Harmonic Rhythm in Sonic the Hedgehog's Music

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Sonic the Hedgehog's music travels pretty fast, sometimes blisteringly fast... but not everything about it travels at maximum speed. In this video, I'll provide an introduction to listening to harmonic rhythm, and how it gives Sonic music, along with most pop music, its form and direction!
Special thanks to DavoGato and quarkimo for supporting me through this production.
{ ? I ♥ }

[@survivalstep]

“Scruffy tricks Sonic fans into learning music theory”

[@stapleboy7462]

*scruffy tricks GAMERS into learning music theory (i've never played a sonic game in my life)

[@zstylmn.5947]

@@stapleboy7462 ok but you really should

[@rammym23]

Joke's on you; Sonic music is the reason I got interested in music theory in the first place

[@mephilestenesse5101]

@@rammym23 same.

[@megalampada2372]

Pretty much

[@Rolli_Zolli]

Me: :< Scruffy: "Hello!" Me: :>

[@pkg946]

He does always sound so pleasant with that introduction of his. It's like hearing from an old friend you haven't seen in a good while, and you've both really missed being able to talk with each other.

[@isaacfoster8070]

@@pkg946 but then you hang out with him and all of his new friends he made while you were gone, and it feels like he's changed. You're no longer the one and only friend he has and his other friends have changed the way he interacts and thinks. You hang out and sort of have fun and go home disappointed because you thought it would be better. Once you make it home, you think about how you have also made new friends and how they have influenced you. Then you are hit with the hard truth. You aren't really friends anymore. You think of all the great times you had as the old friends you were, and cry, knowing you'll never get the same person back again. You'll never talk about your favorite games, or music because your taste and his tastes have changed. You cry more thinking how awkward you were in front of his new friends and how awkward you must have made him feel. And then you stop. You remember the new friends you made once more, and thank them for the growth they've put you through. How much fun you have with them now. How they've introduced you to new things. You'll never get back your childhood friend, but you have new ones. Sometimes better ones. Although you will never play the same games with them or feel the same, they're different and refreshing and that's okay. You say goodbye to the thought that you were just gonna magically become friends again and move on.

[@isaacfoster8070]

@@quave_ I like to speak the truth

[@trupotato]

@@isaacfoster8070 _Too much truth, please go back_

[@isaacfoster8070]

@@trupotato but the moral of the story was to go forward greater than ever, I refuse to go back.

[@TateyGabey]

this man just made sonic forces sound like an interesting plot

[@justalpha9138]

IT IS a good plot, it's just that it was executed SO TERRIBLY.

[@hyperbeast4340]

@@justalpha9138 preach

[@savetheevo]

@@hyperbeast4340 ÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆ

[@blursedcat]

@@savetheevo amen brother

[@savetheevo]

@@blursedcat ÆÆÆÆÆ

[@Abdega]

Can you talk about how the drowning music is the perfect sound of a panic attack?

[@jan_sipiki]

It's so good it makes me have one!

[@Nightrose1609]

you're not wrong

[@Qwwwis]

Hearing the music : panic Hearing a breath sound effect : calm Tails took the bubble and not you : *Extra Panic*

[@Ronku0.0]

I think I can sort of explain. The sudden start of the song makes it feel out of nowhere. As it picks up speed it feels like it is urgent and very necessary and the sudden drop when it's done can startle a bit since it indicates that it is done so you are done/game over. I hope I explained it well enough for you to understand.

[@II-hk8ir]

that's probably because it's a variation of the minor 2nd playing over and over again

[@titaniumstar500]

When you have barely any knowledge of music theory and don't particularly know what's going on but watch anyways because it's entertaining

[@BBSplat]

Scruffy does a good job of boiling it down to something that's understandable to the layman imo!

[@roe_bro]

Same but instead of not having knowledge of music theory I don't have knowledge of Sonic

[@CrowAppreciator]

@@HelenGPitts shill your pyramid scheme somewhere else

[@total_kayhem5193]

He has a nice voice tho

[@cheesyquokka]

Same

[@lrgogo1517]

I’ve never been so entertained watching characters walk.

[@okordenador]

LRGonzales but isn’t that just videogames?

[@bluecloud440]

When you walkin'

[@Binglesquirk]

Furret walking?

[@sennathesenna1384]

*sad furret noises*

[@Garble_Garble]

@@okordenador That's not true! You can also, uhm.... Run!!

[@superpowers04]

9:40 - Explains Forces much better then the actual game and makes it sound much better then it actually is lol

[@memelurd7341]

True

[@engineergaming1332]

they also caged sonic so he doesn't run off like last time

[@NoahLeeNG]

one of my main problems with sonic forces is how it actually DOES have a really interesting plot that could make for an awesome story, but doesn’t utilize the full potential of it at all, and causes the whole original plot to fall apart and lose all of its identity. this game has no idea what it WANTS to be, which makes it seem like some sort of mix between an edgy anime and an episode of spongebob

[@Haights]

"This is the MEAT of the music. This is what contextualizes the melody..." Mmmmm... contextual meat

[@masailic2210]

Mr. Waterson has entered the chat

[@Levi_The_One_The_Only]

🅱️enis

[@alexiscolon8946]

The tempo is the bun of the music, the percussion is the sausage of the music, and the melody is the mustard of the music.

[@flowey8617]

D’oh!

[@etourdie]

mmm... out of context meat

[@kanyon.wilson]

I love how chalk-Sonic takes his mark at 'on your mark' because he's clearly the only one that takes running seriously XD

[@chrissysonicutdrloz]

Lol! Yeah, I noticed that, too.

[@ObeliskWithLimbs]

And he used the crouch from Super Sonic in S2 and S3&K, cool reference

[@housekakes2625]

Who else feels bad for criticizing Sega's, sonic forces after watching this?

[@zigzoinks5493]

house kakes What?

[@void_v4763]

@Esmeralda Martinez i finished sonic forces in one sitting in 4 hours and i didnt even have fun

[@zelenpixel]

the animations in this are so cute omg

[@mikethe2238]

did you know at the start?: "Montana!" was there chorded?

[@blueberrytheblueninjakirby6377]

Knuckles step

[@kaexewires7531]

@@blueberrytheblueninjakirby6377 Tails dance!

[@mugisucks906]

TODER HAVV Lodernut u c to

[@Steel-AM]

Ikr!?

[@aVRy_]

Hahahaha at 10:23 my chinese rip-off airpods were on low power, so it said “...determination, and sheer force of will to resist the forces of *PLEASE CHARGE* ”

[@lunyxappocalypse7071]

lol,

[@NooNahha]

LOL that is funny and I did laf at it!

[@AlyxTheProtogen]

that's what i call Perfect Timing.

[@kamsi8880]

Do your Chinese knock off AirPods say “please charging” instead? Cause mine did? 😂

[@lodsska]

@@NooNahha laugh*

[@viddo3k253]

Sonic: * reaches 232 beats * Also Sonic: *S A Y O N A R A*

[@chip-toons]

*I’M OUTTA HERE!*

[@EntergeticalakaBot]

*Do the SLIIIIIIIDE*

[@juliogarciamartinez9501]

more like 'whoops!'

[@antiStrikerS]

I HAVE REACHED TOTAL ASCENSION, GOODBYE.

[@LavenderSunrise]

@@antiStrikerS *tonal ascension

[@immenseshoutmon]

When Tails steps in excitement in songs with vocals, he looks like he's singing!

[@immenseshoutmon]

also sonic nearly dies at 8:20

[@MentabytesChill]

Ny'rese Jones no he doesn't he just goes off screen cuz he went so fast

[@quickfeather]

thats probably cause the part he was displaying would usually be the singing, if there were a singer in the song in Windmill Isle and Green Hill Zone lol

[@banny6508]

What do you mean by that

[@banny6508]

There were only two characters on screen

[@Shadowblade147]

You could teach a whole class on music theory and it wouldn’t even be boring

[@chezcake256]

Yeah, you’re right.

[@taggerung_]

what makes the video so interesting are the visuals and editing, which you could not do in a class. Unless the class was literally these videos, which i would not be opposed to)

[@GeoGamerArtistVlogger]

@@taggerung_ agreed

[@SpeedKnight7]

@@taggerung_ now thats probaly a good way to teach now with the virus

[@TorManiak]

There's also the fact that he uses Music that everyone likes as an example rather than something like a Beethoven or an old movie soundtrack song.

[@TheDerpyDeed]

I need more "3-frame hand-drawn tails animation" in my life.

[@AsrielKujo]

Yess

[@Xenofinite]

huh maybe i might do that

[@loogi4062]

I love how tails is just kinda jamming out while the other two are stepping like they’re taking a walk/dash

[@vsptylore3639]

Tails is just happy to be involved

[@pinkajou656]

He’s so sweet.

[@liviekumori]

Let's be honest, Sonic series has one of the best Soundtracks of all time

[@egg4562]

ikr but nobody listens to it the genesis era had incredible music thanks to masato nakamura, a genius bassist.

[@PoochiePookie12]

Egg the genesis era was catchy but not something I would listen to on a daily basis. Unleashed on the other hand...

[@dovahkiin7498]

No

[@quickfeather]

Lemon Lime a g r e e d

[@blyp8856]

Wrong, sonic DOES have the best soundtracks of all time

[@donaldlarrimoreIII]

Nobody: *Scruffy's Intro Plays* Tails: *Takes 3 Steps* Knuckles: *Takes 2 Steps* Sonic: *Goes Nowhere*

[@AndyCheekss]

Genius

[@flippedmasterguardian]

No... He's right!

[@SingeStheos]

Its actually 120 BPM just about, so he would take 4 steps.

[@donaldlarrimoreIII]

@@SingeStheos I didn't give Sonic steps because there wasn't any percussion, but I know where you are getting at.

[@SingeStheos]

@@donaldlarrimoreIII You're forgetting, Sonic steps with the "Percussive Pulse", not any notes like Tails. For example: 8:12. Using headphones, you can hear that theres sometimes no drums in favor of vocals and melodic rhythms. The druns take breaks lasting at most 0.5 seconds, yet sonic is counting up at 5/sec even during parts where you don't hear any drums.

[@eltonsstuff]

Your breakdown gave me a new found appreciation for "Fist Bump", kudos! Hoping to see more Sonic Songs put under the microscope like this!

[@thomastyrrell49]

@@smt4090 this pains me

[@Tomfoolery_Inc.]

Fist Bump is my favorite Sonic song!

[@cube4547]

It's not a microscope, it's very simple stuff

[@marcustc4414]

Sonic accidentally slipping forward while stopping after fist bump was so cute, love the animation!

[@shindousan]

This is the most adorable explanation of harmonic rhythm I've ever seen.

[@TrueKirb]

When I see an upload of his my heart always warms up.

[@someguyontheinternet8769]

Hey can I ask a sensitive question What is the official speed of kirb

[@mbayacotton6903]

But your Kirb, and kirb always speed. Speed is kirb. Kirb is life.

[@MattStarzing]

I clicked on this video as soon as I saw it.(now Fist Bump will forever be stuck in my head)

[@kirbdabirb5627]

Brother

[@someonethatsme2561]

P O Y O

[@azericthetraveller6355]

I love that Sonic runs off at 8:15 cause he was prepping for the fast part and you stopped it.

[@LARAUJO_0]

8:17 TOGETHER W- awww 10:07 Hey, there it is!

[@DracRio]

I love how he also drew Sonic in a cell

[@YT-xl7ng]

@@DracRio he ain't going anywhere this time

[@DubiousDoom]

It's so heartwarming to see such a cerebral examination of Sonic Forces, which hasn't gotten much attention aside from being the latest in a line of punching bags. I love your content so much.

[@j0anbug]

i love Forces and it makes me sad to see people constantly trash it

[@plushifoxed]

i mean, as with most sonic these days, the music is basically the best part in forces

[@_-Lx-_]

Forces may have been a disappointment in other areas, but the music is still good stuff with a unique style.

[@OutlawKING111]

@@_-Lx-_ You're right about that.

[@deanmoriarty6015]

because forces is really bad lol

[@PrincessGrouchy]

When you cut off the Fist Bump song right before the double boost section, I was about to riot

[@muffinmonk]

I was about to climax and he totally blue balled me

[@maxspecs]

Princess Grouchy There’s a reason why that’s the bit you start on for a Double Boost.

[@kawaiikitten3135]

Wbat the heck muffinmonk

[@artificialidiot1654]

I was so dissapointed as well

[@mynewaccount2361]

I was too but I had no idea that was the whole point of the video.

[@blyp8856]

WHEN I HEARD WINDMILL ISLE IT MADE ME SO HAPPY IT'S PROBABLY THE BEST SONG IN THE SERIES

[@alexiscolon8946]

I agree. It's soo catchy.

[@thewildruda6113]

I really forgot that Windmill is a sonic game, and thought it was a pokémon song, because, well, y know

[@Kapin05]

The cute animations, distinct visual style, controlled and explained use of terminology, and genuinely interesting content here, combined with moments of emotional impact and your smooth voice, is absolutely excellent. This is my first time viewing your channel and it's an instant subscribe from me. Please do more stuff like this, it's incredibly well-made. also tails' excited lil' face when the melody moves just melts my heart :D

[@lynnh.3367]

If this is your first time viewing, give scruffy some love!

[@Joeyy1024]

He needs to talk about the music in Persona 5.

[@justapancrepe8455]

Yessssssss

[@spaeracount5160]

*Yes, absolutely!*

[@Jack-ss9fo]

Definitely

[@venzoah]

Yes please

[@CadenDoesGames]

YES

[@LazyGyro]

I would like to say, I appreciate the small references in this vid. Like when the text fades, it turns a little blue. Which is like the title screen to Sonic 1 and or 2

[@josemarcelo9783]

El Be like in 12:00... the harmony is from windy hill(sonic aventure)

[@mauro3756]

José Marcelo Actually, the song is from Sonic 3D Blast (Genesis version) and later it appears in Adventure 1 as a reference to this game. More specifically, it's Green Grove's song.

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

Mauro3756 Mega Drive.

[@eepiestgirll]

when i was a lot younger i spent a huge amount of my childhood learning about things from those big science picturebooks and from discovery channel shows, and i was ALWAYS hungry to learn more and excited about all of it i also was the kind of person who would constantly find weird beauty in anything, even the things people found terrible and annoying, because i knew in my heart that somewhere in it was some form of substance and meaning or a new experience i lost both of those when i was a teenager due to heavy amounts of neglect and abuse from family, and i’ve been working every day since i got out trying to get back to my old self scruffy, this video is such a perfect example of exactly what im starting to love again. being able to love learning and love loving things. i cried (i cry very easy!) at the kind of beauty you found in the messages of friendship in a game as derided as sonic forces. even if it’s not objectively great, you were able to prove there’s something amazing in it without even worrying about that i’m getting closer every day to shining as bright as my old self, and stuff like this helps me so much and makes me smile in a deep part of my heart. thank you, and keep it up man ♡

[@j.surnamez3588]

💜

[@JNewsted1988]

I love how after that excerpt from Fist Bump, Sonic just zooms off the screen.

[@maxmeepmeep991]

suddenly stop

[@cstick2664]

Looks at thumbnail: *clapping* Alright! E minor!Woo!

[@sanikku5]

Looks at thumbnail: *(actually F major)*

[@astronights]

**falls asleep as soon as music begin**

[@APerson-mv7td]

p a t r i c k

[@marcoanimacoes5690]

@@APerson-mv7td s a n s

[@cheesyquokka]

Haha

[@TripleJump]

This is such a minor thing, but I love how when objects transition in a fade in or fade out, it does so in a similar manor to how the text fades in openings to the classic games. I don't know how to describe it, but it looks very fresh and distinct. I also love how charming the animations are and how well they convey the information.

[@blackhoggaming]

Gosh, the way you describe Forces’ music reminds me of all the hype I felt for it before release. Makes me sad

[@ConsueloHigdon]

I love seeing these three buddies help us understand music theory topics with stepping, it fits so well! Especially sonic having the percussion and going at ludicrous speed

[@Xurnalea]

Scruffy video: *passionate about things I like and explains why they make me feel good*. Me, in tears: thank u music man

[@soddenhollow]

This video almost made me cry this describes EXACTLY what i love about sonic soundtracks

[@poddopetals]

IT MADE ME CRY

[@kawaiikitten3135]

The sonic movie made me almost cry in a bad way

[@okarowarrior]

and what's that exactly?

[@RosheenQuynh]

I teared up because I was able to visibly see why music is so beautiful

[@awesomhudsstudios6089]

@@kawaiikitten3135 if you made this comment at the time the old design existed, then everybody cried in a bad way.

[@Minecraft27Xbox]

Man, I would still love to hear an arrangement of the entirety of Fist Bump in the music style depicted from 11:05 to around 11:40, maybe a little more energetic too. It oddly sounds really fitting in a way to me, and the excerpt here’s so nice to listen to as well…

[@thycringe]

Tails's animation for the Melodic Rhythm count was adorable. At the end he look so genuinely proud of himself.

[@roverkibb1834]

You made Sonic Forces sound waaayyyy cooler than it actually is.

[@firstbits650]

@@rozzbourn *TOGETHER*

[@rainy_day2889]

@@firstbits650 *WE*

[@firstbits650]

@@rainy_day2889 *CAN SHOW THE WORLD*

[@Monotail_Razuin]

@@firstbits650 *WHAT WE CAN DO*

[@firstbits650]

@@Monotail_Razuin *YOU ARE NEXT TO ME*

[@HerroVincey]

0:56 Two seconds is all I need to identify Vulfpeck's 1612.

[@nrvfly4]

YUH i was scrolling through the comments looking for someone else

[@ikeeeboy3054]

I THOUGHT NO ONE ELSE NOTICED

[@Stewfou]

ayyyeee we've all got good ears lol

[@nahometesfay1112]

You are my people. I'm subscribing just for that

[@feralfluid]

I was just about to comment that I didn't see anybody mentioning it

[@cyberjackal774]

I applaud the way the characters and themes are worked into explaining the mechanics in this video.

[@ilker7115]

I love how Tails sometimes changes how he does the "step" thing

[@Superkirby982]

10:42 "The two of us, are holding the key!" *_I get it._* 😂 (Even Knuckles does!)

[@lodsska]

And that key... is E maj/min. Once you realise, it's like playing the first level of Tetris Effect. (i.e. THE FEELS, MAN! THE FEELS!!)

[@xx_commentraider_69_lotgbr70]

and i oop

[@xLuigi77x]

I don't get it. I love sonic, but I've only played the classics(mania included), sa2, and generations

[@SwitchZetto]

*smirks*

[@Mr_Mimestamp]

@@xLuigi77x I think it’s that the word “key” refers to both the metaphorical key that the singer is describing, but also describes the musical key of the song.

[@boneyzoney9551]

Who said the summer of scruffy had to be OUR summer? Here's to the year of scruffy!

[@enricobianchi4499]

1999 BIZARRE SUMMER

[@princeofspeedz8408]

3rror200 well that’s completely unrelated, but... *MEGURU YUUKI DE IKIRU MACHIIIIII GREAT DAAAAAAAAAAYS!*

[@polychrome2838]

I absolutely LOVE the mini-cover of City Escape after Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles stop running! I wish there was a full version of it!

[@memerio1458]

This video could’ve just been 10 minutes of Chalk-Tails dancing and I still would’ve loved it.

[@kerorocastle]

I’m loosing my mind from how interesting, eyecatching and joyous this was to watch. I loved all of the drawings, as someone who knows nothing on music your explanation made so much sense to me?? All of the jingles and sounds made me never want to stop watching and listening. I absolutely adore your videos and you nail it every time. Thank you.

[@geo6398]

That was incredible! I love how you presented it and was surprised at just how deep fist bump is in it's arrangement. Thank you for your uploads and the positivity you bring to youtube!

[@a_random_innocent_personxd2396]

"The strings are dominant here, just as Tails"- Ooohh Yeah

[@ethanbugnuffer1372]

Just ask tails but hahah

[@pinkajou656]

Tails is so cute and happy!

[@dhedarkhcustard]

What an absolutely beautiful video. I love how your background music perfectly matches what's happening on the screen, the fade-outs going to blue (like Sonic games), how you made the accordion and violin look like sonic enemies, and the overall information is conveys. Just perfect.

[@chenzo55BETA]

Damn, gave me an appreciation for “Eggman Land” on a more fundamental level

[@pdreding]

This is a clear and self-demonstrating introduction to harmonic rhythm backed up by your always-stellar sound design. Fantastic work, Scruffy!

[@EloLeChan]

Scruffy has been able to teach me more about music in 12 minute video formats than the Conservatory has done in nearly 8 years of music theory classes

[@idontlikewasabi]

almost a year later and its still such a good video. I "borrowed" a few of your points for my musical analysis exam aswell haha

[@GracieJello]

You can tell this man knows what he's doing when Knux is the slowest in the examples

[@ayoraster2970]

Everything in this video is amazing. I really like how you appealed to non-music trained people. Even though I am semi-competent at music, too much information at once can be hard to process.

[@MayTheSunflower]

Scruffy, I return to this video often. You outdid yourself. It's so well-written, well-visualized, and well-scored. Thanks for this video!

[@elilettuce]

8:17 YEAH I FELT LIKE SONIC THERE, I WAS ABOUT TO SING THE CHORUS

[@alexiscolon8946]

Ikr

[@rodrigomarques1075]

Bruh he continues later

[@longdeadcowboybillionaire]

I was literally thinking about this channel earlier, how convenient

[@maddices128]

Same here

[@CuriousGuy_]

The they before this vid i was thinking on requesting a vid about the Sonic series.

[@kitsovereign4127]

Scruffy, I think you're consistently my favorite creator on KZbin. Everything you do is so wholesome and puts a smile on my face. Thank you for your unique style of videos, and I hope they keep being as fun for you to make as they are for us to watch.

[@JoeyAnimation]

The pedagogical use of visuals and editing in this video are masterful.

[@supershawnodeseninja]

it's almost like there's "no other option gotta keep moving on, what lies ahead only one way to find out!"

[@koopa1018]

6:53: Gotta love them Badnik instruments~ 9:26: Ooh, and the Blender 2.8 Voronoi Crackle texture!

[@NoraHyrule]

When you've listen to green hill (and windmill isle) for about half of your life, it's so easy to catch these changes. Loved the video

[@shiroiku9314]

I've always loved sonic music, but this made me love it more.

[@pastelbird]

I've lost count of how many times I've watched this video now, your What I Love series really does bring me an indescribable sense of comfort. Also,, I am once again asking for a full version of that tutorial-esque rendition of City Escape that plays after its step count. I love it so much

[@undefined7206]

this man just managed to show something good about sonic forces

[@kaitejani5167]

This feels amazing to watch and is so easy to understand - everything about the infographics and the sound design even down to the way you speak just sits right. Hands down best channel on KZbin.

[@colincrawford5055]

0:56 WOAH WOAH WOAH! Was that a Vulfpeck reference to 1612? If so, you’ve earned bonus points for respect and taste in music. If not, what a cool coincidence, and you should check them out.

[@padraicfanning7055]

Vulf fans: “that’s the code to my heart!”

[@harryscorah2091]

Genuinely stopped me in my tracks to come and find this comment!

[@duon44]

I think that's the Vulf typeface as well

[@maryphillips8069]

This actually really helped me with my writing, I had not thought of the chords having a rhythm before, thanks!

[@dumpsterfire0718]

Saying the chords were all over the place actually better represents the Sonic series these days.

[@Roebey]

I love how easy to digest these videos are, even for people who've never touched an instrument in their life. Your uploads are always a pleasure, keep up the fantastic work!

[@thesouthernforest2510]

Something I noticed while watching the exercise with the trio, and you said harmonic rhythm is felt rather than really heard; I usually follow the change in harmonic rhythm to pace out story beats in my animations!

[@idonthavevideos5751]

Admit it, Green Hill Zone without the main melody is STILL a bop

[@BigOofs2213]

Yessir, Also I'm pretty sure the green hill shown here does not have the exact same instrument sounds, so I'm pretty sure scruffy made them himself 😎

[@skrubwhosucks8224]

Damn, I accidentally took a nap from being too tired, and then I wake up to this? I absolutely love Sonic music, so I'm glad you did a video on it. After watching more of the video, I also adore the way you drew the instruments with Badnik designs. I swear you never disappoint with these videos. And as a final note, you went in deep with Fist Bump, lol. I always knew that the "All alone" part was supposed to be emotional, but you made it like, ten times more emotional. That e-major part at the end was really making me tear up almost. Even though I still have no idea how chords work, I still loved everything about this, from the start all the way to the genesis cover of What I Love. You also probably gave me the name of my new favorite chord, e-major, and I gotta thank you for that. Have a nice day.

[@maxstevens9643]

0:41 that subtle reference that most people won't get... I'm so glad I found the best channel on KZbin

[@abrahamo2895]

You mean the water level

[@Naltrex]

Not so subtle, if ir was louder I'm sure a lot more people would have recognized it

[@ethanbugnuffer1372]

The drowning theme for sonic 1

[@padraicfanning7055]

How about 0:56?

[@SuperSpiderk]

0:22

[@nathanrosario4814]

I truly believe this is the best video you've made so far. I love how you showed not only how the music connects to the game, but also how the music changes. Your sadly underappreciated I hope you get more of your stuff out there

[@0rangepel378]

I love the Sega "What I Love" at the beginning.

[@MurkrowTheBus]

This made me appreciate Fist Bump even more. Another great vid

[@Dalucy8317]

I usually have a really hard time understanding music theory. My mind alway seems to drift along very confused whenever I watch a video about it, but this video was different. It was put into a way that makes a lot of sense! Thank you scruffy! I’m happy I was finally able to understand a little more about music theory!:)

[@Sheepy765.]

“What I love” has become a sort of motif for Scruffy.

[@Shnoodle_doodle]

3:15 when the chord is SUS

[@relito_animations]

If u spell with G, it turns out that is Jesus

[@poopiepants4953]

*I did not understand half of this video but it's still entertaining af.*

[@YT-xl7ng]

Ikr

[@icantthinkofanything798]

let's talk about a "recent" sonic game from 2001, that's 18 years old.

[@vivy-nx]

i mean he did say more recent, which is accurate compared to sonic 1

[@romainbayer9098]

wow...I feel old...

[@astaramorris2635]

@@romainbayer9098 get over yourself, m8.

[@General12th]

@@astaramorris2635 GR8 B8 M8 I R8 *8/9* But seriously, don't be uncool.

[@BroeyBroe]

This man just made me appreciate a song that I honestly didn't care for in Forces a lot more now with the music knowledge that was provided mixed in with the context of the game, that's god damn impressive.

[@zealotscout]

Cords, scales, arpeggio, harmony and melody none of this makes sense for me, but the thought and effort going into videos like this is astounding. I love these types of videos.

[@CosmicEternityCD]

A new Scruffy upload always makes me feel warm, but this put a massive smile on my face. I'm a huge Sonic fan (Username might give it away. Sonic CD, represent!) and honestly, I already adore your videos because you put music theory (and other concepts) in a way I can understand, are easy to digest, and entertaining, with excellent attention and detail for the source material. This one was a great one, and it puts into words how I've felt about lots of the compositions in the series. This was such a cool look at Sonic music- Thank you, Scruffy!

[@lionofjudah6753]

THAT ENDING GOT ME AND I DONT KNOW WHY BUT I LOVE YOU

[@justarandomgirl1617]

I honestly don't know how this ended up in my recommended but I'm glad it did!! New sub

[@Lightning-ig2do]

I love the way they stylized the music between Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic in Sonic Generations. Generally, Classic has a slower tempo with faster melodies, but Modern has a faster tempo and slower melodies, but the latter feels faster overall. The best example of this is the difference between Chemical Plant Act 1 and 2

[@luk4aaaa]

That tails drawing is heccing adorable

[@kuengx]

Rewatching this makes me wonder about “reach for the stars”

[@alexiscolon8946]

YEAAHHH I LOVVEE THAT SONG TOO!

[@kuengx]

sonic colors ult is coming out too

[@OroborOSX11]

It’s pretty rare to find someone gifted in one aspect (audio) but who is equally skilled at communicating it in another (visuals). Very impressed!

[@thememegod92]

Who knew music lessons on KZbin could be so entertaining

[@TornaitSuperBird]

0:56 IS THAT 1612? Great, now I can't unhear Antwaun Stanley's vocals.

[@chickengogo1683]

i also noticed this lol

[@brndan]

THAT'S THE CODE TO MY HEART

[@spitgorge2021]

I GO- ONE! SIX! ONE! TWO! ... STAR!

[@padraicfanning7055]

Aquarian

[@fardinfahim3478]

0:56 he didn't just reference Vulfpeck did he? WAIT DID HE?

[@Firepal3D]

YEP, 1612

[@Yuti640]

I love how he actually makes the plot of Sonic Forces sound epic, especially with those visuals

[@SingeStheos]

6:21 Windmill Isle has to be one of the best Sonic songs of all time.