How To Write Progressions using min7, maj7, and Dominant 7th chords [Songwriting - Music Theory]

[@droslean1]

Is this a typo? A major triad is A C# E , and not A C E ... on 08:39

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Theres at least one embarrassing typo in every video, you certainly found this one!

[@droslean1]

@@SignalsMusicStudio Yea we always forget the small details.. Thanks a lot for all your videos dude... Keep going!

[@mickeyrube6623]

@@SignalsMusicStudio I'm starting to think that they're little Easter egg you put there on purpose, haha!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

@@mickeyrube6623 I wish that was the case lol

[@avikbhattacharya6854]

well .. the laid out A major scale didn't have the same mistakes

[@chrisbonney1093]

As a songwriter, this is the channel I have always dreamed of.

[@SR-vw3ls]

HONESTLY!

[@frarfarf]

I wish it was around when I was 16 and had zero clue what I was doing

[@milestrotter6844]

Same this channel is a gold mine of resourceful information for songwriting, and I actually understand it!

[@mmoan2]

I think you should retitle this video “I just wrote a chart topping soft rock song in my studio by myself in 15 minutes while lecturing and whistling Dixie at the same time.” So top notch

[@miker7808]

The ABSOLUTE BEST music teacher on youtube!

[@wilhelmh7777]

And the most soothing voice to listen to

[@leemaples1806]

Jake gives us the whole what when where and how of every music concept he teaches. Best `guitar for dummies` teacher on youtube.

[@chadrips]

@@leemaples1806 Best 'guitar for experts' teacher as well. Jake is a maestro. Another classic video. Cheers

[@robpiy91]

let's say he's the best for guitar. no one can really beat Adam Neely for bass :D

[@terryhigson434]

Yeah he's the man!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

00:33 - Minor Sevenths 05:26 - Major Sevenths 08:27 - Dominant Sevenths 10:35 - Writing with extended chords 11:35 - Producing a jam section 14:07- WE BE JAMMIN 15:40 - Final thoughts

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

That is a great question and I don't have a clear answer. I view most of them as little exercises / workshops / labs, something I can learn from to apply to the next time I actually do a full production. Since I do everything myself, a full track can take over a hundred hours if it's a full production, so it's pretty few and far between that I do full songs at the moment. I have posted several on my channel and have a few more that I will upload soon but in a different genre. I'm sure that one day many of these ideas I've used here on my channel will leak into a composition of mine, and of course one day I'll do a compliation of all the jams I've made for this channel =)

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

@Earthling Thanks! There is no doubt that I'll be releasing albums. But I have to prioritize my teaching and my video stuff for the time being- hopefully it'll help me afford more equipment and knowledge and experience, so in a year or two from now I can produce my own actual albums without having to focus on work

[@teamyordle23]

Awesome

[@valentinnavarrocampero1648]

Hey Jake, i have a question, do this rules apply to minor keys?

[@mitchelltorres4177]

Is the jam passionfruit by paramore?

[@abdullahmuhammadfarabi4304]

The best thing about your videos is they are not merely tutorials, but they can also be watched just for entertainment. The lesson automatically feeds into your brain before you even know it. Great going man! Love from Bangladesh!

[@ianmichaels6475]

Man, I’ve played guitar for over 15 years, and I learn so much every time I watch a video of yours. You’re clear and concise, no fluff, and you give great information that helps my playing and ideas instantly. Thanks for doing your channel. Cheers!

[@cablebee8790]

“I’m Jake Lizzio back at ya boiz with anotha KZbin Vizzio!!”

[@Celastrous]

He should use this if he ever pivots to reviewing fast food in his car

[@RisetotheBottom00]

What a powerhouse of a tutorial! Not only do you explain each type of seventh chord, you also gives us great examples in the format of a song.

[@-JohnGalt-]

My goodness, this video is just jammed to the rafters with useful and inspiring insights and information. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these.

[@patsabourin2145]

Jesus Christ why has no one ever explained this the way you do? Just the first part on the 2-3-6 in major has opened a huge door.Thank you so much!

[@LazymanCreations]

ahhh yes the most complex component of music theory: *the cheese factor*

[@claiiireeed]

i mean. think about it in what logical and musical way could you describe something as human as cheesiness

[@jamescoburn218]

I retired 2 years ago and decided to learn guitar and piano. I’ve never had any formal music lessons. These are the best music videos I ever encountered. I will be sending you money. Well worth it.

[@Dudelstudio]

I always learn something, when watching your videos. The way you explain things, makes sense to me

[@zomambik]

Incredibly well thought out, explained and presented. All the visuals shown in perfect sync with what's playing, the quick musical comparisons to highlight the changes, slowing down at the critical points, full song showing us how it all works together etc etc. This is so good. Thanks Jake!

[@ImpliedMusic]

great work. i recommend your channel to many of my students, and you've inspired me in my own tiny channel. love that you're approaching theory through the guitar, rather than the keyboard.

[@ImpliedMusic]

...also, Reason! a great and undervalued DAW.

[@ultrahighgain412]

I very much appreciate how you explain and demonstrate how to use the chords in their “proper” diatonic context. Most instructors just give you the voicing and show how to play the chords...and don’t describe where they occur in the context of a key and what function they serve. Thank you for closing that loop.

[@theaddictofgaming9174]

m7 Chords work so well for chill beats. Add some lo-fi drums, maybe unquantized, and you got anime-girl studying.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

this is true. also experiment with blending shuffled rhythms with straight rhythms for added smoke+study+chill goodness

[@vzm4663]

Right man! =)

[@colejohnson66]

Don’t forget microtonality

[@admiralrng6506]

m7 chords also work with literally anything Japanese lol

[@perryschnabel]

@@SignalsMusicStudio I don't understand. What do I need to search for to learn more? I'm interested in the concepts of lofi.

[@bkhoavo]

Finally got to the bottom of N7 and Nmaj7. Glad that someone else had this confusion like me. Much valued video. Thanks!

[@boyluizeduardo]

Jake, one day I will be able to support your patreon. And when this day comes, I'll support you with all of my heart.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

it's all good, your nice comments are plenty of support!

[@ladykfilmartproductions273]

You are the greatest on KZbin. I really love how you always get straight to the point and don't waste time or show off or tell us to subscribe and click like *a million times* during the video. You seriously deserve a reward!! Thank you so very much, I always learn so much from all your videos 😎

[@erict2899]

this channel is pure gold.

[@chrisf247]

Your videos are so easy to understand, but also get straight to the point and don't waste the viewer's time. Nothing else to add but just wanted to thank you for making these.

[@mickeyrube6623]

Why are m7 chords so "chilled out", or "watered down" compared to strict minor chords? Because of the major chord that's within them. Think about it. An Am7 is just a C/A chord. (A C major with an A in the Bass).

[@herkuskaminskas1409]

Interesting, that would have never crossed my mind but it actually makes sense.

[@gauraangsaxena3366]

Never thought about this lol. Not only his videos but even the comment section on his channel is gold

[@brenomanhaes9322]

Same for M7, it has a minor triad within them which contrasts with the happiness of the major chord

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

@@gauraangsaxena3366 not joking i have the best comment section on youtube

[@stefan1024]

@@brenomanhaes9322 Yeah, and when you go on stacking thirds (adding a 9th ,11th and 13th note to the chord), Minor and Major chords can follow the same pattern of alternating Minor and Major thirds. They just start on different positions put in the end don't look that much different at all. I love playing around with these. At some point that's maybe more for piano players then guitarists, tho.

[@Flopitiflopp]

I always wondered about how Neil Young found all these beautiful and simple chords progressions and this video is just blowing my mind. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm a self thaught musician new to composing and it is pure gold to me because these kind of ressources are hard to find on the internet, or are really badly explained and they just never give any context or material to understand it right in a musical/composer approach. Still stunned to see how good the learning content evolved on youtube in ten years and how dense he became!

[@drsteviejasengnsangma8739]

My concept for using Maj7, Dom7 & min7 in a song is crystal clear for now. You have turned the simple chord progression into something vey beautiful and by the way your soloing is very melodious. Great lesson brother. I'll be searching from your channel now secondary dominant lesson. Thanks a lot

[@chrismack5998]

This is by far the best 7th chord video on youtube. I have been learning about these progressions for 6 months and always come back to this. Thanks!

[@vzm4663]

That chorus riff starting at around 14:53 is awesome 🔥

[@martynspooner5822]

I was one of those guys who just went blank when people mentioned theory. But slowly slowly you have taught me the great benefits but more importantly how to use it . I am truly grateful as it has re kindled my love of guitar and taken me out of a rut I was in for ever. Thanks again.

[@anthonyscott16]

Hey Jake. You have a really relaxed teaching style which resonates with me. I appreciate all the lessons you're providing. Thanks man!

[@christianrennerberg237]

You did it again, in other videos i get more confused because they talk about everything but you keep it simple like a good teacher, VERY GOOD thanks from Sweden

[@GogiRegion]

From my experience, the rule of the 7th versions of major and minor chords being more mild forms is true on guitar, but it’s the other way around on piano and other keyboard instruments. On keyboard, it sounds a lot denser and more dramatic. I usually use regular 3 note chords on guitar and jazz chords on piano for more intense music.

[@openjcd]

I suppose that's the power of timbre, able to change the feel of a chord entirely

[@isaacwest]

I've been playing guitar off and on for a couple of years, i don't think i've touched one in the past 6 or 7 years now. lately i've been picking it up again and these video's are a god sent. all sorts of stuff i couldn't quite get my head around back when i was studying from books you seem to explain effortlesly. i'm a huge fan, keep it up!

[@GuitarJamAndBackingTracks]

When I started, 30+ years ago, I deliberately avoided playing seventh chords. I didn't like the sound, but mostly they weren't as easy to play. It took years to realise how important they were to songs!

[@myricalmusic666]

I have been learning guitar from KZbin videos for almost 3 years now and I can say that you, sir, are by far, without a doubt, the most informative and helpful channel I have encountered on my music journey. I really look up to you. Keep up the great work! You have a true fan here. Love from South Africa

[@wido123123]

"just be aware of the cheese factor", man now I want that in a shirt with a chord shape

[@Rebelionisduty]

marketing 101

[@yoursinminoli7471]

Hey... Can u explain what he meant by cheese factor? How can these chords get "cheesy"?

[@Aruthicon]

@@yoursinminoli7471 Things are said to be cheesy when they're overused. Major sevenths can sound awesome, but try to be conservative with them. If you use too many, it diminishes the emotional impact.

[@EclecticEssentric]

"Velveeta (Corrina)". -Bob Weir meme. It ain't easy being cheesy.

[@frederickthorne2496]

You are an amazing teacher. I've learned so much from this channel. Thank you!

[@adnarin5247]

Your videos are the best man, I dont even have words on how you've been helping me

[@troyhenjamin1144]

I know I said it before to you Jake you are absolutely just amazing man I'm fifty-two I've been playing for a long time and I throughly enjoy your teachings and I'm proud to say to anybody I've learned from you hey that's my guitar teacher and it took me years to find him. Thank you for everything!! I hope all is well for You and Yours...Peace Brother

[@tssitcom]

After 42 years of music composition, you inspire me. Nough said. Thanks. PS - Great speaking voice.

[@mizrah2907]

Around 10:35th min explained my life long understanding of musical theory in just one screen shot. Thanks man. I like the way you explain things. Kudos to you!

[@sagig72]

What a great lesson! You're so good at producing these backing tracks, sounds great.

[@McUrga]

Discovering your channel has been one of the highlights of my year. My musical knowledge has seen exponential growth in the past months and it is largely thanks to you. Keep up the incredible work!

[@surajitpramanick416]

I've never seen this type of music teacher.... Absolutely helpful.... Please give a video substitute of any major or minor chords

[@geologist5838]

Your channel is pure gold, it's internet at it's best! I had problems understanding modes and chord progressions, and in under 10 minutes (the video you made explaining modes) you gave me a solid understanding!!! You are priceless!!!

[@thomscott159]

Great video Jake. Do you plan on doing a video for the upper extensions; 9, 11, 13, and alterations; #/b? Thanks!

[@felipeandresmartinezmartin1657]

That would be awesome!

[@joacobosa]

yess we need that, i really dont understand those, it would help a lot

[@pp3917]

Easily the best song writer guitar channel on KZbin. Amazing work

[@alanimranali]

Damn! You've got an 80's hit on your hands.

[@xean316]

The way you elaborated on writing the jam (beyond just the guitar parts) was nice. Great content man. I'm always recommending you to people. Cheers

[@rosslarsen6144]

The images to go with the chords are definitely one of the best things here. I love the haunted house vs Bob Marley

[@arnieXD]

Brrooo, you should really make a music production course. The way you explain things is so fluid and clear!

[@abdelrahmankhaled8239]

Your videos are always incredibly informative and extremely helpful Thank you for everything I shall use this knowledge to create music once I'm done with my exams

[@apokswitch6378]

Man, I really love your videos. They have helped expand my songwriting knowledge and sparked new creative ideas.

[@TravisKeenan]

Great video, loved the sample song and how you walked us thru the layers!

[@John3_16andthensome]

Jake, you are so clear and concise, and I love the way you simplify things. I had 2 years of music theory in college from 2 different instructors, and even though I always made A's, it was just so complicated and impractical. What you are doing in these videos is so immediate and usable! THANK YOU for doing an outstanding job!

[@BigSh00tsie]

your videos correspond almost perfectly with my level of understanding of theory. i fund for me that a lot of the other KZbinrs are either way basic or way over my head, but this channel is perfect. So my request is: can you do this exact video with 9s, 11s, and 13s, etc. (hopefully addressing why there are no 10 chords, 12 chords and 14 chords)?

[@williamcordell1501]

Keep in mind that chords above 7 is just the 1,2,3...etc in a higher octave. At least that's my understanding. So a A10 is effectively just playing the 3rd an octave up. I just subtract 7 from the number and that will tell you what interval that chord is adding. Hope that makes sense. Im no expert, but that is my general understanding of why you don't see those.

[@BigSh00tsie]

@@williamcordell1501 as for the 9, 11, 13, etc. i understand it conceptually but love to hear the way he explains it in context. as for the 10 explanation you gave above... that makes perfect sense! i don't know why i didn't think of that. thank you!

[@mickeyrube6623]

I'll address the no 10ths, 12ths, 14th, etc. right now. Tens would just be a 3rds, 12s are 5ths, 14 are 7ths, just like 8ths are 1s. Instead of thinking of the major scale as melodic steps, up and down...: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C D E F G A B C ...think of the major scale in chord tones: 1st 3rd 5th 7th 9th 11th 13th 15th C E G B D F A C Pretty cool, huh? Edit: That why it stops at 13. All 7 notes are represented.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Its gonna be a while till I get into 9ths and 11ths but I'll probably do a thing on 10ths before then just because of their usefulness in modern pop.

[@BigSh00tsie]

@@SignalsMusicStudio cool! looking forward to all of it.

[@matheusoliveira224]

Dude, you are AWESOME! Your channel really is one of the best music teaching channels on KZbin! You are totally transparent and hide nothing! Thanks for sharing such good and complete information with us! You deserve the world!!!! Thank you fondly!

[@TheHey54321]

Your videos are always great and very informative! Thanks a lot!

[@thehammsburglar668]

I love your approach to teaching/delivering your knowledge on music theory...I've frequently use the major and minor 7ths, especially in songwriting, which has typically been more "feel" oriented for me...and while I've always conceptually understood basic theory while playing over the last 12-13 years,(i.e. scales, degree basics, etc.), I've always struggle with fully understanding the deeper levels or being conscious of it while writing, playing/jamming, or my bad habit of noodling. The importance of patterns/expanding fret board use w/ modes is finally clicking, among much more (deeper understanding of degrees and note relationships/intervals, circle of fifths/fourths, etc.).. The next step is really understanding notes and where their relationships are on the fret board. Keep it up man! Your videos have truly helped me with expanding my understanding of theory. Thank you...very much appreciated.

[@frankiedukes4591]

As someone who plays keyboard, I’ve been binge watching your videos and learning a shitload of theory. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. They’re incredibly helpful

[@prashantthakuri6074]

Sir some more videos on song writing. ...thank you

[@TheGlassasylum]

As an amateur, I find your explanation clear, and the examples are inspiring. When you put it all together with the software program, I'm surprised at how easy this is to paint a picture. Using the flated 7th chords, takes a basic bland palette to a new level of enjoyment, as to not bore the listener. The end result, is your own personal Jam track, for melodic solo's. Thanks.

[@danwilcox7650]

Led Zeppelin's "Ten Years Gone" is full of major seventh chords. The song is a personal favorite of mine.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Good call (Zep's Ten Years Gone and all the major sevenths). And what a solo, man, what a solo. Where did that man get those ideas? A little slide here or there and that solo just jumps alive and talks to you.

[@haydenedwards7091]

I have watched a fair few music theory videos and haven’t been able to grasp the concept, but your videos just seemed to make it all click. Thanks heaps man!

[@jadequilatan]

Very informative video thankyou so much dude!

[@Dingbotz]

Your really are the best teacher. I've tried learning all this theory stuff for years and you just make it so damn easy. Your modal lessons are in a class of their own.

[@hankigoe829]

hope you're not lactose intolerant , cuz this is smoother than butter 14:07

[@marcmagras]

LOL

[@erveygarcia4499]

Such a great classes …. Thanks for bringing me back the motivation of creating music . I thought I didn’t came with that gift until I started following you.

[@rinhd1977]

You know a lot about chords. Thank you for helping us.

[@paulavish5482]

100% the best online guitar teacher! I'm an absolute newbie, but clearly understood the theory. By far the best.

[@joshuarubiano2690]

if bob ross taught music it would be this man

[@originaldave8216]

Joshua Rubiano happy lil notes

[@Gapetz]

Agreed

[@monkeymonk2081]

His music will be very colorful.. guess you'll get the 'picture'😂😄😆

[@monkeymonk2081]

RIP Bob Ross... missed your painting tutorials🎨😢

[@leonl1559]

if bob ross taught music it would be bob ross

[@tenorHarlequin]

Dude. Very helpful. Even though I started this video for composition and not guitar, I went and brought it out from the dead just to play along. This really helped me connect chords to moods and context. Thank you!

[@LiveToPlayGuitar]

Beware of The “Cheese Factor” lol 😂 now this how you make music theory fun again! Thanks for sharing this video...love your work...

[@davidlegalley1161]

Jake it took me (because of my neophyte guitar experience) 3 or 4 reviews of this video lesson before I caught on what you were teaching here, but WOW! What a great great video lesson...informative & powereful. Thanks.

[@studiodespenates]

"Be aware of the cheese factor"... That could be a nice t-shirt ;-). Thanks for your work.

[@keeperofthereign]

KZbin suggested to me your channel and I thought, oh no, not another music theory channel. But man, you are a f*ing genius. You are explaining things as it should be, simple enough and complex enough. Well done mate!

[@jayditzer2082]

"Pretty stinkin' jazzy" - lulz

[@JCTrucks410]

You're a great teacher don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

[@JammyGit]

When you were showing diatonic chord substitutions, and you said that it's ok to substitute minor 7 chords for the ii, iii, & vi chords, and that it's ok to substitute major 7 chords for the I & IV chords.....but you can only use a dominant 7 chord for the V chord. Is there a reason why you CAN'T use a major 7 chord as a substitute for the V chord, or does it specifically have to be dominant 7 chord? If so, why can't you use a major 7 chord as the V chord? Sorry for the drawn out question mate. Cheers 👍

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

If you play a major 7th chord on the V, you'd include a note that's out of key, specifically you'd be introducing a #4. You certainly CAN do this, but it will be different from the music you're used to hearing and may sound "bad", in which case you'll have to work harder to make it sound "good".

[@JonHarris77]

I really like the idea of doubling parts of the guitar solo on synth to make it seem more intentional. Nice groove and solo!

[@CG10CG20CG3]

wait a second.... SHAZAM CAN PLAY GUITAR!?

[@AreEnTee]

Thats what I said

[@TheRealJohnStephenson]

I can't thank you enough for these videos. I've been stuck for years on my son's and how to make them better, or even finish them at all. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@nathanw5804]

“Be aware of the cheese factor”

[@FC-xc3zy]

Best teacher ever. I'm a noobie piano player and I have to come to this channel to have this dude teach me stuff using his guitar. This dude deserves to be a billionaire. I don't know how I found his channel but I am grateful to God..I owe him everything. .

[@jackcrawfordjuan7578]

Indeed, you're the BEST guitar teacher in youtube Sir I learned a lot of guitar theory from you

[@Elephantine999]

I could spend months exploring the ideas in just one of your videos. And so well presented. Thanks man. ;)

[@TheNobru666]

You are great and very easy to follow. Best teacher there is. Well done man!

[@_XRMissie]

I absolutely love substituting 7th (and sometimes even 9th) chords into my tracks. I don't go "all out" in the voicing, I usually lower the velocity of either the 3rd or the 7th slightly, this allows me to highlight the "quality" and tone of the chord, effectively changing the voicing without actually moving anything. It's great stuff!

[@avallach2061]

Just passing by to say that I learn and still learning a lot with your videos, my favorite youtube channel by far

[@minewarz]

16:20 Sometimes in your videos I come across something like this. You're doing the exact thing I've been experimenting with on my guitar. I love seeing others, especially those with more musical knowledge and experience, experiment in the same ways I do.

[@jozsefvilmann9017]

Lizzio! You are the BEST guitar teacher!!!!!!! József Vilmann from Hungary.

[@giles7662]

Good stuff. Yours is one of (if not THE) the very best music theory channel. Well done dude.

[@Arkoudeides.]

You are the bestest teacher.Greetings from Greece.

[@HerculesXIV]

I love your channel and just wanted to say, the place I’m at now, youve unlocked a whole new way for me to write music based on your paragraph at 10:18. It’s never been explained to me and it’s hard to learn these things on your own/online. Thanks for what’s going to be so much fun in practice tomorrow!!

[@2013bmwf800gs]

I'm glad I discovered your channel. You have definitely filled a lot of gaps in my music knowledge. I watch/listen to these even when I'm away from the guitar!

[@themixmusicandmore6280]

I have learned more about guitar from you then everyone else in my life combined. Thank you. Also, this is changing the game for me. I no longer have to choose between happy or sad. I feel like 7th chords are in between. Like sad but hopeful

[@dave23456]

Still the best teacher on youtube. Anytime I want to get some additional clarification on an idea, I look for a Signals video. Makes me wonder how much further along I'd be in my playing if resources like this were out when I first started!

[@marcusjayallen]

You are the best music teacher ever

[@jim1646]

Best teacher out there! I’ve learned so much from all your videos

[@anthonyprescott11]

Dude, you are a great teacher and your videos are as useful as any I have come across on the Tube. Great stuff man!