How Christmas Music Works

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How Christmas Music Works | Andrew Huang
• How Christmas Music Works
Andrew Huang
/ andrewhuang

[@AdamNeely]

Great analysis, and hell of a tune! Nice to have christmas song analysis stuff by somebody who actually writes music!

[@supermachflite]

Will you be covering this subject in one of your videos?

[@saboo_tage]

aight, adam neely approves, we're safe

[@GeraldIrsiegler]

He made a video about it already, the consensus was also, sleighbells!

[@wgdmovimkr]

i was just abt to ask ur opinion on this im glad u said positive things

[@georgiepentch]

Wonderful!

[@SleepSoul]

C'mon Andrew, don't be mean to the golden pineapple, it can be a Christmas song too. It can be anything it sets its little pineapple-mind to.

[@sajidaassaf174]

Simon The Human indeed

[@TheHeavyJetsBand]

Mind pineapple apple mind

[@ethanyoung4629]

Mele kekiki my pineaple

[@martiensventer9191]

Why assume its mind is little, though?

[@drwhoeffect]

You saying the golden pineapple sexually identifies as a Christmas song?

[@samuraiguitarist]

Came here to see what kind of program you were using to get that amazing horn sound. Turns out it's the human program. Btw did I see Colleen Allen on sax???

[@samuraiguitarist]

I had her for a class back at Humber, and yes I fully agree

[@thebigbison9949]

Both of you are awesome!! So crazy to see you two talking!! Best wishes

[@qwertyTRiG]

ANDREW HUANG Still seems odd to me to see that as a name. Cailín is just the Irish word for "girl".

[@jimmydim2212]

Andrew, 2-5-1 was extremely common in jazz pieces at the time, which is why it made its way to Christmas songs as well. If you pick up a Real Book (big collection of jazz standards, easy to find) you will see how 2-5-1 was a huge thing (and in both major and minor keys). Even today people study licks and phrases in jazz improvisation on this chord progression, it's a very standard but important excercise. Thanks for your time :)

[@MaggaraMarine]

Yeah, I guess that's what his point was - it was a common progression in the 40s and 50s when these classic Christmas songs were made (and jazz was pretty popular at that time), and that's why it's probably associated with "Christmas music". Today's pop rarely uses that progression, so using the progression creates an "older" sound. Sub-dominant - dominant - tonic (most commonly II-V-I or IV-V-I) is the basis of Western harmony, and everybody who studies music learns about it. It's one of the first things that you learn when it comes to how chord progressions work.

[@travonace8675]

+MaggaraMarine Are you currently studying in a music school, by any chance?

[@MaggaraMarine]

Travon Ace Yes.

[@roygbiv1122]

It's also worth noting that using II as a subdominant wasn't just a trend. Jazz consists of a lot of sevenths, and functionally speaking, IV as a seventh doesn't work. This is because IV's seventh is the third degree of the scale (the most defining of tonic function), and using it gives the chord too much of a 'home' feel to be a subdominant. The II doesn't have this problem. An additional bonus of using the II chord is the fact that the bass's motion from II to V, in terms of intervals, is the same as the motion from V to I. This allows for a smoother resolution. The II-V is also much more flexible to some of the other techniques, such as substitute dominants, backdoor progressions, II-V series modulation, etc. In conclusion, the II was not the preferred subdominant solely as a "trend", but because it allowed musicians of that time to do all the other crazy stuff that makes jazz harmony so special.

[@cashwarior]

Bells = Christmas... but if you take the ding and compress it a little bit, move it down an octave, and then dirty the sound up, it could be an electric guitar.

[@bhaveshtochabbra6853]

Noicee sound design tips

[@emedemxrband]

The way your videos are edited is just amazing

[@Jongeruz]

Quick answer: It's jazz with sleigh bells.

[@subbefore-sd8qp]

WRONG U FUCKING DWEEB

[@LogansDarling]

@@subbefore-sd8qp wut

[@skrobie]

@@subbefore-sd8qp ught

[@oktovria]

right

[@gabrielbaruck9152]

Actually yes, I was hearing bossa nova and it clicked Christmas Brazilian music

[@Carina5707]

I would’ve watched another fifteen minutes of this. I would LOVE to see you do a TED talk

[@crxstianalexandro]

Your original Christmas song is phenomenal! Amazing!

[@hikarinanao]

way more informative than that bullshit vox "secret christmas chord" video

[@TPF00T]

Well I mean Vox has never been good so it's kind of your own fault for watching a Vox video.

[@amber1862]

Vox make you think they're good because they have incredible animators and editors, but the content is almost always shitty and surface-level. That becomes apparent when they talk about subjects/fields you have experience in.

[@hikarinanao]

TPF00T it's actually the first and only vox video i've watched 😂 now i've learned my lesson lol

[@hikarinanao]

Amberoot Audio i do know that they usually post shit content but that video is really the crap of the crap. it's not even surface level, it's basically just them making a cute video about NOT knowing what the christmas chord is. i lol'd

[@angelbear_og]

Let's face it -- ANYTHING is more informative than (bullshit) Vox!

[@d.prestonpeek9460]

"You make winter warm" I fail to come up with catchy, clever, chorus-finishing one-liners like this. Please teach me your ways.

[@kylespevak6781]

It helps to work backwards. I often start from a one liner or hook and develop the lyrics from there. It may just be me though because hooks come to me the hardest where as I can write endless verses

[@gggjiiik]

Well, that's a "Meghan Trainor"ish song you made right there. For example, in All About That Bass the main motif is a 1-2-5 progression and with all that bass and brass, You Make Winter Warm really reminds me of it.

[@gggjiiik]

The vocals also ring a bell(pun intended) in that sense, but I don't really know why.

[@augusto7681]

This music totally remind me of Meghan Trainor, some part of the melody is similar too.

[@PaulDavids]

Holy shit, that eye twinkle joke got me good. Nice.

[@Kannpass]

Nono, it's the truth!

[@TheDazer563]

Omg that bari sax line is so great thank you for blessing me with that Andrew 🤯

[@hazysofia]

Another masterpiece from Andrew Huang

[@ryan2395]

Music theory is really cool!

[@Pumpky_the_kobold]

Every year now, I've been listening to this on repeat. It's so god damn good. I am hoping for a full album someday.

[@n0rber10]

Damn, Andrew you blew my mind. I've always had basic music theory knowledge but I always thought, why make a whole song with theory if I can just play chords that sound well together and make a song out of them. The way you played with those chords by rearranging them and doing that cadence up just made it snap in my head. That's how I can use them, by playing with them.

[@ahduhj]

AH SUCH A GOOD VIDEO

[@moujou8031]

You are a legend of music making. I love the song it makes me feel wintery.

[@difFamilyVlog]

You make winter warm...whaaaaaaaaa!!? You got a winner there bro!!!

[@michellecerioni4903]

CHRISTMAS MUSIC IS THE BEST. I had my Christmas full of Christmas songs, but now you made some so i don't needs any more. Also I've already been trine right some for myself and this helps alot.

[@Dakkukuwakku]

Was a pleasant surprise to see this music video as an ad on some KZbin videos. Thought it sounded catchy, and turned out to be my favorite music man Andrew!

[@pandaeatspizza8445]

I’ve always wanted to know how to make a Christmassy song, and who better to explain it than Andrew Huang?!

[@neonshadowhand8634]

It makes me so happy coming back and looking at this a year later. I was so fricking blown away by the video, I’d never seen anything like it with all of those effects. Also my music theory knowledge has gotten better, and I actually understood what you were talking about! Thanks so much for being you Andrew. You make winter warm!

[@bmartinsounds]

I love it, but why didn't you involve the third major piece of holiday music: the swing beat? Almost every example you mentioned has a swing beat, and had you done that, this would've gone from a 9.5 to an 11.

[@deathman1687]

I didn't follow you for a while and I started listening to your Spotify and I love this song so much. It definitely sounds like a classic.

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

Such a brilliant songwriter!

[@DontBFlat]

This sounds so much better than most the Christmas song out now. Keep up the good work!

[@ArcticaTheFox]

I hope this gets to trending on KZbin and this song becomes the next big Christmas song everyone knows and sings

[@matthewholland3641]

Damn! Love the Bari sax bassline! I feel super loved!

[@reub2338]

Was literally looking for this vid the other day. Andrew always delivers

[@Thevietvegan]

Whoaaaa Colleen Anderson!! That's pretty cool to see her show up in your video. I worked at National Music Camp as staff (not with her but at the same camp) for like 7 years and always loved watching her perform :)

[@Thevietvegan]

But the whole breakdown of Christmas music was super awesome. Thanks again for always being such a unique and innovative creator :)

[@bleuvertetforetdepin]

What a great vocalist you put in light here ! Thanks Andrew :)

[@pablocastilla1176]

Yay, I especially love your music theory and instrumentation videos! Also, Golden Pineapple. Perfect.

[@kjetilbirkeland1]

Thank you so much for this video, Andrew! I've been wondering about the chord progression and how these songs are so christmasy, and all I know is the bells! Awesome video

[@quinterbeck]

The bell was designed to make sound whenever the horse and thus the vehicle was in motion. [...] This was especially important for sleighs, which otherwise make almost no sound as they travel over packed snow, and are difficult to stop quickly. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingle_bell#History

[@OustFox]

I saw this earlier, but couldn't watch it. I'm here now, and I'm so happy to watch 😁

[@djwillcaine]

Loving the music theory stuff in here and the analysis of it. More of this!

[@everscream2142]

I was actualy searching for a tutorial on the carol of the bells kind of christmas music. Still love your content for a long time

[@KateBrunotts]

your hard work really shows in all of your videos

[@TravisStump]

Andrew, you make legit videos all the time. You've more than earned my subscription.

[@kylespevak6781]

2:50 I like this. I don't like notes, but numbers work for my brain. If you numbered a piano and gave me those notes, idea be happy. That's how I learned to play a few songs

[@avelocirapper]

I actually enjoyed this music theory because I dont understand composing music. Its nice to hear the process. Thanks Andrew

[@AardvarkHill]

The Christmas and "Bells" connection comes from same same connection between the historical churches use of steeple bells and more importantly hand bells and hand bell choirs performing in celebration of the birth of Christ. Christmas (Christ-mas) and hand bells have been together for a very long time, hundreds of years. Celebrations and joy were historically announced with church bells ringing throughout the towns and cities. Special holiday and and Christmas themed music was often accompanied with bells, hand bells, tubular bells.... because they perfectly embodies and expressed a heavenly sense of wonder, joy and otherworldly expectation... and still do today. Great song. Great video. Love your vocalist voice!

[@jeremiahsexton8584]

Dude I loved this!! Ironically I watched this video after trying to explain to a friend of mine some music theory about christmas songs, he's not a music person so trying to explain music theory to a person who doesn't know it is a tad bit difficult. But hey, it's all good. Awsome song and great video.

[@nathank5794]

251 was common and is common still everywhere, not just xmas songs.

[@officercollagecollage5528]

Yes but 99% of Christmas songs are from the era that 251 was used. Christmas songs just sound like early 20th century pop music, so using the 251 gives it a Christmas Song feeling

[@jospayn2153]

You so amazing at everything man the editing and music is mind blowing

[@NayOnFrames]

5:22 _"I hope you enjoyed this little bit of holiday music theory."_ I did! It was informative and fun.

[@AlbySilly]

I'm glad I found 12 tone on KZbin, he's really into music theory so when you said the 251 chord progression I immediately knew what you were talking about

[@rootosono4758]

And to think I found you because of your ASMR video... Your awesome, and I'm happy I accidentally found you.

[@ThisIsPureEpicness]

People used to use bells on horses and such when travelling during winter so if a blizzard were to happen, you could hear if someone was approacing since you couldnt see very well in the blizzard. I think that is why we started to associate bells with christmas.

[@BuhoNerdo]

Love how you explain music theory!

[@jackarmstrong8790]

Oh, Andrew, I’ve already seen the ad, and it’s awesome!

[@dustah]

YES! FINALLY! I was looking for a GOOD video breaking Christmas music down - and even better, this one is by you, the one and only Andrew Huang. Thanks for making this video. You are my favorite content creator.

[@GabJornacion]

That is very informative! I love the breakdown of the 2-5-1 theory Loving the golden pineapple too haha you're awesome!

[@Triral7]

I've actually been learning theory recently on the Bass and the second I saw the '251' on-screen, I knew what it meant. Music theory is awesome!

[@dan_isaza_dev]

Your friend's voice is amazing!! Do they have a KZbin channel?

[@AntiSlimeDrago]

I know right! I really want to listen to more by her but there’s nothing in the description :(

[@TheOfficialPastry]

I love your song, it really captivates the cheer of Christmas, but I often prefer the Christmas songs that feel cold and calm and joyful

[@jmp_fr]

the Christmas song he wrote is literally the most christmassy thing you'd hear. I can totally imagine listening to that on a cold walk home during the winter season

[@pgarcia17]

3:58 I loveeeee thee captions!

[@Ritermann]

It is great how much work goes into your video BEFORE you post it. Most Videos look like the people came up with the Idea a day before.

[@peterelfman]

This is SUPER helpful!!!! Thank you for breaking it down like that!

[@markcrawfordmedia1446]

Cool song. The singer added a lot to the groove, as well. Well done!

[@philyk.illagan3161]

This song is really cool! I love the live instruments. You've inspired me to (attempt to) make a Christmas song! Also, I've long been at the point at which I participate in the hi-fives.

[@joaocabo07]

You actually make music theory sound really interesting. Great stuff.

[@jeremiassilbermann1206]

wow that song sounds soooo nice and christmasy

[@gionicol_]

What a high quality produced video.

[@ethansammons1964]

DUDE THAT CHRISTMAS SONG IS MASTERFUL TEACH ME YOUR WAYS!

[@willowpets]

I really like this type of more theory-related video!

[@leonardokidane8419]

And 2 high 5 back

[@juliathornton7842]

amazing production

[@RenaiLofi]

Yesterday I was watching 📺 and i was so surprised to see 2 of andrew's video at 📺

[@HannahAbrahim]

I really respect you as a musician🙌🏽

[@DarkMattervideos]

I was recently discussing with friends and family about writing a successful christmas song and living on the royalties (not sincerely of course) and I boiled it down to this formula; 6/8 time sig so people can easily bop and swing to it. Always fall back to root note. Bells bells and more bells. Middle of the road, love and seasonal based lyrics. I'd not yet explored the relationship between notes in xmas songs so this was an interesting watch, more experimenting to be done...

[@schneidercorn2813]

okay but honestly if it is just ii-V-I's then just put Giant Steps to Sleigh Bells

[@SarahHeartfrost1]

I think with the right instrumentation and improv style (or jazz arrangement or big band thing) Giant Steps could make a killer Christmasy song.

[@schneidercorn2813]

make it happen, stat

[@stevenwebber5998]

Immediately went to Google Play and downloaded it! I love it!

[@iansalinas412]

*likes video before watching*

[@aitor.online]

well when you KNOW the video is going to be good you might as well :P

[@KevinMTV]

That song you made is awesome!!!

[@GameFriend10]

Love that bari sax.

[@Maaleenuussaa97]

i really fucking love you. you just take my head and shake it and it turned into bells i dont even know if im writing this right i'm from argentina and please you are the most intellingent youtuber that i ever subscribed before and i fucking love how you see things and the way you explain... i dont know, im out of words but please, NEVER STOP DOING ANY OF THIS you are too good. i really would like to meet you. good work, good luck

[@jabamiyumeko7196]

I love the song you make winter warm

[@JeffCfreeradiorevolution]

There is a time of year When golden pineapples are near People flock to crowded malls To be rude and full of gaul Sappy music fills the air Makes you pull out your hair But satan comes and satan goes Saint nick might even paint his toes!

[@TheJoi123]

The dominant to m7(b5) movement is also a very christmas-y sound!

[@--uday]

And just like every big Christmas song, the last line has the same number of chords as the rest of the song combined. CHRISTMAAAAAS :D

[@607]

I had hoped for this to be a bit more informative, but oh well! A very nice song, at least! I'll watch the full version! :)

[@KnowArt]

Hm... don't know man. I think it's the bells. 251 is in like everything and ALSO in christmas songs

[@PimpolhoxD]

YOU'RE SO GOOD IT INSPIRES ME MUCH! I LOVE YOU DUDE!

[@WoofInMyRawri]

I love II - V - I chords, so helpful in jazz improv :D

[@WoofInMyRawri]

also in the bari part was that a twist on "stand by me" song ????

[@steampilot2255]

I think the association of Christmas with bels comes mostly from the snow sleigh pulled by horses in the winter time. This is especially prominent in Switzerland where many mountain regions are not accessible (allowed) by motorcar during the winter. Switzerland regards this as kind of a tradition and will continue to deny access by car to those sky resorts which means more horse sleighs to enjoy in the future.

[@einekartoffel2490]

Last Christmas I gave you my heart...

[@snekles6449]

i got to say as a bari sax player myself, i aprove youre instrument choice!!

[@BrianBuhl]

I love these music theory videos!

[@MARV11NSHOWTIME]

I love your videos man, hugs from Guatemala :D

[@RumerPriestly]

This explains why I’ve always thought The Black Parade was hella Christmassy sounding.

[@tehehteheh7812]

Happy holidays!!!!!!!

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

Your videos are awesome man. Merry Christmas

[@matthewsmith2298]

The hook, too me has a M.Jackson vibel. Such a great christmas song.

[@jesselucero4581]

Easily one of the best channels on KZbin