The 3 Key Themes of Danganronpa Class Trial Music (Video Game Music Theory)

[@EverythingFantasy]

Definitely want to do a part 2 with tracks like Rebuttal Showdown and Scrum Debate featuring, but let me know what other tracks you would like me to analyse!

[@nagi9990]

Yesss I’m so excited for part 2

[@nagi9990]

Maybe the driving taxi theme?

[@piyushmenon4987]

@@nagi9990 Hell yeah! Pass through the center! Pass through the center!

[@iamjustKiko]

I'd like to see a analysis of the Climax Reasoning from DRV3

[@piyushmenon4987]

@@iamjustKiko Let's hope we get that in the next part.

[@thelostone7512]

"...Monokuma explaining everything you already know" Yeah, Danganronpa does that a lot.

[@floofzykitty5072]

Class trials having simple themes being simple also helps with the fact you shouldn’t be too distracted by it. You have to listen to people talking during it and make timed decisions.

[@EverythingFantasy]

Definitely! It's easy to overlook that sort of thing as a composer, but for games like Danganronpa, it's really important to make sure that the music doesn't get in the way of the gameplay

[@DerkerBluer]

Great video! As an amateur composer that knows absolutely nothing about music theory i really appreciate these kind of videos that don't use complicated terms. I'd love to see more!

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you very much!! Music theory can often be unnecessarily complex and daunting when people talk about it. I'm really hoping to bridge the gap between theory and people who might otherwise avoid it

[@BlackThreath1234]

Alv derker in an English video

[@enchii405]

Ok, pero teamloco siempre fué una etafa

[@wanakorosu]

*Thank you very much!* _The music analyzes are very helpful in creating remixes for my fan game_

[@EverythingFantasy]

You're welcome!! Really glad it's helping.

[@0-Stars-MikiTune-]

As someone who wants to get better at composition, this video really helped me with figuring out what made the Danganronpa Class Trial themes so great to listen to!

[@Copyright_Infringement]

Have you listened to the Class Trial Suite? It really brings a new perspective to the songs to see that, even though they're designed to loop, they can also be arranged in a specific series to form a unified whole.

[@EverythingFantasy]

Never have, but listening to it right now. You're right! It's a cool observation. I think the pieces not being overly melodic, the time signatures being the same for every theme and consistent rhythms help to achieve the feeling that each piece flows into the next

[@Wince_Media]

When I heard the music, I thought "WAIT ARE YOU THE GUY WHO DID THE ORCHESTRIAL REMIX!?"

[@EverythingFantasy]

Yes I am that guy 😅

[@Wince_Media]

@@EverythingFantasythat's so cool! currently watching the video, and it's really cool! I'd love love see you tackle music theory from other games as well (if you feel like it, of course)

[@squares4u]

I love how you break the music down track by track! One thing I love about Climax Reasoning is how sad it sounds. The other music in Danganronpa focuses more on suspense and drama, Climax Reasoning evokes the emotions of deaths that should never have occurred.

[@kyarumomochi5146]

This was so professional that i felt bad for watching this for free I would ABSOLUTELY love a part 2 XD

[@VeyVox]

I just love the distorted voice that plays in the trial music, it says "Don't stop the the de-bate now, do-don't stop the the debate now" which makes sense in this case^^ Danganronpa's music is fantastic

[@onemandubs713]

OMG so that was what they were saying

[@ZeckroYT]

Did you even watch the video? The voice sample is "So how's about we put 8 hours on the clock and start that thing from now?". (9:35)

[@DroWarriorOfLight]

I don't lie when I say that my favorite part of Danganronpa is the music (besides, you know, the pain that it brings), so it's really cool to see these types of explanations and you do a great job at showing it, for people like me that enjoy songs without knowing anything lmao. Gotta check the investigation themes one!

[@r2d2kx100]

After watching this, I decided to watch some more of your musical analysis/breakdown videos! I’d like to get into composing, although don’t have a clue where to start, but I feel like watching your videos has helped me understand music a bit better overall :)

[@EverythingFantasy]

Glad I can help and hope you do get into composing!! Please feel free to join my Discord. You'll be able to learn a lot from all the composers and producers there

[@r2d2kx100]

@@EverythingFantasy Oo, thank you! I may join sometime in the future!

[@mageyplss]

The danganronpa soundtrack is so excellent, my favourite song has got to be box-16

[@TaleOfTheToaster]

I never knew about the Only Have 8 Hours sample! That's maddd, also great to hear someone offer an expert take on Climax Reasoning as even if I call it (particularly V3, sequel video?) my favourite track in gaming, my complete absence of music knowledge cannot save me

[@stinky6521]

so interesting as someone who is interested in music and DR i love this vid. rebuttal showdown is anticipated!!! it’s one of my favorite songs

[@EverythingFantasy]

A lot have people have mention Rebuttal haha. Looks like it's decided!

[@octonomer]

This is such a well crafted video and very helpful and insightful, it feels as though this would be a 1 million view video where everyone in the comments is discussing the music.

[@azailetta]

I know nothing about music theory but I am absolutely fascinated by ost, background music, themes and so. I feel like writing this sort of music is just so special, deeply psychological, and a little bit magical... and although I understood maybe 5% of what you have been talking about, it just made me so exciting to think about those tracks a but deeper that I did before. Thank you so much for your work!

[@14_IQ.points]

Wonderful breakdown. Recently I've tried multiple japanese games (I haven't played many before), and I have to say that they always nail the music.

[@EverythingFantasy]

Completely agree! What games have you been playing?

[@zachb4561]

Worth noting too that as the pieces progress throughout the case, they become more complex (much like the case) and much more melodic- i.e. more coherent, much like the increasing understanding of the case (best shown during the reasoning section)!

[@kayadam5]

these type of analysing is wonderful！btw I wish you can make some video about the music of Phoenix Wight

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you!! By the way, just in case you haven't seen it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIm1hICmmNCsj5Y

[@Stratus901]

A video analysing excecution themes would be awesome too, amazing video!

[@FuFuAirline]

What a great video. I love videos like this, where youtubers break down the music and analyse it. A song I've always been interested with was Solar. It's quite simple, but the chord thats used just sounds so satisfying and intense.

[@EverythingFantasy]

Really glad you like it! I've thought about including Solar in the part 2 of this video

[@F0KZ]

Great video, always liked the Danganronpa soundtrack and this breakdown is awesome c:

[@trumpetwizard7250]

Great video! Sacrilegious to replace that trumpet with sax though!

[@EverythingFantasy]

Hahaha I know! I can play trumpet but was just curious of what it would sound like on sax

[@vicentezamorano8470]

Dude, i know i am just writing a comment but EVERYTHING you do is so damn unique and innovating, i love what you do man

[@GahDayumKomaeda]

I really enjoy your music analysis alot! Never stop!

[@senescence57]

Ima need bruv to disclose what Final Dead Room he cleared to discover the lyrics to the vocal sample in Heat Up. We need him to kill God next so he can tell us what the SMT Nocturne battle theme says.

[@lynchie2073]

dude fantastic video! ive always found the trial music totally fascinating and unique, and you put into words why!

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you very much!!

[@literallymalware]

I love knowing more and more about music theory

[@devmysta]

Fantastic video! Keep doing what you’re passionate about, it shows!

[@RandomPerson-cm2wg]

Was brought to this channel on reddit. I gotta say, these videos seem really insightful even though I don't really get music. that's my brother's specialty. I'd definitely recommend him your channel once I finally trick him to get into Danganronpa.

[@silvncr]

thank you for this series, i'm doing an assignment on the danganronpa soundtrack and these videos are really helping me understand the elements of the music

[@spoons5308]

This is AMAZING. I've always wanted to learn more about music and this is a perfect way for me to learn! I would love to see a part 2! :)

[@cremeriie]

graaaah i love the danganronpa music so much!!! i am now going to watch all of your DR vids.

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you so much!!

[@lysanderskyj5409]

I love the Main theme of Danganronpa so much, especially the main menu version and Mrs Monomi's Practice Lesson so I'd love to hear you break those down as well! Thanks for the videos

[@lysanderskyj5409]

Like am I right in thinking that the title track is in 9/8 time?

[@ollie_last]

I dont even compose but your way of explaining totally sucked me in! Not to mention that I could never quite place what I loved about Danganronpa Trial music so much until you broke it down Great video and great explanation, even for someone who has no clue about composing lmao Edit: forgot to mention this, BUT I FINALLY KNOW WTF THAT DUDE IS SAYING IN HEAT UP, YOURE A LEGIT GODSEND

[@user20b13]

This video is absolutely amazing Please continue to do these video analyses on danganronpa tracks!!

[@piyushmenon4987]

Nice! More Danganronpa Music Analysis! I kinda want to see you talk about Earthbound and Mother 3's Music, as they have very interesting and great OSTs.

[@EverythingFantasy]

I desperately need to actually play Earthbound. I've been curious about it for a long time!

[@piyushmenon4987]

@@EverythingFantasy I'm sure you'll enjoy Earthbound and Mother 3's OST. I especially love Mother 3's OST.

[@spudsbuchlaw]

@@EverythingFantasy MOTHER3 has a great use of leitmotif that might be worth looking into Also some weird time signatures Really worth a look, both of them

[@unicode3402]

Hey EF, just today I discovered this channel and been binge watching a lot of videos like this. As someone who loves Danganronpa and Ace Attorney and their music, as well as Persona, It's pretty cool to see their BGMs analyzed to give the special vibes they give. If you ever wanna analyze something similar but different, I'd recommend checking out Umineko's BGM, as this series of visual novels also focuses on crime solving through discussions. I'd recommend checking out the next songs: -Suspicion, a song that nails the feeling of investigation and intelectual discussion like no other. -The Great Detective Knows, a song that gives me those Great Ace Attorney Chronicles vibes for a fancy detective's entrance. -7 Weights, a song perfect to lay down all the evidence and finally crack down a complicated murder case. Anyways, just a suggestion, since it seems to be similar to what you've analyzed. Sorry for the testament I just wrote. See ya!

[@eersatzz]

i always thought danganronpa music was so unique, i made myself listen to the "despair pollution noise" for like 3 hours because it gave me CHILLS of how terrifying and different it is compared to usual sounds. i unironically have some of the danganronpa sounds liked on my spotify because of how unique the music is. i can always tell if a song in a youtube short is from danganronpa, background music in videos, or literally anywhere, its so distinctive

[@victorcobane6644]

I think another reason why they make the class trial music more simplistic when compared to Daily Life for example, is because they don't want the music to become too overpowering and distracting when you're trying to figure out the case. It's best when it's this high energy pounding in the back of your head, constantly reminding you of the stakes, and not a lush, extremely complicated multilayered piece you need to focus on to figure out. This is an awesome video! I love Danganronpa and make music myself, and I'm always looking for those melodies that will carry themselves without need for more extreme chord progressions when I'm looking for something more vibe-y than immersive. It's hard, but SO satisfying when you eventually hit on something you can run with.

[@downbeatdialga1341]

I thought this video was really interesting! I'm an aspiring composer and got hooked on the Danganronpa games and their OSTs close to 2 years ago. One of my favorite set of tracks from the 1st game is the 3 MTB themes. I've been trying to make a remix of them but it's hard to figure out what effects are on the side-chained bass. I'm dead set on making a mix of Super MTB especially. I'd definitely want to hear your take on the MTB tracks in further depth, if you're willing to take a stab at it that is! Regardless, this video was really fun to watch! I also transcribed a solo piano score of the "Mr. Monokuma's Extracurricular Lesson," the violin theme that plays when Monokuma gives a new motive! Edit: I'd also wanna further hear how you'd transcribe or score tracks from electronic music that have side-chaining, assuming that's even possible without a plugin in a DAW that does that automatically for you.

[@fernix02c26]

These type of music analysis videos are really cool! You should definitely do these for also other games imo

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thanks! Definitely will be doing it for other games

[@MetroidHunter92]

Definitely want to see Rebuttal Showdown and Debate Scrum, but I also love Hope vs. Despair…it’s so intense and adds another level of flavor to the base of Heat Up.

[@TheBadDeadFox]

Ayyy, your investigation and 'beautiful' themes analysis was a very good and intriguing! I'm glad you're making more video essays such as these! :D

[@Pelthis]

Found this video in my recommendations. Looked cool, so I watched it, and really enjoyed it. Then I browsed your other videos, and cherry on the cake, you're also a Falcom games fan, defintiely worth a sub.

[@plutonash2545]

5:00 sounds like Hope Ster from Digimon Cyber Slueth, which has the same composer

[@NextGenDeluxZ]

I NEED A VIDEO LIKE THIS BUT ON YTTD LOL great video 10/10

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you!! Still need to finish YTTD

[@reincarnatedtobuildaharem]

All the Danganronpa music is so good. They can be happy or creepy

[@pelayla]

great video, subscribed

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you!!

[@daveynorton]

Nice video man

[@EverythingFantasy]

Thank you! Another analysis video should be coming this weekend

[@enchii405]

My man teaching you how to get some desapair drip

[@EverythingFantasy]

Hope drip coming next video

[@dawnchorus8556]

brilliant video

[@lindseylindsey9200]

Corey Lawerence Ultimate Music Theorist (*funky sound effect*)

[@ethantay4630]

one thing i am interested in is the execution msic, thety all have this similar pattern at the end and i cant quitre make it out

[@onemandubs713]

This was amazing!!!!!! You've earned a sub

[@fluffiddy6515]

Heat Up is the ost when I think of Danganronpa

[@trcsonic]

Pretty good. Nice job.

[@Gromnax]

Would love to see your vision on heat up as you requested in comments, personally! Very interesting!

[@ltsf]

i love dangan music

[@cancername]

Trial Underground is so underrated. Thank you for covering it -- you've gained a subscriber!

[@Trone2]

i think we found out what his favourite music is in Danganronpa.

[@MegaStrike]

Hello Cory, as an electronic music producer, i'm excited that you finally do an analysis on the class trial music. Let's have a friendly discussion and maybe i could give you some criticism from my experience with electronic music. First of all the mention of drum machine at 2:43. I believe Masafumi Takada used a drum VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology instruments) for most of his works (Actually Takada owns an Arturia Drum Machine. He posted it in his Instagram many years ago. But there is no confirmation if he used it in Danganronpa soundtracks). Anyway the drum VSTi that he used is Stylus RMX, which you correctly mentioned. Now i assume that you say drum machine just because it is widely used in electronic music (Ex. Roland TR-707, 808, 909). But nowadays producers and composers tend to use VSTi and samples for drums. Because they are cheaper and even free. And then you mentioned minimalism and simplicity. Music theory wise, this is correct. Class Trial music are mostly techno and you even have Class Trial : The Sun which featured a killer acid sample from Roland TB-303. Techno music doesn't really have key changes. Heck, you can even get away with only one chord playing plus a bassline and a riff. It's as simple as that. but one thing that isn't simple about techno and other electronic music is sound design. Which you didn't really mention in the video. Actually you did some sound design with that Trial Underground saw synth, the pitch bend automation. Anyway, there are several sound design technique that Takada might used in his electronic music. The first one sidechain compression. This is incredibly important in electronic music. Not only it reduces the mud in the low end frequency. It also can create a really cool pumping effect. The next one is filter automation, mainly low pass filter. So it basically starts from the low end frequency and ends in the top end. In other words it goes from muffled sound to clear sound. I think the best example for this is in the intro of Scrum Debate. You can hear a very muffled supersaw in the beginning and it progressively goes clearer to drop part. Damn i sound like an audio nerd lol. Anyway, that's just 2 of sound design techniques that i can think. And you mentioned only one M.T.B track. there are actually 3 variations of that. and each variations gets progressively faster. there's the one with 90 BPM and then the one with 120 BPM. And the fastest with 150 BPM. It is very nice of you that you explain the music theory behind it. Even if the music only include the very basic stuff from it. And that concludes my criticism and argument. Have a nice day!

[@EverythingFantasy]

Hey thanks for your remarks! Definitely would be great to have you feature in part 2. I wanted to focus more on theory rather than production for this one as production techniques could be it's own video and generally just take a lot longer to explain for people with less/no background on music production techniques. Stylus RMX, which is where much of the percussion comes from based on accidentally finding them in the plugin, is essentially a loop based drum machine so that's why I described it like that. But even then, as you mentioned, many of the samples in RMX come from classic drum machines, especially the 808 and 909. Yeah definitely loads of production techniques used in the class trial themes. So many techniques used that aren't just limited to electronic music but feature in many modern genres. Sidechain/ key--input gating definitely feature. Filter automation, parallel compression, gating on reverbs, creative uses of EQ and so much more. I think they'd be best saved for individual track breakdowns as there's a lot that can be said. Originally thought about doing the variations of M.T.B but figured it was a long enough video as it is! Thanks for your comments and looking forward to your comments on other DR tracks as it's hugely useful to get more than one perspective.

[@DalekEnclave123]

​@@EverythingFantasy I think referring to them Loops would been a much more simple answer. A drum machine would give you more freedom with the Rhyrim then loops then anything. Mainly you got all of the sounds in there own separate ways while a loop is limited to being a loop of the sample. All you just do to make it sound great is using effects and post processing or edit the sampled heavily. Though depends on the drum machines in question, you got your sampled and MIDI based ones like the Boss DR 660 and Alesis SR 16 also Roland R8 which have been used in a lot of productions. Though the Linn Drum does earn a honorable mention how ever it pre midi but still use samples. And your analog ones like the TR 808 and TR-909 which are commonly used though the latter used a mixed of samples and analog synthesis. Or MIDI based ones that have no sounds just there to help you create drum programs in your DAWs. Either way, the video is useful and has reliable information.

[@teratoma.]

10 years ago when I first heard about danganronpa and its premise all i could do was daydream about what happens in the game with like 10 other nerds in some obscure forums cause it wasnt translated 2022 and now its huge in the west, kids making tiktoks and people making videos on little details such as analysis of DR's OST ...and we still aint getting a new DR smh

[@EverythingFantasy]

We can hope right?

[@kaburnicas]

I'm just trying to figure out what the song for going back over the comics is at the end of the trial

[@Chikayuki]

What a nie explanation. Too bad there wasn't Rebuttal Showdown, but still amazing !

[@kaylabutcher3565]

Yay now I know how to make epic anime music

[@da-barrera]

Wait where did that vocal sample from Heat Up came from???

[@gracep2910]

3:00

[@usercommon1]

Хорошое видео

[@nachtaron]

Now I know why I like the class trial themes, they're very repetitive and my autistic brain likes repetition xD once again the culprit is autism😆

[@xdxd7908]

[@jacoblockie9671]

I don’t understand much about music as much as I love it. But this philosophy of starting and stopping, adding Simple parts and then taking them away to toy with expectations and tone is almost identical to how I’ve seen more musically educated people describe the work of Inabakumori’s work (particularly Lagtrain). I’d like to see what your take would be on his work. Especially my two favourites the aforementioned Lagtrain and Haru no Sekibaku (the desolation of spring). Thanks for the interesting vid on the work of Masefumi Takeda’s fantastic soundtrack