How To Arrange Chords into BEAUTIFUL 4-PART HARMONIES [Music Theory - Voice Leading]

The Chord Progression Codex is NOW AVAILABLE! shorturl.at/bouLV
My Pro Songwriting+Theory Course: bit.ly/3uJ9HJi
My Patreon: bit.ly/3gE4sSL
Writing a 4 part harmony can be very difficult if you don't understand the basic principles behind voice leading and arrangement. There are countless rules one must follow to emulate the stylings of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. But these rules are not needed just to arrange a simple progression! This video goes through the fundamental concepts of harmony and arrangment without getting into the weeds of clefs, notation, and actual "rules".
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to arrange any chord progression for other instruments, and hopefully get new insight into the sorts of complex harmonies that can exist within a chord progression.
Thank you to my Patreon Supporters for all their help and kind words. They deserve as much credit for this channel as I do!
TAKE NOTE:
The arrangement I make in this video at the end violates several golden rules. For one, it includes parallel fifths (parallel motion that occurs a perfect fifth apart). As a teacher who lives in the year 2022, I don't want you to burden yourself with these rules unless you're trying to sound like music from the "common practice era", or unless you're trying to pass tests in music school (or if you're just really curious).
On Parallel Motion: If both voices are moving together in the same interval class, it's parallel. If one voice moves up a m3 while the other moves up a M3, those are both THIRDS. The motion is parallel. If one voice moves up a m3 while the other moves up a fourth, those are no longer the same interval class (thirds and fourths), and would not be called parallel motion, but instead would be called similar motion.
Professional arrangement and orchestration takes many more skills than just learning to voice lead. A real arranger/composer will keep in mind the range of the instrument and has to notate music in different clefs. Arrangers also take note of the tonal qualities of instruments and exploit their frequency spectrum to either blend well together or clash and sound juxtaposed.
So this lesson won't turn you into a pro arranger - but it WILL get you writing your first 3 and 4 part harmonies and I think it's a great start to composing more advanced harmony. I highly advise you combine this lesson with my last lesson on harmony, found here • How to Write Harmonies...
I also suggest you consider how many more options you will have when writing your voices if you are comfortable with your diatonic seventh chords, inversions, and secondary dominants.
Seventh Chords: • How To Write Progressi...
Inverted Chords: • How Inversions and Sla...
Secondary Dominants: • Secondary Dominants- W...
If you know all this stuff, you'll know exactly how I wrote this arrangement!
• How To Produce PITCH P...
Also, I said at 17:50ish that there is only one way to play that E7 on guitar. But there is another....
00:00 Intro
01:51 Basic Concepts
06:15 Arranging in 3 voices
10:50 Why the V become V7
13:10 Arranging in 4 voices
16:20 Make It Into MUSIC!
19:41 Outro

[@deadSalesman_GD]

Music degree here: neighbor tones don’t have to be half steps. The neighbor tones for C are B, Bb, Db, and D. In the key of C major B and D are diatonic neighbor tones and Bb and Db are chromatic neighbor tones. They all sound great but definitely have a different flavor. Also I’m definitely not trying to “um actually” you just want to add a little information so that if people are trying make neighbor tones work but the half steps aren’t giving them what they want they can try whole steps.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Good point - I should have specified "chromatic neighbor tones". thank you!

[@deadSalesman_GD]

@@SignalsMusicStudio of course. I love your videos. They definitely provide a different perspective than what’s given in music school and you also cover a lot of topics that music school doesn’t touch on at all or just glosses over. Like modes. Music school basically just goes “modes of the major scale exist. All the white keys D to D is Dorian, E to E, etc. Okay moving on.” That’s it. We never discuss them again. So yeah I love what you’re doing.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

@@deadSalesman_GD Thanks again! I was shocked when i discussed modes with all the pedigreed teachers at my music shop and they didn't understand what they were actuall all about, they thought it was simply D to D like you described. I think the jazz schools are better at teaching it the other way :)

[@letterborneVods]

@@deadSalesman_GD we only ever talked about major and harmonic minor 😅 until this channel I thought harmonic minor was just the normal, regular minor scale ... I only did five years of music school though.

[@acousticmonkey2209]

@@deadSalesman_GD I can attest to this modes conversation. My partner is a piano teacher and when I have asked about it, I received the standard "It's D to D, E to E, etc. Really you don't need to worry about it" answer because that's what they were taught. I learned it all from here.

[@OneFingerSnap]

So sad about lack of new content on this channel, he makes really cool stuff, one of my favourites…

[@JustAnother_Irishman]

I have been watching for new content. This channel really is a wonderful resource for learning. I hope Jake is in good health.

[@tooofart]

He's active on Patreon, so probably just busy

[@aaronaragon7838]

A lot of these You Tube musicians are looking for other revenue generating avenues, Patreon etc. It looks like the era of totally free content is ending...can't blame them; they gotta make a living somehow, and music is poverty row for 99% of them.

[@jhopkins213]

@@tooofart He hasn't done anything on Patreon for almost a month.

[@btkenobi2]

True story bruh, my favorite music teacher

[@ziffman798]

Where are you Jake? Are you ok? You’ve helped many people, we, I look forward to more musical knowledge from you. Hope you are well….

[@CameronsMusic]

He's back! He left to write a book on song writing, music theory, etc.,

[@adonisvowsen]

​@@CameronsMusicThat guy was Amazing! Glad he's ok! 👍🏾

[@ImNotQualifiedToSayThisBut]

Quick update for anyone who's interested in where he disappeared to: He's currently working on his book on chords and focused on Patreon content it seems (live lessons and such).

[@psylopanda2841]

Glad he's ok, with new projects and teaching, he's great at it.

[@jwardbass4452]

I’m surprised he hasn’t posted a quick update video since that’s the case, but I’m glad he’s doin alright.

[@HeegeMcGee]

Honestly that's perfect, i learned a lot from Jake about chords, i'd love a book from him on the subject.

[@Crowbar11115]

For anyone like me, trying to figure out if Jake is OK/where he's been, he's been posting on Patreon!

[@INCAnitysy]

Has he been posting posting? Like actual content?

[@1952TeleDude]

I’m 69 years old. I’ve made my living as a musician all my life. When I studied music in College it was interesting but dry. I could never find ways to apply the theory. The way you teach brings it to life plus you break down your material in a logical and practical way. You cover a good chunk of what would be a full quarter or semister class in 20 min. Really well done. I remember getting an F any time I used parallel 5ths in composition class although I used them all night onstage. Lol. Very very first class site.

[@fettifuego]

Can you tell me what it was that you studied I wanna go back to school and get a degree in music but I really don’t know what kind of degree I want to get

[@1952TeleDude]

@@fettifuego This was in 1970 so I’m sure it’s very different now. We had a theory class and a harmony class each day. We had note and rhythm class and a sight reading class. We had a composition class plus orchestra big band and small jazz group classes. It was a lot of work. I was focused on performance and composition with a minor in math and English. I like the idea of a music education degree now or a composition focus. I really don’t know what they call these paths now. The digital recording and production Would be a great focus. There are many doors open. The one thing my dad made me do was to do all my GE classes in the first two years including summer school. My last two years were a breeze. These days with all the digital stuff you would take many classes I know nothing about. I think this would be an exciting time to study music. Go for it. Don’t forget to look at your local 2 year colleges too as they can be a stepping Stone and the are usually cheaper. Get a real accredited degree. If you can work to pay your tuition do it. Try not to get into student loan debt. It would be hard work but worth it. Good luck in your endeavors. Ask any questions you wish to ask.

[@JamesJones-mm2nm]

By now you probably do it subconsciously! I know I do. And by ear!

[@mybrainisdum]

@@fettifuego you mean you just heard how much of a waste of time it was and how much more efficient this youtube video is but you want to go and join that crappy school 😅

[@fettifuego]

@@mybrainisdum everybody learns different personally me I have terrible motivation but when I’m in school I tend to focus better

[@mrblablablabla]

Man, that removing the 5th from chords trick really is great. I especially like it on power chords. I can easily play any progression that way!

[@alexcastillo6185]

😂

[@arcaears]

If you take it a step further and remove the 1, you can really get into some advanced stuff!

[@mrblablablabla]

@@arcaears amazing! With this trick, it seems like there are no limits anymore.

[@gitsurfer27]

That's how i taught my students to play any song instantly, just play power chords, remove the unnecessary 5th, then omit the lower bass voice, finally add an upper extension, and then quickly remove it again for convenience (this isn't jazz we don't need it)....if you follow these steps the sky really is the limit! I charge $50ph for lessons if you're interested.

[@gitsurfer27]

@@buzzin-hornet Joke

[@homework1775]

Where did you go? You're the best music channel on KZbin!

[@lakejizzio7777]

Jake we DEFINITELY need more videos about voice leading. You are the best teacher on KZbin. Cheers!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Yeesh i hate to break it to you but this is one of those topics that I really can't teach at a high level! At least not yet... maybe in a few years :P

[@lakejizzio7777]

@@SignalsMusicStudio I just wanna learn how to resolve into chords that are not in the scale. Because I need it for the song I'm writing :P. I tried your Diminished portal trick but it doesn't feel smooth enough.

[@Bubba-zu6yr]

@@lakejizzio7777, try to avoid parallel fifths and octaves and look for half-step resolutions from chord to chord. I teach comp and there is a lot to it but w/out putting up a dissertation these two things will get you started. Contrary motion in your lines would be another aesthetically pleasing staple as well. Good luck!

[@123jkjk123]

@@lakejizzio7777 I like ​ @Bubba 's advice. Also inversions are a big help for me and could help smooth out the melodies leading to resolutions.

[@Krieghandt]

@@123jkjk123 I live and die by Neapolitan and augmented 6th chords :)

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

Love the video as usual. A violinist would have trouble playing the F below middle C though 😂

[@deadSalesman_GD]

Love to see Kenji here. I’m laughing at the idea of super downtuned violin.

[@MrMd5555]

It seems like A major problem at its Root but We C sharp you are & I'm sure a work around would only b minor treble for you!! Now I'll excuse myself & jump off a clef.... Now Im feeling a little flat

[@naxaes7889]

Violinists just see problems... We guitarists however only see solutions! 8 note chord? BAM! Slam on two additional strings. Basist present (or not present)? BAM! Tune down four steps. Want excessive vibrato? BAM! Slap on a whammy bar. Need to project your insecurities? BAM! Critize other instrumentalists in the KZbin comment section.

[@metalboy5150]

@@naxaes7889 You might be my hero.

[@dicecard921]

You're probably the last person I expected to see in the comments here ;o

[@JamesBond-zd5jx]

An amazing feeling when you see all the things that you’ve learned coming together to make total sense.

[@aquelayfrison5540]

This video was so enlightening to me. I am very thankful for you taking the time to discuss this topic for us!

[@EmceeHolden]

"The truth is, a lot of composing is like engineering". As an engineer trying to learn this stuff, that was very encouraging to hear! All your videos are amazing but this was one of your best.

[@laniakea1501]

x2

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

It's also where I struggled first. The engineering part felt overwhelming and at odds with what I was doing early on. A sort of right brain/left brain gymnastic that's not natural to me.

[@royjohnson3361]

As another engineer, I like how music theory can help provide a framework for problem solving in music. What I find are bits and pieces, what I want is a comprehensive source for them.

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

@@royjohnson3361 Look at Rick Beato's channel. He has lots of free information. He also sells a pdf book of his. (former College professor turned producer, now KZbinr)

[@PianoKeyboard647]

Builders of all types - from rabbit cages to condos will relate and LOVE IT.

[@basilmusicproduction]

In my opinion you are the best music educator on KZbin. As a “composer” I really enjoy the mathematical problem solving aspects of arranging.

[@Jimmy_Thump]

This was the single most helpful theory video I've watched. It just blew my mind how easy it made sense in practice.

[@ma-rc]

I think this is so far the best video I've ever seen about this subject. It's incredibly helpful and well explained, I'm so very thankful for it!

[@dimitreze]

I use melodyne to do vocal arrangements all the time I record the leading voice as I composed, then I copy to another track, change the notes on melodyne, then learn the new melody and sing I made a 16 vocal arrangement with this technique easily without any repeated melody it's a nice way to use melodyne as a creative tool instead simply as a correction tool

[@dimitreze]

great video by the way

[@joshuarevereinciong1887]

What kind of program you are using please?

[@dimitreze]

@@joshuarevereinciong1887 mixcraft

[@gm5542]

Jake is right, voice leading is like figuring out a puzzle. I'd just like to add that I see the rules more as warnings and shortcuts rather than things that will limit you. You may find this rules by accident when writing your music, and knowing the rules beforehand may save you a lot of time figuring out why something isn't sounding good.

[@jmegapixel7]

This is effectively the BEST music theory/practical related video on KZbin that I’ve ever watched and believe me I watched hundreds already. Thank you very much Signal Music Studio 🙏🏻

[@courtneycoconuts]

This video is incredible! I was having a hard time coming up with ways to make my chords more creative and this has changed the game for me. The graphics and visuals were spot on here and really simplified how to recognize different motion when composing. Loveeeeeee your content! So well explained!

[@djstraathof]

I've been trying to learn how to orchestrate. I learned more from this one video than I have from countless others I have watched. You are doing great work, thank you!

[@YouTw1tFace]

Same. I’m two years behind thanks to not finding this video!

[@arealgoodguy]

So that's why there's so many violinists in an orchestra. To play chords. You answered a question I hadn't thought of yet.

[@michaelduff2382]

Except for soloists, in an orchestra it's really more for volume that they have so many!

[@arealgoodguy]

@@michaelduff2382 - Oh I see.

[@nyetliu]

Usually at most 3 maybe 4 parts, usually only 2 in the violin section. Add viola and cello though..

[@lebeccthecomputer6158]

This is hands down the single best tutorial on anything music related I have ever seen. You managed to take me from knowing very little about chord progressions to being able to create what sounds like a professional song using voice leading in just 20 minutes. Absolutely incredible dude! Please keep making these!

[@spaalonebabaguuscooties]

this channel is so by far one of my favorite music channels ever! you make me feel so inspired to make music! and it's so cool when u show the process of making music in your videos!! thanks so much !!!

[@MaggaraMarine]

When it comes to the "rules vs inspiration" thing in the end, I think it's also good to keep in mind that once one has practiced these techniques a lot, they become an intuitive part of their "musical vocabulary", and it's not stuff that they really need to think that much about. Anyone who can "just feel it" has internalized a lot of "rules"/common practices just through playing songs - they know intuitively what sounds good. Inspiration isn't completely random - it's based on certain internalized patterns. People who go to music school simply learn this stuff more in depth, and also internalize it so that they can actually feel where the music wants to go and not think about stuff like "well, over this chord I'm supposed to double that note, and here I'm not supposed to do this", etc. - so, it isn't as "mathematical" as people may think (even though studying the concepts may seem more like playing with numbers than writing music). All in all, you want to know this stuff so well that you don't need to think about it too much. But also having the tools so that you can use them when needed is pretty useful too. But yes, composition can sometimes be kind of a puzzle. Many times inspiration doesn't last so long that you are just going to write the whole song with a complete arrangement without having to think about anything. Most people don't just magically hear every single note in their composition beforehand. A lot of the time it takes some experimentation and trying different ideas and developing them into something that sounds complete. A full piece doesn't just appear into composers' minds at random. Even Mozart wrote sketches and developed his ideas (even though people commonly have the idea that he just heard full symphonies in his head, and then wrote them down).

[@JYelton]

I really like your approach to these topics. You definitely distill it into a much easier concept to get started with. I have previously avoided this topic somewhat because it always got very (unnecessarily?) complex for a beginner. Thanks!

[@aniruddhdeshpande7319]

It says the video was uploaded 5 hours ago but your comment is 3 days old🧐

[@JYelton]

@@aniruddhdeshpande7319 Patreon supporters get an early release date.

[@heart_healer]

Just dive in.Make.mistskes and learn . Don't be afraid of music sounding bad. The more you practise the better you will be at a 4 part harmony and the entire.cincept in general. If you are interested in orchestral music or arranging for a string quartet , there are a few good books on the roles of the instruments. You just need to understand the strength and weakness of the instrument and balance them when arranging for harmony. All 4 instrument playing in their strongest register will muddle up.its a balance of counter alance and balance. Don't be afraid..music is wl encompassing..keep practising. This one of Jakes video is just amazing. It is one of the best made on this topic. Even better than the dry videos some. other well known channels publish. Any mistakes he might have said are purely to make it easier to comprehend . And it is just gives an additional benefit to further your knowledge when you read and compose and know that there are multiple ways to achieve this. Jake sir...you are a genius

[@DavidErickRamos]

Very easy to follow along, thanks for the excellent tutorial!

[@mrblablablabla]

This just blew my mind! I’ve been using these concepts forever without consciously thinking about it. You put everything in a brand new light for me. Thank you, kind sir!

[@johndeggendorf7826]

That was a beautiful & accessible presentation of the fundamentals of voice leading. Why didn’t you make it dry, boring, and overly complicated? You’ll never get tenured this way! 🤔 Awesome. ✊☕️🎩

[@patrickbly4170]

Well said ...great gaslight

[@WeyounSix]

As a guitar player, using triad shapes up and down the neck really starts to help with voice leading

[@EEC350]

AMAZING video thank you! I've watched a lot of music theory/composition videos and this is the one that has given me the confidence that I could go off and do something myself!! I've never understood how to compose voice harmonies before.

[@mhz6687]

Jake idk where you are but i hope youre doing really well. U are the best

[@stefan-d.grigorescu]

This is one of my favorite concepts in music composition, I like creating melodies that express emotion on their own and also fit a larger frame, making harmony together

[@letterborneVods]

I had a year of harmony classes, and damn, was that exhausting. I’m happy I had them, but it was also destroying me inside 😅 figuring out those 4 voices for just one line already took me hours! I had exercises like they only provided the bass or the soprano and you first had to figure out the right chords, then the voices, all while remembering to have the right and most logical motion for all of them and following rules like always resolve the leading tone, no parallel fifths or octaves, no too big leaps, have voices that remain relatively still, avoid parallel motion between bass and soprano … the list goes on 😵 Rules are there to break, but I definitely believe you have to learn them first to break them right!

[@yoloyo7019]

Very cool comment. I really shoulda gone to music school, sounds fascinating

[@letterborneVods]

@@yoloyo7019 thanks! I don’t know the system in other countries, but I had five years of regular music theory school (mandatory if you learn an instrument, I play violin), and then I chose to try out these harmony classes because I’m really interested in composing. There were many more years to take afterwards and I would have done them, but it just got too stressful next to high school, so I didn’t. Luckily there are so many people out there sharing their knowledge for free (or way more affordable than music school), like this channel, so I can continue learning and avoid the other problems!

[@jackb1218]

Great comment. Did you notice the parallel 5ths near the start of this video?

[@letterborneVods]

@@jackb1218 yeah 😅

[@experimentaldream4101]

Great video. This is a subject I had difficulty cracking and your explanation blew the door open for me. Thanks so much!

[@Jenisonc]

The melody reminds me of "I got a name." By Jim Croce. Fantastic stuff and I can't thank you enough. You always give such insite and depth in your lessons. Your love for what you do is evident. Thanks!

[@s3nsec0rruptr80]

Every time I watch one of your videos I feel like not only do I understand music theory in a practical useful way more than I did before, but I also can't wait to close the video and go experiment with the ideas I just learned. Really inspiring!

[@s3nsec0rruptr80]

Also the last seconds of composing "from the soul" versus "paint by numbers"... that's how I've made music for years. Surprise, I mostly have written punk and some synth stuff where it's punk with beeps and bloops (and if the progression got used before, just use different bloops). Lately I've been looking for that meeting of the two more and your channel not only teaches the theory but shows how to use it artistically, and I couldn't love it more.

[@zebediahzwick2664]

I think your final comments about how music can sometimes be a bit of an engineering or a problem solving exercise are really interesting. I have to admit, that for a long time I shunned using mechanical methods of composing/songwriting, because I felt like everything should come naturally e.g. from improvisation. It was a very romanticised view of the creative process. It has certainly worked for me a few times, but it's inconsistent, and unreliable. If your creative process is dependant on divine inspiration from the ether, your productive output is likely to be limited. One thing I'd say though, is that the engineering/problem solving approach to composition doesn't have to be divorced from that sense of romantic creativity. Each time you solve one of these musical problems, you will end up with some type of sound. As you listen to those sounds, you can consider for yourself how it makes you feel, what emotions it brings up, and how it resonates with you. You might find that whilst you created something through a mechanical process, the result still inspires something meaningful within you. I find that thinking this way helps me to feel more connected to the music making - it's not always about creating from scratch, sometimes it's about exploration and discovery.

[@watermarq]

Great insight! Sincerely.

[@StrangeAttractor]

'write drunk, edit sober' - Ernest Hemingway. You don't have to be drunk, of course, you can just be brimming with "divine" inspiration. But creating truly musical, distinctive, finished tracks is a much more methodical, sober process. It takes me a couple of days to write something, but a couple of months to get the composition and audio engineering right.

[@curcumin417]

Great view of the creative process!

[@jeegrover]

Mate - this is such an incredibly valuable video - thank you for the sublime execution of it - I just feel like I’ve been searching for this to be explained this way to me for so long. Much appreciated ands hat off to you!

[@amokopera]

When I did my music degree I always struggled with voice leading so I'm surprised that I understood this perfectly. Yes, there are rules but what you've given us here is an excellent starting point. Thanks, now subscribed!

[@liquidsolids9415]

Once again, a fantastic and easy-to-understand explanation of a topic that seems daunting and complicated. Well done. Thanks, Jake!

[@grock605]

I have been watching your content for years! You’re a fantastic communicator and I appreciate all the effort that goes into your videos! Great lesson thank you :)

[@Yusufmasron]

Been playing guitar for years but never look at it from this angle, very many thanks for this video Jake.

[@tredudon]

wow. what a comprehensive well thought out and produced help vid! thanks a lot.

[@jegr3398]

Your channel is amazing. I can't thank you enough for all the videos you've put up. You're getting me out of the plateau I've been stuck at for years.

[@michaelleeepley]

The instructional birds-eye-view you maintain throughout this lesson is absolutely top-notch. From one educator to another - you are a gifted teacher. Thank you for sharing!

[@mpiper4781]

Excellent teacher - purposeful, well thought out, visual. And without ego, just confidence. Full of simple guidance which shows your mastery. Alot of teachers/leaders (on youtube & otherwise) could learn from how you empower & spark what's inside. I dont play guitar. I play keyboards - jus barely. But iv seen quite alot of tutorials - all the big names. You are on a very short list of music youtubers that is engaging, truly communicates concepts & sparks creativity. Thank you.

[@Web4Panama]

Your instruction videos were amazing and will, I hope, persist as an available source of education. Updates are missed but thanks for the amazing work you have already done. Tim

[@nanob0zo]

Great video. I can never get enough of how to improve my chords to have more movement and feeling. Also BTC easter egg made me LOL.

[@CarbideShrapnel]

Your teaching of musical theory has helped me to understand how and why things work(better). I have been able to start solo venturing and making things sound pretty rather than random. It is starting to make sense more and more and I believe your videos have been a major factor so I want to say thanks and I appreciate your work. Barely half through this video and playing with this stuff sounds great on the keyboard.

[@bravemusicaustralia4923]

I absolutely loved this! Fantastic teaching and brilliantly effortless guitar playing. It's way easier to explain it on the piano, but sounds so much better with the guitar.

[@mwendabaikalaluka9685]

You are one of the greatest musicians/ music teachers. A lot of people can play and play well, but takes knowledge and passion to be able to explain like Jake does and make sense of music, one then appreciates music as both an art as well as science

[@bvazz6930]

I've done these things by hear before, but it's great to to have some awareness of what is happening and makes it easier to find possible directions and conclusions. Thanks this was GREAT!

[@michaelinglis8516]

Wow perfect timing! I've started to get my voice leading down really well and its opened so so so many doors. Theres so many ways to voice lead and it really was the holy grail for me. Now all my chord progressions and by proxy my arpeggios sound much more interesting and satisfying. I wish I'd realized this sooner. I've known about voice leading for a decade but it didn't make a difference until I really started using voice leading and inversions for all my progressions rather than reverting to the easy chord options in typical fingerings and positions. Anyways this video was perfect timing. I might know this stuff now but reinforcing concepts is never a bad idea. If anyone is reading this that doesnt use voice leading I cant tell you enough how much learning to voice lead will improve your writing, playing and comprehension skills. If you are scratching your head trying to make your progressions and even lead playing (through arpeggios) sound like the music you love then start trying to implement voice leading whenever possible. Without voice leading it's like speaking like a robot. But with voice leading it's like speaking smoothly and fluently. Anyways this was a great topic and video as always. Jake does killer videos that I wish I had 20 years ago when I started playing but even now I get a lot out of them. Keep them coming Jake!

[@craigberry4051]

Outstanding tutorial and I appreciated your commentary at the end.

[@risteardohaodha23]

Thank you so much for your ongoing clear and simple explanations of these concepts. Much appreciated!

[@michaelcartner4246]

This very well presented. The various graphics and combination of guitar and DAW makes it approachable and fun. Also, the "make it into music" section is fantastic. Inspiring and eye-opening.

[@MelgarejosueMusic]

Thanks Jake! I had a lot of problems understanding voice leading but this video helped me a lot! I'm sure that im not the only self taught person that gets a lot of resources from your content! I really hope your channel reaches more people and becomes bigger. Thanks a lot for everything!

[@TerenceKearns]

dude your ability to convey complex topics in an accessible and enjoyable way is phenomenal. So true about problem solving.

[@Wielorybkek]

Finally I understand voice leading! It makes playing around with chord progressions so much more interesting and intricate.

[@SidMassiveMusic]

Your channel is an absolute gold mine. I learned more from you than I did in 2 years of music school before quitting. If only they taught like this!

[@philm.6113]

As always - Presented in a positive/fun/captivating style. Great stuff! Thank you.

[@thebaconbreadful]

Wow. Im mostly a electronic producer and play VERY basic things on the guitar but the way a guitar is build always makes for a intresting way to think about melodies and especially chords to me. You really opened up this way of thinking a lot more for me. Thank you. This is not just a good guitar tutorial but a brilliant music tutorial.

[@davidbak8742]

I wrote a chord progression on guitar the other day, but I'll for sure try this method and see where it takes me and what I like the most! Great vidoe

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

Thanks Jake......you unlock so much for guitar players who never had a decent teacher and learned by ear......plus you present it in a way that is easy to understand......a lot of books and instructors in the old days were vague and focused on chord forms and scales but no practical application......YOU ROCK !!!!

[@G-Doggy]

Really informative video. I've been writing vocal harmonies this way for awhile, but it never dawned on me to try it with guitar chords or even separate guitar leads (now I'm wondering why I didn't think of it). It makes perfect sense. Thank you!

[@standoutstudio9829]

Stunning. Thank you. Brilliant and VERY helpful, informative and practical.

[@marcusrigonati7784]

I am so grateful that KZbin recommended this for me, this is all I was searching for to boost my current music knowledge

[@castevet]

Excellent video, sir! You really have the gift of explaining this stuff in understandable way. 🙂

[@ChrisMuellerMusic]

Being an engineer by profession and a hobbyist composer that struggles with coming up with music, hearing that composing is a bit like puzzle solving in engineering really motivated me :)

[@risivenkian]

This presentation is incredibly helpful. I can see so many possibilities now. Very enjoyable. Thank you so much! 😊

[@unit0137]

This is a great resource for people, I just studied that last semester, and I'm now getting to more advanced leading... The basics like this are really great to get down, and your video certainly does a good job at helping!

[@UmVtCg]

18:00 I've already found that E7 because I like to take a chord progression and practice it in all CAGED and triad shapes on the neck of the guitar. By doing this I try to find the smallest movements between chords because I found that sounds great. Now I know why. I also like to "find" other scale intervals in each chord creating awareness of the fretboard.

[@scrapkingfilms]

Melody sounds like Oasis “Don’t Look Back in Anger”, which is almost certainly a reimagined chamber music chord sequence… great work here, using different instruments and visual tools to explain something that might seem shrouded in “theory”. You got me, subscribed!

[@richmerlino6480]

This is the comment I was looking for. Thank you!

[@andrositee]

Right???? Yes.

[@DrGodinho]

it's Pachebel's Canon in D major

[@fanfanackapan]

I recognised Don't Look Back In Anger as well. Love Oasis :)

[@cozgreenhalgh9516]

The mad thing is although I clearly got DLBIA I could also hear in my head the strings from “Whatever” sounding good over the top of it!

[@andycollins4936]

Amazing, another video that makes something that you would learn over the course of a few months made into a free class just under 20 minutes. Certainly will be practising this, thanks as always!

[@truewordz777]

Absolutely brilliant! What a teacher. This has made guitar arrangements of great interest.

[@danielbrockmann2370]

Thanks Jake! I recently discovered spread triads, which opened a whole new world of voice leading for me, including new chord shapes I hadn't been familiar with. I have seen a few of those also in this video 🤓, I feel they provide the glue for voice leading.

[@rookbranwen8047]

As someone who just started learning to produce music, it is an amazing thing to be able to easily find videos like this. Every time I find a video like this it is like getting a new musical toy to play with.

[@guamitoe-]

This video is an amazing introduction to intermediate learning. The way you describe this has now been fully unlocked in my mind. I know what all my notes and even chord building. But man, I never knew how well you can tweak the voicings of chords to form such beautiful harmonies

[@i.setyawan]

I can't believe that such an elementary or simple chord progression could become a quasi classical, or bluegrass, or rock ballad piece. Amazing.

[@fingerstyledojo]

Day: is a 5/10 Jake uploads a video: Day becomes a 10/10 thanks my man you leveled me up from beginner to intermediate player

[@fingerstyledojo]

im still waiting v_v

[@fingerstyledojo]

still waiting!

[@inquisitivenessandcontempl9918]

That explanation is just amazing. Definitely a like and subscription! And it also sheds light on why we need a bass in a band. It makes perfect sense this way.

[@user-lz2xi9dp9i]

One the best videos for me I’ve ever seen. Thank you, genius lesson.

[@arnegotz7579]

Why did you stop making videos? We need more!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

As always- CHECK THE DESCRIPTION! Lots of extra info in there :)

[@jaybefaulky4902]

great vid dude!!

[@aniruddhdeshpande7319]

How is this comment older than the video upload time?

[@jaybefaulky4902]

@@aniruddhdeshpande7319 yeah lol .. the only thing i can think of is he uploaded and pinned the comment with a release date set for 2 days after as well so it says 'upload' but really means 'release date' (i am guessing lol)

[@satchrules101]

ur the best song writing teacher !

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

@@aniruddhdeshpande7319 Released to my Patreon's early :)

[@joseferro1432]

Thank you Jake for this informative video. It opens my ears to many new possibilities. Excellent!

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I love these videos. I've learned so much from him and others on KZbin. Some of the stuff I have forgotten through the years and it's a great refresher.

[@MWPandD]

Non-music degree here: This was such a helpful explanation of voice leading and arranging. I actually think I'll be able to hear music more deeply, and that really excites me. Mille grazie, my friend!

[@PianoKeyboard647]

That's the power of love. The secret to playing any musical instrument and composing is about the power of listening. More listening>more understanding.

[@robertcanedo7607]

having just started my musical journey...at the ripe age of 72; I can definitely benefit from your in-depth, sensible approach to MAKING ,instead of copying music! Thank you!

[@donutsrock]

Absolutely awesome, I needed this today. I rarely like any video as I use the liked video list as a 'watch again' list, but this is going on there!

[@MaineVid]

That was one of the coolest and mind exploring video that I've ever seen. I really enjoyed it

[@saxmusicmail]

The 5th is a powerful overtone of the root of the chord. It is "heard" in the mind even when not actually played. I write mostly for saxophone quartet. Leaving out the 5th at times leaves me an instrument available for 6th's, 7th's, 9th's, 11th's, etc. And yes, voice leading is most important. In one of my arrangements the ending is a duet, and pauses on a minor second, but due to the voice leading an tone progression it is heard as a harmony, despite it being dissonant when played in isolation. One comment many people make about my arrangements and compositions, "It sounds like much more than just four instruments."

[@gsleazy1975]

Giving the room around the 7ths is my favorite place as well. I'll be thinking about how I can bridge multiple instruments over that gap where the power chord usually exists but this variation allows hardcore multiplier factors in the regular sense. I also want to engage in the harmony adding the "extras in ensemble". Awesome tip.

[@PianoKeyboard647]

Outstanding!!🥰

[@XenoFect]

Joining the crowd to check on Jake and make sure he is doing ok. We miss you! Thank you for all the content, you've helped me learn so much!

[@pentachronic]

Really enjoyed this and definitely learned something new. I've been really struggling with how to compose and this video is leading me down the correct rabbit hole I believe. Thanks so much for explaining and showing us this.

[@Gflamex]

I like how we can see the excitement and passion he has. I think, at least for myself, it can be very overwhelming to try to learn a lot of rules at once. This keeps it simple enough to easily learn, but also, you see that you can be doing more, and personally, it gets me excited to try it.

[@heart_healer]

This was probably the best tutorial On a 4 part harmony ever and arranging them. Not only useful for guitars but for arranging for a string quartet or solo section also. Thank you so much Jake your tremendous effort and the imprint you leave on us . Some are just born to teach and you Sir are a born teacher!! Thank you for all the good you do to the world!! Love from India

[@PianoKeyboard647]

Applying the concept of imprinting to brain power and music study. Well said.

[@GodSmacK5181]

This is really gonna come handy for the music career i'm in rn Thank you Jake :D

[@JairusC]

It's never a bad thing for composers and music producers to refresh on this topic as I do end up asking myself questions that these types of videos answer. Thank you for this video! It was very well-done!

[@WunHungLo99]

The arrangement of 4 part harmony and the rules of movement and relative counter movement was taught to me at 15/16 for my O level music exam. It is one of the most valuable things I have learned as a pro musician. .

[@lucasoneil8997]

I've been in quite the songwriting rut recently and this is absolutely blowing my mind. I've always had a hard time coming up with better melodies that aren't just singing a single note with each chord... and never know where else to go when I've got a decent 4 bar melody. Think is insanely helpful

[@PianoKeyboard647]

Nice. 😊