How to use music theory to actually write music!

[@HarleyCampbell79]

This guy has to be the best teacher on KZbin. Right. This is coming from a Metal guy. He turns on the light bulbs .

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Hey thanks!

[@JesusOfPaign]

facts. his stuff in chords/scales/CAGED made so much more sense to me than anything I’d seen before.

[@soulsandwich4784]

Totally, it's because of his lessons I got a lot better at playing guitar.

[@brianyoung3092]

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[@bolillo5013]

Just found him and absolutely agree (I’m a metalhead too btw lol)

[@ikigai47]

Scott's my friend that only stops by once a year but when he does he always brings the best gifts

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Hehe. Thats really nice. You know, you could hang out more often if you want to come to my house: www.patreon.com/scottpauljohnson I do a weekly stream like this where I tackle all questions from Patrons.

[@michaelknight4041]

The worst vice is advice but here's mine to those folks who are new to playing music. Just keep it simple. Thats it really. Especially when you're just starting out. I read a lot of guitar magazines and such when i was in the early stages of playing guitar and there was always someone talking about how awesome some exotic scale was or how some piece of music was breaking some musical "rule". I used to think i had to play something crazily complex to be "good" but the best way to sound like you know what you're doing is to follow the "rules" of the road. If someone is playing a progression that youre having trouble improvising over, for example, take some time to study it. Is it a model progression? In other words is it actually not in the key you think it is but written in a mode? Find out, and use the proper mode. The chords D C and G that are used in so many songs are an example of a model progression. It is not the key of D major. It is actually D mixolydian or another way to think of that is using the G major scale with D as the tonal center. If you have a looper play those chords and then solo in G major over them. Compare this to D major. You'll hear the difference. Know thy instrument. Know thy progression. Keep it simple. Oh and have fun!

[@lurt7637]

never seen anything like this my whole life. like the quality of this channel is unmatched in so many different levels… not just in music theory category; never in my online presence, being connected to internet, I felt an online platform being used this efficiently and professionally. This guy made me comment for the first time in ages and really take a patreon promotion seriously. I am so in awe

[@shubhamannamwar2857]

Absolute light-bulb teacher. You have the gift of teaching and I’ve never seen anybody explain stuff so simply and clearly. Thank you so much for everything and please keep going!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thanks! I started teaching when I was 14 and never really stopped. I definitely wasn't a good teacher when I started. I had to practice

[@Rogersthat]

👏👏👏 Can we please give this man a round of applause. This was THEE best live stream of any topic ive ever seen. Hands down. I was very much impressed with how smoothly you were able to transition through scenes while juggling instruments, changing camera angles, activating screensharing and magically adding graphics on screen for the audience. With no assistance, all on your own, never batting an eye or missing a beat. Your execution and delivery of the lesson were on point and I was fully engaged the entire time. Plus, your relaxed demeanor made it easier to digest the information you were sharing and I appreciate that you focused on the important key points you wanted us to walk away with and didn't get too hungup or distracted by commenters or perfecting the song too much. Thank you! 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2 thumbs up 👍👍 Keep up the great work.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you! I’ll do more of these for sure

[@iggykarpov]

8:10 Choose progression I ii V vi in D D Emin A Bmin 9:37 Strumming pattern 9:53 Reductive method 13:30 A little philosophy, but staying out of the weeds 😂 13:51 Playing alone vs playing with others 15:52 Scott's philosophy about learning guitar and music in general: get to the point where you can compose music ASAP!👍 16:45 Endless entertainment 😂 18:12 Play chord tone patterns over strummed chords 19:27 D major 20:10 E minor 23:42 When you have a band to support you, you don't have to play everything. 24:48 Adding a bass part - accent root and fifth 26:11 Yeah, this guitar (bass) IS missing two strings 😂 30:08 Replace cowboy chords with higher voicings 39:55 SECTION 2 GOALS: 1. Add upper extensions 2. Come up with chorus chord progression 45:15 Be a tinkerer

[@joemarek9690]

The best guitar teacher I’ve ever had. Easily the most digestible way to learn. The Patreon is 100% worth every penny. I can learn a little bit, play around with what I learned for awhile and when I get bored of that, I can then go back and learn more!

[@cormacks7036]

Ive been learning instruments since i was in middle school, im now in college, but ive never had an in depth explanation like this before. Sometimes its embarrassing to ask basic questions like "whats the difference between a key and a scale" because when it comes to writing, a lot of people just expect you to know some fundamentals. I'm only 20 minutes into the video but i have the biggest smile on my face because you teach these concepts in an incredibly down-to-earth, easy to understand, and nonjudgemental way. I've been trying to learn theory for the past few months, but learning piece by piece from different parts of the internet is so difficult when you dont know how to put it all together. So thank you for this amazing video! You're making me excited about writing, which was always intimidating before! Never lose the fun in music!

[@markfletcher4579]

I have been a patron of Scott for almost two years now and I can tell you I have grown exponentially as a guitar player.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Hi Mark! Thanks again for sharing your latest music writings

[@dennismeyers2008]

The art teaching is not lost with you. This is fascinating!

[@mylestheman]

Your streaming setup is unbeliveably efficient and well put together. The cameras are all at the perfect angle, you can seamlessly transition between scenes, and the guitar visualizer is amazing as well. Major props!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you!

[@fredrodnick2881]

For years I've needed someone to tie together the loose ends for me. I've just started watching the video ,but I am excited about learning the whole process.

[@Homie3794]

Whenever someone wants beginner tips and pointers to guitar theory and scales, I recommend your videos. When I started playing guitar about 5 years ago I miraculously stumbled upon your channel. Tremendous help and I owe a decent portion of my guitar success to you. Glad to see you’re still educating.

[@benderemer7518]

Love your approach. Extremely accessible without the overly hyped used car salesman schtick by other KZbin producer/recording/gear reviewers. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@AJ-ct3eb]

Literally the most helpful music theory video that I have ever seen in the past 5 years of being mostly self taught wanting to learn how to create music rather than playing other people’s music so thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Hey Thanks!

[@burttoast3569]

man, you do the best representations of these ideas. thank you!

[@KenrickLeiba]

This is just amazing. The problem with most music theory videos is they have no connection to practice. I love how this ties everything together. If feel like if I want to learn more complicated theory I could use this as a leaping off point while already having enough to mess around with. Thank you so much.

[@shanesullivan3480]

There isn’t another teacher in this whole world, who has taught me as much as you. Its like i plateau on guitar, then you just show up to save the day with your wisdom. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Wow thanks. I really appreciate that

[@g_young_h]

@@ScottPaulJohnsonplease do more of these! I’m learning Banjo but I come to you still for content like this.

[@7Dev.]

I am a programmer, I dont even want to think about the nightmare it probably was to make that software and setup. Really cool and educational 10/10 this is quality content

[@edgenovese]

Such an easy going lesson. Simple performances that are clear. Your calm demeanor makes this almost relaxing. I've seen many "beginning" theory videos and this is the best yet. Your graphics are not complicated and easy to comprehend. Great job

[@ellilye]

I’m a songwriter who has so much trouble grasping the rest of the process. this video is awesome and extremely digestible! thank you

[@ericasbury4501]

I’ve played for 18 years and I would say I can play along with some pretty difficult stuff. I never learned theory and always just kind of copied what others did. This video just made so many things make sense that I somehow missed along the way. Thanks man, I would buy you a beer if I could!

[@jbo-2794]

I've never seen the diagram you used for the D major scale, I've always seen scales written linearly. The diagram was very helpful. I knew that in a major key the ii & iii are minor chords and the IV & V are majors, but the diagram made it easy to see which notes made up those chords: Start at the root and use every other note. Thank you for creating this lesson, I learned a lot from it.

[@JacobSalamon]

I’d love a Scott Paul Johnson tutorial on how he produced this incredible livestream! The camera switching, magic fretboard, instant scale visuals. Mind blown! 🤯

[@lowellton_ville]

Wow watching for an hour did not bored me. Thanks brother for sharing your gift. 👍🙏👍

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

That is so nice to hear! I sometimes worry that KZbin videos need to be short and tight, but this is my preferred style of video, too.

[@polowanienapytona7000]

I have never watched on YT video longer then 20 min. I even have a problem on Netflix stay to the end, unless oscar winning movie. It is the first time ever , from begging to the end. For me you are the best YT guitar teacher. The way you explain, and the way you are - perfect. Thank you.

[@brianmi40]

For a DAW alternative to Logic Pro, Tracktion Waveform is highly rated, and has a completely free version that is quite capable, not a trial or super limited tool but truly free forever, but works well and then has multiple paths to upgrade if you get more serious, but the free version is capable of all the basics of recording and mixing audio and MIDI instruments and is very intuitive to learn.

[@RastaMonn]

I need to say thankyou. Been 15 yrs and u finally got me back in my studio

[@besym]

I'm new to guitar. So, i watched many videos about guitar on KZbin, lately. Honestly, this video was one of those videos that, when I watched it, I wondered how I was watching this for free and felt grateful to technology. Because otherwise I wouldn't have had this chance. I really appreciate, man.

[@beedlebshuy6046]

The quality of your videos is truly mesmerizing! It’s so appreciated by all the viewers thanks for creating at such a high level🎉🎉🎉

[@glennlindblad3122]

dude, I've seen a lot of these and you are hands down top three of the best at it.

[@matthewchunk3689]

He's so cool about people cracking lame jokes in his chat room. I would have gone wild on those fools but he handled it like chile.

[@lounirs]

The cool thing with music theory is that once you learn about it, you can learn how to break it. You can do so many different things and still make it have fun, even if the traditional music theory wouldn't think the same

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

1000% agree

[@kubricksghost6058]

Your graphic representation of the music is soo good. Visual people ftw

[@juredernovsek5618]

My Friend Scott. Congratulations! I watched so many tutorials trying to fit different music theory pieces together, without major success. Today I've been watching your masterclass, playing along, taking notes, experimenting... and absorbed so much knowledge THAT MAKES SENSE! Thank you! You really are a great teacher. Keep on inspiring!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Awesome! I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you. It’s always nice to hear when I help someone

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you so much for the super thanks. I'm so happy I am able to help people make sense of this weird stuff.

[@biancamacias7476]

I love how simple you break things down to

[@shahirislamm]

It's 5:54 a.m. I just finished watching the whole video. I learned so much, thank you. I've been playing guitar for 2 years and just started learning about songwriting and music theory. You’ve cleared 90% of my questions. I would've joined your patreon but $12 is not even my monthly pocket money, so I don’t think that is going to happen in a long time. But I promise, whenever I create something of my own, I'll email you for sure. Thank you so much, sir.

[@raymond-gold]

I passed grade 3 and grade 4 classical guitar this year of 2023 and blimey you really have helped me massively. You have explained things in such a simple manner.😮

[@opaaria195]

I agree , he has to be the best guitar and music teacher on KZbin. So grateful whenever he posts lessons.

[@MyAMJourney]

I absolutely love how you can overlay the D chord notes over the notes of the whole key. I seriously need to know how you do it

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

I can do any key I want! It's a secret for now.

[@xaeee5552]

You explained scale so well I dont think ill forget what it is again, thanks!

[@stasgavrylov]

I am AMAZED by the quality of your production setup, you did a great job! And it was very useful and entertaining, as always. Thank you.

[@bubuAudio]

8 minutes in the video: this guy already earned "best teacher" label 😂 ( instant subscribe !! )

[@markrichard862]

Scott you are unreal. Some of this is still a bit out of my realm but you editting and explanations are second to none.

[@alejomakonnen]

Heyy bro, your lessons are really amazing!! I'm learning things i would have liked to learn when I started playing guitar at 9 years old, but never found the way or maybe the right teacher until these days! Grettings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@kylebaker8020]

Hey thanks brother for making this video. I've played for like 28 or so years but I never understood theory and only had two lessons. I just taught myself and never knew why things worked but after watching this it makes sense now. And now it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for me. Thanks a million

[@rickhammel9541]

the BEST teacher on KZbin!!!! I've finally progressed after decades of floundering, thanks Scott!!

[@fabiantombers4966]

Your technical setup is really impressive! 🎉

[@PKTama]

THE BEST SETUP I'VE EVER SEEN

[@lees7836]

Great lesson Scott. Lovely to see you back. Excellent setup, superior visuals and always so informative and useful. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@Jake66564]

Really cool lesson, it's great to see you back!

[@mikestroud9969]

Yep SPJ is one of the best teachers. He explains things really well. And gets into details that folks can grasp and understand. Thanks man 👍👋💯🎸🎸

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Let me know if you write some music! And let me know if you have more questions.

[@mikestroud9969]

@@ScottPaulJohnson not yet but hopefully someday take care buddy 🎸🎸💯

[@evansgate]

I randomly skipped to a part later in the video. Subbed within seconds. That's talent my friend

[@chrispaquette8360]

Starting watching Scott during the pandemic and took my time to learn the major scale.

[@quantum_ocean]

i'm a keyboardist but watching this was very useful. You're a great human! Really enjoyed learning from you.

[@chandimawijesundera2542]

first dinosaur keyboardist.......

[@foxhoundms9051]

Bro I gotta tell ya this was one of the BEST KZbin videos i've watched all year. Been playing guitar for 18 years, self taught mind you but I left off in the rabbit hole of music theory and this done re blew my mind! Fretboard software is dope btw and you showed me how cool 3rd to 5th bass slides sound! Thanks!!

[@Gr8FriknApe]

Exactly. Noodling with instructions made simple. I like it. Thanks man.

[@cuidadocomomatheus]

its really cool to see musical theory in action, for whatever reason i couldnt imagine how exactly to apply that knowledge in the real world and you helped me with that, thank you so much

[@Annunaki_0517]

Subscribed. First time I’ve seen one of your videos. Been playing guitar for 40 years and this is the best video on using the major scales to make music I’ve ever seen. Thanks.

[@xabinho]

This is the best format I have seen on a music lesson. Really relax but heavy on teaching what really matters. Good job!

[@sanyamkarnavat9745]

Man this video literally read my mind , I wanted to compose my own solo and then you do a live stream on it , Thank you so much ❤

[@michaelbiljon8249]

Dude you are a fantastic music communicator. You've retaught me this in a way that I've never seen before. Great work!

[@Yumenoki99]

Wow thank you so much for this, I have been looking into music theory for the first time and did not quite know how to do stuff with it. Love your philosophy about a song-graveyeard and just making stuff at all instead of being scared off by some self-inflicted perfectionism. Will be checking out your other videos for sure!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Don’t be scared! It’s just music

[@leandro-du8hc]

This could be the most informative and enlighting video about guitar music theory put in practice on youtube. I'm very grateful for that, thanks Scott!

[@g_young_h]

dude, more of this! I love this. I'm learning banjo and no one does this at all but I'd love to do this myself and build some bluegrass tracks even at a basic level just for fun.

[@lepetitprince2188]

Im a fan of your videos. No show offs no gimmicks. such clarity. Keep up the good work. Kudos from india.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Hey thanks! That means a lot to me

[@ahmadquatri4261]

I love you man, what a lesson. What a geniune person, was a pleasure to watch. Feel like u were sitting right next to me and giving this lession. Bravo

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you!

[@BrittyBeatsBang]

Man, watched and hour straight didnt even realize till you pointed it out, this was so good!! I learned so much, I'll definitely be hitting up the Patreon course!! Thank YOU!!!

[@AlicatMusic101]

Great lesson. Just stumbled on to your site. Three hours later, I've learned more than I have in months. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewdwilliams]

Thanks for this Scott - it's been very helpful! I learned piano rather than guitar, but it still fits. I've been told to learn music theory several times when asking about writing music, which is like telling a would-be novelist to learn about grammar - it's important, but it doesn't tell you how to put your correct words into a coherent story!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

I KNOW! It's astounding how few people teach ACTUAL use of music theory in real life. I'm working on it.

[@bolillo5013]

I already knew all these things but you just connected them all for me. I went from knowing how it works to understanding how it works and how to use it. Thank you, and you now have one more subscriber.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Glad you enjoyed it. Helping people Actually use music theory to make stuff is my primary goal

[@zack_420]

I can't believe this video is free. Incredible stuff. I'm trying to learn guitar at home and this video definitely tied up some loose ends from what I had read on basic theory. Top-notch teaching presented in a kind, patient, and digestible manner. Thank you.

[@FoxtrotXero]

Scott, I just need you to know. Youre an incredible teacher and very well spoken. I appreciate how much you take time to simply explain things in depth. Happy New Year when it comes!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you. That means so much to me

[@ChiharuKitsune]

I love how chill u are, I'm already ready for watching your videos everyday

[@colinspear]

"that sounds nice... that'll be okay.. we're just trying to have fun" - gotta channel me some scott paul johnson next time i'm trying to write a song and unnecessarily stressing myself out.

[@a-guitar2734]

I've never seen this channel and I've never seen anyone explain how to make music like this. Dude you rock. Keep up the good work. You explain everything very well amd make it fun 🎉

[@geekscope4171]

I STILL CANT BELIEVE THIS IS FREE!

[@carlosval7254]

Within 3 minutes this man taught me something.. holy smokes.. I really like your teaching style.

[@ercpendrag6614]

Your video "playing with chords" gave me so much delight. I am able to construct the scale, jam and bam i have as well the chords. So much fun now, recording strummed chords and plays on it. Thanks so much. 😊

[@Irkennalpha]

Man you’re at the top of your game. Great job!

[@ftlech]

Best hour I've ever spent on the internet, thank you!

[@Acoustiqueproductions]

this is one of the best music chords videos. learned so many hacks for an ongoing recording production session. thank you!

[@tedc6694]

Favorite teacher on KZbin. I share videos more from here than anywhere I think. I'm going to join the Patreon. I HAVE to at least TRY IT OUT. this teaching is just too dang good to not.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

There is a free 7 day trial!

[@FunWithMastaAce]

Just subbed. Spent some time with a music teacher asking really dumb questions but this resonates and connects! Well done. Hope to see more of that hat. 🙏🏼

[@RobertWrayGuitar]

Ive learned that musicians seem to make something very simple sound very complicated. You do a good job at cutting thru the BS. Most of it is big words for a collection of notes that sound good together. Ive had jobs where the person training me made things sound so complicated ( probably because it took them forever to learn it) that i wanted to just give up. Then you realize, what? Its that simple? Why do people even get paid for this? I swear some people really enjoy doing that because it inflates there own ego. Your a good teacher. Very hard to find. There's millions of musicians who can't begin to explain what they do, or are just arrogant pricks. Im finding out that music isn't that complicated after all. Good job.

[@ChiharuKitsune]

everytime u say that things are getting really cool, it's so true!!!! I love this video! I struggle with understanding and using music theory and you explain so well. I also love how clean everything is, the video and sound quality are so satisfying. also the way of visualizing the notes on the scale and how the chords work, it's amazing! thank you so much for this video, I learned a lot and will definitely rewatch it and also watch all your videos from now on. Also I am amazed by the fact that this video happened live in one session and is not edited at all (I think)

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you. These livestreams are not edited, except that I'll shave off a few minutes from the beginning of the stream

[@jasonflanagan9264]

You have a gift and talent to teach the language of music that is fun and exciting! Thank you!

[@chadmckinney1344]

Dude... how is it that I accidently land on this video and learned more from this then any instructor I have had in the past. Thanks man this is amazing!

[@steff420]

i had lots of teachers and i gotta say youre an amazing one! thank you for making these videos for free

[@Ashwin.M.S]

Godly setup! Doing this live in one shot and the quality of this video is amazing! Kudos! looking forward to more content :)

[@randylazaro9729]

this is probably the awesomest way i’ve seen it explained and the diagrams is just goated

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you! Glad you like the diagrams.

[@hugobeas]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, since I watched one of your videos (CAGED method) my mind map was like an explosion of expansion, I play in a covers band, that knowledge gave me the self trust to jam or expand any solo. I really like your way to teach and explain everything. Thanks again, you are the best❤️

[@LanceMcKnightMusic]

Such an epic broadcast Scott! I’ve watched a lot of these types of videos and your format, presentation and flow keep it so interesting! Great laidback teaching style too.

[@atsjones]

So insightful, you teach as if you know exactly what we, the people who don't even know what we don't know, don't know and your playing looks so refined and knowledgeable. It is inspirational and after each video, I feel like I've collected a valuable & necessary insight on the guitar path so many are on.

[@arlethg5979]

Ahhh I learn so much from your videos! Thank you for the content!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Awesome! What did you learn from this one? I might want to do more “writing” lessons like this

[@namdinh2656]

Really high quality teaching piece and video production that you do all by yourself. I’m stunned man. Subscribed and liked. Keep it up.

[@vsouza5000]

Man, the bass adds so much depth. Amazing lesson.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

I LOVE playing bass for that very reason

[@LifeAccordingToTimmy]

This guys an absolute legend

[@sid3238]

Hey Scott loving this pls keep creating more

[@S255fjrbr]

you have won the online teaching game. the way your setup works makes it so easy to follow. the visualization is 10/10. Thank you!

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you! Awesome to hear.