The Secret To Beautiful Chords

Foundational music production course + community access: alexromesound....
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MY GEAR:
DAW (Music making software): Logic Pro and Ableton Live
Studio monitors (speakers): Yamaha HS8's
Headphones: Audeze LCD X (open back)
Camera: Canon 80d
Computer: Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip and 2 TB hardrive
Midi controller (keyboard): Komplete Kontrol 61
Interface: Scarlett Clarett 2 pre
Desk: a cheap one from ikea
Chair: also a cheap one from ikea
My favorite plugins that I use the most:
XFER Serum
Sylenth 1
Nexus 3
Kontakt
RC 20
Valhalla Shimmer
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Shaperbox 3
XFER OTT
Fab Filter Saturn 2
Fab Filter Pro C 2
Arturia Pigments
Baby Audio Comeback Kid
Output Thermal and Portal
LABS Soft Piano
Hardware that I use behind the scenes but not in videos:
Elektron Octatrack (my fav)
Elektron Digitakt
Korg Minilogue XD

[@musicbysazid]

I am here for 20% improvement on my music production

[@spootnick6832]

I'm here to pretend like I learned something.

[@DukGood]

@@spootnick6832 same :P

[@MarcusGuenther]

If you want to learn, check out a channel called better make music. They make videos on how to improve your beats/music

[@xuann_soul]

me too

[@chills_tiny_mom]

I’m here to proc the dunning Krueger effect

[@Overlycomplicatedswede]

The fact this dude just used Fmin as his first chord and made it the most upbeat shit is amazing

[@nathan9901]

​@aliceberethart i have the opposite issue lmfao

[@annfranksus1531]

As someone that takes notes when watching this type of video format, I greatly appreciate that you made a list for all the topics

[@kannonfps]

wait do people don't actually take notes when then try to learn something ? are their memory that good ? i know mine isnt, as soon as i finish a video most of the time i forgot 80% of it :')

[@mrricedoesstuff]

Get it! Notes?

[@happymusicproductions]

@@mrricedoesstuff Haha very funny

[@LynnyToons]

@@kannonfps mine definitely isn’t but I can’t get myself to write it down💔

[@kannonfps]

@@LynnyToons feel ya, for the longest time i wasnt as well, kinda forgot that for years i wasnt doing it either :') i think the main reason people don't take notes is because nobody teach us a good way of taking notes in the first place, we end up copy pasting what we see/hear and that's it therefore it became a hassle to take notes even if we want to or know we should to

[@thomas_nutter]

Man, you have so many chord tutorials on the channel, you must be a chord god. In all seriousness thank you, this is very nice of you to share your wisdom with us

[@aidarsharafullin6900]

Once a video becomes successful KZbinrs have to continue in the same direction, for algorithm

[@UNTITLEDPOGGER]

@@aidarsharafullin6900Can’t blame em though

[@sunnyskies3969]

Literally just wedsday. I showed some people to see what they think, other producers more experienced than I. This is what they told me: You've got good progression. You know when your song needs to change and you do so. The sound design is great and so is the mix. The only problem is you have no emotion. This is what I've been needing to add to get more emotion. More expression. This is exactly what I needed thank you!

[@edgymix9109]

The way he says “that sounds good!” You can tell he wasn’t prepared to make a banger on camera making a tutorial. That was actually pretty fire!! Usually on tutorials they just make crap but this guy damn

[@C_Corpze]

If you do want to use FL keys (plugin does exist for a reason). You can use convolutional reverb and use ANY sample and replace the default clicking sound. This will mutate or morph the FL keys sound with the sample you used in the convolutional reverb. Can create some interesting effects sometimes.

[@MaRBL23563]

i just use the flex pianos.

[@kpopbutlofi]

Yes but that was not the point of the video…

[@coldcanida]

@@MaRBL23563flex is a really really good plugin

[@maybedizzy]

@@MaRBL23563 same there are some really good sounding pianos on there

[@SvintMvrcus]

“They don’t write chords, the express them.” Gold..

[@gomesiekamalukwamanda3586]

Alex rome,you are a great person in everything,I love the way you express your safe musically,and every tutorial video that you post here is dope,am impressed and encouraged to start music production at 48. You are the best across the KZbin village.

[@kairos1993]

This has really helped me fight my way out of writer's block as it enables me to flow with my chords better, thank you

[@adamnelsvn]

I think the best thing about your videos is that you show the best part about music production: the amazing feeling you get when you create something magical. Thank you for this!

[@loneface]

I was starting to think I’m acoustic but thanks to Alex I have gained many confidence 🙏

[@AsterixmGame]

So what i can say is a lot of creators say things like “this will improve your project by 200%” What i like about this is, hes not being outrageous by saying 20%, cause good chords make for a much better sound, but they dont make it perfect, but they make it better. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@TheIntegnites]

Time Stamps: Intro (Triads) - 0:50 Beautify Chord List - 2:27 Step 1: Re-voicing or Invert - 2:38 Step 2: Add Voices - 3:24 Step 3: Pick the Right Sound - 3:58 Step 4: Try a Different Articulation - 5:47 Step 5: Layer Them - 6:46 Step 6: Dress em Up - 8:03

[@marijastojkovic5852]

Also 7:37 sus pads

[@TheIntegnites]

@AlexRomeOfficial Yeah. Hi.

[@Xserey]

eventhough i do mostly orchestral compositions, your techniques go across the board thanks a ton for these videos

[@Logan_treinos]

F Phrygian chord progression. Simply stunning!

[@nicklegendmusic]

I love how he used the same chords in different ways to add layers and textures. That's how I work many times 🎯😁

[@JakHart]

Reverb 2 is where it's at. I work in FL Studio mobile, and R2 goes into everything I write. I write a kind of experimental dream music style, it works absolutely perfect for it, especially when I add some modulation to it.

[@dankdudet1127]

I think one thing to add to the checklist would be pickups to the new chords. Just a simple quarter note of the keys root usually works before the next chord

[@Chalisque]

To add a seventh: what I call orchestration (inspired by what composers do with orchestras). Often, all your synths are playing all the notes of the chords. Rather, have multiple patches playing different lines from the chord. Have one synth playing just the top line, one just the middle line, one just the bottom line, a few more playing melodic lines by choosing notes from the chords differently (e.g. if your progression is C-Dm-Em-C, then one synth plays a high C-D-E-C, another plays e.g. C-D-E-G, another plays G-F-G-E, and so on, so you get interesting timbral changes as the choice of which synth plays which chord tone varies). This gets great results of you're playing with orchestral samples, but needn't be restricted to that. You can also include hints of 7ths by having some of the synths play e.g. C-F-E-B or something. Other synths still, can add passing tones (e.g. instead of C-D-E-G, you could add an F between the E and G). Basically get out of the box of playing the same chords on all of the synths. Imagine you are writing for an 'orchestra' of monosynths. And look at classical symphonies and concertos to see the kind of compositional tricks classical composers use when making use of a collection of instruments each capable of playing a different musical line, and often capable of only playing a single line at once.

[@DexDex4u]

this is liquid gold bro

[@andteam_lune]

Thanks

[@Ranoka]

I like this a lot! Thanks for the ideas

[@connorparker3985]

Big brain ideas

[@theralyota]

I am so happy because I can watch your tutorials with so much positive. Thank you so much ❤❤❤❤

[@aixzi_official]

you have so much opened my mind about that the base is the cords themselves!

[@soheilahmadi1026]

The biggest jump i've got since starting to learn music production, very helpful❤

[@anidiot4702]

i write classical and this still helped me

[@mikeharwoodmusic]

Inverions are a must, nice job Alex

[@skellman42]

It gets even more fun when you start automating parameters to bring the chords to life!

[@saai4life]

Genius on titling that synth sus pads, really changed my view on cats and dogs.

[@cefek1]

just 3 words. Love You Man !

[@languist]

this channel improves motivation I have with music production, because the perfectionist in me prevents me from even trying.

[@MrMerildoll]

Your channel is one of the reasons I still love KZbin. Thank you

[@cnovasalmanhussain751]

Kudos to Alex! As an electronic music producer I would say one should look upto him to polish their skills on music theory and chord making...

[@zyswanson7865]

here's the short version of this video. 1. Make the melody 2. Add 3-5 of the same chords with different octaves and with 1-3 other variants that harmonize with the melody. 3. Add a beat bass It's that easy. The great thing about it is that the artists revolutionized this method for easier song structures for everyone to enjoy. But now everyone is doing it so it's not as impressive anymore, and it's unnecessary filler when there are more creative ways to make your song sound awesome. Btw. all you're doing with that melody at 3:25 is adding the 2 7th chords of B'major 7 on the 2nd cord and the 4th chord is a F'Minor 7. The first and second chords are a minor 7th too. Why it plays into that factor of harmony is that it unresolved itself by alternating between major and minor 7ths from the chord progressions. Not "Adding voices". A little music theory lesson.

[@TurtleneckWarriorOutlaw]

This changed my whole perspective on melody creation and I appreciate your videos man!

[@spiritvoys]

Thank you soooou much for your help Alex, greeitings to you from Sweden 🙌🙌❤🎶🎶

[@BARGABEATS]

The tutorials on chords are something else, Rome you simply well

[@ShlomoTv]

Such an inspiration to create music! Thank you.

[@Luyazbeats]

You are the best teacher I came across🦋👍👏

[@AustinKellumMusic]

This is some quality advice here! Great breakdown and layout of the concepts. Keep em coming 🙏

[@Flamesn]

I started using ableton 1 year ago. you inspire me so much. Thanks alot

[@DeCoryBrown]

bro, I love those headphones. they just look strong and full of real equipment, no micro chips.

[@yasutakeuchi]

Your whole channel has reinvigorated my creative spark. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@blake..-]

Perfect chord progression for a commercial for a family friendly waterpark or shopping at target

[@eliasbmss]

THIS is helpful, unlike most of the musicians on here, that make everything so unnecessarily complex. big thank you 🙏🏽

[@groovemaster_48]

Yo so helpful ut that song was legendary ❤😊😮

[@WeLocal.]

if i only knew you in 2018. when i had the courage to make beautiful songs

[@AmateurArson]

Man if you could breakdown some Said The Sky songs that would be dope

[@arnoldonea]

Amazing skills . The thing is once you learn to harmonise chord you will never stop doing them. I am sure that will give you a good sleep

[@KOSMIKFEADRECORDS]

Those headies... they look very cool 😎

[@EKAMusician]

Thank you so much for this. I can’t wait to use some of this in my own songs

[@bengunderson712]

Alex Rome: "We can do better than FL Keys" FL Studios: *Suprised Pikachu Face*

[@alfiebrandon]

I started watching you in January and this no doubt the most helpful channel for everything i do

[@bevh]

Love your videos man - you and a few others inspired me to start uploading my own music and getting back into things recently since a long hiatus from my Audio school days. Your content super informative - keep it up bro!

[@alexbartlett3633]

This video is so incredibly helpful! Inspired to give this a try and make something out of it. Your explanation is extremely clear and easy to follow. Thank you for the tips👊🏼

[@SamuraiCake42]

this is good if you're making default internet music

[@Randomdude-i8x]

Your passion really shines through, great watch!

[@thefakepie1126]

his elitism also shines through

[@howardalbertsen5870]

I kind of like basic chords when it's a good synth 😊

[@practice_Chinese_yoga]

fabulous demo, lovely iterations....

[@vcodev108]

wow that was amazing watching step by step to create a beautiful chords, thanks!

[@maxhimum]

"Pick the right sound"😎 That's exactly what I like 🎶 I love your technique Alex ! Keep it up 👊😃💯

[@vladislavvatamaniuc2021]

your amazing man, i love you and your mind

[@tombragg7541]

Love your videos my breakdowns sound so much better now thanks

[@LagosEra]

"If you don't think that sound is prettier than FL Keys, ..music production probably isn't for you." I have officially wasted $300. Thank you, Alex Rome.

[@RLT_Official_Music]

Brotheeeeerrr!!!! I need more of this!!!! I love it!!! Thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏🙏!!!!!

[@priyanzhu]

Alex is a genius

[@DELPHI1]

For me - the best channel !!!

[@slightlyHy]

Love the energy, man! Thanks :)

[@allthingsozish]

Thank you for posting this - very well presented.

[@AmanMeena-qc3jq]

Best Teacher in the WORLD

[@prowlandsasuke]

Why are youtubers teaching music theory better then my music theory teacher.

[@TedTrembinski]

This video has really positive energy. I love a list and I have been infected by your enthusiasm!

[@andrewmartin8565]

This was very helpful. Thank you so much! 😄

[@ZennGordon]

Steady dropping knowledge.

[@joebrady9829]

Those chords sound amazing! Great job explaining too

[@kaputzaremix]

20% improvement, delivers 200%. 👊

[@Halo-cb6in]

Absolutely amazing.

[@ni.nitron]

Excellent Brother.......

[@djraff_official]

yeah thats why i need to know this time..

[@nnyceoshea1897]

your channel is my go to for inspiration.🙌 ty alex

[@pasnouop]

A man with headphones as big as Alex i can trust

[@protiliusproductions]

You won me over with sine wave.

[@clemensh.4121]

Great one Alex. Straight to the point

[@yeet_za]

Great video Alex. Great layering techniques. Great amount of Information. thank you.

[@christophherold2886]

The King !!!!!! Yes man💪 thx.

[@tredfxman]

Excellent Sir! - This is how a Tutorial is made! 👍

[@GlitchmanVGM]

This video is gold! Another one for my favorites list! Very interesting workflow with the chords, I'll try to put these tips into practice! 😃👍

[@Rajinkhan_Official]

Guter Mann! Danke!

[@sofiejensen3804]

Thanks man. This is my struggle

[@theshelbypalace]

WOOHOO! loving these videos!

[@TNTERNETBOY]

Thank you for this 🫶🏻

[@Barefoot_Joe]

It's so cool that Taji makes music too 🙃👍

[@Ilandria.]

You should try spreading the different voices of your chord progressions across different instruments for even more texture in the timbre. You can then evolve, change, etc. which instruments get which parts throughout the piece. That's starting to get a bit more into arrangement & orchestration rather than pure electronic music, but mixing music worlds offers a whole new level of customization to your sound.

[@wellthisisinteresting4912]

you're an actual wizard

[@krissmusic3633]

That`s just so heavenly beautiful!

[@SirRickyPlays]

Wow, this could help a lot!

[@lazaruslazarus9190]

Moving keys an octave up Hold cntl, highlight the keys you want to move. Then you press ctrl and up arrow

[@frezzi5541]

Just found your channel. Exquisite video. It's true, keys open gateways, and what's more timeless than new gateways? Plus beats is dope. Salute to you and yours, good sir. 🏂

[@srijanpanicker5395]

this was soo damn good, it really helped me!!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!❤

[@beecaymarn214]

This one helped me alot. Thank you bro, you're the best💯

[@SJ-r6t]

Thank you so much! This is really helpful!

[@mikem859]

Just a quick fl studio tip: select all notes from middle harmonics and use ctrl+up to go octave higher

[@Corduroyclown]

Also works for ableton:)