Music Theory For Producers (This Is All You Need)

[@iUsedToBeAMusician]

Man just turned a what's usually learned through a month long subscription course into a single video.

[@CompleteProducer]

woohoo! happy to hear that

[@MFBEY_]

It's has always been simple. A lot of things are made difficult to control its industry. Cough.. Cough.. Made in part by church/state

[@mortezadana7292]

You said it bro

[@NoSaysJo]

lmao touch grass kid ​@@MFBEY_

[@roffeberf]

This is really explained well and indeed in just half an hour. It gives confidence that this is learnable if you don't know it yet and that's great.

[@ashavari]

THE MOON EMOJIS TO EXPLAIN WHOLE STEPS & HALF STEPS IS GENIUS OH MY GOSH

[@CompleteProducer]

hahahaha THANK YOU

[@Sigmos]

genius it just sets in my brain

[@Coktar]

I just f*kin love this kind of videos. Straight to the point, clear explanation and minimum interruptions. If you didn't understand, you pause the video, go back and watch it again. No going around the same thing over and over again wasting people's time. I'm totally subscribing. Thank you!

[@CompleteProducer]

thank you!!

[@DonnieDoinkoGo]

Honestly, man. I was a music major in college over 25 years ago. 2 years of theory under my belt, 2 years of ear training, some conducting and a few other things. I was mainly a woodwind player. Clarinet was my primary instrument. In my peak days I was 1st chair, concert master, solo's, yada yada and so on, but life happens and it took me in a different direction. I went into computer tech / software as a backup. I've missed music for so long and I'm about to finally start getting back into it again with synths and music production in Ableton. Mostly as a hobby with no expectations and purely for the enjoyment of it. You've helped me to reignite a spark I had for over half my life (from age 12 to 30) that I had to give up for a while. I just want to say I appreciate your passion for music. It's really is inspiring...and honestly, you teach theory better than some college professors that I've had, lol. Thank you for what you do and keep up the amazing work.

[@CompleteProducer]

wow thanks for telling your story, and thank you for you encouragement! it means a lot to me

[@RoshanSingh-kj4fy]

Great

[@RagGerRock888]

Beatles knew no theory, Dylan can’t sing. Either you got it or not. You are playing different music that most don’t play in an orchestra. Woodwinds??? Lol

[@DonnieDoinkoGo]

@@RagGerRock888 Yeah, woodwinds. Did you have a point?

[@DJTimeLock]

@@RagGerRock888 and what did you achieve in life? Bitching to someone else on the internet?

[@tevlogs5234]

This guy was meant to teach! He has a great way of providing clarity of concepts that so many people make difficult to understand. Keep doing ya thing Ethan. You are helping so many people!

[@CompleteProducer]

wow thank you so much!

[@1JUDAH]

Is true

[@ms.onecleanwater5886]

@@CompleteProducer kzbin.infojOzd8QLkmDs?si=cdrOu8IZdzaK_tip

[@purplelabrekordz4979]

Facts 💯

[@schooltime2k]

Just think I spent 2 years at Full Sail and 30k worth of student loan debt, could've learned it in 30 mins on KZbin. Sheesh!! U made it simple my man. 2 thumbs up

[@CompleteProducer]

thank you! and im sorry you spent so much money!

[@emceept1011]

right... I spent $1000 with intense piano lessons for about a year and I STILL learned much more from this 30 min video....!!

[@Perfumery_by_Sabin]

Crazy. I’m gonna have to dive deeper with a keyboard in front of me. I’m a trombone and guitar player at heart

[@816to305]

For everyone confused, try to pay to more attention to the concepts discussed before you get completely lost. With more study and practice, I am revisiting this video 2 months later. It makes a lot more sense. It will make even more sense in two more months

[@M64sounds]

Dude, you've taught me more in 3 videos about music and life than I've learned on youtube in the past 5 years of producing music. Cheat codes bruh 😂

[@CompleteProducer]

thank you!!!

[@kberlinquette]

Why can't there be more people like you who are straight to the point and make something that most find complicated and turn it into something simplistic for anyone to understand. I think some "teachers" are actually gatekeeping. Gatekeeping- pretending to share information with others in order to look more important than you really are because you lack self confidence and do not find joy in helping others especially if they surpass you.

[@CompleteProducer]

im happy to help!

[@kberlinquette]

@@CompleteProducer 100%

[@buyanaab6861]

If you want to go deeper, those information rules

[@JM-ev3ij]

Yes!

[@mohabstudios]

Summary : Major scale : whole whole half whole whole whole 🌕🌕🌓🌕🌕🌕 ------------------------ Minor scale : whole half whole whole half whole 🌕🌓🌕🌕🌓🌕 ------------------------- Major chord : 4-3 Minor chord : 3-4

[@NovoRodnas]

This is simply one of the best videos on music theory. No distractions, straight to the point and very clearly so. And a very cool and chill guy. Thank you!

[@cosmoheis8909]

I just had a million "woah" moments in this one video I feel like I have such a better grasp on how to make my own music. Thank you so much!!!

[@CompleteProducer]

wow! yesssss love to hear that

[@doriebradley5012]

You have no idea how profound your videos are. I'm 63 yrs old, have been a house music lover since my well-known Chicago DJ son introduced it to me 15 yrs ago. I was a piano player, reading classical music at age 5. But I never learned theory. I am also an avid dancer to House. I see "shapes" as I dance. Your videos teaching Ableton help me dissect songs electronically, as opposed to genre (Which is almost mute). Thank you for your knowledge. You're helping me grow.

[@overflowbeats6965]

The first 7 minutes of your video did what no other resource gave me for a long time. You gave me the tool, not the theory. OMG. It all makes sense.

[@BoyNotHomeMusic]

shoutout this guy fr. I’ve slightly understood music theory my whole career so far, at least enough to get by. I rewatched the first 10 minutes about 5 times and I can confidently say I think I’m starting to understand this fully.

[@Adventuresofwildcamping]

I've just bought my daughter her first keyboard, she's only 4 yrs old but it has forced me to have to learn so I can teach her. Your channel is perfect for this. I've never played any instrument at all. So glad I found your channel, thank you, subbed and liked video

[@NathansWorkshop]

90% of teaching well is not underestimating your student's ability to understand material, and finding the correct memory cues to keep them engaged. This video was fantastic. I've been considering taking up piano and what you did in the first twenty minutes of this video convinced me that I can actually have a blast doing this. Thank you!

[@truthhammer4451]

You are a great teacher. Taking the complex and making it simple. Your humility and encouragement turn heart songs into real songs and from my songs into their songs. Bless ya bro.

[@AttacktheBass11]

I don't know why I started to cry after watching this. With hdhd I never had a chance to understand it, but this video really laid it out in a manner that had me glued to the screen. I appreciate you man.

[@smartbeatzofficial1573]

i have struggled with chords and you just showed me in 28 min, what i need to know. watched the video over and over again as i enjoyed the simplicity of your teaching.

[@onyx_mango]

the feeling of everything finally making sense is so so so rewarding thank you so, so so sooo much. really, you're helping so much and so many people. genuinely thank you

[@divize222]

I have tried to understand these terms; something scary and funny yesterday I was going over my theory book! And nothing better than Ethan connecting the dots on my brain. Hands down best teacher

[@CompleteProducer]

thank you!! happy to help

[@markdecember5870]

I'm so stupid that I couldn't remember the scales, but after this video when I making a melody I see a picture and hear Ethan's voice saying minor whole half whole, whole half whole, he's a magician

[@charlet8422]

How you simplified the word we tend to fear ...THEORY! Thanks for helping me to understand!!

[@AvalonsChannelva]

@@CompleteProducer😢🎉 is going on 😢😢🎉 fmija

[@LegendaryDale2001]

Thank you for releasing this as a free and easy to understand video. You are doing a great service for the music community!

[@cmp1097]

Dude. I have been wanting to learn music for so long and it’s always been super intimidating to me. You’ve made it actually approachable with your videos and I’m learning and applying A LOT, much faster than I ever thought I could. Thank you for everything you do.

[@cambipb1427]

I leaned more on this 30- minute video than in 7 years of piano lessons and 2 years of band. So many songs I know just rushed into my head. It’s like breaking a code. Excellent! PB

[@54d-f2x]

I stop playing the piano some years ago because i didnt find it amusing anymore but when i was finishing the video i felt the necessity to play again thanks to your really nice and playful way of explaining things. Thank you for such a good tutorial!

[@russellwiitala9733]

That was an amazing lesson. A year and a half into playing by ear now, it’s time to stop trying to create chords on my own. These tips are really going to come in handy for stepping up my game. I had a couple of ideas in mind just watching this. I do read music, slowly, my mom was a piano teacher so I learned some through osmosis. But the number system is a new one to me. Thank you.

[@kayekeo]

I have recently started production and I must say this video is PERFECT. Simple, and doesn't overdue the inform. Keep up the great work

[@eanigma1142]

It has been 15 years since I last played the piano. I was self-taught, knew the basics and was teaching myself to read music. but circumstances did not allow me to continue my 3-year adventure. now I am in my 30's all I think is music and my passion is still there. This video has reminded me so much and I am ready to go and produce and play my favourite songs. Thank you.

[@laurentdossou8470]

You are the GOAT! Love your teachings

[@Zuni_Tv]

I've watched many KZbin tutorials for piano, but this one tops them all. I was self taught and learned cords and progression through ear/what felt right for my hands. I also used 2-3 and 3-2 as my guide for chords, the numbers being how many keys are between each played note. A minor chord is 2-3 and a major chord is 3-2. Helps for people who see numbers better than letters.

[@FedorLemon2021]

This is actually a good video to learn piano! I finally started to study the music theory when I moved to Argentina and found a very good music teacher, and one of the things I missed out is the right step notes on full octave. I am glad to know that theory rule and I will now have an easier lesson now. Thank you so much 🔥🔥🔥

[@816to305]

This is amazing! I took beginner piano class. We spent most of the semester learning what you showed in the first 10 minutes of this video. This is a great refresher to pick back up.

[@gangreen.toenails]

Not even halfway through this video and I already feel like I can finally grasp this concept! Thank you so much.

[@CompleteProducer]

I'm so glad!

[@tyronelowe7090]

That's a lot of lessons packed into one video. Amazing to see how everything you do is making so much beautiful sounds.....I have to get back to learning now that your teaching skills have inspired me.

[@Ch0p-69]

Thanks for keeping it real. Alot of youtube producers these days are making videos about how you don't need to know music theory at all for making beats, then the first thing they do is pick a key and scale, write some chords, talk about why they pick the chords they pick and use terms like tension and release etc. And im like...bruh thats music theory 😂

[@maryanne2025]

26:00 Wow that major 6th make so much of a difference giving it that otherworldly space

[@Handsome_Skaty]

Thank you.. SO MUCH!!! I have really big dreams of becoming a music artist.. and I have a keyboard in my room that I don't use much because I never understood music theory. You explained it to me easily and clearly. Again, thank you!!

[@-Hann]

such a clear and concise way of explaining it… thank you! 🙏🏻

[@NoblewomenPrincess-i6i]

I have just started to learn keyboard 🎹 you save me from wasting my whole life on an necessarily information. This is game changer. Thank you very much. It is supper and easier 🎉🎉🎉

[@mykolas566]

This is one of the most well presented basics courses I have ever seen, I have sent this to all of my friends learning music theory and piano, even ones that know it already so maybe it can help them teach it better to others.

[@johnniej2914]

I like the video. He doesn’t clam to be a know all of music, but rather given anyone from any level to add to their toolbox. A true musician always is learning tricks and taking what they learn, stole, heard, etc to progress. In all its a cool lil video. Folks pay good money for a lot less stuff in life. So good video bro👍🏾

[@ATalien999]

For any future viewers looking at this comment. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO, ITS WORTH IT!!! I’m a real person expressing a real appreciation for this video 😂.👍🏾👍🏾

[@Heisenberg-FG]

True musician and very kind man :)

[@Veg4]

Dude, WTF. Chord progression... I am playing piano since I was 6 years old, never understood this so easily. Props!

[@CompleteProducer]

wow!

[@Starkillers]

Hey Ethan, I've always struggled with music theory. I've always gone by ear never knowing anything. You've broken this down so simply, I finally get it. You're right, it doesn't take you very long at all. Thanks for the explanation - keep making music! It's a lifelong thing

[@MrSlikvee]

Outstanding! Where were you when I was “trying” to learn music theory many years ago. If I was still a working musician/ composer, I’d jump all over this course!!

[@luckyman4life]

I've just found this video and the only thing i wanted to do after watching it was saying "thank you, man!!" You really know how to explain a mostly complex topic in a non-complex way. Really really, thank you!

[@donavelibeats6902]

The way you teach is out of this world. Appreciate you

[@BrodyClem]

Im new to music producing and my friend tryed to teach me music theory because he said i matterd but i did not think so but after watching this a couple times my beats sound so much better

[@bugliker1]

I just wanted to drop a comment and say thank you SO MUCH!! I've been trying to make edm music for pretty much years now but only ever did sound design and then stop there because I never was able to write music well enough due to never having any background in music. Any guides I found felt too confusing, didn't explain enough, or explained with the assumption the person already knows all the terminology, so I often felt easily discouraged and hopeless. The way you explained things made it so much easier for my beginner brain to comprehend and the examples along with the visuals were also exactly what I needed to visualize what these words mean and what to look for when creating and learning. Also appreciate the explanation of terminology without sounding patronizing. No jokes or skipping over anything, just concise and informative. Exactly what I was looking for. Hopefully after watching this and practicing more I'll get the hang of it thanks to you! Earned my sub!

[@teamart7541]

How is it going?

[@EtheRenard]

That's a great video! I think it's important to mention that the major chord is root - 4 half tones - 3 half tones. Same for minor scale : root - 3 half tones - 4 half tones. A chord with C, E and G is named C major, because it C is the root, and it's major because the difference of half tones are 4 then 3. It's a little thing that I didn't understand for quite long, so I wanted to put it there! Back in the days, my only source of information was a guitarist and he was like "I don't know, it's just a C chord, and you play it like this". I never had a proper explanation before David Bennett and Andrew Huang, so it was difficult to understand why things work and other don't xD

[@ianh3385]

A diminished chord is 3 half tones, then 3 half tones as well!

[@Ravasakii]

love it! I feel like many KZbinrs gatekeep and make as many videos as possible but you just teached the most essential and I love it

[@dibakarupadhyay]

Ethan, I have been writing music since 6 years now, and I was so afraid to start recording on my own (I usually collaborate with music producers) but somewhere along that line I was unable to create the exact sound that I was looking for. After 6 months of getting a home studio setup, I was finally able to start recording things on my own, so thank you so much! You have given me a great gift and I am looking forward to learn more!

[@johnjosy3605]

This was super helpful! I’ve always thought chord numbers (Nashville number system) is another way to say C Maj D Minor etc but never thought it was this useful! Thank you for this! 🔥🎧

[@urphakeandgey6308]

I already know music theory, but that thumbnail had me sold. Inb4 "it's just a major chord." True, but it's 1-3-5. Once you learn that and pair it with a key signsture, you've learned how to make chord progressions in every key.

[@damiel420]

Bro, I don't even speak English, I understand very little but your video has been one of the best I've seen in explanation, congratulations you gained a new subscriber and the truth is that it helped me a lot

[@JondyGems]

Happy to report that i didnt even expect i would learn today playing on the piano! Thanks to you i can now understand all chord names (not sus yet tho) and i can confirm that this works for teenagers as well!

[@UltraBebo]

I understood so much just from 1 viewing. You’re a great teacher. I will be watching this a few more times.

[@James_Malek]

This is the second video I’m watching, and I have to say you do VERY well at making it educational, interesting, and entertaining.

[@Arouth249]

You knocked it out of the park with this one! I’m getting that tutorial after this

[@J-a-c-k-0]

Fantastic tutorial for a complete novice, in my 30's! I have subscribed, saved and will be learning alot more from you. Many thanks for sharing

[@tlatolcalli682]

I think music theory was thaught like that because the people composing had very different goals than we do

[@Ryanez93]

Agreed

[@mrfreshefela]

Thank Very much Ethan iv always thought its My brain ,but no its just that people iv been learning from wa not explaining well exactly easy how you teach ,you a great teacher Thank you Ethan.

[@Gusthecatinlondon]

This is an absolutely sublime video. Im on holiday in Marrakech sitting on a terrace with an old piano. Perfect time to learn and practice.

[@dj0082008]

OMG!!!! The light just came on. I have been a disc jockey for years could not play mary had a little lamb, however I have thousands of songs in my memory, could not tell you what key... The Nashville numbering system is what pulled everything in focus.... now I know what they mean, now I know what a chord progression is. Thank YOu !!!

[@SupiSuki]

No bullshit, straight to the point, you taught me more than school could ever in years in 28 minutes, you are a godsend, you deserve more subs, thanks alot

[@CompleteProducer]

thank you!

[@Raider-xg2ub]

Been tryna understand this for since I was 10 and you finally connected the dots. Thank you sir

[@Rivalunknown]

I honestly wish I could triple like this video. This is literally my first day learning (coming from your Ableton tutorial) as I know how important music theory will be if I want to go anywhere using Ableton. Everything was clear and concise. I am writing notes and repeating a few parts but your video was by far the easiest to understand and wrap my head around. A great introduction.

[@OMDAT]

Hey man just got my first keyboard and I've watched this video twice, on my third now to freshen some things up. So immensely helpful, thanks a lot

[@ericktucker1983]

I was taught it’s sharp because you’re traveling from left to right on the piano and considered flat when you’re traveling from right to left so it indicates direction of scale

[@adamsunderland0823]

This video was a good refresher for 2nds and augmented chords. That's really where the sound I'm looking for lies.

[@KTxAshy]

Thank you for this video. Whenever friends or acquaintances ask me to teach them piano, this is what I usually try to teach or ask them to learn first. Usually, they just want to learn to play a specific song immediately when they can do with the basics first and they can play whatever they want after. Next time someone asks me to teach them, I will just share this video.

[@CompleteProducer]

happy to help! thank you!

[@stantonattree1251]

This is inspiring. You’re a good teacher, Ethan - that’s not an easy thing. I shall be checking out your other content.

[@bmh770]

I'm just a hobbyist music producer at home creating a kind of uk hiphop/grime sound, this is gonna help me so much, I'm just gonna make this video my new go to watch until I actually understand it.. I'm definitely subbing this channel mate

[@Ash808s]

I first got into music when I was 12(I am turning 21 next month), I started with a guitar and I was always told that I had a natural thing for it. I didnt know any notes but I was able to make good sounding plays just messing around on my guitar or on the class piano. I eventually learned the basic notes but thats pretty much it, Ive been able to make music with basic knowledge and just listening by ear. I tried to wrap my head around music theory for the past 2 years since I started producing but I havent been able to do so until I found this video. You just explained this, what I thought was complicated theory in a way to make it so easy. I just took notes on my journal and will read it over and over. Ive watched many videos about music theory and some were ok but this is hands down the best video on music theory. Thank you good sir!!

[@Bqueece]

I’ve been wanting to learn how to make beats and produce music and music theory seemed so confusing so I avoided it but after watching this and taking notes I feel like I can understand sooo much more

[@kinooo___]

Thank you, you have penetrated my shape-minded guitar brain.

[@A54Tography]

Bro, thank you for helping me understand the whole chord thingie. Basically I was making music without knowing any of this, so I've been sampling from other songs and remaking them myself in a kind of similar way but different. I feel like now that I know this, I can make my own music without sampling from other songs. Thank you

[@joaocardoletto]

Spectacular video. I know nothing about music theory, but random tunes keep appearing in my mind. This class encourages me to start doing something about it. Thanks.

[@BIGBALDYBEAUTIFUL]

BIG FAN ETHAN. YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER AND WONDERFUL SINGER! DON'T BE AFRAID TO THROW A LITTLE SHOW TUNES LOVE TO HEAR YOUR VOICE CONSIDERING I WATCHED THE ENTIRE THING START TO FINISH! YOU GOT A REAL TALENT MAN AND ARE AMAZING AT MAKING PEOPLE MAKE MUSIC!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND BBB APPROVED 💪💪💪💪

[@aaronhershberger2456]

This is the best and easiest video I’ve found on explaining music theory and the Nashville number system! Thank you very much!

[@Markspencer7808]

You just made something that's felt extremely complicated now seem attainable.

[@Micrologic404]

You just brought me to learn the basics in one video where at the same place school needed more the two lessons, a huge thanks man😅

[@RayanAbouDargham-ov3be]

GUYS THIS IS A GEM, I highly recommend this video, honestly.. my music teacher could never 😂😂😂 Plus dear Ethan.. your vocals are amazing, you should be more known. Definitely subscribed 🫂🫂

[@mikejones3805]

The way you teach is the best i have seen so far. Idk if it’s just your process or how your videos are edited or both but it works great for me. Thanks!

[@CompleteProducer]

awe thank you!

[@Jparadoxko]

Just WOW!!! Hands down one of the best teaching on YT!

[@KifferKlatsch]

this is EXACTLY what i needed! i always "sucked" at making music, i tried learning the guitar but i have regular hands instead of the mangled ones you need so recently i started playing with fl studio again and now i can just "calculate" things thanks to you. i cant WAIT (for 6 months or so?) until ai does this for me.

[@toast1ngton]

literally nobody wants to listen to ai generated music

[@RobbieRobero]

You teaching abilities are special. Also that all of me snippet was fire. You took out the buttery voice for a sec!

[@omaraboubakr7965]

Amazing video. This is the first time in my life ever writing a comment on youtube. You've earned it.

[@CompleteProducer]

im honored, thank you!

[@ScoopyDoopy-b2j]

Mr. Ethan…you are appreciated ( dear mama ) Naw, jokes aside, thank you for this…I’ve made music but always wanted to learn the piano; this teaching gives me confidence that I can, even being almost 50, thank you sir and GOD bless!!

[@alecchirinos]

What a great way to summarize , connect, and make some sense out of what initially seems so complex.

[@hersh_yt]

after searching so many video, this was the only one that truly educated me as a producer, thank you man

[@youtuup]

Well I lost you at the major minor chords.. I'll be watching this a couple of times.. Up to the beginning.... 😊

[@lillon6083]

I lost him. at the cord progression lol that b minor he's moving the 5th half scale upward instead of the 3rd scale half step down. as he mentioned earlier pls help lollll

[@marmars3810]

Im lost too☠️

[@lillon6083]

@@marmars3810 yoo I actually figured out an easier way both I still find it hard to grasp breaking the rules to make a minor or major just count 4 notes from the root note then count up 3. then for minor count up 3 then 4

[@trulsbrennmon5425]

My god. I usually don't comment much, but i have to say: what an amazing video!!. You are awesome man. This video contains material that people pay a lot of money for and use a lot of time to learn. You are awesome, and i think i speak on behalf of everyone who's watched this video when i say: thank you so much for this, you made it all so easy to understand🙌 I'll go write some music now with all this new information 👍

[@enquiryb8261]

Very impressive. I didn't furrow my brow once. So clearly explained and it took me right along. Instant sub.

[@joudy_73.29]

My brain is blown up by all these information, I assume I will watch this again to be able to absorb all of the info. I'm really amazed by this music theory that you explained simply - thank you, and I realized that it's not just some random keys playing here and there, they have to have some patterns! Thanks a lot :)) !

[@JoeMamaBesser]

Excellent lesson. Truly the cornerstone of song writing and music production. Nice job.

[@g3dmusicgroup26]

Bro I’ve been producing for a while now and always felt like I hit a wall with my beats but never quite put a finger on it til now and this video really helped me figure out what I was missing 💯💯💯🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 ty I appreciate you

[@Kontorgh_art]

So amazing. Well done 🙏🏾