How I programmed the Baby Be Mine MiniMoog Bass on Michael Jackson's Thriller

In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller
Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.
His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.
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[@Doctormix]

I LOVE this series ❤

[@stoopidvideoz]

It's amazing what wonders of delight KZbin brings us Dr Mix 😊

[@ICanFixThat2]

@Doctor Mix. Yours are great also Mr. C ❤

[@samukmj]

Hellooo there Doctor mix

[@paulmanningremixes6408]

I agree dear boy, great videos aren’t they

[@mistergrooveman1018]

Hey Doc , it’s where your find your inspiration !! 😂🎉

[@josephturner5894]

I've listened to Thriller and Off The Wall obsessively as a kid, in my mind I was IN the record, I was WITH the players, with Q, MJ, Bruce Swedien.. NEVER in my wildest dreams I would have imagined that some day there will be videos of this friendly dude explaining how they actually got the sounds and how it all came together. Thank you SO MUCH for this !!!! 💜💜💜

[@jae6220]

🥹

[@tadknuf7979]

You're a fucking legend dude. This is one of the greatest bass lines in all of music.

[@studiodsr]

Anthony should’ve been credited as a producer on this album. If Thriller came out today he and many of the other arrangers and sound designers would’ve been given producer credit and Quincy would’ve been the executive producer. Things were different back then

[@giorgioricci]

Verissimo. I produttori del disco furono Anthony Marinelli e Greg Philliganes. E aggiungerei anche Jerry Hey e Bruce Swedien. Quincy fu un ottimo supervisore perché aveva la capacità di selezionare i migliori musicisti del momento e a dare il tocco finale ma la fase creativa apparteneva a questi musicisti che erano in sala a Westlake tutti i giorni a provare e a discutere la struttura e gli arpeggi dei suoni con Michael.

[@tadknuf7979]

The fact in the modern age producers can literally learn techniques from a dude who worked on thriller for free is crazy.

[@nahshonimmanuel1704]

Sickest Bassline ever 💯 Has always got me going since 84 Record came out in 82 when I was 2 and too young to remember But by the first grade this was my favourite song on the album 😄

[@fender1000100]

Must feel amazing to have contributed on the biggest album in history.

[@romulus_]

baby be mine has some of my favorite production on the album. the moog countermelody you already did the video on and now this? i'm in heaven as a mj megafan and producer. one thing a lot of people don't know is that the tape was slightly sped up from its original tempo. common production technique of the time, can improve cohesion of elements and give a slightly different feel to the song since it's somewhat between keys. chic used this technique a lot.

[@allkeyspro6606]

Thanks so much for sharing this! Killer!❤️🎶

[@abzipper]

Yeah. It's hard to tune the bass to the original, you can sometimes hear variations. I tune it on my POLY D close to the second line +1. I think it's around 24-27 cents of semitone.

[@Seany06]

What a time to be alive! I'm an 80s funk music producer for about 10 years and always still perfecting my programming, it is great to see literally first hand how you are creating and why you are programming it like you are! Thank you sir for sharing and thanks for being a part of making such great music.

[@oholm09]

I can play synthesizer real good

[@randallflagification]

You on the synthesis creation and Greg Phillinganes on the keys is the most perfect match made in heaven. You helped make Thriller what it is and I hope that is fully recognized.

[@Zettaiz3r0]

I absolutely love that you came out to the social media platforms, Anthony. Your sound is highly inspirational and it is incredibly important that you've come to drop knowledge to the future generation!!!

[@guappanlucido7248]

Baby Be Mine and PYT are my favorite songs on Thriller because of the bass synth. Bass IS truly talking and speaking a groove language on these tracks. Bass for both of these tracks really carries and leads both songs. Great, great tunes, BRILLIANT programming.

[@kid.forever]

Hear, hear! ❤

[@giorgioricci]

Credo che il synth bass sia in tutte le canzoni di Thriller tranne che in Lady in my Life che chiude con quella splendida ballata romantica un disco che rimarrà nella storia del pop

[@vfx7t]

In the 80s, during my adolescence, I always had this passion for musical instruments. Creative at heart, I juggled with rhythms, tones, and scales, expressing them on the piano at home. However, unsatisfied, I encountered a society where synthesizers and organs were rare, even inaccessible due to their high cost, even in Europe. After five long years, VSTs finally emerged, and I was able to gradually acquire them, delighting in the sounds of MiniMoog, Korg, Roland, and others. Yet, despite this technological advancement, I felt a gap between my heart and my past passions. This young creative adolescent had become an adult, and his aspirations seemed to have cooled ! Thank you from Algeria, Champion ! . Translate French to English !!

[@keithgiosa]

The explanations that going into the “why’s” and include the extremes to either end beyond the final setting are SO helpful. Despite so many of us having abundant access to the “gear” now, there’s so little opportunity to learn this from someone who can speak the language. Thank you!!

[@Jamlmx73]

Where are all the MJ fans? I thought they would be all over this stuff. Brilliant Anthony. Thank you.

[@rivertribe4640]

Absolutely love this content!!!! I used to have that same Moog , I drove my neighborhood crazy with all kinds of sounds , at one point I had it sounding like a helicopter was landing on the roof lol. Good times

[@itsthe1]

Man, what a time to be alive and listen to someone who created legendary basslines for a legend. I'm 53 and played this song to death when I was 15. Played this over and over imagining I was dating some high school girls that never knew I had a crush on them, lol Thanks for uploading this.

[@JimmyFranks-ji6tm]

Baby be mine is a masterpiece. From the instrumental to MJ’s vocal. I can’t get over it as a song. Nor do I want to.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

One of favorite records of all time. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Housemusicsouldierz]

Sir Anthony, you breathed life into those beautiful synthesizers

[@lamsior]

Yeeeeeessss my god it's beeen years that i'm looking for tutorials for this particular bass sound, @AnthonyMartinelli you are a hero. Thank you so much

[@beatbuildersstudio]

It's like I'm looking at my VST's in real life lol. I love the behind the scenes and the process of sound design.

[@danielpalmersofficial]

The most underrated song by Michael Jackson, I love the synth bass in the song!! ✌️😙

[@arnowouap2477]

Your videos are great! I'm getting interested in the mini moog and arp 2600 to recreate the mythical sounds you and others have created and it's a real discovery to understand how to harmonize a kick with a bass and how everything else follows suit.

[@MrJpbmusic2005]

One of the most "Inspirational albums of my life ...i sung to.this...Danced to this even cried to this. There was no other album of the 20th century like it, and thanks to your series we get to witness the creativity involved ❤❤ you're such an inspiration to synth players and programmers, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful videos❤

[@ayoonine]

Baby be mine is my favorite record thank you so much for this series

[@matthewp.9167]

This song is an absolute VIBE. You really did a fantastic job delivering on this one because no matter how many times you play it, it takes you back to the time period, in the warmest, nostalgic way possible. Must feel amazing to know you were such a big part of one of the best Pop culture periods in human history. Thriller album, Michael’s performance on Motown 25, and Thriller video literally changed our country & the world for the better! Amazing how Frequency corralled into musical sounds has the power to do that. EVERYTHING is based on frequency and vibration!

[@doobyboy21]

This guy is awesome ! Love the old Skool MJ sounds he created ! The BEST selling album in the world had the best musicians to do it. Anthony Marinelli is one of them ! Thank you for your great work !

[@derekbell1624]

I wish there was a way we could listen to an official instrumental of this song or even better, the multitracks. Great work on this Anthony!

[@LohPro]

thank you very, very much for these "behind the scenes" videos, Mr. Marinelli. It's awesome to see & hear from those that played a part in musical history, show how some of the things were done, especially so for those of us that are trying our hand at production & recording. take care & hope to see more!

[@anthonyreed480]

So you were behind this banger too? This and PYT are probably his best two songs in his entire career. Unmatched brilliance.

[@GustavoMoradel]

Love this! thanks so much for sharing. Make me love my Minimoog even more!!

[@abzipper]

GREAT ANTHONY! ❤That's the sound! 🎹 bow bow

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

love seeing a master explaining something so passionately. thank you!

[@mrmaxxx94]

Much respect and all the knowledge and Nuggets being passed on is incredible and takes you back. Appreciated big time. All the details subtle and not so subtle

[@Oioisavaloy]

Absolutely love this channel! 🖤

[@MattPicsET]

Loving these tutorials, Anthony! Thanks for sharing!

[@roimrachok4367]

Wow, cool bass! Funk territory! I'll steal these settings for my songs)

[@danadominguez5760]

Really enjoying these videos. Thanks you!!

[@vaiman7777]

Love your videos, so interesting and helpful

[@Bendrobert2005]

Seriously I’m so glad you’re doing this

[@kianhendrick3794]

Finally oooooohh fanstastic !!! Thank you so much !! You're just a wizard 🙏

[@robertoribeiromarques5817]

greetings from rio z. i discovered you channel just recently and i can not let a day goes by without watching it 🙌☮️

[@maxwolt992]

Wow! Brilliant bass sound ! Great Job Anthony ! Thank you for this tutorial ! I recently bought a Beringer Poly D, a Minimoog clone. I managed to recreate the same sound according to your video advice)

[@themasterblaster5567]

Thank you so much for these videos. I spent so much hours trying to understand these sounds, it’s a dream come true !

[@CryptoDebutants]

Awesome series! ❤

[@RichRobinson]

Awesome parts, laid down on excellent songs, on a superb record. The production is practically flawless with a cast of immensely talented writers and musicians on hand to make it the epic that it became. I love that we get to see the people who made that amazing music and what they choose to share with us. Thank you to all who made this videos and the others on this channel. I’ve really enjoyed the content on this channel. Big fan!

[@johanh5853]

Love this, thank you

[@critikul1]

Wow, that is awesome! Thank you! Knowing how our favorite sounds were made is the Best!!!

[@andrak5946]

Very nice! You way of explaining it very clear, i hope that there is more videos about synthesis coming.

[@edgardvera3132]

THANK YOU for uploading all these videos and showing the world how those iconic sounds and tracks in such seminal album were created and recorded. Priceless!

[@jae6220]

The bass on this song is 😍😍😍. Thriller was pure magic. Pure magic!

[@TheVideoChatter]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Your work really added a special flare to the track, so pretty!

[@razorgarf]

Sounds awesome! Just watched all your videos and they are all great.. Thanks :)

[@nrykcompositeur8307]

❤️ thank you so much for this video

[@MrTone075]

One of my favorite songs ever! I loved this bass. The synth strings NO ONE DEMOS OR PLAYS! These videos are awesome for newer artists/producers/singers like me.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Absolutely BRILLIANT to hear directly from Anthony. It's like a lifelong dream come true. I totally love Anthony and his performances. Definitely one of the best channels here on You Tube! 😎😎😎

[@svsuke]

Love the series by the way

[@Gaven7r]

Cool video! The bass for this song is so catchy! It's my favorite thriller song because of how thes synths, drums and Michael get in perfect sync and tune.

[@ZenMountain]

Great video, thanks!

[@Sammy-B]

This is great teaching. Succinct and easy to follow. Just great.

[@agthaog1986]

probably my fav song on the entire album

[@corneliusmulhollandmusic3570]

Thanks so much for sharing this information 👍👍

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

You inspire me so much. You make me feel feel like a kid again. I love my studio setup even more. Thanks, big time, brother Anthony 😊

[@ColdheartCuzo]

Thank you man you are awesome I will certainly follow you when I make a IG

[@northprime_unlimited]

Listening to you play the sounds unaccompanied is so satisfying.😎👍🏽

[@nelsonmaita3965]

thanks for sharing this. Baby be mine its my favorite thriller song ♥️

[@DavidEssex8008]

Thank you so much Anthony! I'm trying to get this sound on my C4 synth and I think you've given me everything I need!

[@audiolego]

Best vlogger for me. For the wisdom..

[@xyla4874]

The legend himself sharing the techniques

[@ewwitsantonio]

I had no clue how much YOU influenced me! Amazing to see you in your space doing your thing... because I've spent the past 15+ years of my life playing synth bass, getting super into creating synth bass patches (sometimes recreating what I now know are YOUR patches and bass lines) and I somehow never saw your name or face. We have a very similar name too! :D Anyway, thank you for all the inspiration over the years from behind the scenes, and thanks for sharing these wonderful videos. I hopped back on my Moog One and created a few new bass patches after watching your videos and getting super inspired again! :)

[@linfordrichards8395]

Love it. Yes indeed, please give us more. Michael The Genius ⚘️ 👑 💖🎤📽🎬🎶🎶 Thank You for what you do🌎🙏🏾

[@MalbekTV]

god bless for you, thats amazing!!

[@eancurtis9333]

Awesome!!!!!!

[@rosalindwebb7729]

Amazing thank you for sharing.❤

[@llice]

i love this ♥️

[@djluda-ash91]

You a Legend @Anthony

[@soulSaysHi]

Legend!

[@shaibungcs]

YOU ARE A GENIUS.

[@DJSlaughter]

My favorite bass sound!

[@weltmeisterbayernmunchen6308]

Great,keep it up

[@MIHAO]

AMAZING

[@didierledrogue319]

You Are a legend Crazy 🗣️🗣️

[@paulmanningremixes6408]

I’ve something of a fascination with the Doctor Click. I’ve been making electronic music since the very end of the 80s/early 90s, but have NEVER seen or utilised a Doctor Click in my own music. I know how it works from reading various bits and bobs about it over the years, and have seen Harold Faltermeyer speak a little about it, but would love, and be very appreciative of any little tidbits and knowledge you might feel like sharing, if it’s not too cheeky to ask. I think I speak for everyone how enjoyable and authentic your videos are sir. Thank you 🎹👍🏻🎹

[@axelsteinbiss2877]

Hey Anthony! Great tutorial, thank you! :) I think you forgot to mention adding quite a bit of resonance/emphasis. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, so inspiring!

[@RaphaelSater]

Thanks a lot!

[@Wesimm23]

This guy is a legend ❤❤❤

[@NIDEEPOFFICIAL]

LEGEND

[@BijouBakson]

Thank you very much

[@dareckmaurice4295]

Holy Shh LEGEND!

[@battledj2933]

Awesome! i try these settings on the NI Monark and was getting pretty close. Thanky you for this breakdown and explaining! If you watched closely the video like i did, you noticed Anthony says (2:01) "both at 16 foot instead of "both at 32 foot" 🙂

[@synthdude7664]

Wow incredible! I’m so curious what those switches are at the bottom left of the panel of your mini !

[@shadowpapito]

Thank you ...

[@ColdheartCuzo]

Now time to listen to The album

[@anthonywbrown3267]

Can you add a screenshot to this video of the knobs as they should be set for the Baby Be Mine patch . Thanks

[@davidtighe6769]

Sick! Easily my favourite track off Thriller, would love to see a patch recreation for the response to the hook at 59 seconds in. I've always wondered about the key change at the end of the song, who came up with that idea? its so effective. Love these videos, cheers!

[@mrduckbutt]

Fantastic stuff as always! Eagerly awaiting the 'How to make the frog sound from Thriller' video 🐸

[@roimrachok4367]

AHAHAHAHAH 🤣🤣🤣

[@Theparadoxband]

YES!!!

[@ErikAnders]

U rule dude!

[@analogholic3651]

Awesome!!! Always loved this song, and the bass line AND the synth bass SOUND!...I see that your Mini is modded (SE mods?). It would so cool to hear the mini with osc sync having the filter envelope sweep it. Could you show that?