EDM Chord Progressions (..and how to make them) - PART 1

[@WrightBrosFlightSchool]

I'm pretty proud of myself for noticing the chords were marked incorrectly at 4:40 before I read the description! I'm super new to music and producing, so it's awesome being able to see things like that even though I'm sure it's probably a super simple thing... Makes me feel like I know at least a little bit about what's going on. I really appreciate these tutorials. They have been helping me a lot.

[@EDMTips]

Well spotted, and glad to help! :)

[@XxTrigg3rHappyxX]

Man, I gotta say...I’ve watched A LOT of chord progression tutorials over the years, but this is the first one where everything made sense and clicked perfectly. You do such a fantastic job of explaining what you’re doing and the theory behind your process. I can’t thank you enough for this, this tutorial really helped me get over the production blocks I’ve been facing lately. Thanks so much, keep it up!

[@EDMTips]

Thanks man....really appreciate the kind words, and glad to help!

[@kloijhi]

4:43 is mistake . you can see diminisht chord by looking on midi and count intervals. Maj is 5+4, min is 4+5 and dim is 4+4

[@EDMTips]

You're right, I hadn't noticed...Thanks for pointing it out!

[@marciano21]

You are one of the best on the market with this content. Thank you for your sharing

[@EDMTips]

I appreciate that!

[@juggalo1702]

Firstly, I don't have any clue how you don't have any comments on this video. Secondly, thank you so much! I started to feel rather stupid, because I watched about 7 other videos on this topic and just didn't get it, but your video finally made me understand this topic somewhat. I am rather educated in other areas, but a complete beginner to music production. That being said I hope you continue posting tutorials to youtube because for me this was priceless.

[@EDMTips]

Hi Aaron, thanks for being the first to comment, and I'm really glad I could help! Is there any particular topic you'd like me to cover? I'll be making one about getting drums sounding loud, clear and punchy next week

[@juggalo1702]

I guess one thing that interests me at this point is how to write a good drop. That and really EDM song structure staples in general I guess.

[@EDMTips]

Good idea! On it...

[@manav_bali]

Great tutorial. Thank you!

[@JMFocal]

Very well explained, thank you very much! Now I'm waiting for another tutorial with a progression using 7, m7, sus 2 or4, add9, etc. in the same song and ... Whaoo with different modes, transition chords. This would be the synthesis of several of your tutorials. It will be huge !

[@EDMTips]

Great idea! Will create soon :)

[@niallbartell6761]

Love this video. I'm 15 and I just started not too long ago and I enjoy production (Or lack there of lol) so much. I'm extremely baffled that you only have 150 subs, you deserve more :D. Definitely going to be following this channel regularly.

[@EDMTips]

Thanks Niall! Please share with anyone else you think might find them useful :)

[@mkrespo2577]

we need more videos about chords!! this is super clear and the best vid on ur channel, maybe a new one about 7ths and how to use/when use them, talk about dominants and 9ths, 13ths, sus2/4 and power chords, all ortiented to electronic music prod like this one!! thanks

[@EDMTips]

Thanks very much! Duly noted, and I'll make some more videos on chords because of this feedback :)

[@mkrespo2577]

EDM tips Im pretty happy to read that, for example, u can do a vid of 7ths and how to use them/where they can sound good, something similar to the chord sheet who indicated you the relationship between chords (thanks for that!) i put you an example who i discovered the other day: sus2 / 4 are useful to resolve chords and link them together to the next one to keep them getting at least one note who is identical (idk if u understand me) but maybe the direction of the vids can be that way (vespers got one i think) so, again thank you for making that great videos (this one MUST be obligate for everyone who wants to learn music theory EDM oriented).

[@EDMTips]

Who is Vesper, please? Is there a link to the vid?

[@Bronwyn031]

Well not that clear. Like why does he skip the "D" key in the second minor chord. Also, Will just says these chords work together but doesn't explain WHY they work together. I kinda understand the rule of Fifths but no one has yet to explain why chords have to flow using the rule of fifths. No one has ever composed a piece outside of the rule of fifths?

[@logarithm0]

@@Bronwyn031 the music police would get angry.

[@LucianoMartinss]

Excellent video! Thank you!! I can't wait to see more of your videos!

[@EDMTips]

Thank you so much!

[@lilam7851]

Thank you! That was really helpful:)

[@EDMTips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JackParker]

Aaahh Will! You were so shy here man!!

[@justskrewit2656]

On 12:06, all your labels for C minor scale are incorrectly marked, it should be "i - iio - III - iv - v - VI - VII - i". It may confuse those who doesn't have any Music Theory background.

[@famatu]

You're right! Got me confused for a second.

[@rejuvinatez347]

Why is he using C mino scale when we saw him doing C Major scale for key.

[@sdzap704]

ur just the right person i need

[@EDMTips]

Glad to help!

[@rohann4261]

amazing video sir , this video helps me a lot

[@EDMTips]

Thanks...happy to help!

[@brotherkuma]

Working my way thou all you vids, love the energy, ty for spreading the knowledge

[@xGODSPEEDx]

Thanks very much for this, very helpful!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@rafaelrubio3616]

Great video man, basic but awesome!

[@EDMTips]

Glad it was helpful! Anything else you're struggling with?

[@henrrydj_]

Cool man, thanks for shared!!

[@patrykandeshorzechowski6467]

Dla mnie najbardziej przydatna informacja to ta, co zrobić, żeby poprawić bass. Dzięki 🖐

[@_pancamo]

Do a video like this making uplifting trance or epic trance

[@abhisthachatterjee2154]

this is the best video that ive seen so far,,.. love ya man...! all i want to know is that how to use 7th and other chords with other scale and keys?...and a corresponding cheat sheet shall really help...it will be really very helpful if you can make some more videos on chord progressions... thank you

[@EDMTips]

Thanks very much :D! Did you download the cheatsheet with the link above, or do you mean a different one?

[@abhisthachatterjee2154]

ya i downloaded the cheat sheet...the chord progressions given in that very sheet are all for the C major scale i guess....what chords will sound good in some other scale...? thats what i'm confused about.. i'm a complete beginner so i'm sorry if i'm being stupid.... btw I was able to make a track of my own using your sheet and I hope it sounds good...can I contact you somehow so that I can show you what i made.... thank you..:)

[@EDMTips]

As a quick and easy way to write chords in another scale is to write them down in C Major (or C Minor), then transpose the MIDI notes by selecting them all and nudging them up or down the scale, (or by using a transpose plugin - check this vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqTVo3t5qtypmbs). Drop me message over at www.edmtips.com (email is on there) :)

[@EDMTips]

Ah...the trick is to count the intervals between the notes; as they are the same for any major scale. So, if you've made a 7th chord in C major, the spaces between the notes will be exactly the same as if you build a B-flat major 7th chord, or a G major 7th chord. Simply choose the first (or "root") note of your chord (i.e B-flat), then count up the half-steps (the shortest distance between two notes). Here are the Major Key Intervals (counted in half-steps): Root Note (or Tonic) -> 2 (half-steps) -> 2 -> 1 -> 2 -> 2 -> 2 -> 1 And here are the Minor Key Intervals (counted in half-steps: Root Note -> 2 (half-steps) -> 1 -> 2 -> 2 -> 1 -> 2 -> 2. I'm launching a "Music Theory for EDM Producers" course at the beginning of June that will take you through each step and help apply them to your own music. You can find out more here: www.edmtips.com/products/music-theory-edm-producers/

[@mkcm2073]

thanks @edmtips :) straight to the point

[@EDMTips]

That's how I roll. Well....Most of the time!

[@2112jonr]

Really clear, one of the best explanations and examples I've seen. Thank you :)

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@KizzmaniacPlanet]

thanks a lot bro....i will try it but the video and explaination is super nice energie...

[@priyankshukla7771]

This is exactly the channel which i wamted

[@EDMTips]

Awesome!

[@MrKarver1]

Did you make the advanced chord progression video? I am very interested in learning about dominant chords, 7ths, 9ths. Etc.

[@EDMTips]

Yep...check out Killer Chords :)

[@mukinha]

Third video done!

[@meierthomas]

Great tutorial to get into chords and have to make them sound good. I try to replicate the clips to see what works and what not following your great cheat sheet but I can't seem to be getting it right as the clips play all the way through the end and look like they are triggered in sync before the next one plays. So my clip settings are in need of some TLC. How did you set your clips to play as per the video? txs

[@CosmosSurfer]

At 12:04, your roman numerals are for major, not minor, so it should be "i iio III iv v VI VII i".

[@elanggosoundaraju2299]

I notice that too

[@alexanderpalm481]

Perfect

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@vedantbhatia01]

Thank you Will, you are indeed a darling

[@EDMTips]

You are welcome!

[@Willxdiana]

thank you so much for music theory

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@kunal7889]

around 7:40, he plays the chords for twenty one pilots - stressed out (tomsize remix)

[@wav.s902]

LMAO YESSS

[@selahkeys]

Thanks!!

[@EDMTips]

No problem!

[@bandhanmallathakuri2320]

Your tutorial are so helpful, can you make on 7th and 9th cords also, it would be helpful if you do so.

[@EDMTips]

As you wish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSTi3iumbdlrpo& ;)

[@jonybear5994]

yes please a video explaining sus and 7th or smthing would be very helpful

[@EDMTips]

Check out this one :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSTi3iumbdlrpo

[@rejuvinatez347]

in the beginning the way you stacked those chords like going up an elevator pattern was it like "Do, RE, Mi, FA, So , La ,TI, DO"

[@MannyMusick._]

I love you Brother!!! ❤❤❤

[@EDMTips]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching and supporting 🙂🙌🏻

[@sad7836]

Thank you,so much

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@EnderGaming50]

2:32 "F is".... FOR FRIENDS THAT DO STUFF TOGETHEEEEEER

[@brianhoffmann2403]

cool

[@artmedia1217]

super .. getting it

[@keithgilmore4101]

Hi Will... sorry to nit pick... but at about 16:30 ish when you start writing in the chords for your example... you use the C minor progression (as you quite rightly say).. but show the C Major Roman numerals above it... great video otherwise...thanx

[@lkhgvsurenzagdsuren3047]

Every time I watch this video I feel sad. Amen, brother.

[@L1ght_7]

Sorry, I am a bit late, but I noticed that when you were showing the progression of chords in a key around 4:50, you said that the vi Chord was diminished and the vii chord was minor. I think you just flipped them around by mistake, but it should be the other way around since on the vi chord the third is flat, which is a minor chord, and on the vii chord both the third and the fifth are flat, which is a diminished chord. Still great video!

[@EDMTips]

Thanks! I'm not sure where you mean, though?

[@timmyturnupmusic]

4:40 You marked Am as diminished and Bdim as minor

[@EDMTips]

I did...You're both right! My bad!

[@MrArtist1971]

Thanks Mikah!

[@moongodrogerioalves5805]

exelent videos, just cant handle more captain chords pub xD

[@raulcontinente]

I'm a complete beginner, but If I understand well the progression made in 12:55 is "i iv VI v"?

[@jackaustin2487]

very great channel

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@1ststar164]

Grete tip. Thank you very much.

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@priyankshukla7771]

Thanku so mch😍

[@EDMTips]

No problemo

[@heryck147]

what plug in were you using on this chord 13:08?

[@THOMASS_P]

Thank you

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome :)

[@LebenWerden]

Hello. If I do House music then the bass are in chords?

[@kimr-m588]

when you said c-minor at 11.01 min, you went C , D and then G, but using your theory of skipping every other one, should it not have been C, E, G? Very confusing for a beginner.

[@GladiatorArch]

At 12:05 you put the Roman numerals up ( I ii iii IV V vi viio I ) I can’t figure out why those are up there if they don’t follow what you just taught? Example being the diminished (viio) is actually a major scale? Shouldn’t it be a diminished so 4-4 Can someone please explain this to me

[@divyashamdasani9876]

is it ok to mix harmonic/natural minor within the same song? For example one bar with a harmonic melody and chord progression and the very next bar with a natural minor melody and chord progression, & if the song or melody is a harmonic minor the chord progression have to be same or it can be harmonic/melodic/natural minor?

[@EDMTips]

You absolutely can, if it sounds good

[@anzatzi]

How are you making clips of the chords in the progression?

[@visalehtinen4239]

When I create chord progression on major scale to synth lead instrument it plays the notes that are the same in the previous chord like they have no attack that they just play on and it doesnt sound like playing a chord on a piano is there a solution to this or do i have to use different instrument for chord progression?

[@njm20music]

I thought chord 6 was a minor in C Ami chord 7 diminished B diminished. have I got that wrong, or have you🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Stance-Ill]

You should edit the mark where you claim vi to be diminished when vii is the diminished chord. Will completely throw off anyone who hasn't worked with diatonic chords.

[@EDMTips]

Good idea! Will do now

[@slurken26]

what program are you using to make music and does it work for Windows

[@EDMTips]

It's called Ableton Live (www.ableton.com), and yes, it works on Windows, too

[@theorochannel6247]

Hi, at 6:27 you put the chords into the "clip feature" but dont show how u did it? I googled it but nothing shows me how to get that.

[@anzatzi]

@ 4:57 it should read M m m M M m o B is the diminished chord

[@Caly1234]

How do you get it to play the clip when highlighting it? Thanks

[@gaz9799]

Ggreat tutorial.. but that track at the start was grooving! who made that

[@EDMTips]

Thanks! Me :)

[@gaz9799]

Hint hint wheres the track;) // Tutorial for that sound its hot right now:)

[@EDMTips]

OK...will do!

[@1000sofusernames]

So this method is basically just spam it..... learn the chords and play them in on a keyboard, learn inversions as well for easier transitions.

[@lkhgvsurenzagdsuren3047]

I am only 7 years old. Amen Brother

[@EDMTips]

🙌🙏

[@PhantomNeptune]

The VI is not diminished, its a minor chord. The vii is diminished and is also called leading tone chord.

[@EDMTips]

Yes, you are correct...it was a mistake on my part (I'll correct in the description). Thanks for pointing it out!

[@simonfurneaux4650]

Hi, I tried downloading your cheat sheet but i not received it

[@EDMTips]

Could you email me at [e-mail] and I'll send it over manually?

[@MrDiscoCat]

the diminished is the VII not the VI , u have Aminor and B diminished

[@CompetitiveWormsArmageddon]

12:02 I watched this bit like 20 times lol...

[@AnymMusic]

(and of course then you have those tracks that just don't use chords)

[@jamesjeremyscher1665]

Can you please tell What sound is it at 10:47 ?

[@EDMTips]

It's a Sylenth1 patch I made

[@jamesjeremyscher1665]

EDM tips very cool

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@TheFirefighter1971]

i like your sex food analogy there .. now i will remember it forever ... well done

[@EDMTips]

Excellent! Must do that more then. Analogies, not sex. Actually, wait a minute....

[@TheFirefighter1971]

@@EDMTips LOL

[@EDMTips]

@@TheFirefighter1971 😇

[@kickzkickx29]

What is deminished!! Damn ?!

[@EDMTips]

Generally dodgy-sounding, and rarely used in EDM or pop!

[@kickzkickx29]

EDM tips really wew so how will u gonna know if its deminished note or not!

[@EDMTips]

If you know the key you're working in, you'll be able to work out what the diminished notes are

[@kickzkickx29]

EDM tips oww i have question can u make a tutorial of trance bassline like (the blizzard - metanoia) style!!

[@hmmm6265]

9:54 KFC? haha

[@EDMTips]

😂 I love me some chicken

[@hmmm6265]

:' ) Your video's are really helping me out btw, so thanks for that

[@fernandonascimento1097]

Aprenda a pronunciar friend your course you can send subtitles brasil

[@rakeshbr2369]

M m m M M m o M

[@McGyver008]

Despite the effort you made... a minor scale (aeolian) hardly show the same diatonic chord sequence like a major (ioniian). So C minor is min., dem., maj. min., min., maj., maj. But... you follow a concept and you seem to know what you intend to teach... perhaps you should take a little more time to prepare your video's...?

[@MafiaPyro]

stfu