The Pillars of Music Theory

[@andrelegg5699]

it annoys me how much you've taught me in 10 minutes compared to my music teacher in the whole year... you're the best bro

[@andrelegg5699]

Ever plan to do more sophisticated or in depth theory?

[@samuraiguitarist]

Check back Wednesday 😉

[@wizard4203]

the power of capitalistic youtube. the very best guitar teachers and video in the world rise to the top, for us, for free. :D

[@SammyWithaheart]

Andre Evan yep!! Same here!

[@steveworley2997]

Wizard Teachers sharing knowledge freely; it’s actually a combo of Capitalism and Communism/Socialism.

[@samuraiguitarist]

I realize this might be common knowledge for many of you. Going forward I want to dive into some more complex concepts that are built upon these ideas. For selfish reasons I'd rather direct people back to this video if they need a theory brush up instead of directing them somewhere else on youtube. Gotta be selfish sometimes!

[@Aphelion_Music]

Thank you for your amazing lesson, you made everything appear so much clearer, you're a great teacher !

[@RandyBakkelund]

That would be awesome if you make a part 2 to this with more advanced stuff, please do! :)

[@ErickthesickEmO]

You resumed my first year at the conservatory hahaha I'll be waiting fot the next part!!!

[@renkang_sg]

It was awesome. Not selfish at all - I thought this is a good foundation before they look into complex one, and just like any learning curve, prior learning is always good! Not all will remember what they have learned prior, so a quick revision will be good. :)

[@ArmageddonFeast2]

I'm fairly new to music theory and the circle of fifths didn't make sense the way it was explained to me. Your wording made it all come together, and for that you have a new sub!

[@xyzd70]

I've been fumbling around on a guitar for 8 years picking up random pieces of knowledge from the internet and this is quite possibly the most important video I've watched in that time. My mind has just been blown away

[@we_are_nevertheless7305]

Cuppa Tea lmao you’re fucked up XD

[@collinhart2909]

Same

[@maxonmendel5757]

Same

[@tr3nta345]

I'm not a musician or are good at any instrument but it doesn't take an expert to tell you that in 8 years without a teacher you've learned way less then you actually could have.

[@lexi6081]

I mastered a degree in Biosciences but I can't grasp this. I was so wrong to make fun of Art students.

[@felixgreenburg3373]

It's easier if you play an instrument. Just because it's theory doesn't stop it from being music

[@solidgroundmusic]

He packs a lot into a really small amount of time. It took me about 5years of playing and reading theory books AND having people try to explain theory to me before I, "got it".

[@ProlificPianist]

It's not wrong to tease some art students. A lot of them are people who can't grasp things easily either and have no clue what they are getting themselves into. And some of them just don't even care to learn this kinda stuff. Lotta smart people, lotta dummies.

[@mattgilbert7347]

It's not wrong to tease some science & engineering students. A lot of them are good at following protocols and drinking beer, and that's about it. They can't grasp abstract concepts that easily, so they resort to rote learning or mnemonics. Some of them don't care to learn the groundwork, they don't know what....hey..wait a second... Seems there's some symmetry involved here. Looks like it's a case of the Dunning-Kruger effect on both sides, agreed?

[@anniefaucher8143]

Alex B yes, yes it was 👏🏻👏🏻

[@dlaczego009]

This was, by far, the most useful and well articulated music theory video I have ever watched. Thank you so much!

[@charleysmith5849]

thisssss is THE BEST guitar music theory video I've ever seen. You condense everything into one video and give the base to build my own knowledge onto. The hardest thing about teaching yourself guitar is trying to know where to start with theory and you've given me the perfect starting point with excellent and cohesive instructions. I can't thank you enough.

[@thacos6292]

It's not just guitar lol

[@davidjkim93]

This is my 6th rewatch over the span of a couple months and each time more of the video made sense and after grinding, I finally understand the concepts you've gone over :) Thanks a bunch! The information is very useful and best of all it's applicable.

[@matthewharbottle751]

This is actually really well timed because I recently started attending a community music theory class haha. Thanks for the video Samurai, hope you're doing well :)

[@samuraiguitarist]

I was thinking of you when I made this video!

[@matthewharbottle751]

Aw thanks man that means a lot to me, you motivate me to become a better musician with your videos and I really appreciate all of the educational videos you do.

[@jonmagnus3510]

I found this immensely helpful and I still often come back to it years later just to brush up. I tend to err on the side of obsessive and find myself continually re watching your videos. Thank you so much and I look forward to trying your lesson program soon!

[@terellcarter6189]

Wow everything just clicked. The best concise explanation I have ever heard. I’ve seen many videos on this same topic and left scratching my head. Thank you

[@bakerXderek]

Binge watching you videos, love them all !

[@rocksteady5200]

I love how you can watch videos such as this one and it seems that they are speaking some sort of alien language, then you go and study a little and re-watch the video months later and understand everything being said. 🖒

[@angelsalazar9912]

Honestly, when you explained the whole step half step thing. I heard it many many time before but when you displayed it on the screen. It blew my mind and I had a moment of realization. Thank you so much

[@Rikkkaaardo]

Superb! Thousands and thousands of sources exist for these topics, but none is so clear and yet so concise as this video. Many thanks!

[@revealtherock]

Been studying music theory for more than a decade. This video is still an awesome refresh of the basic! Another great vid as always SamiG! Keep it up!

[@alunevans5828]

this is the best explanation i've seen. very informative and well presented.

[@nigel_tufnell]

These were the most useful 9 minutes ever... compressed but very nicely broken down information. Can´t say i every learned so much from a single video... Awesome man!

[@treeokk]

Ive watched several of your videos and wooooow they are extremely helpful. I'm becoming a lot more inspired to practice and learn fundamentals than just arrogantly play my guitar and NOT know the notes. I'm loving the lucidity of your explanations, keep the good work up I'm subscribed for sure!

[@GoneReality]

Really enjoy your content brother. You really make big concepts easier to understand. Thank you for taking the time to produce this content

[@KerinGedge]

Awesome video Man! Funny how you put into words things that I've known instinctively rather than consciously

[@AlmostCoolGuys]

I found this channel because of the crazy train cover like 2 months ago when I first decided to pick up the guitar. Since then I've learned so much from your videos and wisdom. This video was what I needed. Granted I'll be coming back to this video for a very long time. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@georgbilek1503]

One of the best guitar channels on youtube, if not the best. Pefect mix of content and a very sympathetic guy. Keep up the good work!

[@fella-n3767]

you made this VERY clear to me, no questions to ask! especially the circle of fifths, this will NEVER go away from my mind! Good job, Sir.

[@codylafe1575]

DUDE this just pieced together so much knowledge that was scattered for me. You're a fantastic teacher sensei, rock on!

[@svenjacobsen1985]

This was the single most helpful music theory video I have ever had. I have had difficulty with music theory since my start at music almost 8 years ago. You just solved so many issues with this lesson! THANK YOU!

[@deedoublejay]

I started learning about 6 weeks ago. I followed you with the first 2 pillars, and found they clarified a lot, but there's a lot to unpack in the last half.

[@nobnobnobnob]

Quality content for beginners. I just notice that when people talk about Music Theory, they discuss things about melody and harmony, and don't mention about the concept of Rhythm.

[@Friedmcstrudel]

Just found this channel and I'm so happy that I did! Your tips and tricks are just what I've been searching for because a few months ago I hit a musical plateau and It became hard to learn new things, because I didn't know what I didn't know. so you just earned a very excited and satisfied subscriber!

[@bendelaughter]

All of your videos are such high production quality and so professional and so informative and easy to follow. Thank you for giving away such awesome content for free. I don't understand how you don't have 1,000,000 subscribers.

[@healingmadness8018]

This is the most helpful, short, to the point video i have ever seen about music! great video!

[@jeffersonhernandez6696]

I was a bit hesitant on clicking on this video simply because i didnt think i would learn anything, but i was absolutely blown away by how much i was able to pick up and apply to my current studies, so thank you for posting this video.

[@blazegulizack]

Been playing guitar for 5 years. Currently in a gigging band. I have no problem learning songs but it's all by ear and vision. Whenever I write a riff I have no idea how to explain what I'm doing! This video is really helpful

[@corychurch91]

I've tried to learn this stuff for years. You make it so simple. Thank you so much for everything you do and share. Please continue with the great content. You da man Samurai!

[@megatronsass999]

This channel is amazing, this is a great reminder for half the shit I forgot back in music class, now I can learn this alongside production thanks man

[@garrettwold2616]

After reading into this to learn more than chords and tablature, it’s finally clicking. This is the best speed round refresher on musical theory I’ve seen, Thanks Samurai!

[@crazynufe]

Im a novice bass player and this helped a lot. reading this in a book was a bit confusing so having you explain it an then provide some examples definitely helped the pieces fall into place. thanks!

[@realfoodforhumans8172]

I studied music through high school and the start of college but forgot a lot of my theory - that was a great basics refresher! It's all (or at least, a lot of it) is coming back to me now. Thanks!

[@tlimmersionaccount3463]

No matter how much people explained these concepts to me I never truly grasped them until this video, thanks a lot mate

[@devoyefolkes7066]

Clean and amazing! Thank you for the great explanation!

[@likskirtspleetscreen]

genuine teaching, old teachers dont know what you know about the learners needs. respect

[@kb8582]

I really searched long long time, and found no awnser for my Question about Chord Function.... I cant tell you how happy I am that I finally get a awnser... And easy explained. ありがとう!

[@athirson1000]

The most comprehensive lesson i've ever seen on scales. Seems like I finally got it, thanks alot.

[@CARBr6]

WOW!! What an excellent video. I shall be watching this back a lot as I am currently on a mission to lock down my theory knowledge. This is my third video of yours and I have now subscribed. Thank you for taking the time and effort to impart your knowledge.

[@CrooksTrevor]

This was a great refresher. I've been out of practice for a few years and the video has been helping me remember theory. Thanks man, you just got a new sub.

[@MirlitronOne]

Absolutely brilliant. Concepts I've struggled with for 40 years explained clearly in ten minutes. Thanks!

[@ajshnoo]

Thank you so much Sammy, this helped me so much.. my guitar teacher hasn’t been showing any of this throughout the year to help me compose my own music and now I have a real grasp on it, took notes on everything you said so I think I’ll get it down soon thank you

[@jessicapines7137]

This video was really useful - I've been playing guitar for 7 years but not once have I been properly taught music theory so thanks for this video!

[@davidawakim5473]

Oh wow, this was really educational and useful! How did this not go viral?!?

[@destroiz]

I already know all of this, but a good refresher never hurts, good video man!

[@JonnyRoss]

This was so simple and easy to follow. I haven't really learned any music theory yet and this feels like such a solid first step. Thank you so much!

[@jazzmaster909]

I just subbed man. this is very imformative. I neglected learning basic music theory since I thought "Hey I know how to chords and notes work by ear, what more do i need?", but I now see its importance.

[@HappyRedDemonSkater]

I know some basic theory, but the way you explained the circle of 5th REALLY clicked with me, thank you so much for your help!

[@AnanZenn]

Amazing! I've spent the last year learning what you explained in a 9-mins video!

[@cbcat747]

even though this was a 10 minute video I spent over an hour rewatching and taking notes + adding examples. This is going to be a massive help going into my junior year of high school doing ATAR music. Thank you !!

[@TheGreatWhite99]

I had already figured out all this stuff by ear, but neither could I give it a name, nor figure out how to explain it to somebody else. Thanks a lot for sorting this out.

[@kitvass666]

I just discovered your channel yesterday, so glad I did! Thanks for the great quality and down to earth lessons

[@nickmanville900]

As an experienced guitar player who didn't care much about theory until very recently, this was 10 minutes of blowing my fucking mind.

[@Plethorality]

i am watching it for piano, and its filling in a lot of gaps for me.

[@joemartin224]

Really good video. Very well put together Mr. Samurai. Like you said, it goes a lot deeper but these 4 pillars can definitely take you a long way. If you mastered these theories and the practically of them you could play any hendrix, Chili's, sublime, pop, you want to. It's all there man. Thanks!

[@RandyBakkelund]

I'm surprised I learned something. I thought it would be all basic stuff, but the chord function thing added a bit more to my knowledge! Thanks

[@samuraiguitarist]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@maxonmendel5757]

Same! I’ve been playing bass for seven years now, and guitar for six. I learned major scales and modes (intro to modes, like what they were and how they existed. Still learning about them) pretty earlier on. I learned about chord building when I started reading music and playing guitar. But chord function was a HUGE gap for me so I’m super stoked.

[@andrejz8954]

@@maxonmendel5757 Totally same here! Playing guitar for 14 years, but just recently got more serious about theory.

[@seanl4056]

great video my friend, that mnemonic you use for adding sharps and flats works great! I now understand how to use the circle of fifths a little bit better. I will definitely be recommending this to other musicians. thanks again!

[@DenisDailyFan-gc1sb]

Hi, I picked up piano again after not playing for over 15 years. Though it didn't take long to remember how to play and read music again I did struggle with keeping up with friends who played guitar etc and could change key quickly while I struggled to remember all the chords I had learnt as a child. Thank you for making it all so clear again for me. I'm wondering why my music teacher never taught me about the Circle of Fifths!!

[@alexthomas7556]

It took me 3 years to study music theory in High school to not even being close to understanding music theory but only 1 year to teach myself this stuff and it took this video less than 10 mins to refresh my memory. This is why I love KZbin. Thanks :D

[@Lolorenzo64]

Even if I knew all this stuff, I helped me A LOT and clarified everything I thought was clear ! Thank you very much Senseï ! Regards from France !

[@CamiloSinger]

I once took some piano lessons. The teacher took about 3 to 4 classes to explain what you just did in under 9 minutes! And this is a very easy way to learn the circle of fifths! Thumbs up for this, thanks a ton!

[@octaviolozada5611]

This video was very informative and much appreciated! excited for future installments

[@n00brok]

recently found you.. i like the style you use to instruct. its not "look how awesome i am" learning alot Thank you for existing :)

[@BaneBurden]

I favorited this. I'm gonna have to watch it 10 more times before I understand these chord variations.

[@helterskelter9670]

Awesome video dude, you really nailed it, you're such a good teacher, I always used to be confused with music theory even though I read a lot about it, but this made it much easier. I'm definitily subscribing!

[@samuraiguitarist]

Thanks for subbing! Welcome!

[@sebastianxxx3351]

With you learning theory is fun because you explain everything sooo good. Awesome video, very intelligent guy. Respect and greets from Germany.

[@hksheretic]

I learned about theory faster on this video than I did in my years in guitar class... thanks so much! Definitely gonna use this video for future references.

[@andrejz8954]

Thank you samuraiguitarist! Basics of theory in a very short and amazingly constructed video! I even learnt about chord functions off of it! Yay! :D

[@greentaichi]

Hey there Samuri Guitarist. Just stumbled onto your content yesterday. I've been playing for 4 years. Really enjoyed your vids. Very informative and helpful. Keep up the good work mate. Much appreciated. Mark ☯🙂🙏

[@emirsinanokmen]

without doubt the most beneficial video about music theory on KZbin

[@infiniteandroid]

that was the first time anyone explained the circle of fifths in a way i could understand ........Thanx !!!!!!

[@c_teevan9264]

Loved this video! First time I've ever really been able to get my head around music theory. Thank you so much for this eye opening explanation.

[@somedudenamedkyle5298]

thanks. I've been playing for almost 20 years but I still find useful info in even the simplest lessons

[@chaosandorderstudio]

I had many teachers over the years I wished they taught me music theory like this ! Hands down the best theory lesson ever. So easy to understand and make a lot of sense

[@patrickford9615]

Sensei, you and Jim Lill have channels and lessons that generally complement each other. Thx and keep up the good work.

[@samuraiguitarist]

Ya Jim's videos are really great. I should see if he wants to do some sort of crossover video.

[@landonkrulezdood]

Wow, I don't think I've seen a better practical music theory lesson on the Internet. I actually properly learned how to practice music theory the smart way and not the tedious way! Cheers!

[@maxonmendel5757]

Great video! Didn’t think I’d learn anythingX but I didn’t have a clue what your four pillars were so I thought I’d check it out. I came from another video, the one you posted today actually! So making this video worked well for you :)

[@Amatirasu]

I have a really good ear for tone. Yet i love percussion, so music theory seemed like something i shouldn't pursue (close minded drummer). I thank you for this video because you easily explained a basic understanding of "why certain things just work" in music. But the phrase "there is a reason why it is called music theory, and not called music law" was the best thing i have ever heard from anyone trying to explain music. Awesome video man. You have inspired me to further my understanding of music.

[@jeffhale9098]

BEST video I've ever seen on the basics of Music Theory!!!

[@jaclynforero]

Best introductory video on KZbin! So organized, great quality video, you explained things so clearly. Hope you do more lessons...will subscribe and look through your videos!

[@rkgki]

My musical theory knowledge is sparse. This tied together a few concepts for me, like what is the circle of 5ths (nice straightforward explanation), the structural difference between major and minor and diminished etc., and the chord sound quality. I haven't seen another video do this so well, especially taking you from basic note through structure all the way to the feeling of a sound. Well done! This is probably the fifth video I've watched on the circle of fifths (or tried to watch) where it made sense immediately.

[@aarongrooves]

Great information, although I STRONGLY disagree that rhythm is not one of the four pillars. Rhythm and time are more fundamental than pitch. In fact, pitch is dependent upon time, and melody is impossible without rhythm. Concerning pitch, the pentatonic scale is more fundamental than the major scale, which evolved from it. And as a samurai, you should DEFINITELY be familiar with it :P (It's the most used scale in Japan). I've been teaching for about 15 years, and the first four principals I teach are - Rhythm - Pitch - Dynamics - Tempo then there's harmony, timbre, form/structure, orchestration (which is related to timbre), genre/style (cultural patterns/tendencies in a particular combination of categories). Rhythm is always number one, but after that, there's really no hierarchy, except that pitch is a prerequisite for harmony. However, if you are referring only to the functions of traditional Western harmony, then yes, the major scale is fundamental.

[@aarongrooves]

Maybe you could call it, "The Pillars of Western Harmony"

[@pixelatedparcel]

Yes, that is why you can mess up any number of notes or even the occasional chord and the effect will be far less disruptive than if you unintentionally mess up the pulse. That is why Leavitt stressed that when encountering a melodic or harmonic difficulty, a aspiring guitarist should never compromise his focus on rhythm. In short: When all else fails, rhythm prevails...

[@carlhilber2275]

this is the pillars of theory. rhythm is more of a practical skill and it is very easy to grasp the basics of it.

[@pixelatedparcel]

Animentenus I see your point - and this is no dis on the sensei, a great teacher - but, really, the ground level is, was and always will be "rhythm" which an astonishing amount of guitarists, certainly casual guitarists, truly suck at, sometimes in spite of years of "bar band" experience. The road to rock and roll heaven is paved with the dried-out corpses of drummers (and guitarists rushing the beat) who couldn't cut it in the studio, that click machine being wholly indifferent to smoke and mirrors....Not only can't these guitar-heroes keep proper time and are constantly unintentionally messing up the pulse but they can't mark it effectively with proper accenting and dynamics. Music has three fundamental components: Rhythm, being the first, harmony and melody being the other two. Basic music theory should, at a minimum, address the following: Simple and compound meter, odd meter, note duration, rest duration, dots and ties...not to mention measures and time signatures...

[@maxonmendel5757]

Funny that this is about western scale theory but the background music is Japanese 🇯🇵

[@acoffeewithsatan]

I recently started learning music theory. So far I've learnt how to read and write sheet music and all these concepts you've talked, but you made them so easy to comprehend. Thanks a lot, I just couldn't not subscribing.

[@kylecookify]

this is the channel ive been looking for. good stuff

[@kevinhill6265]

I took notes and appreciate you sharing this as this will help me as I work towards a more structured program as far as musical composition is concerned. Thank you very much for sharing again!

[@placer7412]

This massively helped my understanding while giving me only more questions. Thank you!

[@waltpierce699]

This is the best music theory video I’ve found by far.

[@dilboorion325]

Im very late to say this but i just now found this vid, and it has been one of the most helpful music theory lessons ive ever seen. Please continue.👏👏👏

[@ril3yjordan]

This is really helpful. I've been trying to learn but I haven't found a good place to start until this.

[@alexlamothe3584]

Love this video... took 5 years of music in highschool and it was never explained this simple! was never really clear on all of this till now :D

[@MrUsChannel]

Love the video! You are a real warrior for music learning. Keep it up!

[@Matthew-fj6eu]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH SG ! the video is very clear, easy to understand, and straight to the point !

[@joeysimoneau]

Your channel is the best guitar channel on KZbin.

[@visionx2]

Probably the best explanation of the circle of fifths, but it still seems pretty hard to apply the idea on the run. .

[@kklim6611]

ViSiONx2 the chart for thr circle if fifths has the f and g notes switched

[@BertGrink]

Tommy Mott It's actually more than just a switch of the F and G; the entire circle had been mirrored.

[@selhoa]

Strong Beard game, definitely why I clicked ! Stayed for the tips, even though I'm kinda anti-tips vids regarding guitar playing, you win a subscriber !

[@Citizen_J]

damn dude, that was highly informative and well put together.

[@ronjames1739]

The best Music Theory Video that I've seen. very well done, thanks!