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R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Start Learning Rhythm Theory

1. About Rhythm Theory Rhythm may not be emphasized as much in general music theory. Needless to say that books titled "Chord Theory" or "Harmony" don't treat rhythms, but even in books labeled "Music Theory", references to rhythm are often limited. The reason for this might be that rhythm is what is most intuitively understood and reproduced, and many people…
yuta
July 1, 2024
Preparation

Timbre (2) Amplitude Envelope

1. Amplitude Envelope Last time you learned about the spectrum and overtones, but another fundamental parameter related to timbre is the temporal change in volume. For example, with snare drum sounds, some have a short, quick decay like "tac", while others have a long sustain like "zaaahn". Within a single hit, when the volume reaches its peak and how it…
yuta
June 12, 2024
Preparation

Timbre (1) Sound Spectrum

So far, we've covered "scales" and "keys". Now, let's talk about an even more fundamental topic before delving into the specifics of melody, chords, and rhythm. That's the topic of timbre. We all know that the timbre of a piano is different from that of a guitar, but what exactly makes them different? This is essential knowledge in music production,…
yuta
June 9, 2024
C-II: Add, Omit, Borrow

Parallel Minor Chords (2)

In the previous article, you've seen the basic patterns of borrowing parallel minor key chords. Now, let's delve into some finer details. 1. The Choices of , , and I explained like parallel minor chords involve 3 flats on , and , but in reality, it's also possible to use "subtype'versions where only some of // are flattened. For example,…
yuta
May 5, 2024
C-II: Add, Omit, Borrow

Parallel Minor Chords (1)

Session Overview This time you learn new non-prime chords. You get new chords with flats, and make new chord progressions like A♭-B♭-C. Keywords: parallel minor, modal interchange, borrowed chords, 1. Borrowing Chords This time I introduce a technique of borrowing chords from parallel keys. You may remember the term "parallel key" from last time. "Parallel key" refers to keys where…
yuta
May 16, 2024
C-II: Add, Omit, Borrow

Related Keys

Session Overview This time you learn new terms. The relationship between keys are explained here. Keywords: Related key, parallel key, relative key 1. Closely Related Keys There are a total of 24 keys in music. 12 different pitches from to , each with major and minor, making a total of 24. Among these 24 keys, some are closely related, while…
yuta
April 24, 2024
C-II: Add, Omit, Borrow

Secondary Dominants

Session Overview This time you learn new non-prime chords. Here, we'll incorporate chords that haven't been covered yet by using accidentals (♯/♭). In this session, prior knowledge of Melody Chapter I is assumed. If you are not familiar with concepts such as the or , please review the Melody Chapter. Keywords: secondary dominants, dominant resolution, tritone In the previous session,…
yuta
May 27, 2024
C-II: Add, Omit, Borrow

Seventh Chords

Session Overview This time you learn new chord names. By adding notes to major/minor chords you get more complex sounds. Keywords: seventh chords, dominant seventh 1. Seventh Chords In the episode , we discussed the stacking of notes. In that discussion, we briefly touched on jazz theory, which often uses chords based on stacking four notes. The fourth note added…
yuta
May 5, 2024
C-II: Add, Omit, Borrow

Power Chords

Session Overview This time you learn new chord names. The style quite commonly used in rock music is introduced here. If you write rock songs, this knowledge is essential. Keywords: power chord, omit3 1. Omit Notes In Chapter I, we learned the technique to add notes to basic triads, which is called "seventh chords" or "tension chords". But you can…
yuta
May 5, 2024
Nexus System

Summary and Conclusion

1. Review of Nexus Systems Now, up to this point, we have examined the characteristics of each nexus. Nexus Features Gentle and smooth, yet rich in color Clear driving force, characteristic Clear driving force and easy to listen to Minimal tone change, unique sense of floating up Minimal tone change and stable Understanding the differences in the impressions allows you…
yuta
June 3, 2024