Why does Mario music sound "Fun"?

In one of my most ramble-y videos ever I look at what makes Mario music sound so distinctly like Mario music.
Patreon: / 8bitmusictheory
Twitter: / 8bitmusictheory
Footage used from:
Wynton Marsalis Septet plays Happy Birthday: • Video
We Are The City - Happy New Year: • We Are The City - "Hap...
GWAR - Let Us Slay:
• GWAR - Let Us Slay (OF...
Vulfpeck - Daddy, He Got A Tesla:
• VULFPECK /// Daddy, He...

[@ohgosh2]

"If you want you can think of it like a secondary dominant flat nine chord without the root note." Me: Haha, yeah.

[@letimo6721]

Actually, it is more simple than it looks :D If you take a C7(♭9), which contains the notes C - E - G - B♭ - D♭ and remove the root note C, this chord will become a E°7 (or Edim7), so are the notes: E - G - B♭ - D♭! So you can say it is simply a E°7 over C (E°7/C). Hope I could help with this example :D

[@tristanperciful6609]

Makes sense

[@rickashley4623]

@@letimo6721 yeah, 8 bit music theory Is just terrible at explaining things, and it leaves everyone in the comments confused or feeling like they're stupid, when that's not the case at all

[@ItsMemeHere]

basically, he's just comparing the notes between the passing diminished chord and what would be a secondary dominant with a flat 9 and no root. for example, say we're in c (notes are c d e f g a b c), and we're going from IV (f) to V (g). we can use a passing diminished chord a half step up from IV, which would be F#dim7. so now we have IV, to #IVdim7, to V. the notes in the F#dim7 have the notes F#, A, C, and Eb. the secondary dominant flat 9 of V in C would be made up of the notes D, F#, A, C, and Eb. as you can see, the notes are very similar, thus the comparison. i, however, think it would be much easier to think about it as passing diminished chords. i hope that helped a little

[@beeves_6925]

@@letimo6721 haha, yeah

[@thelosersclub2339]

I got a Mario ad. I sat through 2 minutes until I realised it was an ad

[@noorhafizat]

Same. I always got this ad because this app knows that I like Mario. R0FL

[@Superkid33]

XD sad!

[@TradingFeline]

Super Kid aay

[@jakewenttocolorado]

Damn I wish I got mario ads

[@darkfox0558]

Me too

[@Pings47]

TL; DR (W?) 1. Use 1 3 5 chord tones 2. Big unison hooks 3. Master playing around motifs 4. Using your motifs, play around the interest curve 5. Chromatism (Borrowed chords) 6. Not too much or it will turn too dark 7. For a brighter option try using secondary dominant 8. Passing Diminished chords too 9. Chromatic passing notes as well 10. GROOVE IT UP WITH DAT SWING i was doing this for myself as i'm aiming to be a composer/ producer one day, but i decided to share it in case anyone wants easier access to all these points as well.

[@commandotaco]

This is some good shit bro.

[@Chaos89P]

Other than the chord tones (since I know next to nothing about them), you managed to summarize what he said easily.

[@narson03]

hurrderrr I am sooooooo glad that someone summarized the video as it help those who don't completely understand.

[@universalflamesislit4988]

Noice shet bra!

[@ogarrt]

fat w

[@KnightTrowel]

When you talked about it being easy for novices to understand, it reminded me of a funny story about my first Mario game. So I had my DS for a while, but only had like 2 or 3 games, one day my mom got me new super Mario bros. The only Mario game I had played before that was Mario and Luigi: Bowser's inside story. When I was thrust into the first level, I immediately walked into a goomba expecting it to start a turn-based battle.

[@srb2er]

lmao

[@bf0189]

tl;dw - Mario music don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing

[@8bitMusicTheory]

DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

[@cookiemonstaaa9897]

(Wah!) (Wah!!)

[@orkazzz2733]

FROM HELL BOWSER WILL RISE AND DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAHP DOOWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH (wah!) (wah!)

[@DemonlordHatty]

SKIPPITY DIP DOP DING DONG DING DANG

[@koistarz]

DOOWAHP

[@VechsDavion]

This guys said a lot of words. I understood a few of them. :V

[@virtua_t4695]

@@_Pike chill dude! Music is like a language, you dont learn everything at once

[@chiptunebrandon]

Every note you play is not just a note, it's a chord! That cleared a lot up for me.

[@ItsMemeHere]

@@_Pike chill my guy, music terms are kinda wack

[@danballe]

When you read the word FUN in the description they only things you need to know, find or keep in mind are is that minor chords are considered (evokes or relates to) Sad Notes and Major chords are happy chords/notes/sounds (as in: Major are the white key from say a piano, black the minor). From videos of music theory KZbinr Adam Neely I learned that is named: the "Brilliance" of the notes, I think 8-Bit mentions that in one of his other vids. That is if I understood correctly, since I do not have a degree in music nor can read a music chart.

[@Red-in-Green]

And the more of his videos you watch, the more you will understand

[@DSC24]

this is really great content. I didn't understand a single word of it, but great content nonetheless. Keep at it.

[@superkoopamocha]

Same here.

[@Fralexion]

I could just FEEL the education gently bouncing off me and my musically ignorant brain. A few facts slipped in, I think!

[@JorgeAlvarezOre]

Me toó!

[@augustburnsred3541]

DSC why watch it?

[@Gacu001]

LOL, this is exactly the same comment I just left in another video of this guy, 10 minutes ago xD

[@LionmightOfficial]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Being a game and music geek myself.

[@cesaralvarado8016]

Love your music, man!

[@lasse1106]

You are the perfect example of someone who explains things in the best possible way, with the best possible examples, not leaving anything important out. As always, bravo sir. Bravo.

[@8bitMusicTheory]

Thanks so much!! I've never considered myself much of a teacher so this is really amazing to hear!

[@flekkzo]

8-bit Music Theory The music theory is often a bit (pun!) beyond me for videos like this, so the thoughtful examples ties things together so it's still enjoyable. I can let my ears pick up where my theory knowledge fails. Only criticism I could have is that I'd love for the video to be just a tad bit slower, or rather more very short pauses and slightly slower talking, as I feel a bit stressed at times. But I don't know if this is more just me than anything else. You've earned yourself a subscriber :)

[@lasse1106]

John Gustafsson I don't mind how quickly it goes by, but then again, I am knowledgeable in music theory, so nothing he talks about is foreign to me. I think the reason I can say he explains things so perfectly is because I pretty much already know (most of) these things myself. Often, when you're watching someone explain something in your field, you feel like they left some things out, or could have explained something a different way. But I don't get that with this guy at all. It's very satisfying.

[@mariothefiremaster1278]

lasse okay

[@lasse1106]

Luigi Henderson I realize it may have sounded like bragging, but I was really just trying to get my point across clearer.

[@dnamela2735]

As a classical pianist, I learned a lot about some jazz stuff, and the fact the you could blend music theory (which I love) to show me why Mario music is so fun to listen to (one of my fav games) is amazing. You definitely deserve my subscription, and I hope you get many more.

[@greendaybowser]

This was my first video of yours and let me just say, you do these very well.

[@takemetoyonk]

greendaybowser saaame

[@bolicob]

same

[@nathanstewart4131]

same

[@SpaceWalkerReal]

Yes

[@CrisisT47]

It makes sense that a lot of Mario music is inspired by jazz origins. I mean, look at odyssey. Pauline and the new donk players is basically a Big Band. Anyway I’m going to go find a music theory class online so I can better understand what you’re saying and actually start writing my own music better XD

[@ogoschipobonna1531]

One Pink Boi schtop

[@caleb2050]

my favourite part of odyssey was pauline's small bebop combo sounding like a fucking 20 member big band

[@noahlankford1]

Even more look at the composers musical interests, Koji has always been a huge fan of blues, funk, and jazz with deep purple being one of his favorite groups even stealing a riff from their song to use in the dungeon theme for Zelda

[@User-gn8jx]

"you jump on to them" *shows a video of mario STRIKING an enemy*

[@stevecarter8810]

*that* is the main takeaway here

[@dchen73]

Striking on the side using a power up. Not jumping on top of it.

[@alessandroolivar4332]

The way you explain music theory stuff is super digestible. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these I love you

[@AngelCanseco1]

I feel i should be understanding but my lack of musical knowledge and tone deafness makes the info bounce off while keeping me invested in the vid and wanting to look up the info to figure out just what the hell he means

[@willmartin3067]

@@AngelCanseco1 yeah that's how you learn it really

[@270awsome]

I better not have been the only one singing/humming along to *every* example he gave us.

[@enriquefloresblanco3002]

270awsome you wasn't

[@atelophob_ia]

Almost all of them, since I was unfortunate to be born after the best consoles died out

[@Dougidogg69]

No you weren't the only one haha

[@theanythingguytag3420]

Good to know I wasn’t the only one

[@uditpai4491]

No, you definitely aren't alone, my friend :)

[@oledakaajel]

I understood none of this. Good thing I play bass! That wasn't a joke.

[@malik87breaker]

oledakaajel glad it's not a joke. Because it wasn't funny :)

[@oledakaajel]

On the other hand, it's very sad that this was a joke, because it wasn't funny.

[@jborrello1]

lmaoo

[@honzik1900]

Hahaha Good joke

[@leveethewall]

BRUHHH A BASSIST NEEDS TO KNOW THE CHANGES INSIDE AND OUT

[@krishacz]

_pretends to understand music theory_

[@miguelpereira9859]

*Everytime I watch these videos* "Humm...yes, much understanding, such smarts"

[@idontknow3718]

good, now explain why every frikin' Pokemon song starts a downwards trill

[@pikksen7905]

I don't Know Excuse me sir, have you ever listened to a Pokémon soundtrack In all seriousness, though, the songs starting with those chaotic first two measures are exclusively battle themes- and not even all of those have that, especially if they’re important. All of the overworld themes lack that downward chromatic pseudo-glissando, and tend to have far more stylistic variety than you are giving the composers for the Pokémon series credit for. also that’s not a trill

[@aierie-dragonslayer]

Okay, but seriously, even my favorite modern-era Pokemon track uses that.

[@TheUKNutter]

It basically explains “GET READY FOR A FIGHT”

[@mirandatagliamonte9754]

Nothing says “you’re starting a battle” like a sudden downward trill

[@chrisfistonich9497]

It's not a trill. It's a glissando

[@VincentSteenstraToussaint]

Always a joy to find more Vulfpeck fans. =)

[@bernardocoimbra2777]

yeah :D

[@TheIcypancakes81]

I knew I recognized that drum beat!

[@Pianist203]

Hmm, I was expecting certain top comment, but it wasn't here... so I have to say it: Koji Kondo is GENIUS!!!

[@thomasford2032]

Well said.👍

[@izzy-artmusicvlogs1234]

Underrated dude.

[@SebastianWestin]

Kojiiihaw!

[@danballe]

The "Mozart" of video game music.

[@the_gamexpert]

This is an amazing series! It's unique, interesting and informative. Though I can't read musical notes whatsoever, I can appreciate a music masterpiece in video games, and as for you, you clearly know your stuff. KZbin's all about time, effort and just a little bit of luck, so keep up the good work. I hope you find further success with your KZbin career.

[@carl-q6n4u]

1:07 Mario has 3 hands?

[@DoodleDoodle]

CarlWheezer Holly shit

[@olipolygon]

1 for singing into his microphone on karaoke night, and 2 for beating down anyone who questions his apparent 3 hands

[@godofsalsa1639]

@@olipolygon Fucking god

[@child2534]

What the fuck

[@EepyNoku]

Wait a min- *head explodes*

[@PhoenixClank]

When you started talking about the ACTUAL music theory, I completely stopped understanding. Still informative. Like :D

[@Endrance88]

you mean i'm not supposed to understand that stuff? OH THANK GOD

[@jiasheng]

After taking advanced music rudiments, I took beginner and intermediate harmony theory. I DIDNT KNOW A SINGLE DAMN THING I JUST WENT WITH IT AND PASSED ITS HORRIBLE

[@DefinitivNichtSascha]

Same, but I still really enjoyed the video a lot.

[@ToyKeeper]

I write songs on a regular basis, and I had no clue about most of what he said. But I don't write *sheet* music... I just play intuitively by what sounds good, recording as I go along. Theory and practice aren't necessarily the same thing.

[@metallsnubben]

+Jesse Williams What instruments, if any, do you play/own? How "from scratch" would you need to start? I'm sure I could look something up for you if I got some context. (Same goes for anyone else reading this comment who wants to learn)

[@DanimationMovies]

I used to be staunchly against learning music theory, but I remember stumbling upon this video years ago. The explanation of how notes from outside of a key being used and then very quickly resolved to a scale degree really blew my mind and since watching it I’ve become obsessed with music theory and it’s really opened up my playing and learning. Thank you 8bit ❤️

[@ZefulStarson]

11:49 "You just unplugged a device from the audio Jack".

[@rubymalia9345]

Zeful my Asus does that. it's like: no shit dude, I know I unplugged something. it does the same when I plug something in

[@HeatleyBros]

I make 8 Bit video game music, inspired by many of the games you’ve presented here...but I’ve just found this channel and am excited to start studying these videos and adding these to make my music more authentic to the genre!

[@geminisfl]

"Seriously, an Italian stereotype with insane vertical stunts who go through turtles, ghosts, and cross-dressing dinosaurs to get to a castle; only to find out seven times in a row that he got to the wrong one.... this is not a game who takes itself too seriously" A MASTERPIECE OF A DEFINITION!!!

[@mdgraller]

2:10 another function of this intro feature is to reinforce the "multiple worlds" nature of most Mario games. In pretty much all of Mario's games I can currently think of (outside of weird sports ones but including the Mario Kart series), you're entering multiple levels or worlds and it's usually more "diagetic" than in other games: you jump into a painting, go into a pipe, select a planet, etc. You're usually being *introduced* to a new setting, and so you get a little lick when you come out of the pipe, get to the starting line, backflip out of the air, etc.

[@JayminStation]

The jazz... So that's why mario kart went to the big band soundtrack....

[@Giorgiost]

Midnight mario kart ost was conpose by soyo oka

[@stupled]

and Odyssey too

[@Denzill7]

This video still held my interest even though I don't fully grasp all of the concepts of music theory. It's actually interesting to reflect on why the music is so fun and lighthearted in nature. I'm surprised you aren't more well-known. Looking forward to watching more.

[@CortlandtMatthews]

The improvement in graphics in this video is night and day. I'm really glad this show is improving visually, you have really great things to say and don't shy away from more advanced ideas. I can't wait to see what you do next!

[@king_noah_2692]

0:40 Unless you're Ceave, Mayro, Gamechamp, DGR, or NicoBBQ

[@kristofkristof5243]

I'm so glad to hear those names! 😁

[@Comrade_Dolphin]

It'S aCtUaLlY sUpRiSiNgLy SiMpLe

[@sentsinkanteun]

Amazingly informative for both beginners and those well-acquainted with music theory. Couldn't have asked for better. Keep up the great work!

[@17Jody2012]

i can’t even begin to imagine how much work went into this video. you talk about these music composers being geniuses but the content of this video is just as impressive. one of my favorite videos of all time. does not get much better than this. 10/10

[@BennyBoi]

I did two years of jazz/music theory at university and took more away from this video than all of those lectures, way more fun too!

[@themodernshoe2466]

It's easy to lose sight of context or why you're learning the things you do in university where topics are taught so far apart and in depth. It's awesome to have videos like these which summarize and pull everything together.

[@BennyBoi]

+The Modern Shoe couldn't agree more!

[@alpal764]

Benny Boi this is so true. It was nice getting a refresher. Not to mention that all of that music theory applies to the music I play video games too.

[@DarkCartoon_music]

I just enjoy music theory and was glad to see it integrated with something else I enjoy - video games.

[@jaredkhan8743]

im NOW starting to learn music theory XD i went 6 years just playing whats on the page but when it comes to soloing, im basically a new born infant learning my first language lol

[@BenD_Bass]

I love your channel, man. I like combine nintendo y music and funk. Vulfpeck is my favorite

[@kevinocta9716]

Wow. Great video. This is THE thing I was looking for for music writing ideas. If you look up music theory, it's a little more technical that I'd like (not that I don't like the technical, but for example, a video on music theory would spend time teaching you things to memorize and stuff like that when all I want to do is understand it so I can apply it later- if that makes sense...). Perfect depth of subject and focus. Keep it up!

[@8bitMusicTheory]

Thanks so much! It's tough to walk the line between informative and interesting, but I like to think I'm getting better at it the more of these I make

[@LukeFaulkner]

3:15 The range of this opening figure... puts it out of the easily singable range. Challenge accepted

[@UZIUZI10000]

When you have to make a 15 minute music appreciation presentation and you get to pick the topic. 😂😂

[@cyan.6399]

unfunny

[@twosided2952]

For PsYan r/woooosh

[@turingtestingmypatience]

stumbled upon this looking for help - got recruited to a mario project team to do a bit of everything. some of these middle words are too tiny for my smolbrain or are a distant school memory, but as this video progresses (and as i check what everything means) it becomes a GENIUS goddamn cheat sheet. please never stop doing what you do. if this is anything to go by, you're a lifesaver for anyone working on this kinda stuff.

[@KleyKyle1]

As an avid videogame music listener, I absolutely love your videos. Definitely explains why I love my favorite tunes! Keep up the great work!

[@Manas-co8wl]

Fun: Exciting Hook Repeating Motif (with slight variations) Short chromaticism (mode mixture, passing/approach notes etc) Secondary Dominant Syncopated rhthym (swing, offbeats, jazzy)

[@jordddn]

Your videos are excellent :)

[@8bitMusicTheory]

Thanks so much!

[@jasonhaug7236]

The dominant chord trick is insane. I've been trying to get my head around how to apply secondary dominants when playing, and this cleared it up for me. Thank you

[@swillas]

I personally love the Gusty Garden Galaxy the

[@swillas]

*theme

[@8bitMusicTheory]

Oh man me too. I didn't mention it in this video because the Galaxy soundtracks are so different from the rest of the series, but I definitely want to talk about them in the future

[@YoshliFan]

Look at Odyssey.. Just take Rosalinas Observatory - It's a walz!

[@Helloomandi1]

Hi, I hope I don't bother you, but I'm a composer and my graduation project was about original music and new Sound design for the Super Mario Galaxy! I would love if you check it out! And give me your appreciation kzbin.info/www/bejne/emiafWmFbKaDZtE

[@RosettaGXA]

Oh yeah. The magical four. Gusty Garden, Good Egg, Cloudy Court/Fluffy Bluff, and Sky Station. Those 4 are absolutely magical.

[@crazypomp927]

When you pointed out the way Kondo uses chromatic approach tones, I was genuinely blown away. I've been playing music for over 20 years, and I never noticed there were off-key notes in any of the Mario tunes.

[@Astronomy487]

THERE IS SOMETHING THAT YOU MUST DO A VIDEO ON! There's this game called VVVVVV that has an 8-bit soundtrack that I want to know more about.

[@ariahsiwik3597]

I second this!

[@potatoonastick2239]

Yeeeeessss

[@FirstRisingSouI]

VVVVVV has some of the best video game music ever created, but whether he will make a video on it or not depends on if it is interesting from a music theory perspective.

[@browneburbs5377]

The entire time this music was playing, I was thinking of all of the horrifying Mario songs like River Twygz Bed. *God is that terrifying*

[@HiImBees]

ITS OFF-PUTTING AND AWESOME

[@Rael-777]

Lol there's always that one guy that his comment takes to to the depths of darkness, I wish I didn't look that shit up

[@WomanSlayer69420]

River Twygz Bed isn’t that bad, it’s typical horror soundtrack, with the diminished drone and vaguely vocal voices.

[@galebegnaud9447]

Whoa, I had no idea this music was so in depth!

[@vars311]

Great video, really enjoyed it. I loved the tunes from both of the aquatic levels in Super Mario 64, they were so peaceful. I also liked the tunes from Mario Paper, really great for setting the mood of the different locations you were in. You are right, the maker of this music is really worthy of admiration :)

[@maurobraunstein9497]

The tune you're missing is the ending theme to Super Mario World -- probably my favorite in the series! Actually, the harmony there is particularly interesting. After the initial Dm9 - G+, you have C - B+7 - Gm/Bb - A7 - F - F#o - C/G - A7 - Dm9 - G+, etc. The B+7 is an especially interesting chord here, since you might expect it to go to Em but it goes to Gm/Bb instead. Fun one to think about!

[@Alphabet576]

I actually love the bonus game/switch palace theme and (especially) the bonus game ending theme. Very nice chord progressions. One of the pieces I should learn on the piano is the theme that plays when you lose a life. It's fun and quirky and would get a rise out of speedrunners/kaizo players.

[@SuperEekie64]

LOL, that sounds like almost the exact same chord progression as in the Super Mario Bros. 2 Overworld theme!!

[@shinobix4925]

Until today I generally had no idea that something as simple as syncopation was actually the thing that connected all forms of Jazz. Thank you for teaching me a new way to give something a more Jazzy feel.

[@superluig164]

11:50 "you unplugged a device from the audio jack." No I didn- ohhhhhhhh. Whoops. Fullscreen.

[@polybomb9640]

Damn. Subbed af.

[@ChrisDelendas]

PolyBomb hahah

[@ccip4714]

Subbed As Fuck?

[@atijohn8135]

@@ccip4714 no, Subbed AirForces

[@aaronmueller1560]

Thanks! You just reminded me that I hadn’t done that yet!

[@trunguss]

11:49 Information You just unplugged a device from the audio jack Realtek HD Audio Manager

[@m.a.g.4881]

Hey, 2 years after you wrote this comment... How do you feel about that? What happened in this 2 years?

[@shiatryx5078]

@@m.a.g.4881 they died I guess

[@m.a.g.4881]

@@shiatryx5078 ok

[@izzy-artmusicvlogs1234]

I noticed

[@trunguss]

I definitely died. I now live as a spirit.

[@zexionfan15]

Since I found this channel, I have no longer been able to listen to music the same way. You have permanently changed my life. Thank you. I had no idea how interested I would be in this topic, but I have probably seen every video on this channel at least once at this point. I am looking forward to more.

[@resq2nick]

i don't understand that much about music theory but your channel is cool

[@IceForgeOfficial]

Can you please do a video specifically about the Mario soundtrack SWEET SWEET CANYON!? There’s something so happy, cute, and memorable about it.

[@skylarfox_bmb]

11:50 You just unplugged a device from the audio jack (bottom right)

[@raptor_guy2327]

I noticed that too 😂

[@swillas]

jacob whitinger ha lol

[@thelastchannel.6456]

lol I thought that was my computer at first

[@ceeriyl2988]

xd that freaked me out

[@KuraIthys]

Lol. Yeah... That's awkward. Although, my computer has a habit of glitching out the front panel audio inputs, making things connect and disconnect even though nothing actually happened...

[@krakenman18]

So great! I constantly find myself stopping the videos to research anything I don't understand and man, I've learned a lot, thanks for such great content in this channel!

[@InvalidFingerprint]

8-bit Music Theory, Wow you really outdid yourself this time. :) I thoroughly enjoyed this video like you wouldn't believe. I've been a subscriber since your first video, and I do not regret ever checking out this channel in the first place. I actually found you on the Music Theory subreddit when you first posted the TLoZ theme analyses (why don't you continue to post your videos there? I considered sharing them for you, but I didn't want to mistakenly take credit for anything you've done). As an aspiring Theorist and Music Educator myself, these videos have not only taught me new and interesting analytical and compositional techniques (such as the great chromaticisms of the augmented V and chromatic approach tones, ya know, things we aren't allowed to know about in basic theory courses) , but also how to >teach< such. You are an inspirational analyzer, a wonderful speaker, and a fun teacher. Please, do not ever stop making these videos. P.S. I actually enjoyed the straight-rhythmed original Mario Bros. theme :P It was an interesting contrast to what we're all used to, and would be a fun way to play around with Theme & Variations!

[@8bitMusicTheory]

Thanks so much!! It's awesome to hear you've stuck around since the beginning haha. I do actually post them to reddit still, but none of them have gotten as much attention as that first zelda one so I'm sure they're easy to miss! Thanks for the kind words, it's always surprising and cool to hear that people find these videos entertaining at all, let alone educational! Haha at first the square SMB theme sounded so weird and wrong to me but after listening to it 50 times during the editing process it's kinda growing on me!

[@Fralexion]

Dr. BoJangles in my music class we talked about what made jazz unique, and were shown some recordings of musicians who had heard about jazz and wanted to mimic it but weren't... quite capturing it. The square-mario theme reminded me of those.

[@fygarOnTheRun]

(NOTE this was meant as a reply to 8-but Music Theorys post up there) You must be kidding! The amount of education in this video is yet to be uncovered - at least for me. You plain rock! It's people like you who make the web that exciting universe that it was for me in the beginning.

[@josephsmith3961]

How have I not heard of this channel sooner? It combines two of my ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE THINGS! Wonderful!

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

5 years and not even 1 like? Lolol

[@geaux13saints56]

8:54 it took my man thirty whole seconds to get a fire flower in the background

[@Tripphammer1]

As someone who loves gaming and took an AP Theory course, I enjoyed this video a lot. Taking an in-depth look into the music of the games I grew up with, and the ones I play now, is something I've wanted to do for awhile, so thank you for making these videos. This was very well done and I'm glad I was able to be educated on more theory concepts.

[@danielcanovas5789]

My favourite tune, or at least I've heard in any Mario game, is the World Map Medley from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Its entire soundtrack is incredible.

[@vars311]

Yes! Paper Mario had great tunes! I liked the one from the desert, and the one from Luigi's secret room xD

[@fygarOnTheRun]

Plain fantastic video. Thank you soooo much for taking the time and putting all of this together!

[@fygarOnTheRun]

Coming back for the 3rd or 4th time, I must say that this might be the single most important video for the aspiring Video Game Music composer of all videos on youtube. It's a pure gem!

[@EllieMcEla]

Still waiting for a video game composer to use microtones in their music.

[@lucpelletier]

Didn't Koji Kondo use them in the Spirit Temple Theme in TLOZ Ocarina of Time? What kind of ambiance would you have in mind composing with microtones for a video game?

[@animefinn]

such a joy to see the roman numerals for all these tunes... very helpful and saves a lot of hard work transcribing

[@Mr.Knightman912]

"You want fun?" "Wario show you Fun!"

[@RohannvanRensburg]

Thank you for not going easy on theory. I didn't know that much when I first started watching but learning jazz piano and general theory is opening your videos more and more into a more intuitive understanding. PS -- Both explaining and showing is super helpful, I find myself playing through a lot of your transcriptions and getting certain sounds under my fingers. I can easily waste time on KZbin watching informative but not very practical videos but yours legitimately improve my chops.

[@pinetreesquad2375]

In the words of the great Adam Neely R E P E T I T I O N L E G I T I M I Z E S

[@keithrideau]

This is the first time I've seen one of your videos. I can assure you, it won't be the last. Excellent work!

[@radionotfound6327]

Vulfpeck Mentioned 100/10

[@ljpimentel]

such good content man, thx!

[@TurtMusic]

2:04 to GRAB the attention... ;D

[@Henker079]

wow, i did not expected such depth and quality in this video, u earned a sub

[@joylyncarter2243]

11:49 *Information* You just unplugged a device from the audio jack

[@triinrainboot4779]

love that vulf started playing as soon as you mentioned groove. you have good taste

[@betchaos7383]

8:28 ahhh... yes... I'm sure I COULD think of it that way... If I wanted to... Much easier... how... Um... simple... *(*Cough)*

[@Wayne_Robinson]

I appreciate you introducing me to 8-bit game music. I didn't play these games so the music is all new and interesting to me. The color-highlighted transcriptions are very helpful.

[@fmontpetit]

Yesss Vulpeck! Great video! I subscribed.

[@8bitMusicTheory]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@hellocitrine]

KZbin suggested this to me and I'm so impressed! My knowledge of music theory doesn't go past reading music for choir, but the information was presented in such a way that was easy to understand. This video is so well put together and you definitely got a new subscriber here. (:

[@cgnfake6721]

12:33 i can imagine a italian person rapping to that beat somehow...

[@thomasford2032]

They should actually have a melody like that in a Mario spin-off/minigame.

[@nekophonix]

8bit: *is showing a clip of brass* audio jack: bonjour 11:51 if youre curious

[@cheemo48]

Small nitpick for you. I prefer to describe a chord’s quality after I have named the chord. I would not say “minor G chord” but instead I’d say “G minor chord.” Therefore I would not say “minor iv chord” but instead I’d say “iv minor chord.”

[@becketclark9942]

just discovered your channel, subscribed and have all of your videos opened in a bunch of tabs. Will update in 4 hours.

[@flakamulata]

Overworld Theme 1.Super Mario World 2. Super Mario 2 3. Super Mario 3. 4. Delphino Island (Super Mario Sunshine)

[@Xelae93]

This video is gold! Thank you so much for making this, and for doing an excellent job with the channel!

[@cs82271]

Wanna hear some not fun mario music? Look at the mario rpgs. Some crazy stuff like the theme for the empty sammer kingdom in super paper mario, the whole area behind the thousand year door in paper mario TTYD, or the "doomed straw" from color splash. Could also look at Cackletta's theme in Super Star Saga, crystal palace theme in paper mario 64, deep castle (inside bowser) from Bowser's inside story, final Antasma from dream team, and so many more. Edit: I had to go back and find names to get most examples. That's why this is edited

[@Corviidei]

Corey Seet the theme for that creepy ass sea in the Underwhere

[@skrijgsman]

Almost turned the video off when you started out with basic chord notes. So glad I didn't, really went all the way into the depth of it, and I loved it.

[@LunarZyrus]

Dear 8-Bit Music Theory, please for the love of God do the music from Super Mario Odyssey's newest E3 trailer.

[@Dinoyipi]

Yes, please. Even if it's just a brief follow-up to this one, since it's largely an extension of the jazz principles already discussed here.

[@kaitlinhaverkamp3318]

YASSSSSSS

[@busteronlyfullscreenmode]

I've been waiting for a channel like this THANK YOU

[@PianoMan333]

Top quality video here. Subbed. Could you also analyse Pokémon songs in the future? Thanks for this video.

[@kaicanyonellis]

Dude struggling to get that fireflower at the 9:00 mark had me dying 😂

[@PX3U]

congrats on being put on "youtubes rising star!"

[@stevenvandevort781]

It is really helpful when you alter the songs to the typical equivalent (like an "on-beat" or tonic version, for example) to help differentiate from the more complex theory. I have no idea what I'm saying. Great video!

[@607]

I actually understood quite a bit, this video! I don't really now much about chords, but perhaps I'll once look into them. For now, I'm not really interested. But there are definitely some things I want to try use myself some time soon! A motif sounds really good. I think I often do this intuitively already, but it might still help to refine it and study it to figure out in what ways it can be used. Using an out-of-key note to resolve into an in-key note sounds really interesting as well! I've got to say I haven't ever done that before, as far as I recall. 'syncopation' sounds good too, I'll look it up! Most of my rhythms probably could be more interesting. :) I'm not sure if these things will work out in my music, but I'll try to play around with them! Thanks for the video!

[@0live0wire0]

Maybe you use some of these techniques intuitively but there is no need to re-invent the wheel. Grab yourself a good theory book and you'll see how everything makes perfect sense and that all musical elements are interconnected (be it melody, harmony, rhythm, form). You can't just isolate the melodic aspect of motif development, because all the other elements are present too. A systematic approach to theory is absolutely necessary if you want to understand the mechanisms of music.

[@607]

Stephen Dedalus Stephen Dedalus Well, yeah, I get that! But I haven't really ever enjoyed learning music theory. And as I _do_ enjoy composing, I look for other ways to improve _without_ knowing how it all works. :)

[@miqla]

607 In my experience there is only one "real" way to learn music theory: 1) listen to songs you appreciate a specific detail of 2) try to experiment with this or your own material 3) find things you really like but don't understand 4) try to reproduce it by trying to really understand what you were doing to make this interesting sound 5) conceptualise what you have learned from the steps above Well, that's in a way "reinventing the wheel", but this way you only learn what you need for your practice and you will never forget this!

[@m-yday]

Oh my goodness his video has helped my understanding of making beautiful melodies, chord progressions, rhythms and so much more! Thank you!

[@qwilman]

You just unplugged a device from the audio jack.

[@Klutinius]

Great channel! I love that you don't "dumb anything down". Keep doing what you do!