How to FIX a BORING Ostinato

It doesn't take much to make an ostinato more interesting!
⚔️ Learn To Compose An INTRODUCTION From Skyward Sword • I listened to 190 Zeld...
Film composers use ostinatos all of the time. They give cues an underlying motor and are incredibly useful for laying down a driving layer that other harmonies and lines can be added to. But it's easy to write an ostinato that feels active but is really about as useful as a glorified metronome.
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[@RyanLeach]

⚔️ Learn To Compose An INTRODUCTION From Skyward Sword kzbin.info/www/bejne/moO2qGRriammrpY

[@l.2264]

Hi. Can you talk about the last of us themes?

[@thegr8malachite370]

thank you so much for this simple and concise, information dense video

[@warpedmine9682]

Hey can you review bo burham's inside

[@TanoshiSan]

Duuude I made a cover of Skyloft from skyward sword!!!! And it's literally my favorite track I've ever made, the album art is my profile pic 😂

[@jameseverett4976]

you know how to teach, and keep it short, without so much unnecessary blahblah that adds nothing to the skills. I just watched another video on the same subject that went off into harmony and endless blahblah -16 minute video, with 4 seconds of anything worth hearing.... such a drag. Good teachers are so rare.

[@SuperSeaMonkey]

I watched this and went from writing Ostinatos to writing BOSStinatos.

[@RyanLeach]

Ha, glad I could help

[@elijahgemmill2000]

I saw the thumbnail. In high school we played duel of the fates written like "boring". It had a slur between 3rd and 4th notes but the saxophones played it like the "good" one and the conductor called us out on it because that's not how it was written.

[@jons_7402]

I think it's important to mention that this is mostly applicable if you have a "feeling conflict". If the music asks for a simple quarter note ostinato to give that steady pulse, by all means, do it! You can also mask whatever simplicity you're trying to avoid using the instrumentation, like giving each instrument a section of the melody; you'd basically be using color and timbre rather than rhythm to spice things up.

[@celadewallace474]

"Flavor"/"Coloar" in timbre (variations of the sounds themselves) is a really amazing tool. As an example, try making a drone song with single core note. Not only can we vary harmonics around a drone note but just by varying the quality of the sound (having it change in timbre and even rhythmic structure) suddenly turns it into something interesting that provides surprises and delights for your brain to follow. Whether we're using chord progressions or just the complex qualities of sound (ambience) it is finding this interesting sound landscape to explore that makes all the difference.

[@fanman1]

Great video. That Sith ostinato from Duel of the Fates, when played backwards becomes the main shape of the Force theme E F#GA G. John Williams is the GOAT!

[@RyanLeach]

That's pretty sick, never noticed that. And the melody version of the ostinato even includes that low B like the pickup to the force theme!

[@mattpiano11824]

That blew my mind! Also, Augie’s Great Municipal Band, from the scene at the end, contains emperor palpatine’s theme in the background but it’s transposed.

[@velxcity07]

@@mattpiano11824 oh yea I’ve heard abt that too. Plus the last notes of Anakin’s theme has fragments of the main imperial March motif in it. (I like how our inner film music nerd is showing in these comments ☠️)

[@cmichael6243]

this is great. As a composer who always present music to the directors, when it comes to ostinato (which is common in film scoring), they always have this comment about ostinato section being too repetitive. This gives me another idea on what to do next! Thanks Ryan

[@drg9522]

Basically the classical antecedent of a riff

[@robkunkel8833]

2:51 OMG … suddenly the sound that made me hooked on Game of Thrones for a few seasons. Until that awful wedding. Then, I moved on. I digress. That ostinato is SOO distinctive. This is a fun channel. Deserves Patreon support.

[@RobLandes]

Learned something new, thanks man!

[@n0identity295]

Rob lowkey getting ego checked. 4 mil subs and 9 likes 💀

[@RobLandes]

@@n0identity295 I honestly don’t mind lol. Just here to learn and I want him to know it.

[@hi28]

​@@n0identity295 what did you expect the video is a year old

[@transitive6261]

Mr. Blue sky "I'm going to just ignore this and make s banger with only quarter notes" (makes banger)

[@longstoryshort3882]

Duel of the Fates and the Darth Maul fights carried the Phantom Menace movie 😅- Great vid as always Ryan!

[@RyanLeach]

When that movie came out I got swept up in how cool it was just to have a new Star Wars movie. When I watched it again not too long ago with my son I was just like "oh man..."

[@inlonging]

@@RyanLeach it was the groundbreaking special fx movie but is beginning to look dated. Good thing Lucas sold Disney else he would be working on a special edition haha

[@analcough5321]

a really cool case where this rule fails is in technical death metal, if you take enough time visualizing melodies you can make it pure 16th notes and it will sound fantastic if its a thoughtful melody

[@lollertoaster]

Lifesaver for a hobbyist composer like me, it's all so complicated but this trick is so simple.

[@Heartland.Productions]

“Dennis Steals the Embryo” is such a hidden gem in the Jurassic Park soundtrack. Everyone knows the main theme, but really the movie is filled with tons of fantastic music.

[@DepressedCapitalist]

Great video! Your pace and clarity at explaining is what makes it fun yet educational. Keep it up!

[@RyanLeach]

Thanks!

[@Aidan1100]

Thank you

[@Nae_Ayy]

@@Aidan1100 you're welcome

[@samueleversole5187]

Maybe it’s because I watch videos a little sped up. But the “boring” version of Pirates of the Caribbean sounded like the infamous jazz lick 😄

[@poke-champ4256]

Its the same notes in the same order.

[@samthisam570]

Bro NOOOOOOOOOOOOO XD

[@jibjubby]

So much respect to you for making a 5 minute video where you said something really interesting and informative, and left it at that. Literally the only educational youtuber I've seen who doesn't pad out videos with bullshit for the algorithm.

[@snuppssynthchannel]

The ostinato in the first movement from ELP's "Tarkus" is an awesome, iconic and powerful sounding Ostinato!

[@aria250mm]

Very informative and the real world examples/comparisons are fantastic.

[@RyanLeach]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@samsignorelli]

Surprised you didn't use the classic ostenato from Holst's "Mars."

[@kevinmacharia5109]

As a hobbyist musician, your videos are really insightful, thank you for these lessons

[@Thelaretus]

One of my favourite ostinatos ever is the _Confutātis_ from Mozart's last Requiem. It literally sounds like fire.

[@kappa_06]

Oh ! "Steal the embrio" was my favorite music of JW !" Such suspens on the music, such a dramatic effect !

[@CallMeCaroline]

Love how simple yet effective this is!

[@PeterParker-vi2nl]

You’re Caroline

[@lioneddy6702]

Finally KZbin suggests something so worthy, wish i found this channel earlier but i still found you so i am happy.

[@BusterofGlitch]

I loved hearing examples both without the 16th note and with the 16th note, and hearing examples from different themes. Thank you! :)

[@corvendata]

Great succinct explanation of a very effective solution

[@Kitties_are_pretty]

This is super useful advice. edit: Showing contrasting versions of an ostinato really demonstrates how the tiniest difference can completely change the meaning and effect of a musical figure.

[@darkwingscooter9637]

I'm glad you added that last bit, because I was going to say "Bach c minor Prelude says 'Hi'". Seriously though, straight rhythms do have an important and distinct character. It's just not always (rarely, even) the character you're looking for.

[@Delcat42]

I'm loving your videos! I'm an aspiring game dev and confirmed audiophile, but writing music has always been daunting to me. Your work makes the idea of composing my own tracks IMMENSELY less daunting and WAY more fun. Thank you so much for these!

[@karlrovey]

It also depends on the purpose of the ostinato. Sometimes you wind up with something like Pachelbel's canon (with the half-note ground bass). It works well for that piece because it's not a main auditory feature of the piece.

[@Onurb2821]

Do I have any idea what an ostinato is? No. Have I ever learned anything about music composing? No. Did I click just because Darth Maul was in the thumbnail? Yes. Anyway, great video dude. I don't think I understood much but it was fun listening to the differences and learning a bit about music. You're great at explaining. Great work!

[@drykeon6182]

I've felt this before, but in a different way. Years ago, when I was playing undertale, I started to wonder why megalovania sounded so tense. I noted that the first and fourth beat have fast sixteenth notes, whereas the second and third beat have syncopated notes of at least eighth note length, giving it a feel of ebb and flow every measure. I extrapolated that rule to a lot of other tracks, including when I thought of dual of the fates. This video has given me a nice alternate perspective to look at, and a better zoomed out perspective.

[@carrot708]

"Never have a bar that's just four quarter notes in 4/4". My mind immediately went to the intro bar of Roki by mikitoP which is exactly that and it works.

[@alphaenemyplus8376]

This is fantastic content. Not for myself, but for those that still aren't getting it. Well done, thank you! Very simply explained composition.

[@e7mac693]

So good! I've been using the dotted note a lot already, but I'll add the other 2 to my toolbox as well! Thanks for the awesome examples!

[@RyanLeach]

Thanks, I hope you can put it to use!

[@mrburnout]

oh man this is so helpful, I'm trying to write electronic music and its all very applicable advice

[@catboyhumper]

really informative video, loved the examples you used. one thing i thought of is how i think i've seen the opposite approach in some media, like omori- white space, the music for the aptly named area you start out in, and lost at a sleepover, the music that plays in the room where you meet up with your friends, both use very simple and repetitive quarter-note melodies. however, without going into too much detail at risk of spoilers, it becomes very apparent later on that they're *supposed* to be simple, with those areas being used as safe spaces- not necessarily in a harmless way.

[@whenthe277]

4:12 Oh Newman, always getting himself into trouble

[@calvinfoo]

No wonder I felt those awesome songs I listened to always doesn't follow the metronome timing exactly but feel so nice

[@guyvascm]

The Ork theme in Lord of the Rings uses 5 quarter notes in 5/4 but does a good job of accenting 1 and 3 to give the 2+3 feel that makes it more jarring and industrial sounding

[@Rayman120]

Great video. My only suggestion would be to have both lines (the basic one and the tweaked and improved one) at the same time on screen, so us folks without too much music reading skills have an easier time comparing the two. An idea for future videos :)

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

0:14 - as a classical musician myself: it's hard to tell if that's a live recording of a cello or a synth/"library" recording! Nice!

[@fishoscine1220]

Love this! Thanks, Ryan!

[@ChronoMune]

First video I’ve ever seen of yours. One of my easiest decisions to subscribe only halfway through it. Thanks for sharing the musical love like this with us.

[@torenatkinson5708]

1:11 In music, an ostinato is a motif or phrase that persistently repeats in the same musical voice, frequently in the same pitch. -Wikipedia

[@samfarabee2963]

What a great way to enhance the music you're writing! If I'm ever composing and getting writers block I'll look through and see if I can use any of this to get things flowing again.

[@TheRamBoiiii]

Wow, your editing and video quality are amazing! Helpful diagrams with tangible, relatable examples!

[@brianj4090]

Just found the channel and have found each vid I’ve watched very helpful and practical. I really like the comparison of examples in this one and using super familiar examples is perfect.

[@stephengoodman9058]

Speaking as an interested amateur with no musical training...that was a very clear explanation. Thank you 👍.

[@EytschPi42]

WOW... this is a REALLY great video. Great editing, superb information!

[@_thalescorrea]

Great video! It’s really well edited, concise and super useful advice. Loved your use of footage like Barbosa’s commentary towards the end. Got me subscribed!

[@erniechang2915]

ya had me at the thumbnail

[@fabiofsumi]

Fantastisch, Michi!! Da steckt so viel drin,- allein mit diesem Video kann man schon super viel üben!

[@J.A.Seyforth]

Lol the pirates of the Caribbean clip about guidelines rather than rules is perfect 😂

[@sammysammuelson2425]

One word: BRILLIANT. BRAVO 👏🏻

[@etsbeats9689]

dude not only are you extremely direct with your explanations, but all of your movie scene references are on par!!!! definitely subscribing. I'm on the musical journey using ableton and a keyboard so hopefully I can apply your tricks to my projects

[@ApasheOfficial]

Still D.R.E enters the chat with its most legendary 4/4 piano

[@TanoshiSan]

Dude this video is a gold mine of value for a producer like myself, seriously thank you so much. I'm 100% subscribed and can't wait to see the value you'll bring us next 💘

[@arthurllongjr382]

Wow! Thank you for the lesson Ryan! Easy to understand and helps to not over/underthink my composing. I wish you continued success 😎

[@NeelDhar]

Loved the teaching via examples. Keep up the good work.

[@Goldhawk7]

You are bringing me back to my band days! I love it. Thanks!

[@maikdellebaracche_music866]

Thank you Ryan, your videos are helping me a lot

[@Markrspooner]

Great video Ryan and very much agree, I always look to add a bit of spice or variation to something that might otherwise be a bit lackluster.

[@nigelirwin9958]

Been fascinated with Ostinato's for a while now and this video is one of the best explainer videos I've seen. Nice work.

[@MagicalMedic]

I don't know how to read or perform music, but I still love learning about it as someone who enjoys editing and writing for film.

[@jellyfishymcstinky2586]

youtube recommendations are amazing

[@christophercondry4224]

So happy I found your channel. THis video is an informative and insightful as the rest! Thanks so much!

[@Sanayukia]

You just helped me fix all my music!! Finally know what I was doing wrong and like you said, super easy to adjust ! Thank you so much!

[@davidyanez4u]

I AM SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!!!!!!!! SUBSCRIBED!!!! This is just what I needed: Hell I need all your videos. I'm learning something new everyday. THANK YOU

[@omarbahrour]

Great video dude, super interesting and very clear in terms of how much a little shift can make.

[@maxx27i]

I found good examples of ostinato, thank you!

[@westingtyler2]

1:30 I'm shocked a music youtuber would not include the list of music they used in the video, in the description.

[@wernervannuffel2608]

WoW : I like the way you build up music by first row building music part(icle)s (melody, pedal notes, ostinatos, rhythm patterns, etc..) in a way they sounds in their row version together at least melodical/harmonical right/correct... And uplifting it then to the next level by fine tune building variations of this ''particles'' and in this way implementing secret herbs mixtures on top of it to get all more interesting.and more flavoured. Again a wonderfull video. Thank you, Ryan. I learned so much with all your videos👍👌

[@adrianschilbach8756]

Great video. To the point, informative and really eye opening

[@MartinHeidenreichMusic]

This is so simple and so genius at the same time. THANK YOU SO MUCH, very helpful

[@RyanLeach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cacophaton]

suscribed with the force of a thousand suns

[@iReiGNxx]

I saw the sheet music in the thumbnail and then actually heard the tune in my head when I read the right side lol

[@Gnurklesquimp2]

Even if it's (of course) just a guideline, I find there's usually that one note you can change without it being too much, seeing as that's usually when you'd otherwise opt to go for simple rhythms. Even if it's very rare in the arrangement, let's take house music, that one moment where the kick does something else has a big effect, and makes the straight pulse more satisfying once you get back into it. Another cool thing you can do with pulses is imply other rhythms by sort of embedding them one way or another, rappers often do it with rhyme schemes and tone etc., but it applies to just about anything. Simple polymeters can be implied, like ABBABBAB, to keep it from getting messy after all.

[@NotEnoughPrana]

With all those movie meme-ish excerpts, I can't believe there wasn't the Archer's "Phrasing! Are we still doing it?" at 5:21

[@benjamin9901]

Very nice! My composing days are long over, but I still enjoy music theory and composition. Good tips - it helps me understand why I find something musically interesting

[@davidreichert9392]

One such example of this that stuck out to me is the bass riff from Under Pressure, which bass players rank among the best riffs of all time. It's incredibly simple, yet powerful, yet if you were to take away the second last note in the riff (the second of a pair of sixteenths) it would become pretty boring.

[@TheQueenLycan]

It's a great bass line, but we definitely don't rank it as one of the best of all time. It doesn't even reach the shortlist.

[@rigdigwus]

that rule is quite stupid tbh. yes, if you just take away notes from anything it will sound different. that’s how music works

[@theandroids]

This is really useful. Thanks.

[@AllesPat]

I dont understand anything about music compositions, but today I learned something about it - thank you!

[@Bhs1867]

Props for using a clip from spaceballs the movie

[@Jath2112]

Thanks algorithm! I have immediately subbed. Love the content.

[@Hyper5nic]

Thank you Ryan! This made my day! Excellent fixes for times that writer's block looms in.

[@connorryan2715]

Well thanks to the algorithm for plopping this random video in my lap cuz this was kinda cool. I’m not terribly musically literate but I really like listening to those who are. Everything you described in this video I feel like I innately knew from listening to music but never would have put into words

[@iarreolav]

what a great channel. i appreciate your work.

[@taajuuskone]

Very useful information. Great video!

[@miguelbarrera8052]

Beautiful. Great video. Hats-off and a Thank You for keeping it short but nicely put. You covered a lot and with examples, in such a short time. Sometimes I feel that youtubers more and more often make videos over 10 min on purpose just to get the ads and all. So thank you for being brave. Not saying you shouldn't do the same if the topic requires that. Thanks for the great explanations and the examples.

[@seanl7503]

I have no idea what an ostinato is but I'm intrigued

[@MrKeithterrett]

Another great video on an important harmonic device not well covered by others!

[@caytlinparker6371]

Look I know nothing about music.... But yet you got me hooked. New sub I'm intrigued by this newfound musical theory

[@LucianCanad]

I clicked on this to learn what the hell an ostinato was, and I got a lot more than that :D

[@gaz5396]

One of my favorite themes is very simple: the Gravity calla’s intro is very simple but so very well done because it using synths, whistling, etc to add more layers

[@giln4689]

thank you!! something i was not even aware of. thank you.

[@-mcl2006]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@Inzomniac9]

Nice advice! Thanks

[@sambivins9858]

This is a great channel; so glad I found it