Counter Rule for Better Melodies

Learn how to avoid this common fault many songwriters & producers make in their backing melodies!
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0:00​ Introduction
1:14 The Fault
2:36 The Fix
5:53 The Rule
6:13 The Example
6:33 The Djend
THE FAULT
Firstly, just to clarify. A fault is not a mistake. A fault is a weakness. In other words, an area for improvement. So, what’s the fault in this backing melody? Well, in order to answer that question, we first need to ask another question: What’s the purpose of a backing melody? You see, once we understand what a backing melody is supposed to be adding to the music, we’ll understand why this backing melody is weak. In other words, why it is not fulfilling its purpose. So, backing melodies are most often used in hooks and choruses, when producers want to add depth to the music, which also thickens the sound. The idea is that this addition will make the section stand out. But, in order for a backing melody to add depth, it needs to be perceived by our ears as a new musical layer. Otherwise, it’ll merely be the lead melody’s shadow, which our ears will ignore. In the same way that when we’re walking down the street, our eyes ignore people’s shadows.
And that brings us to our backing melody’s fault: It’s shadowing our lead melody, which is just a polite way of saying that it’s copying our lead melody. And nobody likes a copycat, especially lead melodies! The result of our backing melody being nothing more than a shadow, is that it does not fulfill its purpose: to add depth.
THE FIX
Right, so now you’re probably thinking: How can I write backing melodies that will be perceived as new musical layers, so they actually add depth? Easy! You write your backing melodies using counterpoint. What’s counterpoint? Well, counterpoint is the technique of adding musical layers by writing melodies with countering contours. For example, if we take the first bar of our section, and instead of having our backing melody copy the contour of our lead melody, we change our backing melody so it counters the contour of our lead melody. Now, there’s numerous ways to counter a melody, but the best way is to literally go in the opposite direction. We do that here when our lead melody goes from B down to G, while our backing melody goes in the opposite direction, from A up to B. And we do it again when our lead goes from G up to A, while our backing goes from C down to B. When a lead melody and backing melody move in opposite directions, that’s called contrary motion, and it’s just one of the ways to write counterpoint.
Finally, to add even more musical depth, play around with countering your lead melody’s rhythm, too. You’ll notice in our example, there’s a few times where our backing melody plays a different rhythm to our lead melody. The most obvious example of this is in the beginning of our second bar, where the lead melody plays one long note, and the backing melody counters that with four short notes. And remember, you don’t have to always have both melodies playing at the same time. You’ll hear in our final example that there’s a couple of places where our backing melody has a rest, in order to give our lead melody some space.
Lastly, we love the life lesson that counterpoint teaches us. One melody can be completely and utterly opposite to another melody, yet they coexist in beautiful harmony. And not only do they coexist peacefully, but the music would be weaker without both melodies. In these extremely polarized times we’re living in, we find this lesson so helpful when encountering people with drastically different views to ours. They counter us to create communal counterpoint, and together our different ways make society stronger. The only caveat to this, though, is that both melodies need to be in key, otherwise they’ll create dissonance against the underlying harmony. So as long as both people’s ways are in key, in other words, they’re not creating dissonance against nature’s harmony (like racism does, and sexism does, etc.), then the world is a better place thanks to that societal counterpoint.
THE RULE
Our Backing Melody Rule is that your backing melody should add depth to your music, by countering the contour of your lead melody. And the way you do that, is by using the magic technique known as counterpoint.
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ABOUT
Hack Music Theory is the fast, easy and fun way to make music. Taught by award-winning music lecturer Ray Harmony, and his protégé wife Kate.
COPYRIGHT & CREDITS
© 2021 Revolution Harmony
Revolution Harmony is Ray Harmony & Kate Harmony
Script & all music in video by Revolution Harmony
Book promo filmed & edited by Maurits Nienhuis
All stock footage courtesy of Pexels

[@HackMusicTheory]

►Free Book: HackMusicTheory.com/Books

[@user-hh7ho4jk8p]

6:36 A toddler enjoying cake to aggressive djenty riffs. Isn't that an example of some kind of audio-visual counterpoint?

[@HackMusicTheory]

That's an awesome observation, Вячеслав Чех! What kind of music do you make? Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, take care :)

[@user-hh7ho4jk8p]

@@HackMusicTheory Oh, I'm just a humble novice, only beginning to learn the ropes. I'd like to create music which is subtle and unintrusive, something you can play in the background while you are engaged in different activities: from housework to reading to, maybe... being intimate with someone special :) I admire Brian Eno's and Ivo Watt-Russell's productions... Thank you very much for your videos, I find them really informative and useful.

[@HackMusicTheory]

@ Вячеслав Чех Thanks so much for sharing, it's great to hear you have a clear vision for your music! Please know we're cheering you on in your music-making journey :) Until next time, be well and happy music making!

[@katie4789]

A true artist in this comment

[@Lovecraftia]

As someone who has quite literally recorded and posted my own works in music-and someone without a former education in music theory and music in the first place, this channel is an absolute goldmine Easy to understand, clear and concise, doesn’t toss in a bunch of unneeded information, and without a doubt an excellent teacher. I am most certainly subscribing!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Wow thanks so much for your kind words, Lovecraftia, and a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@SyntheticFuture]

I like the "we already invested in this stock clip so we are going to use every single second of it" attitude xD This video was a good reminder that I do copy-paste a bit too often :x Although I tend to compensate it with some "call and response" things every so often.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Synthetic_Future, happy to hear this one got you thinking! Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks! Until next time, take care :)

[@moresnqp]

thank you for not just giving a ruleset like a lot of modern producers do. i saw a chord prog. cheat sheet for producers the other day telling them which one to use for each emotion, it was kinda sad

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey more snqp, thanks for stopping by, and welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We're stoked that you found our video helpful. And yes indeed, it's sad to see how many producers are using those types of cheat sheets. It seems many producers are even using pre-made MIDI chord progressions to start their songs. What's that about?! They're purposefully avoiding the fun part of making music! Oh well, we're super happy to hear that you're not heading down those paths with your music making. Thanks again for connecting, and we hope to see you back here on the next video :)

[@Thamziri]

First-timer at making music. Been watching your vids as if I'll be taking exams! Thank you for this content! The counterpoint really blew my mind because I never thought this existed.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Thamziri, a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We're pumped that you're getting into making music, what kind of music are you thinking of making? If you haven't already, may we suggest that you check out our free music theory book, '12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales and Chords'? It's a super fast and fun read, and will give you a solid music theory foundation from which to start your music making journey! You can download from our website: HackMusicTheory.com/Books. All the best, and please know we're cheering you on! Take care, and we'll see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@Thamziri]

@@HackMusicTheory I've already studied the absolute heck out of the free book :p Loving learning everything broken down in such an understandable way! And thanks for the encouragement

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yay, that's awesome, Thamziri, we're thrilled to hear it! And wow, we love the intention for your music, it's really beautiful and we support you 100%! We're happy to have you here, and please do let us know how you get on with your learning and music making. All our best, have a lovely weekend!

[@PaulButtrill]

The Beatles "If I fell" is a good example.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Paul, great to see you again, thanks so much for stopping by and connecting! We hope this finds you well, and we wish you a great weekend :)

[@DanielSilva-gc4xz]

Bach is a good exemple too

[@glaciveestudios6170]

Exactly what I was studying right now

[@HackMusicTheory]

That's awesome to hear you're studying counterpoint, Glacivee Studios! What kind of music do you make? Thanks so much for stopping by and connecting, we really appreciate it :)

[@BigHeadCross]

enjoyed the social commentary analogy, respect.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Hugo, lovely to see you again! We're so grateful you stopped by, and for your kind words :) Thank you for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, we're sending you harmonious vibes! 🙏

[@TheBillyMoon1]

Yah I loved that so much! Haha

[@guitanimus4275]

This is exactly what i need at this moment. Thanks for share this great tips!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey, GUITANIMUS, we're pumped to hear this hack helped you out! Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, we really appreciate you 🙏 Have a great Thursday!

[@katyb3869]

So glad you guys are back.. loving the new videos and this is no exception!! You guys always inspire me and thanks so much for that!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks for your lovely kind words, Katy! We're so happy to hear our videos are inspiring your music-making, and are grateful to have you in the Hack Music Theory community. What kind of music do you make? Take care and talk soon, Kate 🙏

[@katyb3869]

@@HackMusicTheory Thanks, Kate! I mostly make Indie/EDM but tanks to you guys I try to be a little more thoughtful and a little less cookie-cutter.. I don't know how great at it I am but I'm having fun :P

[@HackMusicTheory]

Wow, that's awesome to hear, Katy, thanks so much for sharing! The fact that you are being more thoughtful and creative about how you make your music makes you a better music maker :) Plus, having fun is really what it's all about!! Thanks again for your presence, and please know that we're cheering you on in your music-making journey! K

[@l4nternz]

ah this channel is cool! I learned some of this just by doing but its great to see someone confirming that!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the lesson, Altered Wave! What kind of music do you make? Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :) Until then, take care.

[@ChillCash]

This extremely helpful and informative. Thanks! You two are so kind and lovely! 😇

[@HackMusicTheory]

Christopher! Really lovely to see you today, and such kind words, we are so grateful for your presence 🙏 How are you doing today? Are you finding some healing?

[@briancase6180]

I love the way you guys make your points, and also I love your points! You're so spot on. One suggestion: for this video, it would have been better to use a more distinct sound for the counter melody and also just another 2dB or so of level. At least for me, it is hard to hear the lovely changes your approach made to the final counterpoint. Keep these great tutorials coming!

[@0711RC]

Thank you, I love it!

[@password6975]

You guys, i hadn't seen your videos in a while, it was awesome watching you again, i just turned on the notifications for your channel :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey, password 69, great to see you back, and pumped to hear you've got notifications on! How's your music making going these days? Thanks so much for being here in the Hack Music Theory community! Take care and talk soon :)

[@ddaneh3090]

This is very positive and helpful, thank you.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, ddaneh! Thanks big time for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you :) What kind of music do you make? Have a great weekend!

[@jostinurgelles9078]

thanks for your video help me a lot!.

[@charlesneuzilmusic7236]

Very cool.... As always, you got the wheels turning, got me thinking, and making some cool connections here. Thanks so much, I really enjoy your work, it always motivates and inspires me, oftentimes in new directions. Thank you!! 🙏🙏🙏👍

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Charles, great to see you again! Thanks so much for sharing, we're thrilled to hear this video provided some food for thought :) As always, we're are grateful for your presence, take care and talk soon. Kate 🙏

[@MeditationMane]

How much I learned from this simple video, thank you a lot!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey MeditationMane, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping music makers! Thanks big time for watching, and we hope to see you around soon for more theory hacks, until then, take care :)

[@Docturne33]

Thank you!

[@josesanchezjs]

I wish I could show you guys my music before I started watching your videos, and then after I had watched them. Thanks 🙏

[@HackMusicTheory]

Wow, we're thrilled to hear you're noticing an improvement in your music, Jose! Big respect for putting our hacks to use :) Thank you so much for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, Jose, and happy music making!

[@YokieStillExists]

This channel really helps! I subscribe

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much InsomniaIsGrey, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@sungvin]

Beatiful video lesson guys! It's always nice to widen knowledge on music I guess

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks, SuNGviN, we really appreciate you taking the time to watch and connect! We hope to see you around soon for more theory hacks, until then, take care :)

[@johnmitchelljr]

Thank you another great video.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Our pleasure, John! Thanks so much for stopping by and connecting, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community :) Take care and happy music making!

[@utkuvural1950]

Sorry for not finding you before... i watched a few videos and saw that you explain today's music and music education mistakes. Please keep doing what you're doing you're amazing

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much Utku Vural, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@durtyd3406]

omgggggg i knew it was a thing but i couldnt recognize it or find resolve in a piece i was writing last week. def sold w/ this vid \o great job & take my $ plz more advanced material.

[@yoz2k25]

Best intro explanation to counterpoint I’ve seen so far

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey yoz2k25, we're so happy to hear you enjoyed this one! Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks! Until next time, take care :)

[@arimyllyniemi8445]

Hi Ray and Kate.Thank You for taking counterpoint as a real life example. This example ( the fix) is sounding like real music to me. Many thumbs to You both.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Ari, how absolutely lovely to hear from you again!! You know how much we love counterpoint! How is Finland treating you these days, has spring arrived? I don't imagine you've been singing in many choirs recently, have you been able to do it online? I hope this finds you well, and thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts for being here in the Hack Music Theory community! Kate :)

[@arimyllyniemi8445]

@@HackMusicTheory / Kate I am extremely delighted for Your answering me personally and that You remembered me so well. I cannot forget and stop admiring Your extremely beautifull and very special way to perform in Your videos. Yes, it is already summer weathers in Finland (20-27 degrees C, daily and the nature is blossoming after the long winter). I have been able to sing only in one choir and in remote sessions only. (I'll try to add a link later..) Fortunately my piano and guitar are still working.. ;) ALL the best for You and Ray. You are doing work of most high quality (as Mr. Poirot would express it). Many, many thanks to You. I will stay here and intensely keep on looking at your courses :)

[@keejay12]

I really enjoy this channel ALOT. You 2 actually know what youre talking about and it shows through your teaching. Most other channels dont teach or explain clearly. They just flex their beat making skills and im still confused. My question is how do I apply this to loops and samples?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear our channel is resonating with you, ThankYouBlackIce! If you didn't write the melody yourself, you'll first have to figure out the notes that are being played in the loop/sample, then write your counter melody to that! Thanks again for being in the HMT community, have a great weekend :)

[@keejay12]

@@HackMusicTheory cool cool thx alot man. Yall as well

[@TheGoodGoodMan]

Thanks!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Great to see you making your way through our videos! Sending you good vibes :)

[@leoninenoble]

This is so helpful!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it AJ, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@leoninenoble]

@@HackMusicTheory I'm picking up the keyboard right now and once I get the hang of that going to try my hand at synthwave type music :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Cool, thanks for sharing, AJ! We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your music making journey!

[@Joshua-cr1nr]

This was infromative.satisfying.eye-opening

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it Joshua, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@lyristhebard1385]

Love you guys and your content!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww, thank you so much for your kind words, Lyris the Bard, and a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make?

[@lyristhebard1385]

@@HackMusicTheory Currently working on Trap music, loving 808's. You are actually provide a leap for my progression on music production, watched and watching every content of yours with enthusiasm :)

[@dhruve_]

Your videos teach me a lot of things. Thank you for making them!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, HXSTE, and a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@dhruve_]

@@HackMusicTheory i make rap beats. They're not great but i hope to keep improving

[@HackMusicTheory]

Cool, thanks for sharing, HXSTE! We have no doubt that you will keep improving, especially if you keep learning and practicing! We're cheering you on :) Have a great week!

[@HAZARDOUS88]

Thanks again, incredibly useful!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Glad it was helpful, HAZARDOUS88! Have a great weekend :)

[@HAZARDOUS88]

@@HackMusicTheory Same to you! :D

[@keepimba4661]

hope got extra money on next month to buy that producing course, really need that!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, keepimba, we'll keep an eye out for you next month! A warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@spencerrobinson1982]

Great to see my favorite theorists back making regular videos. You guys rock

[@HackMusicTheory]

Spencer, how lovely to see you!! Thank you, as always, for your very kind words :) How's your music making going these days? We hope this finds you happy and healthy! Kate :)

[@spencerrobinson1982]

@@HackMusicTheory You're welcome :) thanks for asking, my music making has been going good, I've slowed down a tad but the tunes that I do release are getting far better. Hope you and Ray are doing well!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, Spencer!! We're doing well, especially now that the West Coast clouds have cleared up and given us some beautiful sunshine :) All our best to you, Spencer :)

[@baughy2522]

Dang, this video is more helpful then most

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, Baughy! Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, we really appreciate it :)

[@baughy2522]

@@HackMusicTheory ofc ☺️

[@franzposcher8741]

Trying it right now!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Franz my man, awesome to see you! Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, and I really hope this finds you and the fam all splendidly well. By the way, did you catch my "Djending" in the video? If not, have a listen from 6:33 :)

[@franzposcher8741]

@@HackMusicTheory Yes!! I love the groove and this lesson as always..

[@eito2335]

beautiful video

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks, eito! We really appreciate you taking the time to watch and connect, we hope to see you around soon for more theory hacks, until then, take care :)

[@8tenbeatz]

Interesting concept 👍

[@HackMusicTheory]

Glad you think so, 8Ten! Thanks so much for stopping by and connecting, take care and happy music making :)

[@beetopp5839]

Great vid. Loved the commentary near the end lol :>

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much Bryan, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@pericologan]

Great content as always! I think the social remark was brillliant! Kind regards.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hello Pedro, wonderful to see you again! We're so grateful you stopped by, and for your very kind words :) Thank you for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, we're sending you harmonious vibes! 🙏

[@VisibleToAllUsers0nYouTube]

I'm a Newbie producer and your videos are really helpful to me..

[@HackMusicTheory]

Vary happy to hear it, ROSIK, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@johncoimbraveras8320]

Your voices are Song for my ears, I really love this Channel, I am an aprentiship 1, My name is Alexandre Coimbra from Brazil, God bless yours.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hello, Alexandre, it's always lovely to hear from music makers in our Apprentice family :) Thank you for your very kind words, we are very grateful for your presence! What kind of music do you make?

[@johncoimbraveras8320]

I'm starting to produce my music, and I'm also starting to sing at night, my preferences are Pagode look for (delírio de amor) and Vanerão look for (batom de cereja) on youtube, I want produce in this two styles, thanks a Ton.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks so much for sharing, John! That's awesome that you're starting to sing, as well as produce :) We're cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great weekend :)

[@switchbackmusic2938]

Will you guys please do a video on writing clean sections for a heavy song?? I would appreciate that so much! Love the videos

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey, Justin, happy to hear you're loving the videos! What kind of heavy music do you make? Most of our videos on chord progressions will work for clean sections in heavy songs. As an example, check out this one on Haunting Chords: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaLGe5J7aM-qhMU If you're looking for guitar specific, then check out our Hack Guitar playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN40HvbKkj7yzdjjeGLuzfv3 Thanks big time for watching and connecting, Justin, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community! Take care :)

[@sebastiandiaz29]

Great channel, congrats

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your kind words, Sebastián! We hope you have a great week :)

[@gaia38ant]

I seems like in the end the topic isn't music anymore but I'm not sure ahah I really like the ton of your channel despite of the add in the begining. It's really refreashing and a good way to learn thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Antoine, a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? We're so happy to hear you're enjoying our channel! Just to let you know, we don't have KZbin ads on our channel and we don't advertise anyone else's products either. We simply let viewers know that if they found our hacks helpful that we also have a free book, as well as paid products that they may find helpful on their music making journey. We couldn't offer these free video lessons without the incredible support of our customers! Thanks big time for being here Antoine, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@mazb2528]

OMG! Can there possibly be a Mo bettah TEA! I DON'T THINK SO! You folks are the GREATEST (OF COURSE, NOT just for the TEA)! Thank you AGAIN for this insight!

[@Hyper5nic]

Hello Ray and Kate, I like this rule very much and would like this to stand out in the melody. Is it okay to mix short excerpts (one measure for instance) of faults with the better backing melody for contrast?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey, Mark, great to hear from you again, we hope this finds you happy and healthy! It's your music, so you can do whatever you want :) As long as you're aware that if your backing melody shadows your lead melody, it won't be perceived as a new musical layer. Thanks big time for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, Mark, we really appreciate you! Have a great weekend :)

[@baptiste3610]

I want more of that djent material. I NEED more. You guys have great videos and very useful tips! I'll brew some tea for you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, I love everything about this, Baptiste! What kind of tea do you drink?! As for the djenty bit, or what Ray is now calling the Djend, you'll find them at the end of our last 3 videos, and they'll continue to be at the end of every new video! You can also check out our Metal Music Theory videos in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN4CU-74EQ7NQnoDbHt8ZDH_ A big warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, Baptiste, we're thrilled you're here :) Until next time, take care and have a lovely day!

[@invixon]

gold mine fr

[@unluckypanda5448]

i just tried this technique and damn i think it works so well :0 thanks so much for all the tips! :D

[@HackMusicTheory]

That's awesome, UnLucky Panda! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and have a great week :)

[@unluckypanda5448]

@@HackMusicTheory i experiment, i dont have a clear vision in general but when im making a track i usually have some sketch in my mind like what vibes it should have, what cool things i should include/try... I have some tracks on my channel if you wanna check it out and see for yourself, i dont really know what this type of music is... Also im pretty new to this channel and i think i'll stay for a long time, your tips and tricks already helped me and i feel like they will keep helping, so you just got an active sub lol Thanks for your reply, have a nice day! :D

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi, UnLucky Panda, thanks so much for sharing! We're pumped to hear you'll be an active subscriber, and we wish you a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We'll be cheering you on in your music making journey, so please keep us posted on how you get on from time to time :) All our best to you!

[@unluckypanda5448]

@@HackMusicTheory should i do it in the comment section or is there a way to text you somewhere? (like discord) would be really nice to have such a way of communicatng and stuff. if you need help setting up a discord server i might help you, although i dont know who would take care of it (modding and generally constant look-out) if not then maybe set up a gmail and pin it in the description of every new video? there are some possibilities on how you could do it, i hope we can find a nice solution to this suggestion :D

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yes, the comments section is the perfect place, UnLucky Panda! It's just the two of us here at Hack Music Theory, so we keep things pretty simple :)

[@muhammadrezahaghiri]

Hello, it's close to my birthday (only 3 days left!) and I guess it's more than a month I haven't even written a single riff. I was busy programming and of course I experienced a huge writer's block. By the way, thanks for the tip. I love counterpoints.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Ooo, Happy early Birthday, Muhammadreza!! That's very exciting! As for music, you're probably putting all your creative energy into getting your business up and running. Music will be there for you, it sometimes comes in waves as all things in life. We wish you a lovely birthday celebration and a wonderful next year of life on this beautiful earth. Take care and talk soon, Kate 🙏

[@muhammadrezahaghiri]

@@HackMusicTheory Thank you my friends 😍

[@LouisSerieusement]

Yeaaah, contrapuntal motion ! Watching your video is so more easy than reading through a 30pages "traité de contrepoint" which was written centuries ago ! Thank you for sharing this simple but very helpful tip. I remember it really changed my life when I first read about those motions ! Cheers to both of you :) !

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, love your enthusiasm for counterpoint, Louis, and yes I can imagine this is much easier than reading that treatise on counterpoint! Hope you are well and enjoying spring, sending you good vibes 🙏

[@mindus5760]

Hey, what IS this "traité de contrepoint"?

[@yuyiya]

@@mindus5760 Probably thinking of Rameau's famous "Treatise on Counterpoint". (BTW, it's amazing how many wonderful composers wrote seriously boring, tedious books of rules for making music! Besides Rameau, another one who did so was Tchaikovsky.)

[@grantmnelson]

hi, i’m just getting into music and i’m curious what DAW you guys use. thanks in advance!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi ant_ssb, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. All the best with your music making journey, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@nurdafrikhanbeatzthetrip1406]

this is one of the one things that ensure great arrangements

[@HackMusicTheory]

Indeed, nurd afrikhan! Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting! What kind of music do you make?

[@nurdafrikhanbeatzthetrip1406]

@@HackMusicTheory well I'm on a mission to supply artist all over the world with free for profit beats as a way of building a community and sharing the international sprit. so I'd say most kinds of music I'm currently working on some "lofi boom bap type beats" as I try to draw inspiration from all around the world.. like the content, will be checking more often #staysafe

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks so much for sharing, nurd afrikhan! We absolutely love your mission and intention to build community through music, and are wishing you all the best with it! We look forward to hearing how it goes in the future. Take care and have a lovely day, Kate :)

[@nurdafrikhanbeatzthetrip1406]

@@HackMusicTheory thank you very much and will be learning as much as possible from your channel..

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome! We look forward to seeing you around :)

[@akira2392]

When I flip my melody, the flipped melody is off key. How should I fix this?

[@ostov-larion]

Awesome djend

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thank you, Влад Ермаков! We hope you have an awesome week :)

[@yvan2218]

Goddamn this is amazing. Complete mindset shift when i finally revisit songwriting after our finals haha

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're super happy this was helpful to you, Nepzd! What kind of music do you make? Thanks for taking the time to watch and connect, we hope to see you around after your finals for more theory hacks! Good luck :)

[@yvan2218]

@@HackMusicTheory while i do love me some metal and musci similar to gojira or periphery's style, i might start experimenting with music that i am most comfortable writing; namely more melodic and slower tempo songs still with that heavy kick of the distorted guitar. or even start playing with time signatures even if i have no idea how to program the drums to it hahaha

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for sharing, Nepzd! We absolutely encourage music makers to explore different genres as it helps with inspiration and creativity! We did a video that might spark some thoughts, called "The Truth About Genres": kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OYmoqoi66LZsU. For more inspiration you can also check out our Metal Music Theory videos in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN4CU-74EQ7NQnoDbHt8ZDH_ We really appreciate you being here, Nepzd, and are cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great day :)

[@JostSchwider]

Again: 👍 top!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey, Jost! Thanks big time for stopping by, we hope this finds you well :)

[@Lowend3550]

I have been playing in bands for years. I am new to using the computer with my music. I would love to know about the software, VSTi, DAW...basically what software and plugins that you use?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Toby, thank you sincerely for taking the time to watch our videos and connect, we truly appreciate it! And a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, where we do embrace all genres of music! The DAW we use is Reaper and we're big fans of the software. Regarding virtual instruments, it depends a lot on your budget, but we recommend Native Instruments as being the best value for money. Their Komplete Essentials is a great starting point, and only a small financial commitment: www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-11-select That bundle does have drums, but if you're looking for better drum sounds, we use ToonTrack EZ Drummer: www.toontrack.com/ezdrummer-line and we use their Dream Pop expansion for a lot of our electronic stuff (and KZbin videos): www.toontrack.com/product/dream-pop-ezx However, if you're looking for the best real/live drum sounds, we use and highly recommend Modern & Massive by GetGood Drums: www.getgooddrums.com/collections/software/products/modern-massive-pack For fancier synth sounds, we use Massive, which is truly Massive (not just a clever name haha!): www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/synths/massive We use their Neon Drive expansion for a ton of our music too, absolutely love those synths: www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/expansions/neon-drive The piano we always use, which is absolutely gorgeous and we highly recommend it, is: www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keys/the-grandeur And lastly, we use ComposerCloud by EastWest, which is a revolutionary GAME-CHANGER!!! It gives you access to an immense library of sounds (more sounds than you could ever use haha!) for a monthly subscription, you can check it out here: www.soundsonline.com/composercloud - We especially love the Ghostwriter library for more creative sounds, and Goliath is quickly becoming our go-to library, cos it has almost everything we need in it! And there you go, that's a complete rundown of everything we use! Lastly, for the record, we are not endorsed by any of these companies, we bought all of these products cos we love 'em! Hope that helps, and we're cheering you on in your new endeavour of making music digitally! Take care and talk soon :)

[@Lowend3550]

@@HackMusicTheory A HUGE MASSIVE THANK YOU!!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to give me this detailed response. I will check all of these out and start adding them to my toolkit. Again, Thank you so much! I love you channel and your videos. I took three years of music theory in school and all the information is spot on and a wonderful refresher. Love you guys! All the best!! If you ever find yourself in Alabama hmu...The Tea is on me!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww so much gratitude for all the love and invitation to tea, Toby, you're too kind 🙏 We're happy we could be of help to you and your music making! What kind of music do you make?

[@Lowend3550]

@@HackMusicTheory The answer is complicated. I am in Alabama so there is a lot of classic and southern rock. However, I listen to almost everything. I love movie scores and like the idea of composing beats for other artist. I have been listening and analyzing to myriad styles lately. To this point, your content has opened my ears and mind to options I have not previously considered. I know you compose you own music, do you also compose for others? If so, how do I go about trying to sell my music? Perhaps a video series on the business of music would be amazing!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Toby, we love hearing that the answer is complicated! It shows that you're thinking deeply about the art you want to create. And by listening to all genres you're broadening your musical horizons, which we're a huge fan of! Here are a couple videos that might spark some more thoughts for you: - Our thoughts about genre: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OYmoqoi66LZsU - One about combining different genres to make your own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnjEZnuapsatbMk In terms of the business side, we don't do that here because we're all about music theory. But you could subscribe to Damian Keyes here on KZbin, as he really seems to know the industry well. All the best with your exploration, and please know we're cheering you on in your music-making journey! Take care and talk soon :)

[@ZELLIOTTONE]

is there a button or something i can press that will invert or flip the melody for me? 3:30

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey ZELLIOTTONE¿, thanks for stopping by and connecting, we appreciate you being here! Yes, some DAWs do have a shortcut to invert melodies. But (and it's a BIG but), that will just give you a symmetrical inversion, so some of the notes will not be in key. Also, the rhythm of the inverted melody will be identical to the lead melody, and a great counter melody should have a different rhythm to the lead melody. So yeah, while it will take longer to write the counter melody yourself, it will be well worth the time you invest in it. Hope that helps, and we hope to see you back here in the comments of our next video :)

[@nandakoryaaa]

Hi Kate & Ray! :) I did not see the fault at first but at 2:00 it became clear. P.S. Wow the DJEND is fire!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, we love that you love the Djend, Andrei!! By the way, how's your music making going these days?

[@nandakoryaaa]

@@HackMusicTheory I am at the point where I buy another VST and don't even unpack it :) Out of ideas currently, but it happens and I'm not worried much because I know there will be better time :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Oh yes, I know the feeling. And you're absolutely right, it can come in waves, and will be there for you. You are not alone, as I'm hearing from many others that are in the same place, maybe there's something in the air, lol! Anyway, we're wishing you a lovely weekend. Take care and talk soon, Kate 🙏

[@nandakoryaaa]

@@HackMusicTheory Thank you very much!

[@danielrigney1416]

Are backing melodies same as counter melodies?

[@omnipresentwaffle4841]

What is the name of the music editor you are using?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Omnipresentwaffle, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@RealMarcoG]

It's possibile downloading yours pdf in different lenguage to english? Can i have in italian lenguage?

[@HackMusicTheory]

I'm so sorry, my friend, but they're only in English :(

[@francissreckofabian01]

I'm a bit of a fan of Bach and he "dabbled" in counterpoint!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Francis! It's so great to hear from you! How's 2021 treating you? How's the music making going? We hope you're doing well and are sending you lots of good vibes... and tea 🙏

[@nicholaszucchini5257]

6:35 music?

[@quency223]

did they just end all the isms in a counter melody tutorial video?

[@lucaslima2281]

What is the name of the program?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Lucas, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@GenskiMusic7857]

Do u use FL Studio?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Genski, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@GenskiMusic7857]

@@HackMusicTheory You're welcome

[@JesterLind]

Great cuppa content

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, yes indeed! Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, Jesse, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community 🙏

[@ShankhJaiswal]

Can you make videos on specific genre say EDM progressive house trap future bass . . .

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Shankh! Thanks so much for watching and connecting, we really appreciate it :) The good news is that all our music theory hacks can be used in most, if not all genres. We explain more about it in this video called "The Truth About Genres", if you're interested! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OYmoqoi66LZsU That being said, the hacks that can most closely be applied to the electronic subgenres you mentioned are in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLgYcaQlDpHN6cVu7GqnG8flyagToz0PBo Hope that helps, Shankh! We wish you a lovely weekend and all the best with your music-making :)

[@michaelmyers4943]

3:35 Aw it's in Drake's favorite key

[@drjtwoodrow]

I love yall

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks for the love, Dr Justin T. Woodrow, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@drjtwoodrow]

@@HackMusicTheory I write pretty much all genres, mainly cinematic and neoclassical though. Hip-hop is my roots, but I get bored with repetition.

[@HackMusicTheory]

I almost missed this! Thank so much for sharing, Justin, we absolutely love that you don't limit yourself with genre, it does get boring! ♥️ You might like our "Truth About Genre" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6OYmoqoi66LZsU All the best with your music making, Justin, we look forward to hearing more from you in the future :) Kate

[@lilcheffy3415]

Getting used to ur videos 😝😌

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, we're pleased to hear it, Lil Cheffy! Hope you have a great weekend :)

[@igku8339]

Whats the name of the APP?

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi IGKU, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@igku8339]

@@HackMusicTheory Thanks! I just discovered this channel yesterday and it's very interesting.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, IGKU, a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make?

[@igku8339]

@@HackMusicTheory I don't really know... Something that fits as videogame music, trying to make the songs sound epic.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, thanks for sharing, IGKU! We have a series of videos about making epic music that might be of help: Epic Chord Progressions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKjPl3p_aZp8eJI Epic Melodies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKG0oJtno5Wkp5I Epic Bass Lines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16yeXmjnZaafac All the best with your music making, we're cheering you on! Have a great weekend :)

[@alekhyade.1028]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks for the love, Alekhya! We really appreciate you stopping by 🙏

[@alekhyade.1028]

@@HackMusicTheory ❤❤

[@bilomen5957]

the free link doesn't work

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Bil', thanks so much for stopping by, we appreciate your interest Hack Music Theory! Sorry to hear you had trouble with the link. Try this one: HackMusicTheory.com/Books. We hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks! Take care :)

[@bilomen5957]

@@HackMusicTheory thanks!

[@andymellor9056]

TEA!

[@HackMusicTheory]

YES! What's your favourite kind, Andy? Have a great weekend :)

[@heatr3d597]

5:13 dang, that's deep... *Proceeds to renaming the song to something rebellious and controversial, instead of giving it an actual fix*

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi hEatr3d, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@heatr3d597]

@@HackMusicTheory Sup. I'm an aspiring dubstep producer, I want my songs to not just have advanced sound design, but to carry the artistic value in terms of melody and harmonics. So... I'm here.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for sharing, hEatr3d! We absolutely love hearing that you're wanting to make musical art, and you're definitely in the right place :) We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great week and hope to hear from you again soon :)

[@matthewparker9276]

I couldn't hear the fault, but I could see it.

[@matthewparker9276]

Ah, I can't actually hear the backing melody at all. Tinnitus.

[@elvissorna8861]

I thought this was going to be about a reformed prison inmate who learnt music theory

[@justincroft794]

How to write meaningful pop melodies - please stick around to the end for the metal.

[@ShadingEdge]

I want cake!

[@HackMusicTheory]

YES! Cake with tea ;) Thanks so much for watching, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make?

[@zoozeonja158]

결론 반대로가라

[@zipnone1996]

T E A

[@HackMusicTheory]

YES, tea! Great to see you, zip none, hope this finds you well. Sending you good vibes 🙏

[@galladebutcooler8645]

AHAHAHAHAHAH THE DJEND AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, happy you enjoyed The Djend, Paolo! Thanks for taking the time to watch and connect, we hope to see you around soon for more theory hacks, until then, take care :)