This Simple Rule Will Improve Your Arrangements

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MY GEAR:
DAW (Music making software): Logic Pro and Ableton Live
Studio monitors (speakers): Yamaha HS8's
Headphones: Audeze LCD X (open back)
Camera: Canon 80d
Computer: Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip and 2 TB hardrive
Midi controller (keyboard): Komplete Kontrol 61
Interface: Scarlett Clarett 2 pre
Desk: a cheap one from ikea
Chair: also a cheap one from ikea
My favorite plugins that I use the most:
XFER Serum
Sylenth 1
Nexus 3
Kontakt
RC 20
Valhalla Shimmer
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Shaperbox 3
XFER OTT
Fab Filter Saturn 2
Fab Filter Pro C 2
Arturia Pigments
Baby Audio Comeback Kid
Output Thermal and Portal
LABS Soft Piano
Hardware that I use behind the scenes but not in videos:
Elektron Octatrack (my fav)
Elektron Digitakt
Korg Minilogue XD

[@nyxmt539]

With these headphones I think you’ll be able to spy on your whole neighborhood

[@glizzyhendrix]

😂😂😂😂

[@tredfxman]

Be careful what you wish for, he might be the russian KGB... 👍

[@srb909]

@@tredfxman he don't looks russian

[@dylanpaulmusic]

😂😂😂😂😂😂🔥

[@Imagineunicorns_zm]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheRulerRoderickSutton]

How To Turn A Loop Into A Song: *1. Learn Song Structure.* This varies from genre to genre, but Pop Music has maybe the most standard song structure. Intro (4 bars) Verse (8-16) Chorus (8) Verse (8-16) Chorus (8) Bridge (4-8) Chorus + Outro (8-16+ bars) If you have a loop: Figure out where in the song you want the loop. If in CHORUS, then it must be lush, and you also now know that each VERSE must be a “stripped down chorus.” If the loop is going in the VERSE, then you know that you have to EXPAND the instrumentation to create a CHORUS. Simple and basic, something you can build on. 🤷🏿‍♂️👍🏿

[@officialstevewilson]

This was helpful to me. Thank you for that.

[@zizzi9806]

Thanks this actually really helped especially the part about the loop, and verse being a stripped down version of the chorus.

[@christopherkouri2317]

Great advice to add into the bag of tricks

[@kozihoppy]

Simple and effective 🙏🏻

[@TimeWisely]

I see, I see, lots of good information here, thank you

[@axonathan]

I do similar but in reverse, I generally spend time first building up my 8 bar loop with all instruments etc. When ready make multiple copies along the timeline, then delete parts in 8 bar segments to create my arrangement. Finish off with automation and transitions.

[@hanziforever3836]

Same. I also like 8 bar progressions because you can easily make a bridge by just dropping it an octave and make a new melody over it

[@igorsenayoutube]

I do it both your way and his way. Some days i find that progressively adding stuff as i go works better, other times going all in with the chorus and take stuff out in the intro, verse, etc works better. Its an awesome tip.

[@DarrenCurtisMusic]

Yeah, was gonna say the same thing. I start with an 8 or 16 bar thing. Jam pack it full of everything, then start deleting and arranging when I know where I want it to go. For me, it's kind of like mixing the loudest part of the track first, then working to the parts that are quieter or less full.

[@igorsenayoutube]

@@DarrenCurtisMusic Yep.

[@darrengordon-hill]

This

[@synchro505]

8 bar loops are very handy indeed. Recently learned a technique of adding two bars (or more) at the end of an 8 bar phrase to just let the chords or solo notes ring out and breathe. Almost like a fermata held by a conductor for an orchestra. Then the original or new phrase begins. It opens things up and gives the listener a more unpredictable experience.

[@cwcpants140]

Dont people prefer predictability in music?

[@kiyoshi67]

@@cwcpants140 To a degree, yes we usually want things predictable and accessible. But little surprises still tickle our ears and expectations and overall can make things more interesting.

[@cwcpants140]

@@kiyoshi67 thats fair. I just dont know how to do it in a way that sounds good every time lol

[@hezekiahking495]

Familiar > Predictable

[@nicolekelsey9116]

no @@cwcpants140

[@losmandu]

What a teaching skill you've got 🙌

[@Jath2112]

I really appreciate the work you put into your channel, it's cool to see someone taking the time to help people unlock their creativity. Cheers man. Keep it up!

[@guiv2810]

been watching you for years now , you keep getting better Alex. Thank you

[@ryangunz2390]

Man I really love your videos so chill yet still a little funny! Such good stuff brother thank you! 🙏

[@RyanTheMetaphor]

Love the videos, such solid lessons! They me want to keep practicing!

[@Anna29839]

Thank you so much! This was extremely useful. I'm really thankful for your vids, buddy❤️

[@SmokeConsciousHipHop]

This is seriously good advice, been doing this for a while and it rarely fails to make every piece of a track shine.

[@Abodazz_Music]

THIS is FIRE !! This method is gonna help a lots of producers who have got tons of "Unfinished Beats" in their library . ( Writer's Block ) is something that i suffer because of so often , most of the times i bulid a verse and stop producing because i don't know what to make next ..... A PRO TIP that i learned by time was that ( Using a 4 bars , simple , repetitive melody is much better than using a 64 bars long melody that got tohusands of variations , a simple melody can be easily remembered which can make get stuck in the listener's head ) Yo Alex , Thanks for the tutorial .

[@genegene2417]

This melody is stuck in my head now. Can't wait to hear the full song from it!

[@ManderMurduh]

As always, another video of yours really helped me. I'm just learning all this stuff and have 0 musical experience so it's difficult but your content is always easy to understand and explains things perfectly.

[@juliangarcia-hernandez8850]

Alex Rome, never stop making tutorials. You rock man!

[@loztx843]

ngl just by watching this man i've learnt basically everything i use when producing, this man is a blessing from above

[@Dan_Corkery]

Nice one, Alex..a simple technique that somehow seems to be overlooked by many, yet with this alone, a person can build a pretty solid track..as you just demonstrated in a clear and easy-to-follow way. Kudos..this video is pure gold..advice that could save folks a hell of a lot of time and money.

[@YouTubeOfficialReviewerAccount]

I feel like sticking to it too much will make your songs feel mathematic and generic. I think the mixing community has forgot a bit that music is firstly art and you shouldn’t stick too much to guidelines because it won’t make you evolve. I still think it’s great for drafts tho

[@Alvaro-hq9gg]

Man, u re so good. Thanks for your videos💯💯

[@bboybrumley]

This tutorial got an INSTANT subscribe. Incredibly helpful. You seem like a great teacher. Thank you 🙏

[@MrMattyProduces]

Amazing tutorial Alex....Welldone!!!!

[@PersonalTreyner]

You are a great teacher. Appreciate all the lessons!

[@RayanKhan_]

It's been a long time since I'm watching your videos and they're genuinely fab and amazing and that feeling goes damn wow ♥️, May god bless you, keep goin

[@lunallenawav]

Thank you so much on showing what Automation does!!! I had a lot of trouble changing the melody, but with Automation, I can fade it out and bring it back in ❤️

[@Stadsjaap]

This is great, clear, simple and instantly useable advice, maestro. Well done!

[@tonydofficials]

You are a amazing teacher bro. Respect!

[@DeliaLaven]

This is *SO AMAZING* ! I'm a beginner in composing music and this is such a great tip. Definitely I will use it! Thank you so much!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@itsdjQuasar]

Very well done! I STILL sometimes forget all the ways to transition (been producing for quite a while, now). Thinking about it as "front and back" will definitely help when I'm writing a transition and it isn't quite working. I also hadn't thought (consciously) about the fact that you need a mix of subtle and not-so-subtle transitions. Thanks!

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Thank you for this great tip. God bless 🙂🙏🏼❤️

[@djicebreaker80]

Great tips, love the 8 bar rule.. especially for trance and use automation & layered leads with mid leads to make it sound amazing..

[@evanclark2704]

I really enjoy the way you describe your process. You keep the video interesting like the song!

[@Alex_Glass]

Alex big tnx for all your video 💜Its amazing 💫You are the best 🤗

[@Azim_Erg]

Good job bro, thank you very much!

[@moonsagemook4rmyumegakure405]

Thank you so much this was right on time for!!! Subbing for sure

[@GhostsInSpace_]

Love your videos! So clear and easy to understand.

[@livingsouloftimestudio2887]

DUDE THANK YOU, I'm a visual learner and tho there's material in text that explains it doesent really sink in until I see it done so I can understand the concept and the steps to understand the transition, thanks again subbed

[@johntyler_music]

Ur content is always gold, keep it up 👍

[@jonre6214]

I love seeing deep melodic theory like this I agree with everything you said sir 🔥🔥

[@kaellferreira1939]

This was so helpful!! Thank you

[@Lol_Pig]

Glad I found your channel. Most of the subject matters seems basic on its face, but basics are where all the magic happens. Good to be reminded of this from time to time. Cheers!

[@trashkuldar6864]

as a new starter for making music, i really love your tutorials and tips videos they are simple and on point to me to understand hope u will get more subscriber on this platform peace ^^

[@T-Loud]

Good stuff! Appreciate the tips, keep it up 👍

[@jmcoffin1]

Really helpful stuff… Thank you!!

[@Cranbearry_YouTube]

It was so fun reading the comments section for this video. All the cool ideas others are using, it's so cool!

[@No.Pressure]

Thanks Dude this helped me out a lot , will be applying this ASAP.

[@jjohnson269]

“Yeah then we go into some cool drop that I didn’t make yet” 8:25. I’m with you on that; I heard (felt) it too!! Thanks for a great video.

[@ibensongitau]

This is incredible!

[@aussiesimmo]

An 8 bar phrase has been the building block of EDM for as long as I can remember. This is so that a DJ can start the track their mixing at the beginning of a phrase so elements in each track begin and end at the same time. Your mix sounds off if you miss it and you have random percussion/hats and periods of no bass.

[@PabloDeModeOfficial]

Great video! It would be a nice idea to do a follow up video showing how to finish this (type of) song in a proper way. Your tutorials are gems!

[@beatsbyon2821]

went through when I first started video editing, now it's taking a whole new switch and learning soft will only boost my courage for the

[@helisoma]

First time seeing your channel...great approach and nice progression...subbed!

[@Lorage]

🔥 Thanks man that's gold

[@Befffy]

Been kinda watching your stuff in passing for a year. THIS TIP THO is bellworthy.

[@nicolekelsey9116]

thanks for the tips brody peace love and light

[@ThomasDevOnline]

Make your grid a bit bigger, I've noticed you're spending a lot of time fiddling around with a small grid and having to re-drag to select or when duplicating you can't just select first time. Alex you've helped us, let us help you lol :) x

[@sayanthtezro]

Thanks, i've been struggling with arrangements recently. This will help me a lot.

[@davidnsubuga1638]

Thank you so much! Thank you.

[@Watts660]

Wow, what a simple but effective idea, gonna try this out. Thanks.

[@user-xe7um4pv8i]

This guy helps upcoming producers when he’s not working for Lando in Cloud City.

[@asci1]

this helped a ton, thanks man :)

[@spartamuzic]

well done, thats the way it is 💪💪💪

[@nopeacewithoutjustice6133]

alex, i love your videos. even if other youtubers explains the same things, your videos are so much more palatable and your presence is very welcoming. will you do a video on LUFS? I am struggling with making my songs sound as loud as they should on spotify.

[@IndyVisuals]

Refreshing. I have over 10 years experience I fall sometimes in arrangement trap. Thanks for sharing

[@TheeSamuraiG]

This was one of my favorite tutorials I’ve ever seen fr

[@sammyvibez610]

Great video as always buddy 🐐🐐

[@NLongleng]

Thank you for the great tips

[@jpventuro]

Fantastic tutorial! Thanks!

[@Planetugm]

Alex Rome the legend!

[@Mad_ManX]

Great Tut' Alex , Going back to Basic's !!!

[@wolfrayet25music_official]

I've been doing this rule a lot. And I say the song sounds like it progresses more in a more interesting and smooth way.

[@johncitizen8828]

This was great. More videos on arrangement would be awesome. 👍

[@ProducerSikste]

BEST DUDE ON EXPLAINING IT HE HELPED ME ALOT THANKS SUPER TECH G!!

[@joedriver2588]

Really glad Alex switched to Ableton. I haven't watched his channel in some time, but now will be watching again.

[@jr_oantonio]

sounding really good! IMO, something cool to use in transitions is silence too. ... just love it. Builds tension like nothing else

[@ScotDykstra]

Great info and ideas, Ive been struggling a little with arrangements lately. I get really excited about making a cool intro/drop that I lose sight of the rest of the song..

[@zdtuttauniversity2715]

this channel is Gold

[@dtfluker1617]

This was super inspiring 👏 🙌

[@Leeishaam]

For me your explaination is simple and best so far. As a newbie to produce music ! It is.. v' easy to understand and learn from you. 🤟 thanks bro

[@TOEC]

You've made a lot of helpful videos over the years, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. I need to make a poster for the wall next to my keyboard that is a compilation of all the different tips I've learned from your channel. It all seems so simple, but it's easy to forget some of it when in the middle of stressing out because I'm stuck on something. Also, did you ever finish the track you were making in this video? Really like the groove it had going.

[@matviymsuic]

Very useful technique as always 🙏❤️🔥

[@maddoxraburnmusic]

Thanks to you, you gave me some of song ideas that i used for my songs on youtube! Thanks a lot!

[@Darkscore8]

I’ve taken your lessons like this and applied them to the music I write and it’s been really helpful man thank you. And I write death metal 😂

[@Fusionmusic12]

This helped alot thanks man keep it up

[@katisimailula]

❤️ this...hell yeah

[@gbigbo_zjebeezjeboo]

Excellent ! Useful and very good explained !

[@Robbo-qi2zl]

All good things! This is great. I'm just getting into sound design and producing at a very beginner level so this was awesome. Subscribing. Peace.

[@andrejones8500]

This Man Can Make EPIC JAMS every time he makes a video

[@jay-leeofficialcctv]

Really helpful video about arrangement and structure 💯🏆

[@NiloGriffin]

dude ! thank you 🥰

[@benjiviews4300]

Great lesson thank you, had a sound of Gareth Emery about it, loved it!

[@VentureNW]

Glad to see you are back and working in Ableton!

[@godzeusgaming8287]

Hey Alex! Nice to meet you. I am amazing by the audio you just created in this video. It's my request that can you please make a complete version of this song. It's just amazing 👍

[@solotaspil5563]

I think this is very cool I'm watching ur tutorial and start learning

[@kalifjonkan]

You are fabulous

[@fengziya]

I want the full version so bad for the demo song he makes every time

[@DJBre]

Good stuff Alex

[@djthenotsoordinary3537]

Super inspiring!

[@buildyourdreams7338]

Many many thanks.

[@braxtonmaldonado4024]

This is so helpful

[@selfscience]

I learned that by ear. Nice.

[@bassiboy4life]

Great video mate thank you