not knowing music theory and trying to write songs makes me feel like stumbling around in the dark trying to figure out what works. That makes me uncomfortable and makes me want to learn music theory honestly.
Kostas1601 just curious, did you end up diving into Theory?
I agree with you. Understanding some basic music theory really goes a long way.
@@andrewcampbell-bluespianop6741 how much music theory should I learn? I wanna form a band and was just wondering how much of it should I learn
Yup. Before I decided to take my theory knowledge beyond basic scale shapes and chords, I'd just come up with a bunch of half-baked ideas, and not know where to take them next. Knowing how the chords and scales actually work really helps with moving onto that next step.
@*FlowThru InstrumentalZ* music theory aren't rules. It's a way of analyzing music and making sense of it.
Simple method: Write new words to a song you know. Then write a new tune to those words. Dylan did this all the time.
Sounds fun actually.
John Malcolm I do that a lot actually. pretty effective in my experience
Wow I'm deff trying this
John Malcolm The Beatles did this as well. At least in the beginning.
John Malcolm Oh my God! I thought I was the first person to do this!
This channel is criminally underrated. Keep up the good work man!
To be honest, even if you don't know music theory, you're still using it without realising. The chords that you play are based on theory of harmony even if you don't know what note or interval goes where. Connecting chords together is also above intermediate course of theory, but someone else established that for you, now you're just putting one chord shape or another that you only needed a few minutes to memorise and only a few days/weeks to be able to play them. The process of writing melodies without knowing theory is basically playing random notes until you can differentiate what sounds better, what sounds worse and cling on your findings to further develop what you have established. You don't need knowing theory that explains *why* something sounds better or worse, you just need to find *what* sounds better or worse. However, writing melody over harmony/chords, or harmony over melody is using theory without knowing it, because if you live in the western world, you are much more likely to fall under some modes and scales in your creations and establish what sounds dissonant and what sounds consonant based on the western musical system which you have grown up used to. Even rhythm is heavily influenced by already established theory. Even though rhythm, more than anything, is based on intuitions and personal emotional states, it's still psychologically influenced by music you have heard in your life, thus carrying on the legacy that was based and established in music theory. More often than not, you'll just be playing Lego's with already established rhythmic shapes because you'll have them grown into you.
So to those people that are stubborn about not learning music theory, you're probably not going to escape it, learning it just helps you see things more clearly.
for real though. 30, been playing since 15ish. if someone says something like "play minor a chord" I have no idea wtf they are talking about. c chord? I call it the 3,2,3 chord cause of frets lol
He Who Judges I've tried to learn music theory, the class was all band kids so I felt out of place and felt it was tailored to them, I dropped out after the first half, and yeah I wanna learn but I can't really because I can't afford a teacher, Ive tried learning from the internet but nothing really helps, that is unless you have a good site to teach music theory in relation to guitar?
_3xodus _ Music theory itself is pretty universal for all instruments and even vocals so learning general music theory isn't a bad idea. Same tendencies apply to any instrument. Even though you're leaning towards guitar, having a piano keyboard nearby helps enormously because the western music tone system is laid out there in front of you. What ever you learn on keyboard, you can apply on guitar.
However, if you really want music theory to be tailored solely towards guitar, then the list of suggestions certainly narrows down a lot. It also highly depends on how well you've learned so far, because you will find that many different sources will only offer the same things you have already learned several times before. I would highly recommend theory books from a library of some college/university or academy of music if you have the access since it can propel you far above the typical Internet sources you can find everywhere. But if you don't have access to such libraries, then it's going to be a bit harder. I don't know your level in theory, so it's really hard to recommend something that could be useful to you.
Whether you want to have theory tailored towards guitar or not, I would still suggest to run through musictheory.net website and see if you have already learned everything the website has to offer. Otherwise, if you're a beginner, intermediate or somewhere in between, there's an online teacher Nick Minnion who has a programme "Secret Guitar Teacher" where he teaches all-things-guitar, including theory. The more advanced lessons aren't free, but the basics and fundamentals are free, he also has a RUclips channel of the same name. Find the video "How to study guitar music theory" to begin. If you're more advanced, there's an online teacher Andrew Wasson who leads "Creative Guitar Studio" courses. Again, his more advanced lessons aren't free, but the basics are, and yes, he also has a RUclips channel with the same name as well.
Ultimately, when studying theory, I highly recommend to not just take in the information you learn, but also to use it practically no less than you learn, and analyze the material you have learned thoroughly on your own without the need of the teachers to analyze it for you, you may find very interesting aspects and connections in even the most simplest things.
_3xodus _ Sorry for the lengthy post, but I hope you'll find something that might help you.
He Who Judges alright, thanks man, thats really helpful :)
resonator guitars in the thumbnail is the biggest click bait for me
At least he delivered
CookieMeth that's a very respectable claim
Resonator guitars are fuck'n cool
Same ( - :
What is a resonator guitar?
Don't lie you're channeling your inner satriani
ilov69 this is a rare comment 👌
Dan Hahn I channel my inner Satan
Mandolin Ash hole no
Meanwhile, I'm here channeling my inner Lil' Wayne 😂
Yea sometimes I accidentally channeling my inner satriani when I played guitar. But It happens just for 10 sec damn
I think theory is just an enabler, its a box of tools to help you. I used to avoid theory but now that I know more theory, not only is it awesome to know what it is I've been doing for years but its also helped me incredibly with writing.
Love your channel man its so underrated. Keep it up!
How much of it should I learn, i wanna start a band and was just wondering how much i should learn
Same, when I started learning theory, it made everything easier for me.
On the flip side ; the more Theory I learn , it just opens more questions faster than I can find answers .
For basic songwriting , 2 or 3 chord progressions account for 80-90% of songs . Just know your I, IV, and V ( with occasional VIm or IIm for spice ) , and move on lyrics .
If you DO wanna learn theory, my course Guitar Super System can show you the way. 50% off the 5-star rated Guitar Super System: bit.ly/GSS5OOFF
So happy I got these. You rock man!! Have an awesome day.
Brother, the final song is absolutely beautiful! Amazing work!
:(
nice lesson!
It is what my music teachers all taught me:
"you heve to learn theory and the let it go again"
I use theory to comminicate what comes naturally.
New subscriber and potential student.
Just came across your videos today and they vibe with me very well. Keep up the good work sir!
Thanks dude!
as much as i appreciate every lesson, I'm always stoked when you start your solo or song in the end of a video!! Great tune!!
this is one of the most informative and helpful videos i've seen on song construction. thanks a lot man
wtf? I subscribed a few months ago when you were at 4k subscribers or so cause I thought you deserved more. you're at 66k right now, that's amazing. Good job! :)
Steve same it's like wtf but go him
Steve 150,000 now!
Now 245k!
DaltonThomas yo
He's at 304 now lol
It's weird, I know a good amount of music theory and am still learning yet when I write, I find my writing process flourishes better when I ignore any music theory, I have a very free jazz approach where what I hear sounding good, just works for me. Rhythmically it can end up in any time, tonally it can end up anywhere, instrumentation can vary hugely, for many reasons you can really find a beautiful way to express yourself more than using theory strictly.
I find that this pinpoints what you naturally like the sound of when you write music. For example I find I end up writing in odd timings, like 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 etc. because I like the triplet-y syncopated feel of the rhythms that you don't really find in 4/4. I end up just playing things in minor tonalities or just atonal, I've found my body just hates major tonalities, at least as a focus of a song. I can use major chords but the overall tone of the song just works as minor for me. I find certain instruments are preferred when writing or types of percussion.
That's just me rambling tbh but I think it's very important to just sit down and make something that ignores any of your theory, if you end up using it, great, but approach music without forcing yourself to think about it or thinking about it at all.
Travis Godfrey Evans Then you don't fully understand music theory. Music theory was never meant to be a set of rules.
yeah, having been the music major myself, I remember music theory 101, then 201, then next year, professor said to forget everything you learned in music theory so far, and then it got strange, because anything goes in contemporary.
Your videos are very well made and extremely useful. Thank you for taking your time to make them. I hope RUclips pays you enough to keep doing it. You're an awesome guitarist by the way.
Another great tune you've come up with that you should record and release!! You may not be a lyricist, but you make great instrumentals!!
Really really love your videos!
I've been playing for about 8 years now, mostly self taught, so I know there's so much for me to improve on!
Every time I watch one of your videos you get me thinking about something I hadn't thought about before. Or thinking about it in a way I hadn't previously considered.
Damn, dude, you're soooo good at teaching and playing!!
"I'm just going to keep with what I'm doing, adding this... the top E string" - so close to music theory xD
I love your channel.This video is so relatable. I started playing guitar an year ago and have never learnt any theory but I am looking forward to change that (because you are never smart for not knowing something-thanks for this). I never played any instrument before, however I do have relative perfect pitch to some extent so a bit of improvisation comes to me intuitively. I have even composed a few stubs. It was like writing poetry but instead of searching of words I had to weave notes together to fabricate patterns. I love it. Keep making awesome videos.
It's amazing how you never fail to upload useful content every single day. Its helping me so much with my work. Coming from someone who's very passionate abt music. Thank you.
Would love to hear this uploaded to Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Pandora, whatever else there is. I would enjoy listening to all your tracks everywhere I go.
This turned out so nice! Didn't know you are also an amazing acoustic player. You're so talented!
WELL DONE MAN. This is how lessons should be. People like intelligent, mellow, and patient.
Hey man this video is awesome. I've been playing for about three years by now, and people say that I play at a 5 year player's level (which TBH is kinda bull but meh). I know my fair share of music theory but I've always preferred writing music without it. I feel it's too technical with theory. Great lesson, keep up the good work
Thanks a lot, dude!
Honestly, I just play what comes from the heart, I don't care if people say shit like "Oh you're not using a proper blues scale! oh that pentatonic scale is ripping off Yngwie Malmsteen's famous scale in a very shitty way!"
I just play what comes from the heart, plain and simple.
It's great to see you putting in so much hard work to help those of us who know how to play but are lagging with theory! Thanks man!
I appreciate your kindness for taking time out to prepare this lesson. I make use of this, thanks.
Dude you're a great teacher! Keep it up man. ✊
wow man this really opened up a whole new world for me. Ive been trying to understand music theory for a little over a year with like no progress. now i have a general idea on how to start coming up with better music, even if all i play is stoner metal! thanks man, and keep making these extremely underrated videos!
Dunno how I only stumbled upon this video now, it's massively helpful for a drummer who doesn't play much guitar.
This is excellent in regards to creating a chord sequence and a groove. When most of us think of writing a song we are thinking of the main definition of a "song" which means melody and lyrics: "a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung." Maybe you should do a part 2 video where the melody and lyrics are added to illustrate actual full songwriting process.
there are two ways to write a song, basically:
Write Lyrics first, music around the lyrics.
Write music first, write lyrics into the music.
first option is fun and makes some interesting music
second option is very much a simple way to write a song.
Very nice lesson. I'm a wannabe musician that has struggled creatively because I have very basic guitar skills, but your video has opened my eyes to see that I'm making things a little too complicated in my own mind. The subtle changes in the chords make a huge difference and open up a whole new realm of possibilities for someone simple like me. Thank you.
Are you going to make a video on songwriting using music theory? By the way it sounded magnificent.
dude you rock!
YOU rock.
WE ROCK!
Sagar Saluja To be fair, children who learn to play an instrument in their early years naturally have a good vibrato, especially violin players. If you want to offend someone, say "my grandpa who started playing recently has a better vibrato than you". That being said, don't be an ass.
You k ow that he just was kidding? :D
The final version of the song was awesome
Great stuff! I've been a guitarist for 25 years or so, and a song writer for almost that long as well. I almost always start with chords that sound cool, and the melodies usually flow from that. Rarely do I start with written lyrics. Been enjoying your channel since I found it a few days ago. Keep it up!
I'm glad you do videos like this. I like to watch vids during my free time at work and then use the Guitar Super System when I'm at home :)
My method is just to play crazy fast riffs with tons of notes, I know some theory in terms of how different scales work with thirds fifths, sevenths, etc., but I just play some nutty riffs and see what comes of it.
Great unique topic. The greatest song i've ever written was back in the day when i knew zero theory.
Great video! Dig that resonator!
Rock songs usually starts with a riff!
This was a pleasure to watch. Keep it up! Song sounded fantastic as well.
I've never seen a guitar quite like that
It's a resonator, super cool but also heavy as hell
It's also known as a dobro
I don't want to be that guy, but like, a dobro is a russian guitar.
That guitar sounds so sweet
It’s a gretsch Root series it’s only 300 bucks
i did exactly these steps early this mourning including the open E
it seems like its a very intuitive way to write
I was searching for some inspiration to "catch the creative flow". And your video was very helpful. Thank you!
this is how i first learned to write! I am studying production now at Full Sail University. Once you get hooked learning comes easy. it becomes a passion instead of a class.
I always find myself writing songs exactly like this, but when I do get stuck (Lets say a dominant I want to switch octaves across a chord progression) it's always useful to know even just a little music theory :)
My only asset to music is my ears. And regarding theories they are no way close to me neither they would be. You kept it simple and easy for me to proceed without doubting my abilities. Thank-you and greetings from Nepal.
Love your channel. Still an intermediate player. Please more videos on songwriting! I'm a songwriter and am always looking for a fresh take. Thanks!
A theory can take u from A to B but your imagination can take u anywhere !!
😎🤘🏻
That's what I think 💭
Music theory is in no way necessary for you to write songs, but it does help. The problem is most people approach music theory with the wrong mindset. They think it teaches you what is "wrong" and what is "right" in music, but it is certainly not that. Music theory is what helps you expand your creative reach. Using it, you are able to put in practice the things you imagine more easily.
Also, music theory is almost essential if you wanna make something that is different.
Roger S. How can someone write something different using music theory ? when they may not even feel it happening in their head ?
Roger S. Understanding music theory is like being literate. You can make poetry while being illiterate if you pour your heart into it, but you have a whole bigger chance at it if you can also read and write...
P.S. This comment is not to counter argue yours, just to add further on yours.
He Who Judges That's what I was trying to say. And to respond to the guy above, to give you one example of many, let's go with tension. Say you have a vocal melody in your head, and you want to create tension for an upcoming C chord in your song, but if you are gonna follow the melody in your head you might end up putting the same chord two bars in a row, and that's not what you want. With music theory. you can easily find many other chords you can put in that spot, instead of just having to follow your guts. You are still, in a way, doing so, but you know where you want to go. If you want examples of bands with background on music theory, I am pretty sure (not 100% though) that both the guitarrist and the bassist of Blur went to music school.
Roger S. See thats what I have a problem with Music Theory. If one is accustomed to listening in their head and being able to put that out on their instrument, they'd be able to portray tension in ways even music theory doesn't probably approve of. what I am trying to say is that I somehow hate to believe that Music Theory becomes a go to bible when you are probably thinking "how do I create tension" at this point in the piece. I somehow feel that it hinders a musicians freedom to do something out of the box. For instance, the micro tonal bends in blues , the raked bends are nuances that aren't talked about in Theory, they most probably came into existence when somebody heard that sound in their heads first. Even Guthrie says, he never tried studying theory explicitly, he only realised the technologies later and picked them up so that he could use that as the language to communicate with other musicians ..
The only problem I have in songwriting is to match the chords with the lyrics. I seem to have a problem actually singing with the chord progression that I made. I thought it was gonna get touched here but still a solid lesson!
samme79 how long have you been playing being able to sing over your playing just takes time
samme79
Singing at the same time takes practice, but I also have a hard time making lyrics sounds good going along with music. I find it to be the hardest part of writing
Kinda new to your channel and I see this is quite an old’ish video but with that I just wanted to say that been playing guitar for quite a while without knowing any music theory, obviously picked up a little bit here and there, because of YOU and some of the other videos of Yours that I’ve seen I have lernt Some more but more theory that I wouldn’t have lernt, cause I don’t have the patience to learn but quickly get the just of it if it said.
So thank you for putting your knowledge out there in bite sizes for people who are like me. Stay safe dude 🤘🤘🤘🤘
you deserve more subscribers you rock and actually really know what you are doing great job!
For me I always start with lyrics. I have 58 lyrics fully done with about 15 of them songs having some guitar on them.
Ink of a melody write lyrics for that then go back and see if a guitar riff/chord pattern sounds good for the melody. If it does than I see if I need to alter the melody and make it fit. This will be easier to do now that I have 2 great guitarists in my band.
Bare in mind that I've literally turned 17 yesterday and have been writing for about 1.7 years.
morgan owen-rees why don't you post any of your work?
Jacob Fox You shouldn't need that. If you have a drive to writing music the songs lyrics should have a meaning to you, making them come fairly naturally.
1.7 lol
You have inspired me to get so much better with my Guitar playing. Keep the good work and yes you definitely deserve more SUBSCRIBERS!! Cheers Mate! :)
As a music and music technology student these videos help me a lot with compositional work aswell as putting a practical application to the theory work
I really like your videos, very helpful. Keep on filming man.
wow! that was a beautiful tune! thank you! you're awesome!
The quality of your musical advice is win! keep it up!
I love this lesson. Just what I needed. Thanks.
thank you so much for this! great tips!! I always thought I needed theory to write music and just recently started trying regardless of how little theory I know. you just reassured me that I don't necessarily need it and I'm super excited to start writing my own songs :) thank you
Amazing channel, you really need more subscriber.
Ps. I think you have an awesome stile
As an electric guitar player, I'd appreciate some acoustic-specific lessons (fingerpicking, etc). I like how you put that together
I thought a "tag" was when the last part of progression is repeated and what you're referring as a tag was called a "hook".
Thanks a lot man, this helped heaps. Props from Australia!
Love your videos! Keep up the awesome work!
Trying to get into guitar playing. I've been a drummer for about 9 years now, and even with the little knowledge I have, your videos are really helpful
this is excellent, thanks for the information. this was straight to the point, enjoyed it!
Good idea. My only issue with the "no theory" approach is that it is not really possible. Theory allows us to easily refer to the patterns in music. A writer may use a Am-F-C-G progression because they are familiar with the sound, and they think it will fit their song.
They have recognized the pattern, they refer to that progression. They have used theory- they have heard the pattern and refer back to it. The "theory" that people are scared of is the one that just names the progression 6-4-1-5 for easy reference. Rather than trying to call the progression, "Oh you know the one that sounds kinda sad but moving, ooh its the one used in the Chorus of Africa by Toto!"
Anytime a musician refers back to any bit of music for any reason in their performance or writing, they use theory. Whether or not they can name and describe what is actually happening is a different story.
this video really helps me... so many things I've learn from your videos....
I'm so glad I found your channel
I’d agree that you don’t need theory to write a kick ass guitar solo or a funky bass groove, but it really helps and speeds up the process dramatically, takes the time from maybe a couple of months to less than a week, sometimes even a couple of minutes if it’s on the fly and you know where you can and can’t go either way. I have a friend at college who refuses to learn theory because it’s ‘all just rules and limits my creativity’, which is a very bad mindset to have I think. Theory is something that some people don’t think they know, however as long as you write something that’s pleasing to the ear you’re still using some kind of theory without knowing it, and learning what you’re actually doing helps you to do it again and get a love for what you’re playing.
you are a blessing on earth! thank you sir!
exactly. i have the problem to hold on to what i’ve just learned. short attention span i think. so many names but it’s those names that i tend to forget quickly, the melody or music in our head makes it. if it works, it works i think right. what works for each.everyone knows theory, but some just can’t get past the basics and f... around and train from there.
You just played the most amazing chord progression I have ever heard, then you say, "That doesnt sound very good" along with a look of just having smelled something bad...
I started doing covers on Ukulele several months ago.. All i know how is to copy and replicate. Making my own sweet songs is my dream.. And this is already so much more sense than b4! I terrible at math but anything intuitive is easyyy
thanks for the video!! :) needed so much help on songwriting. I appreciate it
That was actually a really cool little song you had going
That ending when it all came together - just smooth.
but you need cheese cake
From the beginning you were exercising theory. Theory is essential. Just to learn a single chord is theory.with one chord you have all the sounds to make a progression. Having some sort of theory is what sets the ball rolling.
I've gotta get a resonator...this guy is a great gtr teacher, buy his courses, they are ridiculously down-priced, he keeps up with e-mail daily if you have a query.
Exactly the kind of video I was looking for. Thanks so much!
Just the information that chords can't be copyrighted is already a huge help, I was always terryfied of accedentally copying someone and getting fucked by Copyright Trolls, thanks for that
Also, experiment! Play around and find happy accidents. Challenge yourself to try something you wouldn't normally think of!
Watched yr vid, made notes & fell asleep z-z-z 😪. Must've hit play; when asleep, dreamed we were friends, & that you kept talking across the room w/guitar (it was the video), & didn't answer until I yelled. Asleep I noticed your likeable voice; maybe consider singing too if you don't alrdy.🎶🎙🎤🎸🎧👍
I love the song you created! I would like to know what genre it would be considered as because I'd like to make music like this and I'd like to dive in and research and get some inspiration. Thank you and have a great day guys!
I recently discovered your channel,just wanted to say it's great I can tune in when I have questions,or when I'm frustrated and need answers.Ive been playing 20 years with no music theory.The only thing I would say to you is.....Got to put a picture of Stevie Ray up there on that other wall.Just my opinion.I have an SRV improv/cover of Texas Flood.13 mins long with 13's on it.Joe Cerino Texas Flood.Id like some feedback from you to be honest.Love all your videos!
as always great video, great playing and great content. keep up the great vids.
Cool guitar
super nice video, been looking for this thank you. ( i know music theory but trying to start songwriting)
I started without theory but only looked into theory slowly in small parts as it interested me, there’s no point learning it all,a giant chunk each week if you’re not interested in it, I mostly just did covers until that theory started to intrigue me, or until I found a song that uses it really well
We think on the same lines when it comes to rhythm. That's exactly the same rhythm I had in my mind.
In short;
Just learn basic Theory. It's much simplier than people make it out to be. It makes music less of this absolute rule and makes it more this relative idea you can play with in any scale or tonal center.
Learn what minor and major seconds/thirds and fourths and fifths etc. are.
Learn what scale degrees are. Get a simple idea of what different scales do to the degrees.
It'll enlighten you and make music communicating and understanding SO much easier.
Thanks for the video though, it's great how you broke it down into bare chords and developed it from there. Makes me want to try and create some songs from the most basic chord shapes.
ModeSeven Totally agree. I learned guitar and theory as well and knowing theory helps me a lot with songwriting
Wow. I like that song A LOT!
Devin Townsend is a great example of being a technical master without knowing much about theory