Tutorial: How to make more interesting chord progressions!

[@glennanderson9947]

You had me at "you get bored of the sound of yourself". Thank you again for providing your insight and inspiring those of us who are trying to spark some musical creativity. Also, can't wait to get my blue vinyl.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks Glenn!

[@Fabrodj1]

this channel is more valuable than gold

[@DavySolaris]

Music KZbin is so full of insufferable, manufactured grifters that I truly appreciate your good natured, clear and self-aware approach to your content. This stuff is honestly so invaluable to me, thanks Matt.

[@JoeyCheerio]

How did it take me so long to find this channel! From the keys player of my favorites band no less!

[@hongsStuff]

You're the first keyboard teacher that puts real stuff here for free. Most for the others, their videos just demonstrating how good they are, and just "tutorial" for a specific riffs, scales, and it only works in specific case. NOT teaching the idea of HOW to approach the playing ourselves, how to utilise them. You teach all the important parts and let alone skilled. Love your videos. Thank you very much.

[@nerdexproject]

Wished you did a little series of like 5-10 minute videos where you provide us a few progressions you come up with (on the fly). Because, man, you are legend!! Super inspiring! :D

[@learnerslikeus]

So weird... my floor started moving and a bird flew through the room while I listened to this tutorial! I love how you teach, Matt.

[@fundacionvamosdespierta6329]

His majesty on piano beautiful sequences...

[@md-ps2hx]

You have such a knack for sonically painting such detailed pictures ...

[@daviddecalmer654]

I’m a keyboard player, born 1970, English parents, my dad played by ear, taught me Bill Bailey etc, mum taught me to dance to abba, then I did the degree and all that, whilst nightclubbing and also loving RnB, it got a bit much and I heard Jay Kay and loved it, had decided to go without a piano at the time. I’ve had my rig back for a few years now and love playing more than ever, now that I’ve gotten older. Matt, thank you! My wife said today, you’re starting to sound like Jamiroquai, not quite that’s for sure.. I’m loving living in this time where getting some guidance is no longer a dream, but a reality. Must admit, I’ve had to slow down the vids. I’m so excited about going from feeling confident making stuff up all aver the place in the basic chords to the carrot you’re putting out there, and I can see it because of your ‘it’s not that hard’ approach and simplifying it style, and ‘it’s alright’ I especially liked the comment about Cory Henry, perfect! I would love to meet you in person one day, but I’m so glad you made these vids. Thanks again, and all the best!

[@RC-gg1ib]

Love your last name! Keep Calmer and carry on!

[@NeilGuise]

Brilliant! This felt like a masterclass for people stuck in their old riffs! Thank you!

[@oddbox2764]

Thanks so much, Matt, I'm probably not alone when I say these lessons have changed my life and improved my skills by magnitudes.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

You're very welcome!

[@thebreathalyzer]

Don't sell yourself short, lol. You are a wizard, I love your sensibilities about most everything. Always tasty engaging things happening!!! Great point about "two chord land", it's easy to get lost in there...even when you have a fairly broad harmonic palette.

[@mdp303]

You may not post that often. But when you do its always worth the wait. 😀

[@barraib]

You are such a wonderful teacher

[@drobotics]

This guy! Just giving away all the hit maker secrets! A hero among men.

[@sideast]

Matt ! Love your playing - everything has that sprinkling of Commercial Gold Dust !

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Always a good day when a new Matt Johnson Jamiroquai instruction video drops! Cheers, D

[@thoang101]

I've learned so much today. Thank you, Matt for this great lesson.

[@raymondgreene9600]

I appreciate the recommendation concerning chord progressions. I will put it into practice. Thanks 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Kadenite]

You were right regarding chord sequences which, just become locked into muscle memory I think. Playing them is no longer satisfying, but it's difficult not to. Thanks for the ideas, I had a bit of a difficult time keeping up with the lingo as I can't read music and have only an elementary knowledge of theory. Still, that's what replay and spow-mo are for and it's probably a good way to learn the language. Cheers!

[@amenfolks]

Brilliant again

[@paulheartsongs]

Matt, I love your open attitude to sharing your hard-earned knowledge in these videos. There are so many practical and usable points which come out of your time as a successful working musician. Thank you 🙏 PS I’ve been inspired to buy a keyboard to work through some of your videos. 🙂🤣🤪

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Nice to hear!

[@suga4all]

Wow Matt! That's nothing short of a masterclass. Thank you so much. The dominant 7(#5#9) really is a signature sound of yours (and Jamiroquai for that matter)!

[@MrIanfurniss]

Random piece of information about the circle of fifths (because I'm the kind of person that loves to watch QI, lol): Back in my formative years, one of my first jobs was tuning church organs. When you start to tune a stop, you use a tuning fork for middle C, then everything else gets tuned according to the circle of fifths, and fourths so... F is tuned to C, then G to C, then D to G, then A to D, then E to A, B to E. then F# to B, C# (or rather D flat) to F#, and so on until you've done the whole octave and can tune up in octaves, C4 to C3, D4 to D3, etc. Apologies for the QI style digression, but it's something I always remember when I hear talk of the circle of fifths and it also shows just how fundamental fourths and fifths are to harmony. :)

[@mixedatmidnight]

Love this Matt. Changing bass over a riff is a personal favourite.

[@Echochamber79]

You are so very generous and so humble with it. Thank you!

[@doublebass5y]

Great Instructions Matt, really good tips especially for a 57 year od bass player trying to break out into keyboard playing. Keep em coming ta.

[@DerrickMckenzieOfficial]

So so good Matt this is exactly what I needed to know about expanding my song writing ability and chord progressions bro!!! Fantastic video and explanations thanks so much bro!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯💯💯

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Wait till you hear our live jam!!

[@stevengr4]

Thanks for sharing your talent. You have a knack for teaching.

[@tasteapiana]

It's always refreshing to see your approach to thinking outside of the box but it's downright energizing when you come back in and say "Hey, look over here in this corner with me. I've found something interesting under this cushion down in among the springs of this couch :D''.

[@philtutty6475]

Love it! Thanks Matt, you’re a bloody legend.

[@toto0571]

Thanks for taking the time to explain those tips, it's as if you're opening my eyes. As a composer it helps so much.

[@4thbrothermusic]

Matt, if you get bored mate, what hope is this for the rest of us! ;-)

[@fernandomasotto]

Such a cool guy!! el numero uno

[@gophercrow]

Great lesson. I’m also reminded to go back and watch your left hand video again.

[@yoannortu8844]

Thank you very much for sharing. That’s to your credit. I’ve come a long way because of you. Thank you very much, Mr. Matt Johnson. You are very humble. 🎶🎹

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Always such a pleasure listening to you playing, and you precious insights. Have a lovely evening!

[@mikloskemecsi3875]

You're the MAN Matt!!! Thanks for this

[@Ichneumonxx]

Can I just say you're an amazing teacher - I had this video on automatic playback in the background and learned more from just listening, than I usually would from an actual paid music lesson. Thank you! (and I'm also a teacher btw, just of English)

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks!

[@martyngilson]

Hi Matt, it was 1996 and the Boo Radleys had just finished playing their "wake up it's a beautiful morning" hit on the main stage at Glastonbury. The sound quality was terrible. We were waiting for you and your band to come on and we were worried that the sound quality would let you down. Then the didgeridoo of "when you gonna learn" pierced the massive field. It was crystal clear and your performance made my weekend. It still sends shivers down my spine. Still listening to it now. Thanks for "giving back". I hope all is well with you.

[@iamfrankbiesta]

Really, really useful advice. The part of coming up with a ruiff instead of a chord will help me a great deal. Thanks for sharing your insights Matt!

[@magicseadog8674]

Thanks for sharing, we are blessed to have people like you giving back :)

[@coloaten6682]

This is massively helpful! I'm in my 50's and started teaching myself piano just before Covid-19 hit. I've been practicing scales, learning chords of each key, the basics really, but I'm struggling where to go after that and this is hugely helpful. My goal is to be able to sit and play just like you do, perhaps write a few songs etc, so this is exactly what I wanted to see. It's given me some ideas. So glad now I learned the Circle of Fifths!!

[@dcurtin8570]

Thanks Matt!

[@ryan8488]

Wow Thanks Matt! These are exactly the things I wanted to know but couldn’t quite figure out.Cheers

[@cortical1]

Beautiful advice, Matt! Thanks and well wishes from Carlsbad, California!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ginociancio1]

Hi matt I enjoyed that give musician an inspiration great saff you have a God's gift good of you to share it brilliant 👍🎼thanks

[@jpistle]

It really is great to get tips from somebody who makes music that I hundred percent appreciate

[@robertdepiano]

Thank you very much Matt.

[@tomking6914]

Cool, great content & inspiration☝☝

[@j.juncal2553]

You always give me new inspiration. Thank you Matt

[@alexbrown7176]

Thanks Matt, that was really helpful.

[@carloslx]

I click "like" less than 30 seconds into the video. The way you play is always so inspiring and up-lifting. It´s addictive!

[@chrissolbe5752]

Matt, I just love your tutorials. It's easy to get hung up on new gear that's wonderful but doesn't make you a better player. Feeling the funk is pure and easy but difficult at the same time - which is why we love it. You're an inspiration.

[@KiR_3d]

Thank you, Matt! Such an important knowledge!

[@PianoXmoll]

Wonderful lesson Matt.

[@elvissanchez8985]

Thank you!!!

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Yeah, cool. Thanks, Matt. Cheers!

[@midiman5045]

Glad to see you are back Matt. Thanks for the info.

[@TheTonyTitan]

Those chords! So dreamy

[@e-m7309]

Thank you for the upload @Matt Johnson. I like this video's mainly because they are not total beginner level. Just great practical idees, which are easy to follow. thanks man

[@e-m7309]

Let me add to that btw, what is nice is how you explain how you came up with the songs. How an easy idee made it up to a popular song. :)

[@unlikelycontender2229]

I've always just used the circle of 5ths to determine the sharps and flats in a particular scale. I'd never heard of cycling through chords of 5ths as a way of making chord progressions. I found this video very useful as with many of your others. Thanks for sharing your knowledge man! Much appreciated 👍

[@tehedx]

That progression at 13:36 is very nice, with the 13#11 chord. Combined with the beat it sounds as a good basis for broken beat! Gets moving in a funky way.

[@sensorica_music]

amazing, thank you Matt!

[@Dom2Wan]

The content is superb, all the basics are there with enough deviations to keep things interesting, but what a great bloke to learn from, perfect demeanour, just a really friendly and encouraging pro having a conversation with you.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Much appreciated!

[@Dom2Wan]

@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai see what i mean? Nice bloke. Nobody bothers to reply these days :)

[@GizzyDillespee]

thanks!

[@Juicycroissanwich]

Thank you so much, this is the video I have been looking for!

[@sonicultura]

You are the best! Thanks for sharing your great knowledge!

[@forbiddenforest5327]

colour me inspired. thanks matt, some excellent starting points here. You're a gem.

[@lainet]

Brilliant tips! Thank you!

[@floncyb5436]

Great to see you!!

[@looneyhorizon]

thank you so much for your videos

[@gjermundnilsen8406]

Great teaching. I have played keys for 40 years still trying to develop my playing og writing music. You are really inspiring!

[@PerpetualTwilight88]

Very helpful, great info. Thank you

[@orpheuscreativeco9236]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing Matt, it's good to see you again! ✌️

[@yydmzkz09]

Thank you very much for sharing! Got a cool 70s vibe which I love!

[@silverbellasings]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Assigning chords to an a cappella always seems daunting...every...single...time - lol! 😁 Great ideas to spice things up and get out of predictable patterns. 🌻

[@jon_gee]

Jus’ bustin out a lil video…Daaaayum that was great Matt!! Breakin it down with soul and vibe. Many thanks. I feel it!!

[@Danielhunger]

Thank you so mutch for the channel and for share you experience! Im a musician/teacher from Brazil, fan of Jamiroquai and your unic sound. Im starting to send tour videos to my students 🙏🙏🙏

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Nice to hear Obrigado!

[@DaveLaneGC]

Thanks super helpful and fun learning. I will go and practice!

[@jakecornes8409]

Matt! Every video is more inspiring than the last! Every video I watch of yours blows my musical mind - thank you so much for these!

[@Straitjacket808]

Fantastic playing.

[@B3-R]

always interesting what you bring!! thanks

[@eugeniomeza2886]

Thank you very much Matt!! Rons of tips and tricks. Oh, that would be so very nice, a jam with Derrick. Btw, that pad sound at the end od the video, so awesome!!! Cheers.

[@mistymorning7816]

Really great tips Matt!! Thank you for this, looking forward to applying this to my music. Very inspiring.

[@ABunnyVTuber]

Thank you! Lots of great ideas to spice things up a bit~

[@personalplaylist5531]

superb as always ❤️

[@deanbassan]

This is just incredibly valuable and enjoyable! Love your content, learning so much.

[@elarielo]

Thank you so much as always, love your videos! If I could ask for just one thing is to have less of the swirly effect (phaser?) on harmony-oriented videos, as it kinda makes it harder to hear what you're doing 🙇🙇🙇

[@PoboyMusic]

thanks for spreading your knowledge!

[@Trackformers]

IM SOOO INSPIRED NOW!! THANK YOU!

[@jimharris6389]

"I'm doing this on the fly. It might be a bit crap." Writes a riff as good as any on any Coldplay album 😅

[@laconsciencedetre2760]

hello and thank you for your generosity in sharing. What you do is always very interesting for a musician. be happy !

[@AxelsoftMusic]

Nice job Matt - informative, inspiring, entertaining.... and no mention of *_MIDI-PACK's_* 😄👍‍👍‍ Best Regards, Axel.

[@markwhaymand9013]

Music is so honest , and you put it across in such away , in allowing yourself and the notes to breath I my self find that and each step and progression of sound and space is from a blank canvas of thoughts in that moment of now . Great video ,i get great inspiration from you knowing my path has similarities and that being emotional is key and letting it happen as music has a way of making you flow and grow. LOVE IT !!!!!!

[@mrfleamino9350]

Thank you 🙏

[@phelie78]

Many thanks Matt for taking the time to make those videos. Being so humble and approachable while having such a track record is a gift for us, thanks again for being such a great person and great coach !

[@tommyclegget3335]

I cannot thank you enough for this content! Ive produced with FL Studio since I was 12 (now 26!) so I know my basic music theory and chord progressions, but just the basic three-note chords and recently the 7ths (Cmaj7 is a fav of mine) - but other than that ive never delved into much more complex ones - most likely as I've only made pop and house music. However recently I'm experimenting with a nice disco-funk sound (111bpm is the sweet spot 🤤) and your video is *just* what I needed! I've learned so much - thank you!

[@tommyclegget3335]

Those chords at 5:37-5:47 are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful btw!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thats great to hear!

[@Digiphex]

I'd like to see your review of the new Juno-X. I think it is right up your alley and would love to hear you crush it.