What Makes a GREAT Intro? - How to Write Music

[@damatomusic4472]

I think what I appreciate most about these is that we don’t see a perfect workflow. We get to see the stream of consciousness and the outtakes right along with everything else and it’s really uplifting to see the whole creative process and not just the perfect stuff. Thanks, Guy!

[@benmilford8965]

Fast becoming my favourite youtube channel, despite being a metal musician so many of these midsets and ideas are so applicable and inspiring

[@ryanweaver202]

You brighten my day all of the time especially when I have had some really dark ones. Thank you for your crazy whimsy. You definitely have at least one person who can relate and appreciates it!

[@IainMNorman]

One of my favourite intros is the 6 note arpeggio at the start of Everybody Wants to Rule the World

[@kevinski1966]

Now you're talking!! Absolutely

[@restorationconcrete]

One of my favorite songs of all time!

[@anthonynelson1699]

Tears for Fears’ music is a masterclass in pop composition, and even some prog rock sensibilities too. So good.

[@petersvan7880]

When I grew up, it was the time of great British comedy shows on TV. But now we have this brilliant Laugh & Learn series. Thank you Guy :)

[@jasonp9508]

I need a T-shirt with Beethoven on it and the caption, “Now there’s a bloke who knew a thing or two about a riff.”

[@lughar]

30 seconds and im already clicking the like button, im a simple man

[@NubE-Co]

for the 30 seconds i just like his British accent and humble personality just pairs well

[@dougr5187]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial Guy - very helpful suggestions :) My favourite intro ever is that of John Cage's 4'33''

[@unexpected8166]

Thanks so much Guy!! There was one chord that you said you messed up and then you deleted and re-recorded it, but I LOVED it! The chord had a very distinctive timbre, so I tried to recreate it and now I'm going to write a piece around it.

[@kdcyp]

Ooh, your comment may be admissible in court when Guy sets his teams of copyright lawyers on your ass! 😂

[@belmighty]

Thank you Guy for making my wonderful Friday even more enjoyable. Cheers! :)

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

My pleasure

At last some spotlight for true genius of your days - Mr. Mike Oldfield. The man really has a God's gift. Such innovative, clever and inspiring music he writes :)

[@minimalfun]

Guy wrote the music for BBC's Eyewitness and BBC's Kirawira Valley, both SUPERB, and I have been a fan for 30 years! Believe it or not I heard those 30 years ago and I every time I see a video of Guy I love him even more. What an artist, what a genius, what a Guy!

[@FSHSKainon]

love the airiness of the snare and the soft and roundness the upright bass

[@chrismoule7242]

7:54 - look, this is me ALL THE TIME...love what you do!

[@simonclover9904]

Enjoyed this as always I quite often find that the intro is almost the last thing I write - using a riff, harmonic progression, dum loop, bit of melody etc. Thank you for doing what you do - you've kept me sane through lockdown (despite the singing!!!)

[@krinor1457]

Spent Saturday night off family interaction ... I find this soo entertaining ... made my weekend - and it is only Saturday... thx Mr Michelmore ... You keep me afloat ...

[@StrophicValley]

Fantastic as always! You're a true inspiration!

[@project1265ffo]

Nice way to end the week :) I notice that BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover is ready for download in my personal email. Xau xau, have a nice weekend Mr Guy

[@joecantdance494]

I actually write a lot like this. Making a few tracks that work together and then working backwards to separate them. Great stuff Guy

[@thestigmatickreature]

One of the most underrated channels on KZbin. You deserve way more views and subs!

[@brianhudson7058]

Guy your video tutorials are not only educational ( the main purpose) they’re also entertaining, both attributes of a great teacher thank you hugely 👍

[@Livingstone1138]

Guy-like typical workflow: 1)piano chord progression 2)struggle a bit putting kick and snare manually cause you’ve got Superior Drummer but you refuse to use it;) 3)reverse something! 4)open Dune 5)put a trance gate on it 6)don’t even pan or mix cause “it’s just a sketch”. If I’d do that, I will end up with the same thing over and over. You do that, and you create these beautiful examples. Then you probably don’t even save them anywhere, they just live in the present. You’re an impressionist, sir. You’re a musical Monet. And these are your water lillies.

[@she3po945]

😳 It went from zero to Cold Play level epic in short order. Absolutely stunning, beautiful, breathtakingly divine! I’m in desperate need of inspiration for creating intros, everything in between and outros. I have a ridiculous amount of both hardware & software tools including the new Roli Seaboard Rise 2. Yet nothing is happening. Deer in the headlights. But this is so inspirational! Thank you!! 🙏

[@bobmason1361]

Hi, how did you get on? And how do you get on with the Seaboard Rise 2. I've just bought one. I'm very impressed. Still looking for favourite sounds I like in Equator 2. The variations on the presets with the macros is amazing. Your 3 Brain video is something I'll give plenty of time to. 👍

[@bobmason1361]

I'm not sure if I have much creativity in me. I'll think of a scene or find short video scenes, and use Guy's 'Obstinatos' (he has a video of them). to Score to it. Then build on that in typical Guy style. But without his years of experience. I listen a lot though. There should be something waiting to come out. I get some smooth sounds out of the Roli. 🙂

[@bobmason1361]

As for the Roli, I'm super new, though I had a Yamaha CS80 before they became a thing. The rich sound and expressive aftertouch was something I looked for again. I will find two or three sounds and play them well, rather than getting stuck like your 'Deer in the headlights'. I like almost all music from the 11th Century onwards from East to West. But I'm into Ambient or light Simple melodies for the Roli. 'The hot desert winds ripping through the ancient Windcatcher Towers of Yazd, howling as the desert storms approach...'.

[@IC3RTIF1EDI]

"Lead with your best element ... which is obviously me singing into a garden gnome!" Brilliant!!! Great video ... just discovered this channel and am loving it.

[@mortengu1385]

I new video by mr.Michelmore... what a perfect way to start the weekend!

[@christophermartin3921]

Loved the gnome. I am so appreciative you are willing to share your creativity. It really helps. Even seeing the mistakes make us realize that is how we all learn. Thanks.

[@kenb6870]

Thanks for making this pandemic more educational and enjoyable

[@joshuarogers8466]

Like how you entertain weird ideas for the fun of it, you end up discovering cool and unique combos I didn't see coming.

[@DThompson55]

BRILLIANT - I luv these videos, and I love that you rolled in Kilohearts. But at 26:02 - "I wanted just a straight throbby thing actually"? I fell out of my chair. That said, I had a project today, I came here for inspiration. You did not disappoint. That reversed cymbal crash is a great way to start and then jump right in.

[@mlg74]

This has so much info for music production I can’t believe you just gave it all away!

[@robeckvidz]

"What makes a great intro?" - "I want a straight throbby thing." Guy Michelmore gold.

[@chrisalexander2726]

How wonderful to see all the false starts and different combinations of the elements. And done with the fab self-deprecating wit, to boot. The 'warts-and-all' approach is so valuable, as well as the obvious skill and knowledge of course. Thanks!

[@nadiabirkenstock_harpsong]

Love, love, love your channel, Guy! Very inspiring, very witty, funny and educational. You rock!

[@nightnoodler812]

Thank you Guy, I always have had issues with intros..I now have some new approaches...maybe you can do outros another time.....Thanks again Guy, awsome watching you..never get tired of your vids. Had to pause and watch the end later, because I cannot play ytube and Studio One at the same time, and you have inspired me to fire up my midi..

[@PaulJonesy]

Me too, comes from learning chord based guitar and launching straight into a song.

[@CalebCarterFilm]

How to make a great intro? Guy Michelmore videos always have great intros

[@annastephenson-knight6048]

You always look so happy and bubbly. Great to watch.

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

I literally watched the whole thing! Loved this video! :)

[@lindabrittain4392]

Love the way you show you're human and make mistakes just like the rest of us!

[@anthonynelson1699]

From the metal sphere, a new track from Deathcore band Fit For An Autopsy, A Higher Level of Hate, has such an immense, almost tribal drum groove for the first 30 seconds or so, and it IMMEDIATELY lets you know the tone of the song you’re about to listen to.

[@FrederikAlkema]

Thanks once again for the great lesson. What makes a great intro? Keeping it simple. That piano riff really is simply good!

[@prodsgbeatz]

I need a podcast!!! I would listen hours and hours to it!

[@thomasm514]

Bless your heart Guy, no wall you don't know how to climb

[@topdragonmusic567]

8:46 The beginnning of the X-Files Theme? lol. In all seriousness, I do love the riff you have going here.

[@petethorne5094]

Came here to write this!

[@quailstudios]

How about the bass intro to Living In the Past, Jethro Tull, 1972? I know it’s 49 years old but it’s one of my favorite Intros. 5/4 time too!

[@malcolmbritton33]

I'll never recover from seeing Guy lip syncing into a gnome posing as a mic!

[@JPDC624]

It's the best.

[@prodsgbeatz]

It's ridiculous!!!!

[@truework8676]

With a mic right in front of him 😂

[@michaelgreyproductions5103]

This was great to to watch, you made it engaging for sure, and you weren't scared to mess up... thanks for the video!

[@truework8676]

Thanks Guy, you're awesome.

[@TachyBunker]

You save our lives with your experience and knowledge Guy! My fav intro is in Paradise Warfare from Carpenter Brut.

[@joshuabrown1300]

Thank you! Just the video I was looking for haha!

[@peteskyrunner4845]

Fun fact - the singer from my old band Surfless met Tom Newman (who produced Tubular Bells). He heard our songs and loved them so much he offered to record some for free. His recording studio was on a boat on a mud mooring in Southampton so we would be playing and recording and as the tide went out the boat would gradually tilt over. Recording was halted once the tide was right out and the drum kit started sliding across the floor as the boat settled on the mud at a 45 degree angle 🤣. He was a lovely bloke, but boy could he swear when things didn't go right as he was producing.

[@ChrisWilliamsOfficia]

Guy, watching your videos always feels like coming home. Love composition

[@AleZayas]

This dude is crazy, I love it.

[@myles8259]

Would you consider doing a video on writing jingles? I’d love to see your take on it.

[@Robert_Abagy]

Thanks for all the wisdom what you share with us

[@tunepsyc4365]

Thank you, I’m taking your course and really enjoying it. I know your inspiration, skills and knowledge are worth a lot so Thank you for making it affordable‼️💯

[@ShiningHourPop]

Best intro? A Hard Days Night - a single chord that people are still analysing 57 years later!

[@lawrencemiller5346]

Like singing into a garden knome... Loved it. I always learn so much from your vids...

[@blind2heart]

Well sir, you're teaching me a very important lesson...music knows no age

[@wyshwood]

Triffic, mate. Keep it simple and hooky .... BANGER!

[@wwpublicity]

Great video. Thanks Guy. Best part is the Garden Gnome being spat on ;)

[@kutchutozov]

I've been stuck on 3:26 for like 6 days... The internet just got a little better. Now that's what I call putting down your ego for the sake of teaching! Love you for that and I'll literally never forget about the intro again. Side note; We need to get Guy a micro Korg ASAP! Oh but you missed out the archetype Sandstorm by Darude, the intro everyone knows they don't know if they know?

[@timweinheimer1]

You videos always make me think about music.laugh & put a smile on my face

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

I love watching these videos Guy that you put up here on KZbin as well as on your own Thinkspace education site. It's wonderful and you cheer me up each and every day. Thank you. Stay on man, there's still so much to learn from you:)

[@loganhayes]

I notice a lot of times I have to rewrite my intros after I figure out what the song is. The original intro is always me figuring out what I'm doing

[@christianhansen9908]

I could watch you for hours mate, thanks for the videos!

[@joegrint6280]

Completely mad but hugely inspiring! Don't often get that in the same person! Well done Guy!

[@Pologenius1]

Guy!! you are so lovely! I'm always learning something that takes my music beyond imagination. May you please do a tutorial on how to make such videos...(the equipment needed and process)..(maybe a series or so..Pleeeeeaaaase)

[@smithc9698]

Gotta Love this guy!

[@MrTheroberts]

Brilliant Guy ...as always !

[@jimrogers7425]

Your videos are always fun while being highly instructional. Thanks again, Guy! This is one to come back to again and again. Lots of inspiration in this one for sure!

[@lraim]

Thank you so much for your great tips!

[@brianandolina7091]

Came across your channel today straight up amazing. I absolutely love watching how you go about writing an intro from start to finish. I'm also checking out signing up for your writing course as it's so far the best one out there that I have seen. Thanks You.

[@MilkShake]

Perfect music teacher, i wish i knew u years ago

[@vultan2000]

Even the suggestion of Guy singing Wuthering Heights has made my day.

[@FSHSKainon]

you sir are on point

[@heylou]

Great vid! I've learned I should experiment in the "weird" more to find those unique sounds. Right now I kind of have a system down, "too well" and it's hindering creating something that makes me say, "wow, I didn't know that sound existed." Like always another amazing vid!

[@philedmonds3221]

Thank you so much for this Guy! And love the humour too1

[@PADR]

What a great way to spend half an hour on my Sunday morning with a bacon butty, a cup of tea and Guy creating!👍

[@Kneichion]

Cheered me up, cheers Guy

[@tomhick5372]

Somehow Guy, you always manage to release a video about the thing that's on my mind! Sorcery?

[@kobecanniere4691]

So I guess you made some music in the back of your car this week? 😀

[@tomhick5372]

@@kobecanniere4691 I was tempted to, after I saw that video!

[@Iain2000]

Great video Guy, love your thought process and it’s great to see that things just don’t happen first time round.

[@lahattec]

FYI Guy, you can move or resize an event without it snapping the the grid by holding Ctrl down while you drag. No need to turn off the snapping (J) if just moving or sizing one thing.

[@dianat.6426]

So funny, it is exactly the way how I do things. Starting of with something, checking sounds, a lot of no nos then something completely random fixes everything 🤗☀️

[@OneWeirdAngel]

Great stuff. Intros really are more than just something for the radio DJ to talk over. I've been a bit in two minds about that recently, but I think this has helped me make up my mind.

[@armiceli2951]

Thank you for awesome entertainment and education

[@schwesternicci2377]

Don't stop singing your examples, I like it!!! xD They are a part of your personality, so don't feel sorry for it!

[@taunado]

Love it. Thanks.

[@johngammon963]

Excellent, subbed and will be watching thanks

[@GprokYB]

Awesome Guy, you make me feel good!!!

[@mksounds6326]

Great tutorial. Thank you again. I'm reminded of "Bad to the Bone" by Thorogood for simplicity in establishing the "lick". Much easier to keep a groove rolling than to start one out. All the best from the Bay Area. MK

[@glady3166]

This track is actually amazing! Well done!

[@fabionania9261]

Sounds amazing

[@TemmeSikkema]

Best intro: Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place

[@Doc2rjae07]

great lesson🙏

[@DeanGroovy]

Thanks Guy, perhaps follow-up videos on the other Intro techniques discussed? Also, help with Outros would be appreciated. :) IMHO, the reverse snare - an idea I intend to utilize - makes the most sense when you exit the Intro and are ready for the main song. In my mind's ear, I was ready for the (non-existent) main singing to start right after that cue and felt like that the Intro was done at that point. Another thought is, I would love to see you build an Intro to a song you have sitting around that needs one rather than starting a song from scratch to see your process. Selfishly, I have some songs that I feel are needing some "Intro first-aid."

[@difflocktwo]

bolero is an absolute masterpiece.

[@checklistanimations2106]

I loved this. My main instrument is actually drums. I would love to share my idea if you had the source files of this song. spoiler alert it involves low toms. I could send you the midi files after. Love your channel I will be picking up your course soon as well.

[@michalfedor92]

you are fascinating music teacher! love it

[@nealegordon]

Now about the five major points or maybe more? Lots of laughter loved it!

[@rolandberendonck3900]

The intro ('your' idea) you are playing at 10:30 is the theme of Mc Arthur's Park.