Skip to main content
M-II: Vertical View

Usage of 3rd Shell

This time, I will introduce the 3rd shell, which I described as an "ace" before. 1. Characteristics of the 3rd Shell The is the note that determines the major/minor quality of a chord. Therefore, when this note is used as a melody, it significantly amplifies the chord's harmonic color. Compared to or , it has a rich and soft sound.…
yuta
April 24, 2024
M-II: Vertical View

Usage of Root Shell

Let's review the previous session. It goes like this: The impression of a melodic tone is greatly defined by in-chord degree, the relative position to the chord root. And Each degree has its unique character. So, I named this somewhat vague nature "shell" and discussed the need to analyze them properly. Let's start by looking at the usage of Root…
yuta
March 28, 2024
M-II: Vertical View

Shell Function

Session Overview This time you learn new concepts. Again the discussion on the relationship between chords and melody. This theory is incredibly important for enhancing expressiveness and ultimately contributes to arranging techniques. Keywords: Shell, Guide tone In the previous session, the concept "In-chord Degree" was introduced. The position of the melody relative to the chord root has a significant impact…
yuta
June 12, 2024
M-II: Vertical View

Dual Location Data of Melody

Session Overview This time you learn new concepts. Continuing from the previous discussion, we will further explore the relationship between chords and melodies. Keywords: In-chord degree, Approach note In the previous session we talked about the importance of whether a melodic note is positioned in odd-numbered or even-numbered degrees, with reference to the chord. , , and inherently create dissonance.…
yuta
April 9, 2024
M-II: Vertical View

Horizontal and Vertical Aspects of Melody

Session Overview This time you learn new concepts. The crucial relationship between chords and melody is discussed here. In this chapter, prior knowledge of Chord Chapter I is required. If you haven't been through it yet, please read it first. Keywords: horizontal/vertical oriented melodies 1. Viewing Vertically In Chapter I, we started by learning about the nature of melody independently…
yuta
May 28, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Half Time / Double Time

I previously explained the concept of "duality in tempo". Duality in trap beats Duality in country beats Duality in reggae beats This is a result of the fact that the core principle in rhythm theory, "beats", depend on our bodily cognitive perception. The count of a drumming can be interpreted in multiple ways. Taking the opposite view, it means that…
yuta
October 24, 2023
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Clave and Tresillo

1. Son Clave In the world of rhythm, there are several classic rhythm patterns, and one of the most famous is the . Clave serves as a framework for rhythms in Cuban and Latin American music, combining 2/8 and 3/8 lengths to create rhythmic patterns with syncopation. You might have heard the name of an instrument called "Claves". It's a…
yuta
June 11, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Syncopation

Early on, I explained how the difference between downbeat and upbeat accents affects the groove. In this session, we focused just on the accents of the hi-hat, but this time, we will broaden the discussion and delve into accents more comprehensively. 1. Strong Beat / Weak Beat In Western music theory, there is another set of classification terms aside from…
yuta
June 11, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Beat Subdivisions

1. Types of Beats In the previous discussion, I mentioned that among the "essentials" in drums the hihat plays the most intricate rhythms and determines the detailed rhythm sensation. This time, I will introduce a simple classification for these rhythms. 8th Note Beats This is a standard beat pattern. By looking at how the hihat is played, you can see…
yuta
May 25, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Beat, Bar and Time

First, let's start with the fundamental concept of rhythm. 1. Beats Fundamentally, the most basic framework of rhythmic structure is our counting. Whether it's a conductor's baton, foot tapping, hand clapping, or a metronome, whatever, when you count in a steady pace, a framework for rhythm emerges. The basis of rhythmic theory is primitive and physical. Lying down on the…
yuta
May 22, 2024