music theory for music producers (you'll actually use this)

TAETRO

12 Jul 202123:07

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video introduces music theory concepts like scales, keys, whole steps and half steps. It aims to explain these in simple terms, avoiding complex notation. The goal is to enable viewers to understand and play any major scale by teaching them the 'secret formula' for major scales - whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. This formula works starting on any note. Understanding scales informs melodies, chords and basslines. By finding relative minor scales, viewers can also learn any minor scale. The video encourages practicing different scales across the keyboard and offers to address questions to further the music theory journey in future videos.

Takeaways

😀 Understanding scales and keys is foundational for making music - it informs melodies, chords, basslines, and more
👂 There are 12 notes total, comprised of the white and black keys on a keyboard
🎹 The musical alphabet is A B C D E F G, which repeats up the keyboard starting on C
🔢 There are whole steps and half steps between notes, which are used to build scales
📐 Major scales follow the formula whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half
🎵 Relative minor scales start on the 6th note of the corresponding major scale
🧠 You can use the major scale formula to figure out any major key on the fly
🎼 Understanding theory helps you play along with or recreate songs in various keys
✏️ Comment with questions to help shape the direction of future music theory videos
🙌 Practice playing scales in different keys to get more comfortable with music theory

Q & A

What is the concept of scales and keys in music theory?
-Scales and keys refer to the collection of notes that are used in a piece of music. They limit the notes you play to a specific set which gives music in a particular key its unique sound.
What are the two types of steps between notes on a keyboard or other instrument?
-The two types of steps between notes are a half step, where there is no note in between two notes, and a whole step, where there is a note in between the two notes.
What is the secret formula for building any major scale?
-The secret formula is: whole whole half, whole whole whole half. This pattern of whole and half steps allows you to build any major scale starting on any note.
How can you find the relative minor scale from a major scale?
-To find the relative minor scale, locate the 6th note of the major scale. Then play the same notes as the major scale starting on that 6th note.
Why is learning scales and keys important for music production?
-Understanding scales and keys allows you to write melodies, basslines and chords within a key. It gives your music coherence and helps you recreate sounds in different keys.
What should you practice to get more comfortable with scales and keys?
-You should practice playing scales across your keyboard or instrument in different keys, following the whole-whole-half step formula. This will help scales become more intuitive over time.
What is the next step after learning scales and keys in music theory?
-The next steps after learning scales and keys could include topics like intervals, chords, melody writing, harmony and chord progressions.
How can understanding music theory help someone produce better tracks?
-Music theory gives you a framework to write songs methodically. Knowing which notes work together allows you to create melodies, chords and basslines that sound more pleasing and professional.
What resources does the presenter recommend for learning music theory?
-The presenter recommends Skillshare, which has classes on music theory and production, including one taught in Ableton Live by an Ableton Certified Trainer.
What can viewers do if they have additional questions on music theory?
-Viewers are encouraged to leave comments with additional questions so the creator can cover topics that are most helpful for the audience in future videos.

Outlines

00:00

😄 Intro to Music Theory Series and Scales

The creator discusses starting a new series on explaining music theory concepts used in music production in beginner-friendly terms. He introduces scales and keys, explaining that they represent the collection of notes used in a track, allowing the creation of melodies, chords, and basslines.

05:00

🎹 Understanding Half Steps and Whole Steps on the Piano

The concepts of half steps and whole steps for labeling the distance between piano keys are explained. Half steps have no notes between them while whole steps do. These intervals are vital for understanding the secret major scale formula.

10:01

🤫 The Secret Major Scale Formula Revealed

The video reveals the secret formula for major scales - whole whole half, whole whole whole half. This pattern of whole and half steps allows you to figure out any major scale no matter the starting root note. An example of deriving C major and F# major scales is shown.

15:02

🎵 Building Major and Relative Minor Scales

The process of applying the scale formula to build major scales on any note is demonstrated through examples on the piano. Finding relative minor scales is also covered - the 6th note of a major scale gives you the root of its relative minor. Practicing scales in different keys is encouraged.

20:03

😊 Wrap Up and What's Next

The creator concludes by recommending continued practice with scales and asking for viewer requests to guide upcoming music theory video topics. The Skillshare sponsorship is highlighted for further learning.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Scale

A scale is a set of musical notes ordered by fundamental frequency or pitch. Scales are used to create melodies, chord progressions, and basslines within a piece of music. In the video, scales and keys are described as the collection of notes used throughout a music track. Understanding scales is important for writing original music or figuring out the notes to play when learning an existing song.

💡Key

The key of a piece of music refers to the scale or set of notes that form the basis for the melody, chords, and bassline. Keys help define the overall tonal center and mood of a track. For example, the video explains that songs can be in the key of C major or F# major. Understanding keys allows you to recreate a similar sound when making your own music.

💡Interval

An interval refers to the distance between two musical notes. The main intervals discussed are half-steps, where notes are right next to each other on a keyboard, and whole steps, where there is one note in between. These intervals make up the formula for major and minor scales.

💡Melody

A melody is a sequence of single notes that form the main motif or tune of a piece of music. Understanding keys and scales allows you to write original melodies that fit within the tonal center established by a particular scale.

💡Chord

A chord is a set of three or more notes played together harmonically. Knowledge of scales and keys informs the chords that can be built upon notes within those scales. Chord progressions will be explored further in the music theory series.

💡Harmony

Harmony refers to the vertical aspect of music created by multiple notes played together. Chords create harmony, and understanding scales and keys establishes the palette of notes that harmonize well in a given key signature or scale.

💡Bassline

The bassline is the low-register melodic line or accompaniment that emphasizes the chord roots or tonic notes, usually played by bass instruments. Basslines help outline the harmony and chord changes. Knowing the current scale and key helps write original and fitting bass parts.

💡Relative minor

Every major scale has a relative minor scale that uses the same notes but starts on the 6th note of the major scale, creating a moodier sound. So learning the major scale formula allows you to easily find the relative minor as well.

💡Tonal center

The tonal center refers to the central pitch or key that serves as a gravitation point for a piece of music. Scales establish a tonal center that grounds the other musical elements like melody and harmony.

💡Note

A note is a single music tone with an assigned pitch and duration. Notes make up melodies, chords, and basslines. Playing notes within a certain scale limits you to those approved notes across the keyboard when writing a track in that key.

Highlights

I loathe the idea of learning music theory, it sounds super boring and complex

I will explain music theory in terms you can understand, not like boring math

Scales and keys are the notes you use to make a track - your melodies, chords, basslines

There are half steps between notes with no notes between, and whole steps between notes with a note between

The secret formula for major scales is whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half

Minor scales use the 6th note of major scales as their starting point

Understanding scales lets you figure out keys of songs to recreate melodies

Practice scales across your keyboard to get comfortable in different keys

Learning scales is the first step to understanding music theory behind songs

Scales inform melodies, chords, harmony - the building blocks of your music

Support the channel by checking out the Skillshare sponsor

Scale formula whole-whole-half helps you play any major scale starting anywhere

Each major scale has a relative minor using its 6th note as starting point

Knowing scale formulas lets you figure out keys of songs to recreate sound

Let me know any music theory questions for future videos in comments

Transcripts

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