The Unsettling Beauty of the Hungarian Minor Scale

In this video we explore Hungarian Minor. It's a scale I've never used, but always wanted to. We look at chords, shapes and intervals.
I also wanted to settle a question I've had for a long time:
Can you write hooks in hungarian minor?
If you enjoyed this video and would be happy to see more videos like this one, please consider sending a small donation towards future videos: ko-fi.com/heitstrengning
My Ko-fi page is also where you can download the image of the guitar neck I use in my videos: ko-fi.com/heitstrengning/shop
And I sometimes write about what I can't seem to find room for in my video. It’s also the place to get to know me better: heitstrengning.substack.com
Chapters:
0:00-1:14 Some backstory
1:15-2:18 Hungarian minor vs me
2:19-2:54 The quest defined
2:55-3:15 The motif
3:16-4:20 Writing a traditional song
4:21-5:12 Finding a chord progression
5:13-5:39 Defining the parts
5:40-6:52 The song
6:53-7:40 The real vips
#hungarianminor #simplesongwriting #darkestscales

[@The_Nameless_1]

As a Hungarian I am grateful to you for introducing our creepy scale to the world! I hope to learn it and start composing metal with it!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I hope you do too, and then come back to share whatever you create! Best of luck! And thanks for the comment!

[@johnskerlec9663]

Do it. It lends itself so well to metal. More than the same-ish mainstream dribble we hear constantly.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@johnskerlec9663 Just the other day I actually put out my second single, and it's anything but mainstream dribble, if I may say so myself. If you go to Bandcamp and search for Heitstrengning All Remains, Part 2, you can find it there. It will be on streaming services soon as well. The song ends in a metal frenzy, if you like that kind of thing!

[@johnskerlec9663]

@@heitstrengningmusic I've listened to your release. I love it. Takes you on a journey, which is what music should do.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@johnskerlec9663 Thanks for checking it out! I love the journey songs too, so I had to try my hands at one.

[@TruthSurge]

4:21 shows the scale! Would have been great to START with that then go into your life's story.

[@justlisa1599]

wow. that was pretty cool. the atmosphere and tonality reminded me of the spooky middle section of Iron Maiden's Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner right away. Oli Herbert (RIP) of All That Remains was a big fan of the Hungarian Minor scale, that's how i knew what it was. Intelligent, melodic, and heavy... that was his thing. : )

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Ah, cool. If I remember correctly, that part has some augmented chords? I'll have to give him/them a listen! Any specific songs you can recommend?

[@GianlucaCagnaniJSBGLORY]

Yes, I watched your video till the end and...that was GREAT and inspirational for my music improvisations. Thanks!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Wow, thank you! I checked your channel and your improvisations are fantastic. What you do is like magic to me, so for you to take anything useful away from my video is mind-blowing to me. In the best possible way. Have a fantastic day!

[@careyrowland]

Sad but true: Melancholy is profound, and necessary for occasionally drawing attention to the unavoidable tragedies of life, wherein we find inspiration for the deepest music, poetry and literature. Hungarian scale may be, in music, parallel to Shakespearean tragedy.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Very profound. Speaking for myself, I've always felt very much at home there. Never saddened by it, just, right at home. In equilibrium. It's like a nutrient I need to feel normal. But it never bums me out. And thank you for your comment, I hope your day is going well!

[@chameleon-dream-band-official]

One of my major "lightbulb" moments was discovering there are a stack of other parent scales (and their modes) out there, and it's great fun to try to create something from them. The other moment was realising you don't have to stick the diatonic mode of the chord. So playing Hungarian Minor melodies over any minor chord can sound really cool. Great video 👍

[@heitstrengningmusic]

The second one is one I utilize in my own music all the time, and something I try to preach on this channel. To the extent that I ever preach anything, that is. I have a video called This Otherwordly Scale is Perfect for Eerie Heaviness (catchy title, I know) that goes into this. Thanks for the nice comment and have an awesome day!

[@TruthSurge]

you could also just think of it as a minor scale with altered 7 to sharp 7 and just use sharp 4 (flat 5) instead of 4. IOW, just an alteration of the minor scale instead of calling it a new scale. But ok. It's also just one note different than harmonic minor so you could also think of it that way. Harmonic minor but change 4 to flat 5. That's probably easier than making 2 alterations to the minor scale. The flat 5 and minor 6 give it a very unusual sound with those two half steps in a row. Something to toy around with for sure. The flat 5 will sound scary or unsettling with the minor 3rd and shuffling that b5, to 5 to 6 and so on. Then build your 7 chords from those notes and off you go!!!! Horror soundtrack writes itself!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Whatever works for you! I've always felt like it's easiest to base it off of the minor scale. Indeed. It's a goldmine for those kinds of sounds!

[@TruthSurge]

@@heitstrengningmusic Well, for me, I don't plan to play with others so I don't need total scale mastery. I don't need duplicate names, either. So, I try to not memorize too much. Like maybe I'm weird but since the notes are identical, why call C major scale an A minor scale just because the chords are Am, Em and Dm? I mean, it's all the same notes. So why memorize 14 modes when you only need 7? That's my thought. Thanks for the vid though. It definitely gave me a reminder of how to get a vibe and something cool by restricting yourself to a scale type or mode etc. Cool stuff!!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@TruthSurge Thank you. And yeah, you make a good point. So much of what's relevant depends on how we use the information and what our needs are.

[@paulmarciano9856]

Very Opeth 🤘 I'm a self taught guitar novice and when I write anything, I'm striving for that type of sound 👍

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I love Opeth, so I take that any day! In this case, I would say it's the tritone (the sharp fourth interval), in combination with minor sounds, that makes it sound a bit like Opeth. I have another video on this scale if you're interested. It's called This Otherworldly Scale is Perfect for Eerie Heaviness. Not the catchiest name probably, I'm just realizing, haha. Anyhow, thanks a lot for commenting! I hope your day is going well.

[@avedic]

This was excellent! First.....you're just damn good at editing and storytelling and building a narrative and whatnot. But also there's a self awareness to what you're doing that makes it compelling....like I'm in on it all. And yes, the thing u kept playing was indeed catchy and cool. The final bar...with that low bass note, THAT is what sold it for me, personally. Just subbed. :)

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you so much for this! Finding enough time between work and family to keep making videos can be so hard. Comments like these give so much energy to keep going. And I'm pretty sure I'm speaking for all small KZbinrs. Have an awesome day!

[@CollinGerberding]

opening editing is very much good. I don't understand why I'm so comfortably anxious to understand a scale I'd yet to hear of, but here we are.

[@vjt-music7996]

The production value in this vid is sick! Hilarious intro - I feel your struggle 😂. You have officially made me a fan of the Hungarian minor scale.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you for noticing haha! I appreciate that. And I hope you compose something of your own in hungarian minor now to thank me!

[@zunk9769]

never give up on your youtube journey this is hella good and funny, you're definitely going places

[@heitstrengningmusic]

That is really kind of you to say, and it does mean a lot for a small channel. Thank you! I hope you're having a great day!

[@clinicallysane]

I like this format a lot. Really cool cinematic dark vibes. You really accomplished what you wanted! This is super different to my approach of writing so it is super interesting to me. It's catchy I think. I think it could work in a movie or a tv series. Good job. :)

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! It's honestly quite different to my approach as well, which usually starts with doodling or playing along to some drums, but I enjoy this way too! It's great practice and I learn a lot doing these videos. I definitely come up with stuff I never would have thought of otherwise. So happy you enjoy the format as well, I spent a lot of time on this one and I hope it shows.

[@alteroccatv]

I agree. Awesome quality. You'll get to 100K subs in no time. Keep it going!

[@GrantusM]

Great, informative video, with a good introduction to Hungarian Minor. Nice project and a satisfying peek into your process. Thank you!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you so much! I'm planning a similar video on the melodic minor scale if you'd be interested in coming back to check that out. Either way, have an awesome rest of your day!

[@GrantusM]

Thanks for your reply,@@heitstrengningmusic I've subscribed to your channel, and am looking forward to your video on the melodic minor scale. In writing, I've attempted to employ different scales and modes. It makes far more interesting and can evoke more complex emotions within the listener. I'm glad I found your channel and will be back often.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@GrantusM Awesome! Thank you. I agree, it definitely makes things more tasteful and interesting. As a composer/songwriter you have more control, or perhaps a quicker path to, certain emotions that you might want certain sections to evoke!

[@HenningUhle]

I'm an electronic musician. And I came across Hungarian Minor as one of the scales in Organic House. I find the scale pretty unstable which doesn't match typical EDM styles. But it works for such a style like Organic House. No wonder why a lot of artists in the genre are from the far east end of Europe. Thank you for this video.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I'm not super familiar with these genres so that's a fascinating insight. Thank you! Have a great day!

[@eraserhd79]

Awesome video! Great music! As some who loves music and appreciates the craft but has no talent for making it I dig how you break the process down. Keep it up.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! I see myself as someone who loves music but has not talent for making it as well, so that's why I do it this way. My process is a result of my own limitations. I appreciate the comment btw, and have a great day!

[@johnskerlec9663]

This is brilliant. I was born in what was once part of the Hungarian Empire and have lived in Australia since the mid 60s. I've always gravitated toward the minor/blues/hungarian tones I was exposed to when young, and find my songwriting has been influenced by this experience. As a result, my work doesn't fit the regular/average box of genre definition. I use and play what I feel works best for that song, and I have all sorts of output. Love the post man. Thanks.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you John! I love this. Thank you for sharing. In my opinion, the most interesting kind of creation comes from not fitting a regular/average box of genre definition, no matter the craft. Transcending rules and restrictions to make something uniquely you. For me, that's the motivation and the authentic quest! I appreciate the comment. Have a great day!

[@Matzu-Music]

I like the contrast between the flat third and the sharp 4. It produces a dual mode effect like that of Phrygian dominant

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I love it! And I also love phrygian dominant haha, but who doesn't? Thanks for the comment! Have an awesome day!

[@CollinGerberding]

5:27 I really dig the interlaid text. Very simple and quite dynamic. Honestly, you are making several great decisions with the editing.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Really appreciate this. I always try to put a lot of effort into the editing, and it's good to hear it doesn't go unnoticed!

[@CollinGerberding]

@@heitstrengningmusic it feels very practiced; engaging but not too busy.

[@aroe3896]

fascinating, well done ...and all, for me, because of you excellent video title

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Hi there! Thank you so much for the feedback. How nice to hear! Have a great day!

[@chriss1492]

Interesting and creative video. Keep it up! 👍🏼

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thanks Chris! Have a great day and thanks for commenting!

[@tonysienzant6717]

What notes are in the Hungarian minor scale? The A Hungarian minor scale is a seven-note scale consisting of the notes A, B, C, D♯, E, F, and G♯. The scale corresponds to a A natural minor scale with the fourth and seventh degree raised a half step.

[@nvmcomrade]

7/8 for this kind of scale is where it's at also very cool having 1 bar of 4/3 followed by 1 bar of 4/4

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Cool! Thanks for commenting. Do you have any examples I can listen to?

[@nvmcomrade]

@@heitstrengningmusic I don't know anything that is made specifically to display the properties of Hungarian Minor, but one of the modes is the Byzantine scale i.e Double harmonic major which is commonly used, in well ex-Byzantian folk music i.e Greek or Balkan in general. Odd timing like 7/8, 5/8 or 9/8 is often used and the 3 semitones are played in legato. I used this knowledge when playing with the scale and found it to work quite well.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@nvmcomrade Thanks a ton for sharing that! I'll have to experiment with everything you said!

[@nvmcomrade]

@@heitstrengningmusic, or this kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmWYfaVjhbuhfac

[@nvmcomrade]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DMYYaDbLyZjtk

[@Agg1E91]

Apologies in advance for sort of hi-jacking the comments. When I saw the thumbnail for this video in my, "you might also like..." part of KZbin, I thought it read, "The Unsettling Beauty of the Hungarian Miners' Strike". I wondered why a miners' strike would be both unsettling AND beautiful, and if said "strike" was a recent event or something more historical. And then I re-read the title...🙄

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Haha, now that you mention it, a miner's strike does sound like something that could be both unsettling and beautiful! I'm picturing a high budget Netflix drama with a lot of tragedy, heartbreak and heroics. Appreciate the comment and the hi-jacking! Have a great day.

[@jimsinister13]

Dude , that sounded very cool.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! I really love the sounds you can get from this scale, it's such a strange and eerie vibe.

[@jimsinister13]

@@heitstrengningmusic very good scale thank you for sharing.

[@CollinGerberding]

6:53 really love the full song. the resolution catch I was talking about disappears in the whole arrangement. Really dig it alot.

[@TeaLeafThief]

Brought me in to the sound that Mogwai used for ZeroZeroZero which was a film score as well. They are an absolutely incredible Scottish post rock band, definitely worth listening to if you have never listened before!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Funny enough, Mogwai were mentioned on the Discord for this channel a while back as one of the best Scottish bands! Thanks for reminding me! I hope your day is going well!

[@kidnavajo]

I would like to thank you too🙏🤘🏼, I made it all the way to the end. What an interesting scale

[@heitstrengningmusic]

That's so awesome. I appreciate you letting me know! Have a wonderful day!

[@neaituppi7306]

I watched a video on the double harmonic major, and then from that, wrote a song. I since got a better idea what I was doing, but it didn't effect the complexity of the song that I barely knew at the time.

[@neaituppi7306]

Although from the way you described writing this song, it was more like making a predictable layout. I don't plan out or make a layout beforehand of a song. The times I did even on a small scale, it severely effected where the song could go. I generally go into a trance like state and improvise.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@neaituppi7306 Yes in this case, for the sake of this video, I set it up more as a challenge. I don't normally write this way, but I think it's a cool way to come up with things you normally wouldn't. It's a great writing exercise! And doing it in the format of a video like this keeps me accountable, and doesn't allow me to venture off into safe territory like I maybe would otherwise. Thanks a lot for the comments btw! Have a wonderful day!

[@olocippicolo]

5:02 that progression reminded me of some of DBZ's ost! Good vid!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! Not familiar with DBZ however, is that Dragonball maybe?

[@olocippicolo]

​@@heitstrengningmusic ​ Dragon Ball Z yes! I tried to find out which song it reminded me of, the more fitting one I was able to find is called ''The Strongest Guy in this World'' , starting around 0:20. The eerie vibe, while being an instrumental background music brought back the memory x)

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@olocippicolo Thank you! I'll have to check it out!

[@FernandoCWhitechapel]

I am trying to get more into music theory, so i did not knew this scale; thank you so much for this! I really like the song you made with it, for me it could easily be in some gothic horror movie; (netflix) I am the preety thing that lives in the house; or as a intro song for the Puppet Master X saga. And when you added the other instruments, I could hear in a Castlevania type of game. Great video, congratulations!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you so much! What a nice comment! I'm working on a video on melodic minor right now but I also have a playlist with other videos on theory you might like! I hope you're having an awesome day!

[@Sky_flying2024]

Nine Inch Nails's music came to mind when I heard this scale. Although, I'm not sure Trent Reznor uses this scale. I've also been looking at the Hirajōshi scale, a Japanese scale that has this very otherworldly quality when it's used in rock music.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I have to check that scale out! Thanks for telling me and have a great day!

[@dickranmarsupialmusic3184]

Beautifully made video! I think your motif is close to "Black Sabbath" and that it's the latter that ended up in my head!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! Ah, cool! Hadn't considered that! Have a great day!

[@dickranmarsupialmusic3184]

To be fair, I was watching last night a KZbin video of Tony Iommi and Brian May; So already had this somewhere in my mind... By the way, I have a similar quest in mind - but for me it's Scottish bagpipe scales for electric guitar! ...

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@dickranmarsupialmusic3184 Maybe that had a little something to do with it then! Haha. Ah, that sounds cool. What are the invervals? I tried to do some brief research and it seems like it's common for them to be in mixolydian?

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I dig it, Rick Beato used to make killer videos years back on the weirder and more obscure scales if you're ever looking for inspiration.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! And thanks for the reminder! I've seen those years ago, but it's probably time to revisit that stuff. I remember feeling like a lot of that stuff went over my head back then. And also, he plays so fast, and so many notes, that it can be hard to take it all in haha.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

@@heitstrengningmusic Most definitely, I've gone back over and over to those videos for that reason. The Beato Book he sells is even crazier with the super in-depth info. Signals Music Studio also did a great job on those topics but made them more understandable. He hasn't seemed to post in quite a while though. Then there's the infamous Ola the Swede who is out here like, "I don't know any of the theory but I chug" then whips out some crazy ass riffs lmao If I was more motivated I'd probably post more lesson based stuff myself. i.e. translate the Beato stuff into more digestible ways lmao

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@Terribleguitarist89 I have the Beato book too but haven't used it nearly as much as I should. I really agree about Signals Music Studio. He was a lot easier to follow than a lot of Rick's stuff for me, but I've learned a lot from both! Ola is such a fantastic metal guitarist! A true riff master. A true inspiration for all of us Swedes! That would be awesome. I would watch!

[@Terribleguitarist89]

@@heitstrengningmusic I'm about three generations removed from Sweden (still have the blatantly Swede last name of Anstrom) but the amount of killer music from there tells me there's something in the water haha No matter if it's heavy or pop, the melodic aspect of the music is always amazing. I'm certainly overdue to make another trip to Gothenburg to visit family out that way.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@Terribleguitarist89 I'm obviously biased but I agree. How can such a small country have such a huge impact on the world of music? Only John Lennon and Paul McCartney have more Billboard no. 1's as songwriters than Max Martin. Sweden is tied with Ireland for most Eurovision wins. ABBA is the best selling continental band out of Europe. Etc. etc. With a population similar to North Carolina. It's fascinating to me. That's so cool that you have family in Gothenburg that you stay in touch with!

[@Madchris8828]

The song created was weird wacky slightly zaney and definitely a little spooky. Neat!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Haha I'll take it! Thanks for commenting! Hope you're having a great day.

[@shayneoneill1506]

There are actually a couple of "contemporary" uses well known. The Pink Panther theme, and The Inspector Gadget theme. This , of course suggests an alternative "sound" for the scale lol (Though I suspect the inspector gadget theme was written intentionally to resemble the pink panther theme harmonically)

[@heitstrengningmusic]

That's fascinating actually. I love this about music! Thanks for the comment and have a great day!

[@fergusryan1486]

Thanks - enjoyed it, especially your video art - multitalented, eh?

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thanks! Just to be super clear and not take false credit in case there's any confusion: I blend stock footage with my own stuff, when I make these little "cinematic" sections. But thanks for the nice comment and have a wonderful day!

[@antiquark3838]

Thanks. I may have used this accidentally on some on my music

[@calebharris4764]

Honestly, It stuck! its really catchy to me i like what you composed. I am similar to you. My favorite scales are double harmonic major and harmonic major with all of their modes but I do love melodic minor as well. I heard of this scale called the" jeths mode" its just melodic minor but has a flattend 5th check out that scale if you get a chance 😊

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback! And it's funny you should say that because lately I've been thinking: Why don't I explore melodic minor some more? It always gets lost between natural minor and harmonic minor. Stay tuned! Haha.

[@thejontao]

In an ambient context I’ve noodled with double harmonic major over a drone, which has a great exotic sound… but I’ve never dug into it… and never played with the Hungarian minor... I’ve been writing piano waltzes lately, and this could a be a fun way to spice up a minor composition… I’ll take this as a challenge, sit down this weekend and see if I can use it in a waltz.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Fun! If you end up recording anything, please come back and share it!

[@thejontao]

@@heitstrengningmusic ​ So, I played around a bit and kept coming back to the same idea... going back and forth between the 1 and 5 chords from the scale. In an ambient context, this is what I came up with: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5W9aKGti9hkmMk I did try writing a waltz using the scale. The problem I ran into was how much to use the scale, which was mostly a philosophical question. It's really good for the 1 and 5 chords (so perfect for a haunting cadence in a minor composition), but if I only use it for cadences does it "count"? I could use it for the motif and harmonize with chromatic chords, but does that "count"? What does it even mean to use a scale? I did write a waltz, but it wasn't particularly inspired... and I strayed outside the scale so much, it ended up just feeling like a minor composition with some chromaticism rather than something which really highlighted the Hungarian Minor. In any case, you can check out the ambient video if you want. It's only 5 minutes long. There is a loop underneath bouncing back and forth between the left and right speakers, and a guitar with a stereo delay going into a stereo reverb where only one of the outputs went into a distortion pedal. It was a fun experiment/challenge in any case.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@thejontao I like the sound/feel of it! It definitely has a flavor. And I definitely hear you on the philosophical discussion. But the way I see it is: it's really not relevant what scale we're in other than as an academic exercise, and even then it seems ambiguous at times. I like to use scales to get ideas for melodies, chord changes and things I wouldn't otherwise think of, and for that, I find it useful to stick to the restrictions in order to not just go for what my ears are used to. I then take those weird discoveries and bring them back to my "normal" writing. I appreciate the back and forth btw, and happy new year!

[@anhcrusaders3541]

Zombie panic Source scale

[@therightrabbit]

I love this scale, used it in some of my music. Surprisingly it's good for surf music too...

[@heitstrengningmusic]

That is a surprise! But then again, some people claim metal is a lot like surf music but without the distortion haha. Either way, thanks a lot for the comment!

[@draugarnatt3816]

@@heitstrengningmusic black metal specifically, which qualifies as one of the darkest types of metal music.

[@philcollins5890]

I bet you could make a killer Black Metal song with this scale.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I bet you're right, and there are probably great examples out there!

[@cajonaconaquetebotou]

2:55 I love David Lynch too. ;-) Interesting treatment of the Hungarian Minor Scale, but the video is also very elaborate. Congratulations.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you for your comment! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you were here. Have a wonderful day! P.S. Which is your favorite David Lynch movie?

[@cajonaconaquetebotou]

​@@heitstrengningmusic Hard to answer, Lynch is one of my favorite film makers. Maybe the less, Wild at heart. Badalamenti was a great musician too.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@cajonaconaquetebotou He really was. Fantastic scores. My favorite Lynch movie is probably Lost Highway.

[@velvetbees]

When I heard the first motif, I thought it is too consistently fortissimo. It needs some lightness. Not higher notes, but fading back a bit to lighten the load of the sound. In the movie Amadeus, Salieri is talking to the priest about the high note in one of Mozart's works. How it came in from on high like a note from heaven. It defied heaviness. That is everything. I'm a visual artist, not a musician.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I appreciate this input! Interesting concepts to ponder. Thanks a lot for the comment and have a wonderful day!

[@darrylwhitesall5847]

Nice Job

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you!

[@letronix6243]

The main theme of my newest game and the exposition cutscene will contain it.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Oh cool! Where can we hear it?

[@TheElrondo]

Was the Hungarian Suicide Song "Szomoru vasarnap (Gloomy Sunday)" also written in this scale?

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I'm afraid I wouldn't know the answer to that!

[@mortusdominus]

Well now that I've spent the last hour trying to do something with this scale...might as well subscribe.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

How did it go? And thank you kindly. Have a great day!

[@mortusdominus]

@@heitstrengningmusic Well it's given me a lot of ideas, but so far just creepy noises.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@mortusdominus Do you like metal? I have another video on this scale that goes more into how to use it for metal if you'd be interested. It's called This Otherwordly Scale is Perfect for Eerie Heaviness.

[@CollinGerberding]

7:30 yes, I would call it catchy.

[@CollinGerberding]

2:20 I need to start working this way, self-defined boundaries. Need is a strong word, sure, just I could stand to see if it is beneficial to me. also, deal.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Collin! Wow. So many thoughtful and thorough comments. Really appreciate the effort and the critique. I love self-defined boundaries to force a creative spark, especially since it usually amounts to something out of the (my) box. I have videos where I write a song using only one chord, as well as one where I make music with the "chord" you get if you strum all open strings on a guitar. I've learned a lot doing these! I really recommend trying it out to see what you come up with :)

[@CollinGerberding]

@@heitstrengningmusic You are welcome. My goal is to gain a better understanding, give actual feedback, and let you, the creator know, I'm this level of engaged. I also kind of have zero chill, intellectually speaking. I really come at it from a very different approach. I'll think of a thing and make that the anchor and then branch out without bounds off it. I think that's why motivation pfts! pretty quickly sometimes, I get caught in too many possibilities. I've been considering actually working on a real project. I think you've already been very helpful and I thank you early for the help you have yet to offer.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@CollinGerberding I love it! It's deeply appreciated. Especially since, as a small creator, I don't get a lot of feedback. Good or bad. I get what you mean. Arbitrary limitations can really help with that, because otherwise options really are endless and it's easy to become paralyzed or go in all directions at once. That's great. Really glad to have you onboard and I look forward to hear what you come up with in the future!

[@zoltanrudolf9413]

Proud Hungarian right here. Nothing in the whole world makes me weep like traditional Hungarian folk music. NOTHING.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I can only imagine. I have very strong feelings about old Swedish folk music too! Thanks for sharing and have an awesome day!

[@andrea-dawn]

Orbán kormány? Heh? 😄

[@arnoldocabrera]

+1 subs, nice content, lycka till!

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Tack så mycket! Have a great day!

[@CollinGerberding]

5:12 Really digging 90% of it. I'm not a theorist so hopefully these words make sense, but that last resolve at the end of both phrases feels weird to me. It doesn't sound bad, just different. However, it's a new scale to me and a challenge to you so that might just be me adhereing to what sounds familiar. if the motif is 8 bars, beat 4 of measures 4 and 8 as what I'm talking about. Again, though, not a critique, just sharing my own ear.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

There's a lot about hungarian minor that feels weird to me haha. But I think it's similar to language where, the more you're around it and hear it, the more patterns and sounds you're able to make out, and slowly, it begins to feel less foreign. As an example, a lot of people seem to prefer the V to I resolution, but I've always preferred IV to I. I think it sounds better and more natural to my ears. I've had to train myself to hear that strong pull people talk about with V to I. It probably has to do with my musical vocabulary and what I listened to a lot growing up. Or maybe it's just down to taste :) Thank you for your thoughts!

[@CollinGerberding]

@@heitstrengningmusic I don't really branch out musically, at least not with this eye on it, but I've learned that sometimes I don't like something and sometimes it really is just a different "musical vocabulary". If I don't get into it after a second or third try, so it goes. It's still important give those tries. That's what I enjoy about this video and your thoughts on music in general: you provide a comfortable zone to try a very specific idea. It's super helpful.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

@@CollinGerberding Thank you for that! Really great feedback Collin and I agree that second or third chances can be greatly beneficial if the goal is to learn or hear new things. I've found that the things I don't like at first but come back to regardless, can sometimes be some of my absolute long-term favorites.

[@f.a.323]

Cool

[@nogoaway4969]

This scale is absolutely perfect for black metal

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I can definitely see that! It should be perfect!

[@mrsiddy]

nice, needed more dude. but nice work.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thank you! I appreciate it. Wish I could do more too!

[@hydroturd]

hey I thought it was an interesting video. I always liked this one and byzantine even though I've never played a full piece with them

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Happy to hear it! Yeah, I think they are best utilized for specific sections, rather than whole songs. With the caveat that I'm talking from the perspective of being conditioned in the western tradition of music. Obviously.

[@andrewporter1868]

Ah what? Noooo! The video ended! Anyways, I'm right with you on the making music like its own world to step in and out of. I actually just got into metal. Liking industrial and electronicore. I kinda want to get into music production ngl... I have ideas I'd like to listen to...

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Hi there! Thank you so much for the nice comment. Music production is so much fun! What's stopping you from starting today? Have an awesome day!

[@andrewporter1868]

@@heitstrengningmusic Learning curve. If the UI is as complicated as Blender, I don't have time to learn it. It would be ideal if I could just synthesize waveforms with mathematical formulas and tweaking, or taken out of audio samples, and then just a nice way to put it together. I intend to make my own software in that regard in the future, but I have to finish my current project first sufficiently before I can make any software I'm proud of.

[@Iser1999]

It sounds a lot like Opeth. I think they've used this scale quite a few times

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Yes, Opeth use a lot of these intervals! Thanks for commenting, and have a great day!

[@alexis_suarez]

Cool! Sounds really scary

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Awesome! I love that about this scale. Thanks for the comment and I hope your day is going alright!

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

5:55 Sounds like a Deathspell Omega intro (e.g. Kenose).

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Kenose is an album of theirs? I put that one on at least and it sounds cool! Quite a bleak soundscape.

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

@@heitstrengningmusic Technically an EP, but it's one of the first things I heard by them.

[@leewilson1368]

Mind…. blown.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Hello there! Thanks for the comment. What part of the video is blowing your mind? I'm always super curious to hear about other perspectives on these things.

[@ds94703]

Vampire minor

[@jswazz9264]

It’s almost like a waltz

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Makes me want to write a waltz specifically in this scale!

[@seanannigans]

I liked it. I'm not going to sleep tonight, but I liked it.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Happy you liked it, but sorry for giving you nightmares! If that's what you mean, that is. Either way, have a wonderful day!

[@PedrosDream]

i dug it, vegas rainbow six fives

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Robert Fripp and King Crimson sent me here.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Do King Crimson use Hungarian minor a lot? One of my all time favorite songs is In the Court of the Crimson King but I'm not super familiar with their other songs. Haven't done my homework!

[@ericarmstrong6540]

@@heitstrengningmusic I believe they used them more frequently between 1972-1974 on Larks' Tongues In Aspic , Red and Starless & Bible Black. However the earlier stuff has them on albums like Lizard. Bela Bartok was a big influence on Robert Fripp.

[@notone4540]

Make the song longer please and some lyrics. It's pretty good.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thanks! I'm currently working on an album but unfortunately this song, or ideas from it, aren't featured. But maybe they should be?! Anywho, thanks a lot for the comment and have a great day!

[@johninama585]

Sounds like Opeth.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I'll take that any day! I love Opeth. Thanks a lot for the comment! Have a wonderful day!

[@einemailadressenbesitzerei8816]

You forgot gypsy jazz, they use it alot

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I wasn't aware!

[@mattshu]

To me it sounds like a funeral procession in hell

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I like that! Haha. Thanks!

[@francisskundaliny1295]

What you say about the austrian minor?😘👍🎶🎵

[@heitstrengningmusic]

The austrian hungarian minor fell out of favor around 1867. Not really a thing anymore! Haha. Have a great day and thanks for the comment!

[@francisskundaliny1295]

@@heitstrengningmusic yeppy,thxy,you got it!👍🎸🔊🎶🎵!

[@1banez]

There would be no Opeth if this scale never existed lol

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Haha! I also love its Opeth-esque quality.

[@sesarsehatsantoso8459]

Dissection

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Not super familiar with much more than Reinkaos but thank you for the comment! Have a great day!

[@casperado666]

The song sounds like the "Nighmare Creatures" soundtrack. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3mzoJuPr6p9itk I know nothing about music theory but it feels similar.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Not familiar with that game or soundtrack but it sounded cool! I wouldn't be surprised if there are a lot of minor tonalities with a flat five in there. Thanks for the comment and for checking out the video! Have an awesome day.

[@deityoffilth]

call of duty zombies ass soundtrack

[@dialNforNinja]

Hmm... the metal interpretation of it was pretty good, but the basic motif didn't really grab me. Not bad, just... inoffensive, I guess? Pair it with the right storytelling moments and it could serve well in a film or game.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I'll take it! Thanks for commenting and have an awesome day!

[@user-tw3uc4sz8i]

effin' 'Arry Potter!

[@scobrado]

I wanted to hear the scale. Waited too long. Left the vid behind. PLAY THE SCALE.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I get it, and that's fair enough! Have a nice day!

[@Wichitan]

The song was great, but you needed THREE songs to better showcase the scale. You have a slow, moody piece. How about something more romantic? And then something upbeat and a little twisted? I know it's more work, but it would work to show the expressive range of the scale.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

I agree that three songs would be even better! But like you say, the amount of work it would take would be too much at the moment. I struggle to put out videos as it is, and I'm trying to write an album. But thank you for the nice words! I do however have another video on this scale if you're interested in more. It's called This Otherwordly Scale is Perfect for Eerie Heaviness (super catchy title, I know).

[@Wichitan]

@@heitstrengningmusic You had me at 'eerie heaviness'. 😁

[@daviddelaney363]

One minute and forty two seconds in and still no scale...see ya.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Thanks for giving it a chance at least! Have a great day!

[@ancientgalaxy7697]

Your attention span is way beyond ruined

[@davidmorris8965]

All talk no action i.e. MUSIC.

[@heitstrengningmusic]

Pretty sure that's objectively false, but fair enough if the video wasn't your cup of tea. I'm the first to admit I can always improve. Have a great day nonetheless!