The SMART Way To Think About Chord Names and Labels [+FREE PDF] [MUSIC THEORY LESSON]

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

The first class of chords taught here, the default chords, are all DOMINANT chords. They are easily built by starting on the 5th note of a major scale (called the DOMINANT) and skipping notes. Keeping this in mind, you can envision every extension or number in a chord label (7, 9, 11, etc) as referring to the mixolydian scale, which is also called the DOMINANT scale. I still don't know why this is the way it is though lol.

[@johnp.johnson1541]

Looked at that way: [1] Major chords are 3rds stacked from the tonic around Mixolydian. Given E Mixolydian: E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D E to G♯ = M3 G♯ to B = m3 B to D = m3 D to F♯ = M3 F♯ to A = m3 A to C♯ = M3 [2] Minor chords are 3rds stacked from the tonic around Dorian Given E Dorian: E F♯ G A B C♯ D E to G = m3 G to B = M3 B to D = m3 D to F♯ = M3 F♯ to A = m3 A to C♯ = M3 [3] Diminished chords are 3rds stacked from the tonic around Phrygian dominant. Given E Phrygian dominant: E F G A♭ B♭ C D♭ E to G = m3 G to B♭ = m3 B♭ to D♭ = m3 D♭ to F = M3 F to A♭ = m3 A to C = m3 [4] Augmented chords are 3rds stacked from the tonic around Ionian Augmented #2. Given E Ionian Augmented #2: E G♭ G♯ A C C♯ D♯ E to G♯ = M3 G♯ to C = M3 Well almost.

[@johnp.johnson1541]

@@Not_Even_Wrong Likely you are right because the 7 in Mixolydian always is a ♭7 relative to the 7 in Ionian. But likely this: INT. Smoke-filled Bar -- NIGHT Musician #1 Hey how do I play that E7 that dominant chord? Musician #2 Easy! Play a major but be sure to play a minor 7th rather than a major 7th. Musician #1 I don't know the intervals! Musician #2. No prob man. You know the Mixolydian scale? Musician #1 Sure do man. Musician #2 Start on the tonic and count inclusive, picking every three tones. That last tone, the seven in Mixolydian is a flat seven. So an E7 is E G♯ B D. All that is in the Mixolydian scale. Musician #1 Thanks man, you are a cool cat.

[@Thatboybewhat]

Thank you Jake 🫡

[@kozmobluemusic]

@@Not_Even_Wrong you literally just repeated what jake already explains in the video ​ @johnp.johnson1541 and you just made it more confusing

[@lefterisfred]

Can you explain the #9? Isn't that a minor third then?

[@kusanagisteve7166]

Man...I really missed your content,so glad you're back

[@buddhabillypresents4006]

Definitely. He doesn't know it but this man has helped me write a few songs. 😅.

[@SuperDerezzed]

Better teacher than Beato, which made me more confident in buying Jake's theory book

[@hunterprice3320]

​@SuperDerezzed I love Rick Beato but he doesn't explain things in the easiest terms. Jake explains it all in english lol. I never could quite get what Beato was saying.

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@hunterprice3320 I understand Rick Biada because it took me years to learn that shit on my own but Jake definitely does make things easy for people I watch his channel so I can figure out how to explain theory concepts to other people or at least the best way to do it because he makes it more accessible for people to don't understand

[@Honkinonthebobo]

I was so surprised and happy to see this video on my feed

[@kagenotatsumaki]

This is why you're the best. Nobody else has EVER told me that 7 is flat by default, min is only referring to the 3rd and maj is only referring to the 7, because it's flat by default! This is critical information and yet after 3 years of constantly surfing KZbin for guitar videos, I've never even heard anyone HINT at this! So thank you SO much Jake! Super stoked that you're back!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

right? why wasn't I taught this earlier?!?!

[@kozmobluemusic]

@@SignalsMusicStudio We're very grateful for everything you do here, Jake. Amazing material, very concise and well explained. It's because of you that I, and I'm sure for many others, can parse, write, and appreciate more complex music with relative ease, intuition, and deliberation. I never fully grasped modes or voice leading until I watched your videos. We love you, Jake! Thanks.

[@Trey-bien]

Yes! I learned that "minor" always refers to the 3, but I don't remember ever learning that "major" always means the 7. Mind blown. My life just git so much easier!

[@michaelknight8534]

You da man, Jake! I thank GOD for you.✌🏾

[@wwjjss33]

RIGHT!? -Why does NOONE ever teach this??!

[@Churro_Flaminguez]

This channel has to be in the Top 3 for educational music content on KZbin. Thank you again Jake 🙏🏻

[@AFGautonompunk]

what are the other two ?

[@Typical.Anomaly]

@@AFGautonompunk I'd say 12tone and Adam Neely

[@urilevy1]

DavidBennetPiano god bless him.

[@YetiTheWinner]

@@Typical.Anomalydon’t forget Open Studio Jazz

[@manplusguitar]

Once again Jake clears up 20 years of confusion in 5 minutes. Best teacher on youtube.

[@Landekar]

Literally the best music teacher now posts regularly. The whole world is becoming better after all.

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

If there's such a thing as a virtuoso TEACHER, that's what you are my friend. A professional who ascended beyond all others and mastered the skills of not only knowing about a subject, but about TEACHING said subject effortlessly and effectively. Bravo.

[@urilevy1]

True

[@JorWat25]

As an explanation as to why the flat seventh is the default, it's because 1, 3, 5 and flat 7 form a 4:5:6:7 ratio of the frequencies (or at least close enough), so sounds the most harmonic.

[@jvz773]

Of all the music theory content I’ve consumed, this is perhaps the most important, most helpful lesson I’ve encountered. I STILL get tripped up on chord naming. I’ll go back, look things up, study it again and think I’ve finally got it sorted and memorized once and for all, only to find myself under pressure in the heat of a moment, getting confused and unable to remember for certain what the convention is 😫. You presented this info so well, and it’s so well organized, that I may be able to keep things straight once and for all. I’m saving this video for future reference and study and I’m considering ordering your full book. Keep up the great work. Sincere thanks! 🙏💛🎶👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@tohotmosiii7898]

Spot on! Same here.. word per word 🤟

[@liquidsolids9415]

I already knew all this…but it took me YEARS to learn. You taught it in 18 minutes. Thank you, and well done!

[@bettyswunghole3310]

Yes, I did it the "old fashioned" way too! And I *_still_* have to think about some of the notation when I encounter it.

[@rcatawampus]

I rewatch this once a month just to remind myself how this all works. This is so well presented.

[@mykhedelic6471]

It would've taken Rick Beato 9 years to explain this and it wouldn't have been anywhere near as clean, clear, impactful and punchy. Which is no knock on him, he's great for a million things, but you have a way of presenting piles of information in logical, sequential, digestible bites that stick the first time and stay. Baby Beato is back, baby! This was a great review for me and probably a revelation and lifting of the veil for so many others.

[@kozmobluemusic]

honestly can’t stand how slowly he moves through the material, and gets redundant, even though he’s got great content Jake delivers straight to the point, no long anecdotes or cyclical explanation

[@mykhedelic6471]

@@kozmobluemusic Rick has alot of great stuff but the instructional stuff is a slog. The interviews and song breakdown/analysis can be great, the chats, but the instructional stuff and constant discount code... Anyway, can't believe Jake's delivery and compact quality-- this dude was missed during the great Writing of the Codex period.

[@aaronkandlik]

😂

[@lpa9974]

Rick Beato is a great guy with great stuff-you shouldn’t knock him on someone else’s channel. If you don’t have something positive to say, then don’t say it Or at least say it to his face.

[@chrisbassartist4344]

I have 30 years of experience as a musician and had many teachers and read many books and in 20 minutes you explained chord theory to me that finally can say I understand it and it makes sense…especially minor 6th chords that always confused me thank you!! And don’t you dare leave KZbin again we need you lol

[@ShotOwl]

If you've ever had a teacher tell you, don't worry, we'll get into that 'later'--this video is 'later'. It's fantastic.

[@patrickpowell5430]

Jake, you are dead right, that has clarified and unified isolated nuggets of musical theory I ‘knew’ but did actually understand. There’s one point I must make, though: piano players have a FAR easier time when they want to build these chords. We guitar players not so much because of the arrangement of strings. But thanks for that. P

[@Veritas-TheGoader]

I’m teaching myself bass guitar, and I have to say you are the teacher for me. You make sense. I love Beato, he has such great knowledge, but much of it goes over my head. You are able to teach without arrogance or ego, yet you have amazing talent to both teach and play. The saying “those that can not do, teach”, doesn’t hold true for you. You are a great musician, and thank you for sharing your knowledge. You’ve helped me understand so much, I thank you.

[@matthieukerboull3718]

Thank you man !! After years of struggling to wrapped my head around, you've just made it click for me !!!

[@bigbirdmusic8199]

This is THE definitive chord guide! So intuitive and easy to follow. Great to have you back on KZbin Jake!!

[@chuckwagon7860]

GENIUS!!!!! What a blessing....Thank you so much!

[@renegade1283]

Yeh well same here. I wish I was shown this many years ago. A superb video again, Jake. Very glad you are back.

[@archivestereo]

This is the best music lesson ever! You’re great!

[@1oolabob]

I paused at 04:27 to notice that I just understood 11ths and 13ths for the first time. This is huge for me! I'm really just a percussionist. The logic is really solid.

[@MichaelTrentColvin]

I just lost my drummer RIP May I ask why you have an interest in music theory? Mabey we could collaborate 🤨 I play guitar, bass and keyboard Thanks 👍 Michael

[@gtrdoc911]

Great video Jake! Amazing presentation and editing. I used to get confused when I would read that the 9th can be sharpened or flattened but the 11th can only be sharpened and the 13th can only be flattened. It all became clear when I realized a "flattened 11th" is a third and a "sharpened 13th" is a flat seven. Light bulb moment.

[@shiftybat7318]

This was three months' worth of my high school theory class in 20 minutes. Thanks for the refresher.

[@educostanzo]

I assume that writing your book gave you a new found synthesis superpower, because the way you were able to condense so much information in a 18min video while still keeping it simple to understand is just incredible. Probably the best video about chord construction I've seen on youtube.

[@crazydougthewolf]

The first ten minutes of this video alone clarified things in music theory that have been confusing and difficult for me for 40 years! Thank you! Also, best way to sell a book, ever! Well done!

[@oskarostermann4734]

That's an explanation! Thanks so much!

[@xXscissors_61Xx]

If i could leave a tip i would. This is THE best description of these harmony representations I have seen in 15 years of playing guitar and studying music. Hats off for explaining something so seemingly simple; simplistically.

[@wallyhynds8067]

Indeed! And, speaking of donating ... if someone is going to offer discounted material to those that find the cost a challenge, I would like to support that directly. If there is a way, let us know.

[@karstanton5091]

@@wallyhynds8067 he has a Patreon link in the description of the vid 😊

[@wallyhynds8067]

@@karstanton5091 don't know how I did not see that. thx

[@jclemmenson2]

Easily one of the most useful music lessons ever.

[@KevinORourke25]

Your communication skills are a cut above. This will help a lot of players to understand what was very confusing when first trying to gain some theory knowledge.

[@sergioalexandre9513]

This is enlightenment in the form of a youtube video lesson. You should be proud for what you're doing for all of us mere mortals. Thank you, Teacher!

[@delarkaBCN]

im a "music graduate" and your videos help to refresh the theory

[@kaleidoskop4864]

Youre the best music educator on this platform. Other videos from other channels on the same topic dont even come close to yours.

[@paulandrews9069]

I'll echo what everyone else is saying - best music/guitar teacher on KZbin. At least for me. Also, I'll plug the Chord Progression Codex. I bought the hard copy and it is just wonderfully done. Great reference!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

wooohoo! hope you enjoy the book for years to come :)

[@enisilhansmellsgood]

The best explanation of chords ever! Thank you so much! You are doing great!

[@fretscience]

Great lesson! One minor correction on the PDF: in the b5 block, the 5s of the four chords shown should be b5s. This is probably obvious to most readers, but I point it out because it's inconsistent with how you handled the other sections.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME KNOW! I'm fixing now and reuploading

[@otterlyso]

and Neapolitan is nea not neo, but great video! Thank you.@@SignalsMusicStudio

[@PaintByMonster]

THIS IS A FANTASTIC VIDEO!! Simple, clear explanation of structure! Thanks! I might just buy your book!!

[@WoodWizard13]

What a fantastic video!

[@ErnieLeblanc]

As I have been offering since way back when, ''I Can Teach Anyone 96 6-syring Guitar Chords in 3 Minutes.'' - Ernie Leblanc, ''Into the Bass!''✌️🙏

[@martinszczepanski3698]

Gamechanger for me. Thank you so much dude!

[@risingphoenix1484]

SMS honestly this lesson is the most important and best music theory lesson on KZbin..... When you start making the transition from beginner to mediocre player you understand the concept but when you go from mediocre to a little advance you really start to see the relationship. Great video... I suggest you watch this video everyday for about a month if you're a newbie. It will pay off in the next few months of your playing journey.

[@ryzonbatista]

Feel like an idiot. No idea how much money I've spent on books which I tried to use for learning chords. At no time did I learn how to build them organically. Thank you and you got a new sub

[@Vaihinger]

I bought the book. I have been studying theory - from a player's perspective - for many years. I have a decent set of understandings, but my knowledge is hopelessly disorganized, nearly random. The book is fabulous. I have every expectation that going through it will systematize my knowledge in a way it has never been. One side note: for a number of years I wrote technical manuals for a living. I KNOW what excellent "technical writing" is, and this book easily, even elegantly gets that very challenging job done. It is largely a matter of imagining what a reader might need help with, question he might have, and so on. This book accomplishes that strikingly well. I love the book: worth every penny.

[@Vaihinger]

I'll add that I have been playing guitar for over 60 years, if that is relevant.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

This is so awesome to hear. Thanks for letting me know!!!

[@Vaihinger]

You bet. For those who might contemplate buying the physical copy, I will add that the book is very sturdily spiral bound and that the paper is thicker than the usual. Your detailed commitment to the project is obvious.@@SignalsMusicStudio

[@jimallen4328]

Wow! That is a packed 20 minute video! Thank you. I'm subscribing!

[@michaeldebecker1472]

Finally, someone explaining this in a smart and still accessible way. That's so pedagogical! Thank you so much!

[@warbeats]

I don't play guitar but I have learned so much from Jake since he uses the note names and not fret/string examples - I can easily move this knowledge to piano/keyboard.

[@methal0-111]

I really like to imagine myself getting really proficient on guitar and music theory and then doing explanation/teaching videos without a pay wall just to help others since I know the struggle. You are a great guy!

[@ethane7733]

This was really good, I will be watching this again. Buying your book as well. Great content

[@Paulskirocks]

After 44 years, I finally get all the titles. Thanks!

[@yoloyo7019]

Cant overstate how much the internet missed u dawg. Really, great to see u back.

[@andrews6505]

The Codex has so much content - it's an excellent resource, and based on your videos, I knew it would be great. Thanks Jake

[@dylancontento2267]

Hey Jake, I really want to thank you for opening my eyes to studying music over the years. I spent a lot of time (10 years?) feeling unconfident & confused about how to communicate music with other musicians, ask questions about theory or even know where to begin. For a long time I thought music theory was this ferocious beast that would make me ‘book smart’ but that would sap all of my creativity and “precious cacophony”, if you will. But instead, it has been a rewarding and idea-fostering journey & tool. I bought your codex book the other week, and even just reading a few pages at a time each night has pulled me out of a songwriting rut and lead to at least 20 new song ideas. You are an inspiration and help to so many like me. Thank you for continuing to make content, and for creating a path for countless others like me who were too lost to know where to turn or too embarrassed to ask others how to progress. I won’t quit before Chapter 5! And if you see this, I hope you have a good one & always remember what a help you are. Cheers!

[@fretcraft]

Your communication style is so clean and clear and approachable. Thanks for all the effort you put in. Its great work.

[@michaeloberly6129]

I’m always looking for different ways to think about this subject, the way you present the material is very interesting and illuminating, I believe. Thanks for doing this. I’m definitely checking out your book.

[@DJ2109]

WOW!!!!!!! WHAT A PDF!!!!!! CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS REAL!!!!!!!!!!!! You’re a blessing man!!!! This could not have come at a better time. It’s like you’re reading my mind bro. I’ve been scouring the grimoires trying to do exactly what youve done. Again, a BLESSING

[@kentl7228]

I knew a lot of the chord formulas, but not everything. The really cool bit is the logic and simplicity. Excellent video

[@thegoodkarateka1424]

I bought your book and it has already improved my piano improvisation tremendously. It connected a lot of dots and showed me how the pieces all fit together. I absolutely recommend it to anyone on the fence about it. There's a lot of really practical information and exercises.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Love to hear this. Thanks!

[@UncleKennysPlace]

I remember many decades ago asking the music theory teacher why certain chords were called Major 7, when we typically took the "Major" as a given, and learned that "normal" 7 was a flat 7, inexplicably. I haven't thought of that much, but it's a great point for someone learning to build chords to know.

[@michaelmurray3445]

You abandoned KZbin only after making some of the best content KZbin has to offer. You do good work.

[@playtheblues]

Gifted teacher! Stay brilliant. Thank you.

[@royalmarine1011]

A music book to truly be proud of. Bravo Jake.

[@yotu9670]

Woah best explanation ever❤

[@OverTheHillmusic]

Boom! You've just blown my little mind. Thanks for such a clear and concise lesson on how the western chord naming convention relates to actual chords! Genius!

[@musicfan8867]

I've been stabbing at the theory portion of music on my plate for many years by now. So some of the the things I've learnt makes this video the best info I've ever come across. Nothing short of a revelation for me. Thank you and I will consider purchasing the digital version of your book when available.

[@Keith-dv9vo]

You have no idea how much your content was missed. I confidently speak for most of you viewers when I say 🙏 thank you!!!!!

[@CoraStanley-ue7rw]

Hey Jake, just got the Codex in the mail today! I am eager to dig into it starting later this afternoon. Love all the things that I am learning from you. Thank you for your content. As an aspiring songwriter and musician, I am appreciative of the content,

[@Dave-gf3kd]

EASILY the most informative KZbin video, or discussion of music theory I have EVER HEARD. PERIOD. I’m sitting here just blown away….the world just got so much simpler and easy to interpret! Thank You!

[@martinplumley6980]

Ok, so I have a certain amount of background investigating music theory. But this video is the clearest most concise explanation of chord construction and labelling I’ve ever seen or read. Outstanding work!

[@cryptosides2414]

You are such an amazing teacher! Thorough concise and very easy to understand while not being full of yourself. Thank you so much! I highly recommend the online courses to anyone!

[@bonsaiphil9924]

Thank you! You've just uncovered all of the mysteries of chords that have confused me for over fifty years of playing! 😊

[@SineCatenis]

One of the best music theory videos I’ve seen-thanks for “putting it where the goats can get it”!

[@davidcox6032]

That was fantastic. Years of confusion dissolved in 18 minutes....

[@PBD411]

Now that makes sense. I saw your picture, and I said, I like this dude. I haven't seen him in a long time. So you took two years off from youtube. Glad you're back. Video was awesome.

[@andersjjensen]

SO glad to have you back Jake! I've been on strict diet of David Bennet Piano for two years, and I've been sorely missing my deserts! :P

[@maximillianpalaza]

I've been playing for 20+ years. An i've learned so much more in just last few years watching your videos than i had in the previous 20. Much thanks to you. Your videos are absolutely priceless.

[@velipso]

I got my physical book in the other day, love it so far, hope it sells well, I appreciate your direct style of teaching!

[@LittleFly75]

Man, I sure hope whatever sense of gratification you get from making these videos is at least as great as the sense of appreciation I have when I watch them. You share your wealth of knowledge so brilliantly. Can't thank you enough.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

so glad to help!

[@MotoMarios]

This is GREAT. Thinking in intervals instead of notes, is much better for the guitar. Because the shapes are transferrable. On the piano it's a different story - you need to think differently because shapes are not transferrable.

[@Sportingalagrieska]

This guy is the best music theory teacher for guitar players

[@richardguittar4908]

I'm such a newbie I honestly didn't learn all the chords in just 18 minutes. Every one of your videos just let's me know just how rich music and composition are. Your knowledge is stunning. Enough drivel. Thank you again.

[@Earthshadowtime]

You're such a great teacher! Direct and to the point! So glad you're making videos again!

[@mikeivey8471]

Man , it is so good to have you back !!! You made understanding the chords and how they are built much easier !!! No other teacher on KZbin has been able to break it down to me like that !!! I've always been a bit intimidated by all the different chord types which made being able to use them much more difficult!! Thank you for breaking them down for us !!! So glad you're back !!!

[@marshwetland3808]

Your opening thing about the b7 cracked me up. I'll never forget it!

[@2505674809]

You just taught me more with this single video, then I have learned the last 45 years playing guitar. Focused, crystal clear and straight to the point. Great job man.

[@harescuts2931]

Been playing for many years. I never heard the simplicity of chord theory as clearly as you've explained. Thank you. Great job. 👍👍

[@chance2971]

Man I found your videos around this time last year and was worried something had happened to you lol but im stoked to see you are uploading lessons again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@justinatest9456]

3:10 This is a way to think of your upper extensions (9ths, 11ths, 13ths): There are 7 notes in the Major Scale - therefore the 8th note is the octave -- 8-7=1 From there the 9th is also your 2, or -- 9-7=2 11-7=4 -- the 11th is just the 4th 13-7=6 -- the 13th is just the 6th What about the 10th, 12th, and 14th? Those are already included, as they are just the regular chord tones (3rd, 5th, and 7th). Subtract 7 from the extension to find the more common chord tone or scale degree.

[@yusufyusuf1998]

figuring that out was a relief for me because i thought there were so many chord extensions, why is it sus2 but add9? its confuses beginnersfor no reason.

[@glennlittle7955]

@@yusufyusuf1998 I couldn't agree more. Western music notation was created as needed over the centuries and not designed as a coherent system upfront. There were no standards bodies approving anything. Jazz musicians creating an alternative system for some of it hasn't really helped with the confusion. I always think of it as an Imperial system that needs to be replaced by metric. (Also the numbering would be better starting at 0. That way there would be no subtracting 1 all over the place.) None of this will ever happen though as the current system is too firmly entrenched so we're stuck with it unfortunately.

[@johnnyxmusic]

@@glennlittle7955 That’s with any other language… It has its quirks and idiosyncrasies. What do you have to do is learn them and live with them.

[@glennlittle7955]

@@johnnyxmusic You may be right, I mean it's the only one we're getting. Still it can cause a lot of confusion.

[@johnnyxmusic]

@@glennlittle7955 Totally. You can’t beat it by fighting it… You just have live with it.

[@IndyRockStar]

I thought you left KZbin. I'm so glad you're still here. You're one of the best Theory teachers I've ever had.

[@zishanhaider6]

This is literally too good to be free. Thanks for your commitment and awesomeness!

[@OsbornIOW]

This is a fabulous explanation of chord make up I have ever come across. VERY well explained. Thank you so much😃🙂😀🙂

[@lpa9974]

Love this-Thank you!! Finally, a clear explanation all in one place. You are one of my favorite go to music theory people-and I mainly play piano. 👍😎

[@Mecawallace]

Right when the other best youtubers start to leave, the legend returns

[@joelcaron8291]

This should become a new Canon in music theory .. This is fantastik !!!

[@lexluthier8290]

Wow. I've been 'noodling' for decades, mostly winging it and playing by ear. Tried studying theory a number of times but just got so confused. You just blew away 40 years of fog in under 20 minutes. I've saved this to my favourites and will be watching it at least once a week until I truly 'get' it. Thank you Jake, this was the best, clearest tutorial I've ever seen. Wish you'd been around 40 years ago! 👏

[@daviddavidson1355]

Jake, we're all so glad to see you back, brother

[@glenq6233]

Great to see you’re back!! I’ve learned so much from your channel and really appreciate your style, presentation and vibe. 🎉

[@TommyNitro]

This is the best chord nomenclature video I have ever seen.

[@jordy48]

Hey, master! Glad you are back! We miss you!

[@kozmobluemusic]

The topic of this video is so valuable But the knowledge in The Codex is a priceless holy grail. _You _*_must_*_ get the book._ It’s a fantastic supplement to everything on this channel. Truly mind expanding and opens the musical third eye (or _ear_ I guess) I bought 5 copies, 4 to gift to my friends, and I do NOT regret it.

[@urilevy1]

This guy is both a genius and a great person