Best SONG STRUCTURE Advice I Ever Learned

[@brendonbrownfield9164]

You’re spot on about studying other producers tracks. When I went to Berklee for electronic music we studied so many other producers and genres. It’s not about stealing someone else’s music, it’s about concepts and patterns. Keep up the great work!

[@craigolsen612]

Brendon Brownfield yes exactly...referencing songs for every step of the way is a huge teacher...and exactly it’s not about copying or stealing it’s about understanding the blueprint in front of you

[@fcfc]

just about making it dj friendly

[@chadpreslar7152]

its no different that musicians learning cover songs, its the same thing, big name artist do it all the time, people would be shocked to know how many hits they love were based off of other hits from other artist, saying it is stealing is people that have no idea

[@raverone909]

I definitely agree. What is wrong with utilizing a template?

[@3incher982]

There's a dj course at Berkeley?

[@5XWAZM]

i had to come back to this tutorial because i recently read steal like an artist and it all just resonates together

[@MrultimateTV]

Thats how creativity works. Nobody is original. The act of creativity is reacting to what we already observed. Human creativity nature.

[@MoeMenti]

In all traditional musical genres it's standard, even expected to learn to play the biggest songs. Especially in jazz, knowing a decent selection of standards is one of the primary benchmarks of competency, and using existing melodic and rhythmic elements in one's original compositions, called quoting, is a time- honored tradition that graciously nods to the lineage and the greats. And in EDM, every generation of DJs has used originals and remixes of classic to very intentionally throw back to classics as it suits the set. It's only reasonable that producers do the same. Old heads are happy when we take pages from the past cuz that's how we honor the bedrock of the culture and keep it alive 🎉

[@kyokugami5134]

This actually reminds me of the Confucian principle of learning: "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest”. At least with the first two it matches your ideas through studying your favorite producers’ techniques and learn to apply the best of them all on your own tracks. I’m happy to find this

[@joshuaharris2819]

I've been fiddling around with production for like 2 years now. Kind of hit a plateau and felt hopeless... but since i've found your tutorials i feel like i've been making breakthroughs in one way or another with every video.... keep doing what you do, you're an amazing teacher and have shown me a lot of " no shit" kind of tips. Much love brother

[@Indi3R]

track referencing is a powerful tool

[@emptiness116]

NICE!! its about breaking your ego. It breaks your heart when you go back and forth from a really well mixed song to the early stages of your song. But that is what forces you to learn not only how to respect other artists but also to always keep breaking your own rules. Love this video man. Also I would send the reference track out directly rather than the master. lol

[@HyperspaceSky]

"People study music... thats why they go to school." Taking us to school right now. So much gratitude.

[@GODLYNXofficial]

I've been doing this for years on my own, mapping out and analyzing the structures of my favorite artists songs and you're right, this is THE way to grow and learn so much faster. After seeing that other people are also doing it just like me I guess I feel vindicated. It's not stealing, its studying. Every trade, skill, and artform does their version of this. If you want to be one of the best you have to learn from the best!

[@AdrianEarnshawMusic]

Very useful tip. I've been doing this to create arrangement maps of different tracks I like. It really speeds up the composition process, as it gives you an overview of where you are actually heading. Nice one.

[@AdamSciarro]

I'm so glad you made a video on this strategy because I personally do this a lot and it helps soo much. But also because there is a huge community that is super against it saying that it is "copying" or "stealing". Which it's not at all. It is in my opinion, one of the best and fastest ways to learn how to structure and build a song. I just started producing a little over a year ago and at first, tried to make everything on my own, and failed. Then I tried this strategy several months ago and I have learned so much more, so much faster! Anyways, I just found your channel and I wanted to say, you've got some great tips and content that are really helpful!

[@ZenShaman]

lol those people that say that are wack. hell deadmau5 startred that way, and he flat out said take the shit and learn it that way. i heard him say it! i also took his masterclass, and he basically said the same thing three, thats how he startred

[@VNGR]

I really agree with the "this isn't stealing" part and how you get more out of studying other pieces of art. Look at what other people are doing, and then use it as a base to cut your own path and do similar things, but in your own way There's no reason for everyone to invent their own wheel

[@markusbiasizzo4775]

Very nice comment

[@lucaslovesyouiii]

As a DJ, who cues up song structure for a living, I’m going to say that song structure is a LOT less unique than people think it is. Your technique here makes perfect sense.

[@KharnDubz]

Ive just started taking music production seriously about a month ago. I've been really enjoying making my own music from scratch on a daily basis but I did notice how slow and sluggish my workflow was and how fast I would end up hitting a brick wall in the middle of creating a song. This tutorial has been the single most helpful thing I've come across. Thank you so much AHEE you've instilled a new sense of inspiration and creativity in my soul! 😭🥺❤ I'm defs headed to your bass canyon set in August! 👽

[@ZenShaman]

Wow. These are concepts ive been trying to figure out for 3 years now. I knew if i just kept working, listening to as much advice as i could on writing songs, and working to learn ableton and studio one, it would click. It finally did, thanks to you! Thanks! Ill also say this, ive heard and read so much on reference tracks, but i could just never figure out how to use it. So the dudes snarky comment above is immediately invalidated. Just use redernce tracks, bye. Yeah ok einstein, i never wrote songs before 3 years ago. I may have played tons of songs, and several instruments, however the amount of different styles, keys, rhythm, and all, overwhelmed my brain. I finally get it.... ahhh man, subscribed and wanting more. Amazingly ive managed to release 11 original songs to date, by sheer accident. Now i actually have a mental roadmap for structure. Thank you so very much. Ill be ee watching this over and over until i am able to quote you backwards forwards sideways, and drunk. one request? could you explain how to use ableton templates, i see you have 3 of them for sale, but i dont know how to use templates, or id buy yours. thanks!!!

[@rebelmaderighteous]

This guy is my new favorite artist, incredibly creative.

[@PaulThorne-v9s]

Great video! That's my voice on your first track idea, from one of my Black Octopus packs. Sounds great in your track! Really enjoying your channel man.

[@Komonaid]

I seriously think refferencing is one of the most underrated aspects of music prodution

[@SaerynStudios]

Thank you for making one of the most overlooked and difficult parts of producing for beginners, easy to understand and work with. This is truly the game changer I've been needing. You've inspired me to go hard with my time spent producing now. Thank you AHEE

[@squidcatbass]

Pretty helpful! Every time I've done this technique I've learned a lot about where sounds sit inside the mixdown as well. Thanks Ahee!

[@greencasestudy]

Man, thank you so much for this advice! It's such a good approach, because it gives you the bones/framework for you to play and be creative withinn. Plus, it's a great way to study and expand our knowledge through other artists. Lol, I'm excited!

[@ABunnyVTuber]

Yeah, doing this arrangement exercise (got that term from ill.gates) has really been helpful in getting me outside of the loop phase, it's really a great way to progress and even just see how the flow of your favorite tracks could have contributed to why they're your favorite.

[@UNDEFEATED7000]

A Bunny VTuber same problem...

[@MissRubyChase]

This song is dope :) Excited to hear it in full! And thanks for the video. Gave me some great ideas and inspo.

[@grimagenpillgrim2647]

Your camera setting are perfect dude ty

[@grootrage8723]

So glad I searched song structure..I was trying to find out if structure even matter because im so hung up on it. Still learning. It was so cool meeting and seeing you in Reno!

[@jimcasso407]

Nice! Very helpful. I’m definitely going to start using this technique. Thanks brotha man!

[@DirtyJokesFan]

There is nothing wrong with using a song map to help structure and finish tracks at all. There are geniuses in writing and arranging songs, then there’s the rest of us. Salute to all of us who use this technique.👊🏾

[@jolej9605]

Thank you for the tutorials AHEE! They are incredibly refreshing, informative & empowering. Thank you!

[@samreinmund3730]

So true. This method can take creating something from a blank canvas to creating something by filling in the blanks. You can see a big increase in the speed of your workflow!

[@RealBassPhat]

Love both of your tracks that you play / snippets, better than the reference tracks!

[@bewbiesrock]

This is insanely great advice!

[@nargoon1]

You're the man! Love your videos! Thanks a bunch!

[@RileyBruce_]

Thanks this was awesome - gonna try this today

[@hyperlynxmusic532]

Thanks for going over sick/illest alien. love that tune

[@secnep]

Song structure advice! Exactly what I need

[@stallionmusic750]

Referencing is everything. Great vid

[@AleK_Xmusic]

I needed this right now, thanks

[@h.hristov]

Let me save you 16 minutes... The advice: use reference tracks. Bye.

[@LandoniusX]

Absolute hero. Came here for this. Thanks.

[@FunDaBounceDJ]

You can use reference tracks for many things. Mixing, Mastering and so on. Here it's focused on song structure, which differs quite a lot from the mixing or mastering aspects. So yes, use reference tracks, but the beauty here is HOW to use them as a roadmap for your arrangements.

[@okidot]

Even better, just copy someone else, great advice /s

[@theunconciousmind7314]

I use references but mainly for the quality

[@samsam2235]

Thx mate.

[@revvinue]

Great Video, learning and applying so much as we speak!

[@glitchgatsby4290]

Hunter S. Thompson learned to write by typing The Great Gatsby word for word repeatedly on a typewriter, just to feel what it was like to write those words.

[@djraw8633]

Amazing tutorial thank you for the useful advice as always Ahee 💚

[@cowbless]

I try to separate studying others' tracks from actual music production. I feel like choosing which track to base your stuff on being the only big picture creative decision is a bit limiting, but analyzing tracks and slicing them up in sections, color-coding - all that helps immeasurably.

[@mackfly8420]

Thank you very much man! Love the educational vibes take care

[@genericname2284]

Legendary. Thank you so much

[@primaltones]

Very helpful. You're a great teacher man. Love all of your content and music.

[@NinjaArts]

Great advice man. Enjoying your rack tools bud!!

[@lucsolomusic]

Good hear more people do this!

[@EL_Aura]

Gosh Dang big man! I hope Shambhala happens this july or even pushed back to August so I can hear your track live cause oh my god!

[@davianci]

Right on advice! I was expecting something else like counting bars, but this is so reasonable! Thanks

[@hayashiOfficial]

You good man, thanks for the advice, big fan!

[@micahgiavaras4783]

Though not the point of the video, which I also grasp, but the extended drop with the melodic element is DOPE and I can't wait to add that into one of my next tracks.

[@christianhepperle418]

I feel like this is exactly what ive been missing, when i have structure the creative ideas just flow freely ... thanks

[@michael_1513]

"... people study music, that's why people go to school - for music ..." ^^ thanks mate, this cheered me up big time! new subscription here

[@DioxideCad]

I can't wait to blast the finished product of the dubstep song!

[@justgno4242]

Much appreciated, thx yo! Good wisdom. :) And btw ur track was wayy cooler, diggin it!

[@mcthoomin7811]

Thank you for this ❤️

[@sauce_aux]

Hey! I saw your set at Stilldream ‘19. I had a head full of acid during, but I gotta say, your set was fun for sure haha! Good to see you in the void!

[@85ringostar]

your tracks are dope bro

[@slapshot14imo]

Great tips per usual!

[@kingyabba]

Definitely learned a lot from this

[@BitcoinBitz]

templates are apart of everything in life nothing wrong with doing this

[@WithoutTroy]

I no longer write with a daw but this is still helpful knowledge. Thanks.

[@blkrbbt]

"...the THICKNESS of the DROP." is my new favorite sentence.

[@GreatestSportsHighLights]

Great Video!

[@autofocus4556]

I saw a guy (Subaqueous) use midi clips instead of markers in a composition track at the top so he could save them as templates for different genres to reference later. Plus you can just click the clip of the section you want and cut or copy that whole section and move it around.

[@nikolaizinoviev7348]

This is a pretty good vid man I’m on FL studio but I appreciate the tip thank you

[@mattyinger723]

A video on how to use effects would be sick boii

[@mrdanhowell]

Incredible information here

[@djgstefan]

Great stuff!

[@martel5776]

Yooooo! That house tune is pure 🔥

[@bythree___]

dude ur so right

[@hardy4038]

I love it when you say yall

[@OfficialAHEE]

River Westwood my fav comment y’all 👽🤠🤟

[@LoganMorriss]

great tutorial, thanks!

[@TheHybridWizard]

Thank you for this

[@davehalt1806]

basic rule of thumb if it divides by 4 its a credible section, most sections are 8/16/24/32 measures most people use 24 messures a section

[@BigD751]

Your second beat is dope too!

[@johnpatrickkotermanskijr6308]

@OfficialAHEE When making tracks, what do you typically name the section when the "Intro" section repeats mid-way through the song?

[@2.22.hz.]

amazing track of yours! congrats

[@SafK]

Whether Picasso said this or not is irrelevant but "good artists copy, great artists steal"..

[@farsiuk]

Saf. K more than relevant and also prevalent

[@domitsunami2325]

I love your videos so much! Thank you for doing them. Just a tip, your P's are pretty ear punching/piercing at like 1:30 :o

[@OfficialAHEE]

Domi Tsunami I knowwwww, gotta make my Tutorial production as good as my song production lol

[@breaksjunkie100]

Another great video mate

[@MarkRyanEllis]

Thank you!

[@Ryzasu]

7:24 this guy is vibing so hard on his own song lol

[@YeaButCanUDoABackflp]

relationship-goals

[@xWUND3RWAFFL3x]

Thanks AHEE, great simple idea. Would you make a video about multi-band compression and EQing and how it can help with basses?

[@subformal]

If you don't like using the locators, another way is to right click and split up your reference track into its sections and renaming each section with ctrl-r. handy if you're using multiple reference tracks

[@sgarrou]

Famous painters in history always checked others work and also copied it to improve their skills ... I never heard someone call Caravaggio or Leonardo da Vinci art thieves LOL

[@gahdzuwkz6647]

There’s always inspiration, but if everyone keeps doing this then we end up with what we have now which is everything starting to sound the same

[@IRWING123ful]

I agree this a great tip big up

[@hunterwhite8795]

Sick video man, as usual. Every time I watch one of your vids, it reminds me how much cleaner Live 9 is than Live 10. I think the completely colored clips and tracks are just too much in 10. Way too busy. Looks so much nicer with the completely transparent clips with only the title bars being colored, like 9 has. Really hoping they add an option to change that in 10 at some point. Anyway, great stuff. Cheers!

[@TribecaBlackstarr]

agreed, the live 10 coloring is cool in its own way but to me it sometimes makes coloring TOO important and noticable

[@OfficialAHEE]

I love 9. But I have 10 for working with other producers. But I’m so much faster in 9, which is a huge part of producing, the speed of translating ideas.

[@hunterwhite8795]

Official AHEE True that! Thanks again for the content. Always a pleasure when you drop new stuff!

[@hippietrap]

dude what you said about the "copying" thing - were all copying someone! plus with DJing and electornic music, theres def certain structural things you want your songs to follow if you want them to be able to be easily mixed in with your favorite artists.

[@bigbossaj619]

Yoooooo....your track based off Flux is sooo dope man

[@tylerlussow9637]

oh nice I've been doing the same but with color coding song sections from green to red to describe levels of intensity

[@xavierhill4688]

Your song is better bro great work

[@DREAMSTRUMENTALS]

thanks ahee dopeee

[@pietrusso]

Solid ty

[@alien_brain]

great attitude! im missing arrangement skills and i should just quit holding out for perfection and admit i need help lol

[@GunDogSlim]

AHEE RULEZZ! Peace

[@LschererL]

(immediately downloads AHEE & Something's "The action" and puts it at the bottom of my new project

[@gingerimpartial]

i love how you where bouncing to your own song

[@adaneitor]

Champions mind right

[@user-kn9gz2ly4v]

Hi this is a very informative video. I know this is quite an old video, but I got a question hope u will be available to answer. So recently I have this deadly that I need to send in my demo, but I was extremely beaten up by the creator block. I tried to use this referencing way of making the demo, but I found myself just make it sound identical to the reference song. So I was wondering if there is a way to avoid to do so. Cause I think your’s is a great example of being inspired and not just copying

[@kalexander841]

great advice sir