How to Use Key Changes in Your Progressions (Metal Songwriting Tips)

[@liam___.]

Came to this video after noticing that Symbolic by Death had at least 4 different key changes and was confused how Chuck made it all flow so well. This video helped put it in perspective and I thank you for that!

[@metalmastermind]

Chuck was indeed a master at metal songwriting!!

[@correametal]

This is probably one of the best KZbin videos ever created for metal songwriters. Thank you so much because even us who have been playing and writing since 1989 could get a huge benefit from this approach to add it to our arsenal of tools for songwriting. Excellent as always!!!

[@metalmastermind]

Really glad this helped!

[@thatonetyeguy2330]

Ah yes, writing metal that sounds like other stuff you've already written. What you get for writing everything in E minor, E Phrygian, E Phrygian dominant, E harmonic minor, E major, or some flavor of E. It's laziness really, I know the theory. I could do some quick book work and know every fret available to me in some other key. Like A minor maybe. I know a lot of people just change their tuning but that doesn't really help you get better lol.

[@scottdunn2178]

Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower/Spastic Ink/Blotted Science) has some great videos using crazy theoretical approaches to songwriting.

[@correametal]

@@scottdunn2178 Ron is one of my all-time heroes in the songwriting department, especially with Watchtower.

[@cam-inf-4w5]

Wow that key change did sound really smooth.

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@LDXReal]

I was listening to the beginning riff of the lesson and figured it would sound neat changing from Am to Dm, and was pleasantly suprised to find that you had the same idea :) Thanks for the video broski 🤘🏾‼️

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@renesalinas3109]

I’m finally actually understanding theory wow I just listen to my ear cause no matter how many times I try to learn theory it gets overwhelming and confusing to me I do what you’re explaining but yes i couldn’t tell what I’m doing or all the possibilities I could have to mix things up freely thanks you

[@metalmastermind]

this is so awesome to hear and truly glad this helped!

[@ulfdanielsen6009]

All I´m saying is check out Nightwish, Epica, Delain, Eluveitie, Furor Gallico, Kamelot, Dream Theater and everybody else that are writing and playing in and within the Symphonic Metal and the European version Operatic Symphonic Progressive Melodic Neo-Folk genres of modern day metal and you´ll have sufficient inspiration for modulating for the the next couple of years.

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@Lupoexperience]

This was the most useful lesson on the circle of fifths that I've watched. Thanks for your simple explanations of how to change keys in progressions, and providing examples. Most importantly, thank you for encouraging us to have our own unique voice and sound and giving us the tools to do it. 🙏🤘🎸🔥🔥🔥

[@metalmastermind]

Thank you for that! 🤘

[@kittavares4334]

11:38 I believe the correct nomenclature is the "sensitive female" chord progression. Cool lesson, I knew a little about this topic, but I always forget to use it...

[@metalmastermind]

Definitely a cool and easy way to figure this stuff out!

[@jughounder]

These two circle of fifths vids just opened a door for me Thanks 🤘🏻

[@metalmastermind]

Really glad this helped!

[@EdBMetal]

The easiest and most useful explanation i have ever seen for using the circle of fifths. Thanks a lot man 🤘😎🤘

[@metalmastermind]

🙏 🤘 We also followed up with this in a blog post with some more details: metalmastermind.com/circle-of-fifths-explained/

[@Moveplaylift]

Agreed

[@neil2903]

Brilliant advice, thank you 🤜🤛🤘

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@SaadLuay]

So helpful man. Thanx for the vid

[@metalmastermind]

Glad this helps! Ken Candelas also has a complete theory course if you’re interested in learning more: metalmastermind.com/metal-music-theory/

[@scottdunn2178]

Ron Jarzombek has some great videos on theory 🎸

[@metalmastermind]

Ken Candelas has some as well (just uploaded a couple of recent ones on here)

[@scottdunn2178]

@@metalmastermind Kewl

[@alfred11033]

Many thanks to you! You really help learn and speak to the point, and not like many people pour water about theory.

[@metalmastermind]

🙏🤘

[@ponzish]

That was a really useful lesson and demonstration, I was listening to nightwish’s song “Alpenglow” and wondered how they’d come up with the key change at the end and how to do that myself when playing. You earned a subscription 😀

[@metalmastermind]

Awesome, and thank you for the sub! We appreciate that! Oh, and grab are free songwriting guide if you don't have it yet: metalmastermind.com/free-songwriting-guide/

[@ponzish]

@@metalmastermind thanks, heading to the link right now!

[@pickboy7]

Great lesson brother! Love the possibilities that you can come up with!

[@metalmastermind]

Thank you! Yes, this opens up a ton of possibilities with your songs and riffs!

[@matttorrence2900]

This is a great channel

[@metalmastermind]

🙏🤘

[@jasonstallworth]

Dude, look who it is! Cool video! lol

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@R.E.A.P]

Simple explanation, thank you!

[@metalmastermind]

Really glad to see this helps!!! 🤘

[@mrdownpick1722]

Damnn what an awesome lesson dude! You explained it so well which made it so easy.

[@metalmastermind]

Thank you and really glad to hear this helped!

[@matthewsymonds7772]

I was actually looking for this kind of lesson not for metal but for a folk style😂 But still keep it metal man🤘

[@metalmastermind]

Awesome to hear that...yeah, this works for any genre! And I like some folk music as well!

[@digikaininja5]

Thank you for this diagram and lesson. Alo can you take a 1/2 whole diminished meshuggah scale and show us how to construct a meshuggha type basic song using just that one scale.....thanx in advance.

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@krabeats1282]

Really great tut - I definitely learn a lot

[@metalmastermind]

Great to hear that! We also have our Metal Bass Master course coming out soon!

[@R.E.A.P]

So simple compared to everyone with massive amounts of theory.

[@metalmastermind]

Ken here...we also have a course on theory if you ever want to dig a little deeper: metalmastermind.com/metal-music-theory/

[@charliem4560]

Thank you very helpful

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@christophercolling9392]

Another well explained lesson buddy . Thank u 🤘🇬🇧🎸🇺🇲

[@metalmastermind]

Thank you, we're really glad these whiteboard videos help!!! That's our goal!

[@Francob78]

Hey this lesson really works...i just went from my car key to my house key super smooth.........:) JK:), i love it when songs has a key change after an intense part, and then make it even more intense

[@metalmastermind]

Lol...always love your puns! Yeah those key changes are what make songs epic!

[@thefabricationfarm]

Another awesome lesson!

[@metalmastermind]

Thank you, really glad this helps!

[@gwb111]

Brilliant Thank you

[@metalmastermind]

We appreciate you watching and glad this helped!

[@daveshvacplumbing1974]

Now for power cords douse minor / major really matter? cool videos by the way!😅

[@metalmastermind]

As far as how you play the power chord, no. But it does matter in the context of what key you're playing in.

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

someday I will get this, now back to Am I Evil, lol

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@yamraaj4529]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@metalmastermind]

🤘

[@d36williams]

is metal music built on triads? jazz avoids the 5th where metal leans on it

[@metalmastermind]

I don't think metal is based on any one thing particular as there are so many sub-genres. It's more about the overall feel and I believe a lot of that comes more from the drumming style (and vocals) than the guitars. For example, you could take a modern rock song and make it metal with an awesome double bass drummer. Or you could take a metal sound and make it more of a rock style with a more steady beat with less frills.

[@jamestuttle]

So if in key Em and I the chords around it (Am,Bm, C,G,D - I choose the ones I want to use) just means play those power chords in those keys you want to use? Or you can use it for the chord or do some riffs in that key too? New to this.... Thanks for the videos too!

[@metalmastermind]

You can definitely do both...playing those chords and using those notes for riffs! Just keep in mind that you can 'break these rules' (as there are not rules). This is just a guide to help you quickly determine which notes and chords are in a particular key. I hope this helps! With that, make sure you download our free songwriting tips here: metalmastermind.com/free-songwriting-guide/

[@jamestuttle]

@@metalmastermind got it... give me some stuff to experiment around with later today :) -----> QQ: you done any videos on working with your DAW (I am on S1 Pro) and working with your guitar track/riff and then wok with EZDrummer 2 & EZBass to get those tracked on the DAW to the riff?

[@digikaininja5]

bass-ically am a bassist at 53....and just getting around to playing meshuggah for life but its very complicated...hence am requesting you to teach me how to construct something that this band uses a lot...that is the 1/2 whole diminshed scale a lot.....so please do help

[@metalmastermind]

Lol...love for puns!

[@cam-inf-4w5]

I go from b to g and e all the time though idk why

[@metalmastermind]

Just let things flow naturally

[@metalmastermind]

***Turn your metal riffs, lyrics, and ideas into complete songs: metalmastermind.com/metal-songwriters-forge/

[@WhiteDove73-888]

I’ll take the key of B major slice of pizza

[@metalmastermind]

🤣🤘

[@VashStarwind]

Bacially, just change keys to whatever you want. lol.

[@metalmastermind]

There are no rules!

[@niqwalshensemble9164]

He could have drawn a better circle. His explanation is quite good, admittedly, but that drawing is rubbish

[@metalmastermind]

😂 the circle is definitely imperfect!