How to Write a Chord Progression Using Chords Not in the Key

[@HackMusicTheory]

FREE PDF "12 Hacks to Learn Scales & Chords" HackMusicTheory.com/Books

[@chouuu2121]

Actually this is hugely useful! Sometimes making chord progressions with typical major or minor modes feels dull, with this not anymore

[@gregsmith80]

1:14 was a missed opportunity for an explosion sound effect :D

[@7032jd]

You literally took time out of ur day to help people you don't know with knowledge. You are one of the reasons the internet is changing life for the better for all musicians thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Wow Jared, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your very kind words, it means a lot to us. We're so glad you took time out of your day to watch and connect. What kind of music are you into? Kate :)

[@7032jd]

Revolution Harmony everything! Since I grew up in school band all the way through college I was exposed to every kind of music through the different kids I played with and the different influences the band used

[@alexownejazayeri3344]

This is hands down the best instructional channel around music theory I've found on KZbin yet. Thank you so much for the hard work!

[@diegohernandez2329]

This channel is beyond helpful, the way things are explained make it sooooo easy to understand and apply to my own music. Thanks! You guys are great ;)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Diego, that means the absolute world to us! Music Theory truly is easy (there's only 12 notes, how hard could it be, right?), and we try to do justice to its simplicity by showing how easy it is to apply to songwriting and producing. So, we're beyond happy to hear that it's working. Thanks big time for connecting, Diego, and please stay in touch :)

[@BillGraper]

I absolutely love the major 3rd chord in a major key. I've thrown in an E chord on several occasions with songs I wrote in the key of C. 🙂

[@jasongravely7217]

When learning, one of the most inviting things for me, is a warm tone of voice from the instructor as well as clear and thoughtful speech leading solid subject matter. You’ve got it all! Thanks for the lesson!

[@michaelshannon9169]

This is easily the best vid I've seen regarding chords and harmony. For 20 years as a musician playing by ear I've still found theory vids badly taught but this is actually fascinating.

[@thespiralden]

I got addicted to your videos guys, and looking back at this video I can say in the actuality you look really happy(:

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much for that lovely observation, The Spiral Den, and a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@markinscotland]

Came for the theory but the tremendous cat impression at 00:02 is the real takeaway!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Mark! Thanks so much for watching, connecting and making me smile. I personally like that one too...meow! What kind of music do you produce? Kate :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Ha ha! I'll keep that in mind for future videos :) Thanks for sharing your music, cool stuff! You have great a diversity of styles. It's so wonderful to hear that you're watching all the videos, please feel free to share the music you make using our hacks, as it's always thrilling hearing them come to life in other musicians' music! Take care and keep in touch, Kate :)

[@AlexSage]

I liked that cat impression too... it's her facial expression and rhythmic hand gestures that made it look so cute =))

[@lfroggyl]

wow.... i randomly stumbled upon the out of space by the prodigy (a song from 1992) 3 days ago that really caught my attention out of all the other songs on that album.... and then i stumble upon this video where it is mentioned.... WTFFFF! THE SYNCHRONICITY IS INSANE! Cool vid btw I'm subscribing

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, thanks for sharing the synchronicity, that's super amazing!! Glad you liked the video and a huge thanks for subscribing, it really helps us build our music theory/songwriting revolution! By the way, what kind of music are you into? Kate :)

[@tungtobak]

It's called the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon and can be described in short as: Once you stumble over something you start to see it pop up everywhere, not because it pops up more frequently but because you now pay attention to it.

[@jeffcd3559]

Man! You just answered a question about a simple song that has been driving me nuts trying to figure out how one particular chord, which sounds appropriate, but is outside the key, works.Thanks.

[@MattSyversonthePaperbackRocker]

That F major to Ab major had a real Vince Guaraldi vibe. Thanks for the informative video.

[@gumbilicious1]

I wish I had all these great content makers back when I wrote more music. This stuff would have been seriously helpful back in the day.

[@VillaCarrington]

KZbin suggestions + curiosity = epic win. Thank you forever.

[@bjamofficial]

I love what you guys are trying to do, such a simple approach to music theory is refreshing

[@nebroskitheraut6705]

Sooooo helpful!!!! Thanks!

[@diegooland1261]

Another Diego has to agree, this is beyond helpful. Thank you!!! The visuals make this really easy to grasp. Great to know about the common notes, I've wondered about mixing chords outside the scale and now I know how, or at least how to go about it.

[@IrontMesdent]

Clicked for the music theory, stayed for the super relaxing voice AND the music theory. Keep that voice volume, it's super fun to listen to

[@foozlebagel7488]

this is the most useful video I've seen on more complex chord progression. thank you so much!

[@josephgray4659]

This is pretty cool. I've been writing outside of the scale for a long time now. I'm not well versed in theory, but most of this makes perfect sense. One of my favorite chord progressions that I've written starts with these 4 chords. Gminor, Bminor, Bflat major, and E7. The repeating note is a D, which I like to emphasize when playing it on guitar. The progression continues and in its entirety is 11 chords before repeating. Nice video!

[@aqua3418]

It was nice to see an example of sus chords! It was nice to hear at the end the key change, but how it seamlessly melded together.

[@ynotme6984]

Jus amazing info that’s easy to digest thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much, YnotMe, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@yankeebastard8684]

I don't really know music theory but I made a chord progression that I thought sounded good on guitar. Turns out it was in the key of E minor except it used a Bmaj chord instead of Bmin. However, Bmaj is non-diatonic. Using this video I re-arranged the chords to have notes in common and it sounds much better now than at first. Thanks for the knowledge! The chord progression is: Amin, Emin, Gmaj, Dmaj, Gmaj, Bmaj, Emin

[@johnpierson8398]

Just discovered this channel with this video. This is a great breakdown and analysis of what is going on with this chord progression! The MIDI piano roll view of the notes in each chord and the discussion of each chords notes simplifies this lesson into understandable terms. I like the cadence and tempo of the lesson explanation. Really cool lesson!

[@brendonleary]

Thankyou. This makes perfect sense to me, and has helped confirm some of my suspicions regarding non diatonic notes.

[@RaizenFaust]

Man this was a ton of help. Instant subscribe for me

[@iyadalahed9150]

best explanation i signed up to your website and subbed cuz that was unique.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much Iyad alahed, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@toyotahachiroku5563]

deadmau5 use this trick in all of his tracks and it's sound really catchy

[@HackMusicTheory]

Good stuff! And yeah when it's done well, it's an awesome trick! Thanks for watching and connecting, Oussama, we're super grateful to you :)

[@toyotahachiroku5563]

Revolution Harmony thank you very much you are such an amazing team keep uploading more quality useful tutorials

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thank you Oussama, that means the world to us :)

[@lex.cordis]

This is a cardinal sin of EDM right here

[@photicsonar]

Deadma5 uses Cthulhu which generates all the chords automatically. I guess he doesn't know what a chord progression is at all:))))))

[@anthemsjam]

Just purchased the pro bundle thanks for the content guys! And of course subscribed and all that ;)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks again for your support and enthusiasm!! Have a great weekend :)

[@DonaldWilliam]

Uh. That was the best music lesson I've ever seen on KZbin. Thank you.

[@globalmalfunction]

Hands down best music channel on KZbin I'm so glad I've found this gem! If it pleases, it would be awesome if a video on the motifs of swing music was made, and how it differs from classical piano/theory. I've read that it employs polyrhythms and emphasizes on the downbeats, but I was wondering if there was anything else that characterizes it and causes that involuntary foot tapping. Thank you so much, and cheers!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Dreadpirate! Those are some big words! We're so glad you found us too and are really excited to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution. While we do focus on popular/electronic music, it would be cool to a video on the electro-swing genre, so I have added your request to our list of potential video topics and if we do a lesson on that we'll let you know! Thanks again. Kate :)

[@NihilQuest]

Very nice. I must remind myself to learn theory from time to time, and your channel looks just perfect for this task. Subscribed.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks for watching, connecting, and subscribing Nihil Quest! May our channel inspire and empower you. We're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting, Kate :)

[@tturing5698]

Excellent content and very helpful for new learners of music theory who are interested in creating electronic music but still need some music theory to do it.

[@marcelos.romero7546]

We need more videos like this for latin american viewers, I'm lucky speaking english, you really helped me giving me ideas for composition

[@1993COB]

I only developed interest in music theory recently. And as a beginner, this is one of my favorite channels on KZbin. I love the way you explain things, it's so simple and helpful. The only notification that matters on KZbin, for me! :) You're doing a brilliant job. Keep making these videos. Much love!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awe thanks Sanjay, I'm thrilled that you're finding our channel so helpful :) Thanks so much for watching and sharing, it means a lot to us. We're pumped to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution! By the way, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)

[@alvexok5523]

This video certain helps to try and understand the works of composers like Ligeti and Schmitt.

[@charliesynth4965]

Synth, Bass, and Drums added just for fun. Cool! I learned the word "Resolving" out of all that. Never knew there was a term for that kind of transition. Thanks.

[@RiptideMusicOfficial]

Been doing this for a few years, thought I was a unique genius. Never mind, haha. Subscribed, though! P.S. You're BEAUTIFUL, wow!

[@qwazxcvbn]

This was very helpful! You have a way of explaining things that is very well rounded. Thanks for the lesson. I'll be sure to put it to use in my next song!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey thanks for watching and connecting, Gordon, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Until next time, happy songwriting :)

[@SamChaneyProductions]

I've been studying theory for many years, but this and other videos you make still give me deeper understanding. I love the chord progression at the end, it reminds me of Plaid who are one of my favorite electronic projects!

[@imaginationmachinebeats9029]

Really great. Also the answer in sentence at the start is pure insight as to understanding what the viewer really wants (as you know). Awesome, thanks so much.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Imagination Machine Beats! Thanks so much for stopping by, we're super happy you found our teaching, and lesson, helpful :) Hope this finds you happy and healthy!

[@eric-seastrand]

Excellent explanation and super easy to understand. Great video!

[@powerhouse1981]

I like this channel a lot. TY.

[@igs8698]

Absolutely love your video! Very easy to understand and very well presented! You confirmed some things that I have been doing lately with cross Key notes. And.... a piano teacher that includes the modes as common ground! Scores high in my books!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Sooooo happy you dig our video, Gerhard. Thank you kindly for taking the time to watch and connect, we are deeply grateful to you! Take care and until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@Zetsuke4]

I learned something new today

[@asfdirt]

HER NAME IS KATE HARMONY THAT IS WONDERFUL

[@fabulistfm6741]

So helpful, thanks! I have a song that I just didn't like the sound of when the progression ended on the diatonic Dm. Greatly prefer D major there, and now I know it's okay! Glad I found you guys. :)

[@infinty1996]

Really appreciate what youre doing here!

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're really happy you're enjoying our videos, Vuong Nguyen! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, we're deeply grateful to you. By the way, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)

[@Juanma625]

This channel is going to grow fast if you keep doing this tipe of videos, thank you for this amazing explanation, lots of love from Argentina!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hola Juan! Sooooo happy you're liking our videos. Thank you kindly for taking the time to watch and connect, we are deeply grateful to you! ¿Qué tipo de música escuchas? Kate :)

[@konvex_fr]

Helpful thanks

[@functionform]

You guys have a massive talent for clear instructions.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks functionform, we're really happy you enjoyed our video! Thanks for taking the time to watch and write kind words! Hope you're having a great week and until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@DarkestOfTheDarkness]

I absolutely LOVE this channel. You guys are musical hippies and explain complicated concepts simply and in an incredibly wholesome manner. Bless!

[@pupsinsbarks]

This is a great explanation! There's one example of how I like to use non-diatonic chords that doesn't quite fit into this description, which is putting a minor 1 to a major 7 to a major 1 in a song primarily in minor (i VII I). Why does this sound good? Is it planing? I'm glad that this channel showed up in my recommendations! I'm a former classical musician trying to transition into writing rock and pop, and these videos have helped me take the theory I'm already familiar with and get more comfortable applying it in this new genre. Just subscribed!

[@xcheesyxbaconx]

It sounds good because the notes all only change by a half-step, which makes the change sound smooth.

[@bandicoot5412]

Knowing theory is essential in knowing where you are, when doing spontaneous improvs, you have a road map to identify what your doing, where your going. If you write down your moves, you can analyze them. Like abstract/impressionism, the most effective are the works done by artists who can draw and paint reality, then rearrange it. Thanks for your way of conveying this.

[@hungryLIKEALI0N]

these videos are very helpful.

[@soundtrackmachine9149]

You solved my biggest problem😢😢 thank you so much.....😊

[@VincentMusolino]

Reaper *love* :-)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yeah yeah yeah!!! We've been using Reaper for about five years and absolutely love it :) By the way, what kinda music do you make?

[@VincentMusolino]

Revolution Harmony Nothing much these days. I think rearranging or covering might be more up my alley.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Ah nice, but remember, there's always original music inside you, whenever you're ready to let it out :)

[@VincentMusolino]

Funny that you should say that because I do feel that way but the tech skills aren't really there, which is why I am looking at creating with melody and/or harmony instead of technical skills. Oh, and electronic music :-)

[@HackMusicTheory]

That's awesome, Vincent, and yes, melody and harmony is all you need to make music, the technical stuff is not music, it's just technical stuff haha :)

[@rodrigolaporte274]

WOW. Awesome video. Clean, concise concepts and explained in a very understandable way. Love the 'one sentence explanation' motto. I'll try to use this concepts in my next song. You just got a new subscriber here! cheers!

[@Crashoverall]

this is amazing. very clearly explained and easy to understand

[@marodaniels4349]

Yes! Yes!! I feel a little smarter once more. I'd have to watch it a few more times to fully understand all you explained so clearly. I have always been fascinated with non diatonic chords. I knew it was necessary to have at least one of the notes in the "strange" chord being present in the song in that moment but never knew about it having a note that the same with the previous chord. That's what I understand...did I get it right?

[@dancu9271]

Thanks for the video ‼️

[@endriu55]

That chord progression with synth, bass and drums at the end was fucking amazing. Btw great channel, great content. I'm glad that I found this channel. Thanks.

[@RATSALLCAPS]

It's midnight and I don't even play paino. What am I doing with my life

[@rendrasy6025]

Your video is really easy to understand and delightful to watch

[@boomerang4507]

Da Vinci Chord !! Great Video!!!!

[@omnia_ex_nihilo]

Great lesson! Keep on doing it! I have already downloaded your book!

[@marianneyang7695]

Your music theory videos are actually easy to understand. Instantly subscribed!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Marianne! We're super happy to hear that and we're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! We publish new vids every Thursday, so we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks, until then, have a wonderful week :) Kate

[@Frst2nxt]

this video was truly awesome.

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're super happy you enjoyed our video, Peter! Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you again soon. Until then, happy music making! Kate :)

[@jsuf16]

very informative, thank you guys! Keep up the good work :)

[@KevinMarquezRocks78]

Thank you for coming to our planet to make us remember how to play music LOL... Amazing video!!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol Kevin! You've nailed it...aliens...we couldn't hope to keep it a secret for too long ;) Thanks big time for your support and kind words, we're glad to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@plantagenant]

Very interesting and informative...I'm off to experiment with some chord progressions now!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks for watching and connecting, plantagenant, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@likeanuuk6612]

that song you put together at the end was FIRE

[@DannyBoudreauMusic]

I really like your videos and how you explain things. You also make the theory aspects seem very simple and easy to understand. Thanks so much for your videos! I am a songwriter, and trying to get back into it again for my new channel. I will definitely be using what I learned here :)

[@juancarlosmedinaparra4281]

This is sooo interesting, I have problems with my theorical music skills and I think I´m going to learn a lot wih this lessons... thanks : )

[@nandalal108]

I get more out of this than courses I paid money for. Thanks for a brilliant job. Peace...

[@joelrivardguitar]

Good work. The E chord is E add9 unless you want to forbid the possibility of anyone putting a maj 3rd-G# in their voicing along with the F#. Then a Sus would work I guess.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Joel, thanks a bunch for watching and commenting, we truly appreciate it! Really sorry but I'm not sure which E chord you're referring to, as the E chord in that guy's question at 3:17 was just a triad, and the E chord in our version at 7:07 was Em (not Emaj). Please let me know, then I can reply properly. Thanks again :)

[@timothyhumphreys1231]

Dang, the one you made flowed so well you could barely even tell it was out of key! I wonder if you made it longer and put that part at the end of a part that wasn't out of key if it would be as noticeable. Say a regular chord progression like 3 times and then this as the next part. Cool stuff, thanks so much for this awesome video!

[@pringelsthegamefreak]

That was awesome!! Thank you so much for this helpful video :)

[@STaSHZILLA420]

Stumbled onto this video. I must say, this is very educational. I can't wait to see more videos. Subbed.

[@zeyy84]

4:32 nice rhyme there

[@graphicartdude]

Great video. Is there a quick and easy way to determine the overlapping diotonic chords that you mention in this video? For example, a website or tool that will show this. I play guitar and not piano. I too often want to add new chords to my songs. My biggest problem with song writing is trying to create an interesting bridge area to a song. My bridges always sound too close to the rest of the song. I'd like to venture into maybe adding new keys to help add some more interest. Thanks for any help.

[@merlinzest]

Glad i clicked on this. Such a simple concept that can be hard to understand.

[@kostaStratigos]

Excellent stuff! Very helpful.

[@frd2591]

Thank you for this vid! you made it so simple for me to absorb this.

[@noromar6246]

Super helpful, thank you so much! But when you're writing music using this technique, what rules apply to which notes can be used on a lead played over these chords?

[@RavenMadd9]

thanks Kate

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're really happy you enjoyed our video, RavenMadd9! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, we're deeply grateful to you. Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@TrevorHigbee]

Subbed!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome Trevor, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Happy New Year, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@illlanoize23]

You guys are really good

[@supernath80]

Stumbled across this video, thought it might be interesting and added it to my watch list. Finally got around to checking it out and really enjoyed it! Definitely will be subscribing to your channel :)

[@theunfinishedsongproject2458]

Wow. This channel is such a great resource!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Sooo happy you're digging our channel! Thank you kindly for taking the time to watch and connect, we are deeply grateful to you! Take care and until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

[@marverickbin]

Great. The best Ive done until now was F G Bb C and F A Dm Bb. And never wondered why it sounds well. Now I kinda now. I really would like to know how to transform harmony in feelings. I'm subscribing.

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're really happy you enjoyed our video, Jonathan! Thanks for taking the time to watch, comment and subscribe. We look forward to hearing how your songwriting comes along! On that note, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)

[@kaldilftones]

yoiu ate that wow. thank uuuu

[@Elishaton]

this channel is so great!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Ho H, you're so great for watching and for your kind words! What kind of music are you into? Kate :)

[@mksounds6326]

Great lesson. Keep rockin'. MK

[@SumanDuttaMusic]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for stopping by ALG3R! Hope this finds you happy and healthy 😄

[@happyoblap]

HOLY SHIT!, I LOOOOVE THID CHANNEL

[@PUPPETgio]

Thank you for this video! these are great.

[@mikelmugica8762]

This is heaven