No more samples: Starting my piano journey from scratch! (Episode 1)

Its time for a change... in this video I unbox the Arturia Astrolab stage piano while announcing my new commitment to learning piano while all of you guys watch. Can I do it?
Checkout the Astrolab by Arturia - l-dre.bcns.ai/AstroLab
Stream my music → ldre.bio/music
Samples/Vinyl's/Merch → prodbyldre.com
Connect with me → lofidre.komi.io
_____________________________
Get 7% off your first year of DistroKid - distrokid.com/vip/prodbyldre
Shop dope plugin deals - pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=5c5...

[@drukmusic]

as a classical pianist, the best way to learn key is by learning first scales and arpeggios with right fingers and technique, learn and practice little and easy pieces, EVERYDAY, for at least 40 minutes, and practice basic technique with thees books: hanon, Beyer beginner stuff and please, learn something about Bach (easy piece, like minuetti, sarabande). ALL THA SHI I studied when I was a beginner, made me a very good fundamental for playing piano, and the reality is that it gonna take TIME AND DAILY PRACTICE. HERE ARE SOME LINKS OF VERY USEFULL LESSON FOR PIANO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIfPd5tpnal5aLcsi=NOgYLfDCbIHKGD8_ : 7 Techniques Piano Beginners Don't Spend Enough Time On kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIunnqB3nbaimLssi=OR-gr4FT-S22bkFi : How To Learn Piano as Fast as Humanly Possible kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpnLaaOGfbGbfJIsi=a6XDiCpLOnLrE80q : What every Beginner MUST know about Piano Technique kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHyTgJR3rq17opYsi=zf2rQlIUSR_HeUY7 : 4 Classical Piano Pieces Just PERFECT For Beginners site for free sheet music if you don't want to buy books lol: imslp.org instead if you want to buy books here are some authors (which I highly recommend) buy this: -HANON (don't practice it if your hands are tired or if you are not confident about your hands technique. watch some KZbin tutorials if you need em) -BEYER (HIGLY recommended for beginners, I think the best one, I learned it when I was 7, so I am sure that you can too) -BACH (easy piece, preludi and minuetti) here instead are some advice that I would give to beginners: 1) DON'T DON'T DON'T PLEASE compare yourself to other. EVERY PIANIST know that is so important if you don't want to quit, just enjoy the process, you don't need to study 12 hours a day to become the nest ling ling 2) practice daily. IT IS SO IMPORTANT when it come to build skills and learn faster 3) don't fuck learn very hard pieces: are a waste of time. Always try to find pieces that are slightly beyond your capabilities, so you can improve a little over time. 4) DON'T STUDY ABOVE 3 HOURS A DAY. ( THIS IS A CHOPIN ADVICE, GUYS) USE WISELY YOUR TIME, don't repeat to much and always try to solve the problem when your study, and be fucking concentrate. 5) I KNOW NOT ANYONE CAN DO IT, BUT BUY A PIANO ( OR AT LEAST A KEYBOARD WITH WEIGHTED KEYS, 88 KEYS, AND SUSTAIN PEDAL 6) FIND A GOOD TEACHER IF YOU WANT, YOU WILL LEARN 10X FASTER, WITHOUT RISK TO DO DANGEROUS THINGS here I did my best to give you the best info possible, remember to enjoy the process and not overcomplicate it, with practice and time you will achieve your goal!!!! I wish you the best!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@270regeiguu]

💎💎

[@georgiependleton6475]

I'm no piano player either but for point 5, I actually acquired a Korg Triton Pro X with full 88 weighted 88 keys for only $50. Felt overwhelmed by the mass of this thing compared to other synths but this could finally be my push then...

[@harvey6413]

wow, thank you very much for this!!

[@drukmusic]

@@harvey6413 ❤️❤️

[@jacxade]

omg this is goated, king 👑

[@vinsanebeats]

Man learning the keys changed my production tremendously ! Probably the best things you could have done

[@jandarjanabel]

please, don't give up, seeing you learn keys motivates me to start doing the same :)

[@LDreTheGiant]

I shall do my best 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Sloop_Jonz_B]

I’ve been playing piano for years. Seeing you learning the keys just puts a huge smile on my face. Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to see your piano playing journey in the months to come 😊

[@LDreTheGiant]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Nkulinairehiphop]

I have started learning keys too... how long did it take you to be good

[@Sloop_Jonz_B]

@@Nkulinairehiphop tbh not sure. I was little when I started. I would say by 13 I got good…so about 5 years? Again, I was a little child, if I started as an adult maybe less time.

[@bibekpawn6175]

ok finally, m watching this series

[@LDreTheGiant]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@JJ1NE]

Open studio jazz so far has been my favorite way to learn keys. Started my journey last year.

[@playmakersmusic]

One way of remembering the pattern as WWHWWWH is to treat it as a drum pattern where W is the kick and H is the snare

[@dre7256]

THATS GENIUS WHAT THE HELLLLL

[@mattwildemusic]

I'm here for this!

[@NORBZMUSIC]

I've been saying you should do this on multiple videos - happy you are taking it seriously, it's also just an amazing stress reliever turning on the keys and just losing yourself in sonic bliss. Big YES to in person lessons on top of any youtube tutorials.

[@remyvegamedia]

That's what's up man. I started sample based and at age 26 took up keys and now I am a gigging r&b/gospel/jazz keyboardist and teacher. It completely opened up my world. Hope it does the same for you. You already have a great foundation and platform, so sky's the limit haha. I started learning independently, then soon after realized it's best to find someone who can condense the information for you in a way you understand. Scales and intervals is a good start.

[@pierfanelli684]

As a pianist and guitarist, the most important thing i can tell you to not give up is to really have a passion for it. Live for it. Practice every day. Fill up your social media with good teachers and inspiration, and listen to a lot of KEYS music you like. Also get a good teacher who you can talk to about anything music related

[@humblebeest4725]

L Dre, please don’t give up!!❤ you got this. Please don’t get discouraged when editing the videos

[@LDreTheGiant]

You know me well huh haha! Part 2 is already otw don’t worry 💯

[@Kevodabomb_Media]

I have gone through the same thing, I used to make beats with little to no understanding of the keyboard and music theory in general so I gave it up when I hit a brick wall. This year I picked up a Roland FP keyboard and have been taking lessons with a teacher since January and it feels like my brain is already flowing with new ideas and understanding. Having a dedicated piano with its own sounds helps me cut out the distractions too. Having to turn on the computer, open a DAW, plug everything was enough of a road block for me to really ever learn keys in the past.

[@Beatsnmotivation]

Dope stuff bro!! U got this!! 💪🏽 I definitely like how u tackle your goals as u break them down and giving us gems. Like not been stuck to one place you can practice anywhere. I think you have a huge point there. Great job! Keep it coming!

[@unnatjha3689]

For a beginner one of the most important yet neglected part is posture. The keys should be below your diaphragm. Use a piano stool or a chair without arm rests. Your wrist should be above the keys with a very slight downward bend. Use your fingers to press the keys and not your entire hand. This will help you play faster and better dynamically with lesser fatigue. To play loud chords instead of pressing hard simply lift up your hand and drop it into the keys.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Interesting, thanks for the tips 🙏🏾

[@unnatjha3689]

@@LDreTheGiant I hope you stay motivated, as a keys player i can assure the most important thing is consistency. Keep practicing and learning for years to come. All the best sir, 🎉

[@onekeiway]

I'm learning myself as well - I started making a DIY course in Notion, compiling all of my favorite videos thus far particularly from Open Studio Jazz, Piano Fluency, Jeff Schneider, Piano with Jonny and then making practice drills based on the videos. Curating my learning as been extremely helpful over the last year, especially as an R&B based producer 🙏🏾

[@MosesJoshua]

Hey @L.Dre, I wish you the best in your journey learning keys. I have been playing keys for many years and I can tell you it's rewarding. I am also into production and I can tell you sir, don't let the shiny new toy derail your learning plans. Learning and getting better with keys is different from checking out dope sounds and messing around with synths. You don't really need more than a Piano sound and basic 88keyz heavy weighted piano like a Yamaha P-110 to get better at keys and help your finger muscles. Looking forward to seeing you becoming a monster keyz player bro.

[@likemindsproductions225]

Man you just motivated me to start back. Been using loops and the little that I do know but I'm still limited when I'm trying to get my ideas out. Good video concept, looking forward to seeing how far you go.

[@Jefftheproducer]

This is a great series concept Dre will follow it!

[@Afkaforpresident]

I just started as well. Welcome to the journey brother! I’ll be tuning in to every episode.

[@a11pu1poj]

cool concept for a series!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@the_yungchubbz]

Good shit! Always room for growth and development! 🔥

[@drewwrobel]

honestly super excited to see your journey thru this new series ! i feel like im in a similar boat as you to where feel like i have a good grasp on the knowledge department on what stuff is for playing keys, but i definitely lack the technique/ ability to do anything with the info i have

[@trajede]

PIANOTE is awesome! A piano teacher with this online course is great too. I am not learning how to be a classical pianist but learning how to read lead sheets (chords) is the path I have chosen.

[@richtrapattonibeats]

Good luck on your journey brother, you can do it 💯

[@josephibarra570]

Bro you inspire me to cook up and continue learning. Thanks my G👊!

[@plasmaawakened4785]

Best way is to improvise to songs

[@helloworld5725]

I think the best way to learn piano is to learn with Alfred's group piano book and then meet with a piano teacher once every few days to make sue you are learning correctly. The book has taught me how to compose my own music because it teaches things like chord progressions, choosing harmonies, scales, improvising, playing well known songs, etc. You can probably even be taught by a high schoolers who is advanced and follow along with the book. Because the book teaches you everything you need to know as a beginner. We used Alfred's book in my group piano class. You can take a community college piano class. However a group class ca sometimes be so fast paced that you don't feel like you're learning anything. It depends on what else you have going on.

[@KiDAppleBorg]

This is exciting, Dre. The thing that made your journey fun to watch is seeing you climbing and stretching yourself. This is that stretch I enjoyed seeing

[@kimiuk]

yo this is sick dre! good luck on the journey - being able to play piano has been so useful : ) !!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you!

[@iamswichii]

Glad the came across the feed. JUST started learning Ableton

[@iosoundstudio]

Haha bro I love this. It's cool to see yourself put yourself out there and learn something totally different

[@WPFRSounds]

Arturia killing it with the iphone to keyboard library, dope video has me inspired!

[@ipainthouses3084]

I just subbed , cuz im in the process learning it myself too , so hopefully this serie is gonna help

[@ireneletitout]

Love this!! Because of your musical ear, you might just mess around and make something up from scratch right away good enough to release. 🙌🎹🎶

[@someguynamedlarry]

We all should respect this decision but I'm also in my mid-40s and I think the world of sampling! It's a delicate process if you do it right and don't cheat people out of their money for the time they spent creating the sample. The only thing I don't like when it comes to sampling is when people say oh I chop it up so it's unrecognizable. That's like bragging about stealing somebody's work. That part is crazy to me cuz even if you do that give the original beat maker their credit and props. Either way I'm always going to root for YOU and wish you the best!

[@Prod_Matty]

Learning with u man 👊

[@bushywhispers]

That Andrew Huang music theory video helped me a lot back in the day!

[@Marcustrh]

Micheal new KZbin channel helped me greatly but I’ve been playing rock & metal guitar in bands for year

[@ArtzzMusic0]

Broo🤗🤗 Im watching you from the start of my music journy .. now today morning i released my 1st song .. hope one day ill be like you and meet you 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@ArtzzMusic0]

😅😅😅😅

[@twoscoops2]

I did melodics for a while and it really helped me. I should go back to it because I am kind of stagnating again. I'm excited to see how you do, good luck!

[@Zakcraw4rd]

Yoooooo im about to learn too 🙌🏽

[@moodlofiliminal]

Yo! I started using piano more in my songs and let me tell you it is definitely more freeing. I can't wait to hear what you come up with! :)

[@HGCProd]

proud of you brodie 🙏🏾🔥💯

[@MicahWeston]

It's definitely time to start going crazy with that Polybrute as well bro.

[@LDreTheGiant]

10000%

[@Jah_Babylon]

i'm a grade 4 pianist and a decade with the guitar, i find it easier to teach myself guitar than piano..i asked chat gpt how to be a pro pianist and it said you need to play 2-4 hours a day..

[@dracul74]

Good luck! My .02 is that learning an instrument for performance and for composing are very different things. I'd suggest you start with composing... so learning keys, scales, rhythms, etc.. With the basics you can then record and overdub in midi and polish and fine tune however you like. I think it will get you value fairly quick.

[@Nkulinairehiphop]

I am also learning keys... don't know anything yet... this is inspiring...I will also start with learning major and minor scales first

[@chann3lth3spirit60]

Hopefully this starts a trend because hearing the same samples in multiple beats is getting super old as is hearing beats with repetitive chords where it's evident the beat makers doesn't know how to play. Looking forward to the journey 💯💯💯💯💯

[@abeahmed2581]

Yo thought Id give some advice (psych major working on their masters), Will power is a finite resource that you can work on and expand. Without getting too deep into the neuroscience there's an area of the brain called the AMCC that expands and grows the more you do things you dont want to do. Basically, the key to holding onto routines and habits is to make sure you're working on your willpower and self control by doing things you don't want to do semi regularly. It's the main reason why athletes can wake up at 5 am everyday to train the whole day if that makes sense

[@8000MilesAwayFromHome]

I purchased the Astro Lab two weeks ago and have been really enjoying it so far! It's been really nice for live shows and throwing sounds from Analogue Labs to the keboard. It definitely has some quirks and things that could be improved via firmware updates. Excited for the updates :)

[@Wicjones]

Dope concept! Good luck! Definitely learn the major and minor scales - my biggest advice, focus on technique heavily in these stages! It sets you up for success in the long run! 💪🏽🔥🙏🏽

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you!!

[@imLowKey]

You won't regret learning keys, practice slow so you can play fast! Good luck 💪🏾

[@okaykoda]

He is back!!!!!

[@TomisinAk_music]

L Dre: You guys might have to watch me struggle. Me: That's what we came here for.

[@Egyptsdad]

Let’s do it bro. I’m going to learn too. Thinking of Yamaha modx or mx88

[@RMC.]

Would love to contribute in this series 🤓

[@swanebrokendeep]

Yo bro good to see that you go back to the basics. Can you give me the link of your acoustic panels please? they looks great! thanks in advance! Swane.

[@jackybi9906]

I had to learn the 12 scales, every week one scale left and ringhi separetely and then toghether up and down! 😢

[@Marcustrh]

Sarah2ill said in person lesson with a teacher helped immensely.

[@prod.byaxis]

Excited to see where this journey goes! Also, not sure if you'd like to learn scales this way, but personally, I memorized the sharps or flats associated with each key. That way, you don't have to think about whole and half steps when trying to figure out if a note is in scale or when playing a scale.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Hmmmmm that’s a good tip

[@ChunkySq]

Yeh! making melodies from scratch

[@marcell7406]

woochia music theory video is pretty crazy

[@hermianofficial3400]

Hey L, I decided to learn how to play recently. Would love to follow along!

[@mlrdmn]

Let’s goooooo!!!!!

[@jessieurena7583]

Skills pay the bills

[@UnchartedWorlds]

Interesting, will follow 💯 I wanted to do this my self, but I'm afraid I don't have time to dedicate my self. It will be fun to follow you and see how you deal with it 😁👌

[@LDreTheGiant]

Between you and me time has already been getting in the way of this process but just 1-2 hours a week is better than nothing at all right 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@UnchartedWorlds]

@@LDreTheGiant totally agree LDre 👊

[@willusher1723]

I enjoy using Melodics to learn keys (you've most likely seen ads about it) it just takes you from a starting level to higher and higher in a hands on way. You can learn individual songs on there too for a bit extra money but I'll just learn songs off KZbin or whatever and I definitely need to do that more. It'll teach you a good bit of theory too but I need to learn it properly on the side. Melodics gives you structure whilst learning and keeps you accountable in a fun way so I'd recommend it (not an ad😂) It's easy to straight away looking up more intermediate interesting stuff, get lost and then just give up if you to it that way. Start from the beginning even if you know all the basics and work through it until you go, "Oh okay this is new". Pretend you know NOTHING! Excited to see journey and I'm on it too. Good luck L.Dre! 🎹

[@ellxsound]

5:24 moment is the best

[@lilsaintdenzel]

🙌🙌

[@ChrisArtsTube]

Fuck yea Man! I should Do the same! I do everything on midi grid, so I know my notes and theory, but there is no soul or humanization in the midi. and automating and velocity setting takes sooooo long. Time to finally learn Piano. 💪

[@LDreTheGiant]

I feel that! Let’s get it !!

[@busyworksbeats]

Try my chord codes system, it will accelerate your chords by a factor of 10X

[@creativedwill]

I am starting my Journey as well!! Yo what camera are you using? I like how it is following you!

[@Rennny-loves]

I think you should start from learning beginner notations and after learning a little bit of notations and playing it you should to play chords afterwards and you should learn where the fingers should be while playing major scales

[@LDreTheGiant]

Googles “what are notations”

[@ReyhanJoseph]

didn't watch Dre in a minute dope beard bro lol

[@JACK-OMARI]

I need to get that keyboard, im too dependant on samples lol, I use tracklib and chop soul, maybe I can add synth layers on top of my samples too

[@HULK373]

Holding you accountable is holding me accountable, I'm on this journey with you. I've got the same problem. As Prince use to say LETS WORK! Have a great day my brother!😎

[@learlawliet6197]

YYYYYYYEEEERRRRRRRR ❤❤❤❤

[@LDreTheGiant]

💯💯

[@LXNDRU]

Professor Servida will show you some discipline.

[@prodbyblackxneck]

Essentially your goal is learning music theory or the music language and you’re using the keyboard (instrument) as a physical tool to do that. 1) all that scale and chord option stuff in the controller won’t help at this point. 2) writing down what you learn will be a big help. Like playing all the major scales and then away from the keyboard do the same thing but write out all the note names. Then you have the knowledge and the keyboard isn’t a crutch.

[@madd2377]

Where are you bro we need episode 2 dont give up

[@LDreTheGiant]

It’s dropping Wednesday just took a lot longer to put together!

[@madd2377]

@@LDreTheGiant Nice! Will be tuning in. Thanks for answering

[@1of1RafInstinct]

Been subscribed to your channel for years, before I even started doing producing music. I learned how to play keys in college and am still practicing to this day. If my advice is worth anything, check out James Bastien's "The Older Beginner Piano Course: Level 1" book. My professor used his books to structure her curriculum for all her levels of piano students because they teach practical foundational music theory without being overwhelming. The book is organized by terminology and techniques, and has songs that you can use to practice the lesson plan for each specific chapter before progressing to the next. Best of luck, homie.

[@LDreTheGiant]

A book might be a nice change of pace actually thanks!

[@nathanaeljames3059]

Look up basic beginner stuff just so you get a good start, and then just start transcribing stuff. This will do so much more for you in the long run

[@sweetsteez]

my boy got a free

[@SIKKYBEATS]

finally found his password to login. welcome back bud!

[@ScottSquires]

The book Adult Piano Adventures is good to cover piano from basic s to playing.

[@ernestm8884]

man I want one>>>> and an AKAI MPK 37

[@Destinnemusic]

I always thought that using samples was "cheating", so I never did. I just used guitar and piano for my melody and solos. Keep up the great work, L Dre!

[@woogaoogaboogafooga]

Calling It cheating because you don't know how to properly use a sample disrespects the great producers who have done It and probably have inspired your music in the first place.

[@LDreTheGiant]

To be fair I’ve gotten hundreds of millions of streams using samples so 🤷🏽‍♂️ But I am going on this journey to not have to rely on them

[@Destinnemusic]

@@LDreTheGiant and @woogaoogaboogafooga Y'all are both right so... I don't know to be honest Imma just keep on doing what I'm doing.

[@Destinnemusic]

Btw, thanks for the feedback

[@mudimstrmind]

@@Destinnemusic it takes ear that learning instruments does not give as fast and a completely different skill set and tools I used to think it was cheating that’s why I started leaning guitar piano drums and bass but it’s definitely just a preference don’t be a purist man it will hold u back❤

[@prod.byPatrickRdot]

let me teach you piano! 🙏😭

[@ConspiracyWoW]

chord progressions

[@JuanDiego-hu9bd]

You should learn music theory instead of playing "keys". Being a producer involves a lot of composition and theory is the right way to start. Learn circle of fifth, scales, harmony, etc. Good look in this journey

[@Vesswall]

Dawg, why not just support his journey?! Lol there's no should or should not Everyone has their own journey and process

[@bodhibeats8257]

The keyboard is the single best tool we have for leaning music theory.

[@JuliusJones182]

i actually made a promise to myself that i wouldnt sample at all for the full year bro! just utilizing my own ear and making things that are raw and form scratch!

[@BedroomLofiMusic]

W ldre

[@LDreTheGiant]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@sound_soup]

based

[@PeanutButterAM]

Excited about the cheat code (scale mode) when you’re wanting to learn music theory. 😂 Not a good start.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Look I haven’t used it since okay lol

[@PeanutButterAM]

@@LDreTheGiant 😂 we’re all watching…😑😂

[@lb2235]

dope! but my g, cop a full size keyboard with fully weighted keys.. trust!

[@ellxsound]

L Dre, if you need lessons hit me up! I got you

[@kog.soundz]

How about get sponsored by Melodics? Sarah did it

[@TaRiqTheVisionary]

About time 🔥

[@dannyboycinco]

bruv... is that a Google Nest slapped on to a MIDI controller?...

[@dannyboycinco]

honestly... i'm not even mad... after seeing the integration with being able to find presets with your phone, that is SICK!