My personal database of over 100 chord progressions is now available, complete with detailed explanations of my practice methods and techniques for expanding these progressions into thousands of musical possibilities. Get access here: progressiondatabasev1.carrd.co
@@MelvinDarrell is the “science of music” just music theory or something different? ‘Cuz like, I know that chords exist, I know the major, minor, and minor harmonic scales for each key, but that’s as far as my music theory knowledge extends
I appreciate that feedback. I don’t believe in quick hacks. I use to look for them and realized that I was just delaying my development and desired outcomes.
Man, this is so real. The moment I started recognizing patterns and studying like this, I had a huge, very huge improvement in my musical experience. It's like you've been walking in a room all the time, and then you open a door ... to a whole stadium. Now you can run. Maybe Fly. Nice rumble over there!
Great ideas for learning. it’s also wise to stop trying to memorize specific chords and just learn the architecture/shape of each form. Maj7 = 1-3-5-7. Quality = Major Min7 = 1-b3-5-b7. Quality = Minor Dom = 1-3-5-b7. Quality = Dominant There is one other basic shape and that is diminished where you simply stack minor 3rd 1-b3-b5-bb7 Notice that in each chord (except the diminished) only 2 of these tones determine the chord quality, the 3rd and the 7th. The root isn’t necessary snd neither is the 5th unless you are altering it by flatting b5 or augmenting #5 Once you have the architecture grab any of these for whatever key you are working in then move on to altered and extended chords such as extensions add a 9 alterations flat the 5
This is the way! I also found that having a good understanding of modes is a game changer. That's like having an instant "dial-a-mood" machine available once you've internalised how each mode sounds and feels, sort of like the muscle memory of riding a bicycle. Appropriate (for the mood you're trying to achieve) chord and note progressions flow really naturally once you've locked in the flavour of each mode. And the best part is they simply recycle scales we already know, and all we have to do is pick a different starting note within those already familiar patterns.
stuff like this are things only smaller youtubers talk about and thats awesome because thats a way to find people like you, giving us information about subjects you dont find much about
I think something that can also help a lot is ear training, and learning to recognize chords and progressions. With enough practice, you'll be able to pick out the chords used in most songs, and if you start paying attention to the choices used in the songs you hear in your everyday life, you'll naturally build up a wide vocabulary of chord changes. You also won't have to spend effort "memorizing" anything--you can just think of the song in your head or listen to it and find the chords again.
Bro I read "one simple trick" and was positive it was gonna be some bullshit. I literally thought, "I'm a sucker for clicking on this," but honestly, great video.
Haha. I’m glad that it passed the bs test. I don’t like click bait and this strategy really helped me after years of overcomplicating things. I appreciate the feedback and the laugh. Thanks man!
great advice, Melvin. I've been stuck on this for ages, and all that's failing me is my procrastination and slack discipline. You are gold motivation!! Thanks a million!
Really love this man. Super smart approach. I’m self taught and really skipped over learning/ speaking about chords using a numeric system. I’m ready to jump in, let’s do it.
tbh my method, which I found out worked on accident, is to just branch out what you listen to as much as possible. Listen to Metal music, alt rock, Gospel music, RnB all in the same day. Fuck it listen to Ghanaian Rock, whatever it is listen to it and analyze every note, chord and percussion, see how it affects the sound, how the different notes in a chord rub on eachother and how a progression completes itself and see how a rhythm dictates the movement of the song. That's my two cents and it's stupid but yeah, listen to as much music as you can and broaden your influences. That is the key for innovation and workflow
Listening to classical, especially of the late romantic period will show you things you could never imagine. There are chords and dissonances in there that literally sound otherworldly. Especially on piano, if you think of the color of the orchestra, the different sections and how they’re used in tandem-transferred onto the keys, it will teach you how to space voicings to create vast and beautiful texture. Of course, there will be things that are literally impossible to replicate with two hands, but you take what you can get.
Yeah deff I agree with this, I grew up playing metal and punk, then branched out to more psychedelic stuff, then finally jazz. They all kinda blend together in my songwriting. I also do the method of just learning all my favorite artists songs. Been writin 10+ years now and I'd like to think the chords have gotten more compelling! haha
I'm starting work as a music therapist for elderly people (with alzheimers) next Monday and my focus was always on improv so this really helps me get back in theory and broaden my toolset once again!!
Wonderful video: you understand the learning process, the power of discipline, your thought is scientific, you inspire with references, you use math.... You earned yourself a subscriber.
Thanks for this video! I appreciate the positivity and clarity. Just want to say I think it's hilarious that the 'stupid trick' is just practicing in an informed/efficient way.
This is some of the best advice I have encountered on TH-cam! It is certainly great advice for learning and applying music theory, but once you "get it" you can apply the principles of this method to almost anything you wish to learn. great video!
Nashville system baby! I got into a number system too and it’s the only thing ill do now. You can move anything anywhere and it all repeats… love it. Go numbers! The thing I would do the most that I never hear anybody talk about is I lay in bed at night and I do the practice in my mind. I remember the chord I think of all the fingering and I literally play it in my brain with no instrument there. If I can do it without an instrument, I know I can do it. It may sound weird, but for me, it actually works. I do not have perfect pitch. I do have good relative pitch tho.
I remember when I 1st moved to Rochester, NY from Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix is laid out in a grid, easy to find anywhere. Rochester is the complete opposite. My husband, who grew up there, forced me to drive because he said, “you’ll learn faster”. Point taken. Years later I worked as a courier and as head courier I would train all the newbies. I would make them drive for the same reason. No GPS, just drive. My point is your analogy is spot on. And…I’m taking your advice and putting into my practice routine. Brilliant!
You are a rare person, and I have never considered this method. I really appreciate your kindness in sharing this method with us. It sure makes sense and is well worth the effort. God Bless you, and thank you for sharing. RB.
This is amazing! The recall exercise you are talking about is free active recall and indeed is the most powerful technique to put things on your long term memory. Not sure if anyone commented already but there are tools out there like anki which allows a 'guided' active recall study session. Honestly it isn't necessary to use tools like this but the good thing is they are able to identify what things you tend to forget the most (and about to forget) and it presents you those flash cards more often. Worth to mention, study mateirals nowadays can be found digitally making the flash cards creation process a breeze! Just print something out and paste it. Really good content!
I was lost in the sauce for MANY years and still couldn’t link up progressions on my own… Then I moved to Nashville. On the very first day out and about I get linked up with a session guitarist who invited me to a group song-writing session. The following day, at that write, I learned the ‘Nashville Number System’, in 10-minutes. Suddenly, I could do what I couldn’t do for 15 years. Nashville Number System - REQUIRED LEARNING.
Same here. I was lost in the sauce for so many years. That’s why I wanted to share this insight. I think a video discussing the Nashville number system would be a good one for me to do.
Melvin… what Paul McCartney said was also more or less supported by something said by the late, great songwriter Leon Russell, who said that the best songwriters were thieves, but they knew how to cover their tracks. He then went on to show where he got the progressions for some of his best songs, while writing his own melodies for them. Brilliance and genius always baffle the average songwriter, but it doesn’t mean that average songwriters can’t (and don’t) write great songs. By the way, John Lennon once said something to the effect of the best songs would come to him in his sleep and not leave him alone until he’d written them down. Great video… new subscriber, too! Cheers!
@@norakatThe Beatles? I think not. They paved the way and impacted music across all genres. It's also fair to say they were the greatest songwriters of all time. Perhaps you are confusing them with Elvis?
Great video! Your GPS analogy really struck home with me! I'll be doing this for several weeks and see if it works for me! I'm pretty sure it will! Thank you so much!!
Mr. Darrell, I love the way you expressed this process. I have incorporated many aspects of this topic though out my journey and I can say that it has worked for me. Discipline is the key. If you want to learn, there are many ways to get the knowledge. One just has to take the time and work. Thank you for this video. I hope this week finds you surrounded by friends and family and most of all, Love. Happy picking, Sir.
Damn, thank you sir. That was beautifully explained. Thousands of TH-cam hours of watching across the board and this is my first comment ever felt needed. You gave me direction I the 20 yrs of guitar and piano ‘doodling’ yet never feeling like the ‘theory’ behind it all was sticking. Thank you for thoughtfully explaining this approach. A light bulb just went on in this dimly illuminated brain that enjoys the FEEL of sound and music. Give me a couple of months and I’ll let ya know how this all pans out. Appreciate you taking the time to share 🙏🏻
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Wow crazy highly level production values, natural delivery, and great content. This is the best of TH-cam.
Wow, thank you! I deeply appreciate your kindness. So glad that the video provided value and entertainment.
26 วันที่ผ่านมา
@@MelvinDarrell You're welcome bro. I always have the upmost respect for those who put the real effort in to make exceptional quality stuff. I know it takes a lot of extra effort and the wisdom shared in this video is incredible. So thank you again.
I really like your approach. I learned the chord number idea in theory classes in college. It opened up music for me in ways I'd never thought of, especially when transposing songs to different keys. Something that also helped was learning inversions like root position (I, III, V) triad, 1st inversion (III, V, I) and 2nd inversion (V, I, III). For instance, a 'C' chord in root position is C, E, G. 1st inversion is E, G, C. 2nd inversion is G, C, E. All three are 'C' chords just the notes are in a different order.
Love your video, Melvin! I would love to see a practical video of that single numerical progression with at least some of the variations. I think it would be helpful. Thanks for the introduction!!
Yes. We process information in many ways and every journey is different. Systems help to create frameworks to leverage but ultimately they have to be tweaked for the individual.
Melvin, great delivery mate, you got the perfect speed of speech there.. and you are absolutely right about the number system, or Nashville number system to be pedantic about it! I play guitar/bass mainly and I see the fretboard as groups of overlaying patterns of possibility now, it the best possible method for songwriting..
Most of this is reinforcing what already know. But the analogy comparing chord progressions to GPS directions made perfect sense to me well before the explanation and is a brilliant one.
Thanks a lot! I feel that this idea spinned in my head, but I couldn’t get it out and finally understand how to move forward with chord progressions. I’ll give it a try 100%!
First off, thanks - I expected a different tilt on this video and was pleasantly surprised - awesome ideas and very well delivered content with a few great teaching methods used - bravo!
Just found this channel and have subscribed. The clarity and simplicity of the explanation is incredible. I am going to try this because the system indicated sounds like other systems I have implemented that cut the crap and program the mind to make the music more fluently. Thanks. Absolutely Great stuff. My first progression will be ii V I
Way back when I was a teenager we learned how to play guitar by figuring out a song by ear, playing until we got the right note combo (which were probably chords with fancy names like c11 add13 - we didn't know, didn't care and it didn't matter). Then finding that same note combo up the guitar neck. I'm now an old guy and talking to other intermediate players we realised that following others note by note on TH-cam was actually stifling our learning rather then developing. And having the smartphone or iPad nearby is a recipe for distraction. Your satnav analogy was right on point, friend.
Thank you for sharing this insight. A lot of people currently in a similar situation can benefit from this. I personally use to be overwhelmed by the challenge of learning songs note for note by ear.
As a jazz person I’m well accustomed to ii-V-Is, I-vi-ii-Vs, etc, but I don’t understand how I can see these variations and stuff like you’re talking about, could you expand on that a little? How would I work through “deep learning” the ii-V-I for a week? Great video! Love the advice!
I bet you don't have to start at 4-5-1. pick something that's new to you. Maybe progressions aren't your problem. Test yourself on Giant Steps and if you're good on that, you are finished learning progressions, maybe.
For example, a I vi ii V, being Cma7 Ami7 Dmi7 G7 can become Cma7 C#dim7 Dmi7 G7. This is still a I vi ii V because the C#dim7 functions as an A7b9 chord (i.e., a C#dim7 has C# E G Bb an an A7b9 has those same 4 pitches with an A on bottom (A) C# E G Bb). An A7 subs for Ami7 because it's a secondary dominant of the ii key, Dm: Cma7 A7 Dmi7 G7. Then you can change the A7 to Eb7 (tritone sub) and get Cma7 Eb7 Dmi7 G7. You can sub D7 for Dmi7 because it is a secondary dominant of the V chord, G. That gives you Cma7 A7 D7 G7. Then you can tritone sub both the A7 and the G7 and get: Cma7 Eb7 D7 Db7 and it's still a I vi ii V based progression (even though you would write it out for your bass or piano player as I bIII7 II7 bII7). Or Emi7 can sub for Cma7 because the notes EGBD with a C on bottom (bass player) forms a Cma9 chord, so Emi7 is really a Cma9 missing the C note. Then you get: Emi7 A7 Dmi7 Db7 and that's still just a variation of I vi ii V. The you can precede any dom7 with its ii chord, so | Cma7 | A7 | Ab7(tritone sub of D7) | G7 | can become | Cma7 | Emi7 A7 | Ebmi7 Ab7 | Dmi7 G7 | So if you combine some, like in rhythm changes to keep it from being boring, you could get: Cma7 C#dim7 Dmi7 Ebdim7 Emi7 A7 Dmi7 G7 (C) and that's just a I vi ii V based progression 2x. So yeah, when one looks at any of these variations in a vacuum, it can appear on the surface to be separate jazz progressions that you have to spend years memorizing, but it's really just a basic chord progression that's been reharmonized using basic principles. Looking at jazz in this way will make your journey in the style a lot easier.
@ as I was reading I recognized that I understood everything, I just haven’t thought about that way of connecting everything yet in my own writing. Thank you so much! This was so helpful!
@@ev25zv My friend. I am grateful to you. Do you realize what a door you opened by making this comment? Maybe you saved me 10 years. The trainings are in English and that's why I have a hard time. I don't have a certain method. I learn a little from here and a little from there. Which method is right? Which is wrong? How should I learn? I progressed very slowly because of asking such questions and my foreign language problem. But you made me look at the subject holistically. Thanks to you, you gave me the answers to my many question marks about piano jazz solos and chords. I literally experienced enlightenment. It's like you repaired a broken bridge. There were a few jazz harmony videos that were confusing and meaningless to me because of the foreign language. If I watch them again right now, I can understand them. Thank you very much. 😊 Also, I saved your comment so that I don't forget what you wrote. By the way, can you suggest a method that explains it like you did? In other words, to understand the rules you explained better? Otherwise, of course, I will continue my own research.
Very commendable of you to offer up shortcuts after obviously taking the time to learn music theory. I am going to go out on a limb here and say you probably like black music, in which case I must also commend you for your recognition of The Beatles as it is something I rarely see amongst Hip Hop and R&B fans, let alone young ones. You are obviously true to the sound.
Respect and gratitude to you for this video. I have been making music and playing piano for years now, and the best advice I have heard was the GPS analogy. Thanks a lot!
Great system. A few years ago decided to memorize every note on my fretboard. Then I would use notes as anchors and moved my thinking into more of an interval based approach that I could move around, naming the intervals above and below my root while I was with my instrument and when I wasn’t. Recalling and thinking about the structures/ notes/ intervals while away from the instrument is the beez neez of getting it committed to memory.
thank you, i felt really stuck swith my music and overwhelmed at a,ll the music theory, this was rly insightful to see how these artists rlearned it and how you learned it im gonna go by your method and learn a new chrod progression every week.
Glad it resonated with you and that it gave you clarity, good luck on your journey! If you need a solid list of progressions and more instruction on my method I have resources that you might find useful: progressiondatabasev1.carrd.co/
After anxiously looking up music theory videos and not knowing where to start.. So fortunate to have found this video! Feeling very encouraged and inspired :)
Interesting video! Gonna try to incorporate this into my practice routine! Currently, the chord progressions that catches my interests based on the style of music I listened to is IV-V-iii-vi. Gonna try to do this 10 mins in morning and evening. Thank you!
I stumbled on this method years ago-(I was teaching guitar and found it in a long ago forgotten book) it allows me to transpose on the fly when necessary -something no one else in my band can seem to pick up. ❤ this is invaluable info-thanks for your posts
Something I'll add to this for beginners, is listening to the movement of the chords or even bass in the music you like can help build up an intuitive sense of where chords should go.
Mr. Melvin Darrell, Sir, this is awesome, i play drums 40 years, writing lyrics my whole life, play guitar for 6 years only, learning chords and harmony even a bit music-theory(can´t read or write sheetmusic though), but was overthinking and overdoing till i stressed myself out, this is very mind-calming and for that, thank you from my heart...‼⬆👏👏👏
@ yo thanks for replying! U touched on it in the video briefly, but chord substitution is something I want to get more into and get a better understanding of. Thank u so much again, and hav a blessed holiday season!
Awesome vide!. What you outlined sounds like exactly what I have been doing. I'll be working on this method. I read the Hookpad Theory books, but definitely can go deeper with the analyzing and internalizing the chord progression examples they provide.I'm going to pick out a progression now
My personal database of over 100 chord progressions is now available, complete with detailed explanations of my practice methods and techniques for expanding these progressions into thousands of musical possibilities. Get access here: progressiondatabasev1.carrd.co
smashing your keyboard until what you hear scratches that spot in your brain>>>
Yup, that’s how I make music
I learned from reading a book by Quincy Jones that the technical aspect (science of music) shortens that path to what you’re hearing in your brain.
@@MelvinDarrell is the “science of music” just music theory or something different? ‘Cuz like, I know that chords exist, I know the major, minor, and minor harmonic scales for each key, but that’s as far as my music theory knowledge extends
@@Thestuffdoer there is in fact a scientific explanation to why music sounds good
@@tinest6485 OHHH okay that clears things up a bit, thanks
It's always the underrated TH-camrs with the best methods
Thank you. Hopefully with all this great feedback. The content will reach more folks.
Nah fr the hidden gems
usually these quick-hack videos don't help a musician's long-term development but this one is 100% on point, everybody should do this.
I appreciate that feedback.
I don’t believe in quick hacks. I use to look for them and realized that I was just delaying my development and desired outcomes.
That GPS analogy was spot on, liked and subscribed =)
Glad the GPS analogy clicked, thanks for subscribing! 😎
ditto
Liked that a lot.
Man, this is so real. The moment I started recognizing patterns and studying like this, I had a huge, very huge improvement in my musical experience. It's like you've been walking in a room all the time, and then you open a door ... to a whole stadium. Now you can run. Maybe Fly. Nice rumble over there!
Wow. Thats an inspiring thought. What instrument do you play?
Great ideas for learning. it’s also wise to stop trying to memorize specific chords and just learn the architecture/shape of each form.
Maj7 = 1-3-5-7. Quality = Major
Min7 = 1-b3-5-b7. Quality = Minor
Dom = 1-3-5-b7. Quality = Dominant
There is one other basic shape and that is diminished where you simply stack minor 3rd
1-b3-b5-bb7
Notice that in each chord (except the diminished) only 2 of these tones determine the chord quality, the 3rd and the 7th. The root isn’t necessary snd neither is the 5th unless you are altering it by flatting b5 or augmenting #5
Once you have the architecture grab any of these for whatever key you are working in then move on to altered and extended chords such as
extensions add a 9
alterations flat the 5
You’re absolutely right! Thanks for sharing this insight with the community.
This is the way! I also found that having a good understanding of modes is a game changer. That's like having an instant "dial-a-mood" machine available once you've internalised how each mode sounds and feels, sort of like the muscle memory of riding a bicycle. Appropriate (for the mood you're trying to achieve) chord and note progressions flow really naturally once you've locked in the flavour of each mode. And the best part is they simply recycle scales we already know, and all we have to do is pick a different starting note within those already familiar patterns.
Thanks for sharing this great insight on modes!
stuff like this are things only smaller youtubers talk about and thats awesome because thats a way to find people like you, giving us information about subjects you dont find much about
I think something that can also help a lot is ear training, and learning to recognize chords and progressions. With enough practice, you'll be able to pick out the chords used in most songs, and if you start paying attention to the choices used in the songs you hear in your everyday life, you'll naturally build up a wide vocabulary of chord changes. You also won't have to spend effort "memorizing" anything--you can just think of the song in your head or listen to it and find the chords again.
Bro I read "one simple trick" and was positive it was gonna be some bullshit. I literally thought, "I'm a sucker for clicking on this," but honestly, great video.
Haha. I’m glad that it passed the bs test. I don’t like click bait and this strategy really helped me after years of overcomplicating things.
I appreciate the feedback and the laugh. Thanks man!
great advice, Melvin. I've been stuck on this for ages, and all that's failing me is my procrastination and slack discipline. You are gold motivation!! Thanks a million!
Really glad to hear that I provided some help! Let’s crush those goals 💪
Really love this man. Super smart approach. I’m self taught and really skipped over learning/ speaking about chords using a numeric system. I’m ready to jump in, let’s do it.
I'm excited for you. Let's get to work.
tbh my method, which I found out worked on accident, is to just branch out what you listen to as much as possible. Listen to Metal music, alt rock, Gospel music, RnB all in the same day. Fuck it listen to Ghanaian Rock, whatever it is listen to it and analyze every note, chord and percussion, see how it affects the sound, how the different notes in a chord rub on eachother and how a progression completes itself and see how a rhythm dictates the movement of the song. That's my two cents and it's stupid but yeah, listen to as much music as you can and broaden your influences. That is the key for innovation and workflow
I like this. Great way to build your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of harmony and how to apply it. Thanks for sharing this.
Listening to classical, especially of the late romantic period will show you things you could never imagine. There are chords and dissonances in there that literally sound otherworldly. Especially on piano, if you think of the color of the orchestra, the different sections and how they’re used in tandem-transferred onto the keys, it will teach you how to space voicings to create vast and beautiful texture. Of course, there will be things that are literally impossible to replicate with two hands, but you take what you can get.
Yeah deff I agree with this, I grew up playing metal and punk, then branched out to more psychedelic stuff, then finally jazz. They all kinda blend together in my songwriting. I also do the method of just learning all my favorite artists songs. Been writin 10+ years now and I'd like to think the chords have gotten more compelling! haha
Found this vid when I needed it the most. Thank you so much for opening the door to so much more :)
Nick. I’m really happy to hear that you found this video when you needed some inspo. You got this!
I'm starting work as a music therapist for elderly people (with alzheimers) next Monday and my focus was always on improv so this really helps me get back in theory and broaden my toolset once again!!
I’m really happy to hear that. My goal in sharing this was to make music theory a bit more accessible to folks.
Wonderful video: you understand the learning process, the power of discipline, your thought is scientific, you inspire with references, you use math.... You earned yourself a subscriber.
Wow, thank you! I appreciate the kind words and support.
Great video. I love how you explained this and I'm going to start doing this
Thanks for this video! I appreciate the positivity and clarity.
Just want to say I think it's hilarious that the 'stupid trick' is just practicing in an informed/efficient way.
This is some of the best advice I have encountered on TH-cam! It is certainly great advice for learning and applying music theory, but once you "get it" you can apply the principles of this method to almost anything you wish to learn. great video!
This is one of clearest, most concise, and most correct music videos I’ve seen. Thank you!
the way you just described how to actually learn including the method, was beautiful
Nashville system baby! I got into a number system too and it’s the only thing ill do now. You can move anything anywhere and it all repeats… love it. Go numbers!
The thing I would do the most that I never hear anybody talk about is I lay in bed at night and I do the practice in my mind. I remember the chord I think of all the fingering and I literally play it in my brain with no instrument there. If I can do it without an instrument, I know I can do it. It may sound weird, but for me, it actually works. I do not have perfect pitch. I do have good relative pitch tho.
I learned it on stage with some great pickers. Nashville number system was the best thing that happened with I was started out.
Nashville is good, but there are superior number systems in music that have existed for hundreds of years.
@@ForkySevencare to elaborate?
I remember when I 1st moved to Rochester, NY from Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix is laid out in a grid, easy to find anywhere. Rochester is the complete opposite. My husband, who grew up there, forced me to drive because he said, “you’ll learn faster”. Point taken. Years later I worked as a courier and as head courier I would train all the newbies. I would make them drive for the same reason. No GPS, just drive. My point is your analogy is spot on. And…I’m taking your advice and putting into my practice routine. Brilliant!
I love this story. Thank you so much for sharing and showing me, with a real life example how useful the analogy is in expressing the power of recall.
Thank you. Your delivery style makes this approach easy to understand. I wish you success in your endeavors.
Much appreciated, and thank you for the kind words!
You are a rare person, and I have never considered this method. I really appreciate your kindness in sharing this method with us. It sure makes sense and is well worth the effort. God Bless you, and thank you for sharing. RB.
RB, thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad the method resonates with you.
Wonderfully presented - eloquent and informative. A voice to be listened to. Thank you Melvin!
Terrific video Melvin! Your clear, concise and visual delivery makes it easy for me to follow and understand. Love it!
Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful.
This is amazing! The recall exercise you are talking about is free active recall and indeed is the most powerful technique to put things on your long term memory. Not sure if anyone commented already but there are tools out there like anki which allows a 'guided' active recall study session. Honestly it isn't necessary to use tools like this but the good thing is they are able to identify what things you tend to forget the most (and about to forget) and it presents you those flash cards more often. Worth to mention, study mateirals nowadays can be found digitally making the flash cards creation process a breeze! Just print something out and paste it.
Really good content!
Thanks for the great insight and for sharing those resources with the community!
This was so helpful, and your energy was so encouraging! Excited to use this technique!
So happy to hear that Grant. Glad that you got value from it. I'm interested in hearing how your experience is with the technique.
Yessss!!! Thank you so much for this lesson!
You’re welcome! I’m happy that you enjoyed it.
I was lost in the sauce for MANY years and still couldn’t link up progressions on my own… Then I moved to Nashville.
On the very first day out and about I get linked up with a session guitarist who invited me to a group song-writing session.
The following day, at that write, I learned the ‘Nashville Number System’, in 10-minutes.
Suddenly, I could do what I couldn’t do for 15 years.
Nashville Number System - REQUIRED LEARNING.
Same here. I was lost in the sauce for so many years. That’s why I wanted to share this insight.
I think a video discussing the Nashville number system would be a good one for me to do.
@@MelvinDarrellI’d be interested to hear more about the Nashville method.
Great video! Love your simple and straightforward presentation, makes it easy to understand and digest!
Thanks, I really appreciate that!
I like the GPS mode analogy. Thanks.
I honestly didn't expect this to expand my mind, but it has. I just subscribed, thank you!
I’m really happy to hear that. So glad that the video brought you some value.
863 subs is crazy for the content you're offering bro. Got a sub from me!
Really appreciate the support, hopefully the content will reach more folks!
And me. I need to watch this again it’s excellent
just got a thousand more 3 days later! keep up @melvindarrell
@@hecateswolf6007 really happy that you enjoyed the video. Let me know what other music topics you’re interested in.
@@_MKSN the video numbers have been mind blowing. I’m really grateful for all of the support that I’ve been getting.
Melvin, you did a great job of breaking down these concepts so almost anyone can grasp them. Thanks!
Thanks so much. I really appreciate that.
Melvin… what Paul McCartney said was also more or less supported by something said by the late, great songwriter Leon Russell, who said that the best songwriters were thieves, but they knew how to cover their tracks. He then went on to show where he got the progressions for some of his best songs, while writing his own melodies for them. Brilliance and genius always baffle the average songwriter, but it doesn’t mean that average songwriters can’t (and don’t) write great songs. By the way, John Lennon once said something to the effect of the best songs would come to him in his sleep and not leave him alone until he’d written them down. Great video… new subscriber, too! Cheers!
Now there’s a guy/band who took ideas or entire songs from other people.
@@norakatThe Beatles? I think not. They paved the way and impacted music across all genres. It's also fair to say they were the greatest songwriters of all time. Perhaps you are confusing them with Elvis?
George Harrison - My Sweet Lord copied The Chiffons - He’s so fine
@5214428 If you count similarities as copying then every single artist in the history of music is guilty. Except Yoko Ono.
@ he was sued as it was more than just a similarity, it was the whole song at it’s core with different lyrics
Great video! Your GPS analogy really struck home with me! I'll be doing this for several weeks and see if it works for me! I'm pretty sure it will! Thank you so much!!
Mr. Darrell, I love the way you expressed this process. I have incorporated many aspects of this topic though out my journey and I can say that it has worked for me. Discipline is the key. If you want to learn, there are many ways to get the knowledge. One just has to take the time and work. Thank you for this video. I hope this week finds you surrounded by friends and family and most of all, Love. Happy picking, Sir.
Young man. You are wise. Keep up the good work!
Ahh thank you. I appreciate that. Life is humbling and I try not to miss the lessons when they come.
Thanks!
Sean this is super kind of you!
I appreciate your support and generosity. So glad that the video gave you some value!
I think everyone who wants to get into music making would benefit a million times from this one video. Thank you so much for this one!
Wow!! Im deeply grateful for that. Thank you Tyler.
Damn, thank you sir. That was beautifully explained. Thousands of TH-cam hours of watching across the board and this is my first comment ever felt needed. You gave me direction I the 20 yrs of guitar and piano ‘doodling’ yet never feeling like the ‘theory’ behind it all was sticking. Thank you for thoughtfully explaining this approach. A light bulb just went on in this dimly illuminated brain that enjoys the FEEL of sound and music.
Give me a couple of months and I’ll let ya know how this all pans out.
Appreciate you taking the time to share
🙏🏻
Wow crazy highly level production values, natural delivery, and great content. This is the best of TH-cam.
Wow, thank you! I deeply appreciate your kindness. So glad that the video provided value and entertainment.
@@MelvinDarrell You're welcome bro. I always have the upmost respect for those who put the real effort in to make exceptional quality stuff. I know it takes a lot of extra effort and the wisdom shared in this video is incredible. So thank you again.
I really like your approach. I learned the chord number idea in theory classes in college. It opened up music for me in ways I'd never thought of, especially when transposing songs to different keys. Something that also helped was learning inversions like root position (I, III, V) triad, 1st inversion (III, V, I) and 2nd inversion (V, I, III). For instance, a 'C' chord in root position is C, E, G. 1st inversion is E, G, C. 2nd inversion is G, C, E. All three are 'C' chords just the notes are in a different order.
Love your video, Melvin! I would love to see a practical video of that single numerical progression with at least some of the variations. I think it would be helpful. Thanks for the introduction!!
Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely keep that in mind for a future video.
luv the systematic approach and not just a laid out one size fits all formula
Yes. We process information in many ways and every journey is different. Systems help to create frameworks to leverage but ultimately they have to be tweaked for the individual.
My new favorite channel !!!
Gary thank you! I appreciate that.
Melvin, great delivery mate, you got the perfect speed of speech there.. and you are absolutely right about the number system, or Nashville number system to be pedantic about it! I play guitar/bass mainly and I see the fretboard as groups of overlaying patterns of possibility now, it the best possible method for songwriting..
Most of this is reinforcing what already know. But the analogy comparing chord progressions to GPS directions made perfect sense to me well before the explanation and is a brilliant one.
This method aligns perfectly with advanced retrieval-based learning and effective spaced learning methods. Really good video.
Thanks for the science-backed affirmation 🙏. What’s a good reference for advanced retrieval based learning?
you are really good at teaching. keeping it real.
I really appreciate the kind words, glad you found it helpful!
I always heard about the number system , but didn't really thing about it too much. Makes more sense to me after watching this video, cheers!
I’m happy to hear that I helped simplify the concept.
Thanks a lot! I feel that this idea spinned in my head, but I couldn’t get it out and finally understand how to move forward with chord progressions. I’ll give it a try 100%!
First off, thanks - I expected a different tilt on this video and was pleasantly surprised - awesome ideas and very well delivered content with a few great teaching methods used - bravo!
I loved your use of analogies. You make things so very understandable. Thank you!
You're very welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.
Just found this channel and have subscribed. The clarity and simplicity of the explanation is incredible. I am going to try this because the system indicated sounds like other systems I have implemented that cut the crap and program the mind to make the music more fluently. Thanks. Absolutely Great stuff.
My first progression will be ii V I
Welcome aboard! And thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback.
Excellent tutorial and a great analogy using GPS!
Way back when I was a teenager we learned how to play guitar by figuring out a song by ear, playing until we got the right note combo (which were probably chords with fancy names like c11 add13 - we didn't know, didn't care and it didn't matter). Then finding that same note combo up the guitar neck. I'm now an old guy and talking to other intermediate players we realised that following others note by note on TH-cam was actually stifling our learning rather then developing. And having the smartphone or iPad nearby is a recipe for distraction. Your satnav analogy was right on point, friend.
I appreciate this insight. I think it’ll help a lot of folks in a similar situation. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this insight. A lot of people currently in a similar situation can benefit from this. I personally use to be overwhelmed by the challenge of learning songs note for note by ear.
@@Dogtagnan in the 70,s I backed Irish folk music in pubs no key or music provided you learn to follow, remember your memory is light as a feather.
As a jazz person I’m well accustomed to ii-V-Is, I-vi-ii-Vs, etc, but I don’t understand how I can see these variations and stuff like you’re talking about, could you expand on that a little? How would I work through “deep learning” the ii-V-I for a week?
Great video! Love the advice!
I bet you don't have to start at 4-5-1. pick something that's new to you. Maybe progressions aren't your problem. Test yourself on Giant Steps and if you're good on that, you are finished learning progressions, maybe.
For example, a I vi ii V, being Cma7 Ami7 Dmi7 G7 can become Cma7 C#dim7 Dmi7 G7. This is still a I vi ii V because the C#dim7 functions as an A7b9 chord (i.e., a C#dim7 has C# E G Bb an an A7b9 has those same 4 pitches with an A on bottom (A) C# E G Bb).
An A7 subs for Ami7 because it's a secondary dominant of the ii key, Dm: Cma7 A7 Dmi7 G7.
Then you can change the A7 to Eb7 (tritone sub) and get Cma7 Eb7 Dmi7 G7.
You can sub D7 for Dmi7 because it is a secondary dominant of the V chord, G. That gives you Cma7 A7 D7 G7.
Then you can tritone sub both the A7 and the G7 and get: Cma7 Eb7 D7 Db7 and it's still a I vi ii V based progression (even though you would write it out for your bass or piano player as I bIII7 II7 bII7).
Or Emi7 can sub for Cma7 because the notes EGBD with a C on bottom (bass player) forms a Cma9 chord, so Emi7 is really a Cma9 missing the C note. Then you get: Emi7 A7 Dmi7 Db7 and that's still just a variation of I vi ii V.
The you can precede any dom7 with its ii chord, so | Cma7 | A7 | Ab7(tritone sub of D7) | G7 | can become | Cma7 | Emi7 A7 | Ebmi7 Ab7 | Dmi7 G7 |
So if you combine some, like in rhythm changes to keep it from being boring, you could get: Cma7 C#dim7 Dmi7 Ebdim7 Emi7 A7 Dmi7 G7 (C) and that's just a I vi ii V based progression 2x.
So yeah, when one looks at any of these variations in a vacuum, it can appear on the surface to be separate jazz progressions that you have to spend years memorizing, but it's really just a basic chord progression that's been reharmonized using basic principles.
Looking at jazz in this way will make your journey in the style a lot easier.
@ as I was reading I recognized that I understood everything, I just haven’t thought about that way of connecting everything yet in my own writing. Thank you so much! This was so helpful!
@@ev25zv My friend. I am grateful to you. Do you realize what a door you opened by making this comment? Maybe you saved me 10 years. The trainings are in English and that's why I have a hard time. I don't have a certain method. I learn a little from here and a little from there. Which method is right? Which is wrong? How should I learn? I progressed very slowly because of asking such questions and my foreign language problem. But you made me look at the subject holistically. Thanks to you, you gave me the answers to my many question marks about piano jazz solos and chords. I literally experienced enlightenment. It's like you repaired a broken bridge. There were a few jazz harmony videos that were confusing and meaningless to me because of the foreign language. If I watch them again right now, I can understand them. Thank you very much. 😊 Also, I saved your comment so that I don't forget what you wrote. By the way, can you suggest a method that explains it like you did? In other words, to understand the rules you explained better? Otherwise, of course, I will continue my own research.
Perfectly and clearly explained. Thanks from Ireland 🇮🇪
Hello Ann! So cool that you found the video. That’s the beauty of the Internet. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
This is fantastic advice!
This will work
so I'm going to try it.
Thank you!
I’m so glad that you found it helpful. Happy to share what I’ve learned.
Very commendable of you to offer up shortcuts after obviously taking the time to learn music theory. I am going to go out on a limb here and say you probably like black music, in which case I must also commend you for your recognition of The Beatles as it is something I rarely see amongst Hip Hop and R&B fans, let alone young ones. You are obviously true to the sound.
Awesome explaining skills! Nice, calm style. Great technique!
Much appreciated!
Respect and gratitude to you for this video. I have been making music and playing piano for years now, and the best advice I have heard was the GPS analogy. Thanks a lot!
Intelligent and articulate. Subscribed.
Thank you I appreciate the support and feedback.
Thank you very much. It helps me a lot, not only with my guitar, I think I will apply this to every small piece of my life.
Wow! So happy to hear you make that connection. Music has given me many life lessons as well.
Great video, bruv. I’m excited to put this into my routine!
Ayye Raphael thanks for checking out the video. Let me know how you progress with the routine.
Great system. A few years ago decided to memorize every note on my fretboard. Then I would use notes as anchors and moved my thinking into more of an interval based approach that I could move around, naming the intervals above and below my root while I was with my instrument and when I wasn’t. Recalling and thinking about the structures/ notes/ intervals while away from the instrument is the beez neez of getting it committed to memory.
Wow. It seems like you’ve put in some great work to gain control of your instrument and train your ears.
Music is always going to be a lifelong commitment. Love the video.
thank you, i felt really stuck swith my music and overwhelmed at a,ll the music theory, this was rly insightful to see how these artists rlearned it and how you learned it im gonna go by your method and learn a new chrod progression every week.
Glad it resonated with you and that it gave you clarity, good luck on your journey!
If you need a solid list of progressions and more instruction on my method I have resources that you might find useful:
progressiondatabasev1.carrd.co/
After anxiously looking up music theory videos and not knowing where to start.. So fortunate to have found this video! Feeling very encouraged and inspired :)
That’s awesome! I’m glad that this gave you a place to start.
Really enjoyed this video, Melvin! The neighborhood analogy is spot on. Subscribed 👍
Thanks for the kind words. Glad the neighborhood analogy clicked with you! And thanks a million for the sub.
Interesting video! Gonna try to incorporate this into my practice routine! Currently, the chord progressions that catches my interests based on the style of music I listened to is IV-V-iii-vi. Gonna try to do this 10 mins in morning and evening. Thank you!
I stumbled on this method years ago-(I was teaching guitar and found it in a long ago forgotten book)
it allows me to transpose on the fly when necessary -something no one else in my band can seem to pick up. ❤
this is invaluable info-thanks for your posts
Thank you for sharing this insight. I would love to know what book you read.
Something I'll add to this for beginners, is listening to the movement of the chords or even bass in the music you like can help build up an intuitive sense of where chords should go.
Excellent lesson, sharing, examples, relatability -- Kudos!
thank you so much random stranger! i feel like this was the knowledge i was waiting to fall out of the sky,
You’re very welcome. It’s satisfying to find knowledge that clicks. 🙏🏾
Funny how things fall from the sky when you’re searching and asking for help 🤔
Mr. Melvin Darrell, Sir, this is awesome, i play drums 40 years, writing lyrics my whole life, play guitar for 6 years only, learning chords and harmony even a bit music-theory(can´t read or write sheetmusic though), but was overthinking and overdoing till i stressed myself out, this is very mind-calming and for that, thank you from my heart...‼⬆👏👏👏
You’re so welcome. I’m glad that this helped with taking the edge off a bit. It did the same for me.
This is such good advice. Thank you.
You're very welcome. Glad you found it helpful.
This method works!!!
Thank you for sharing it with the world!
Magdalena you are very welcome! I’m so glad that it’s helping!
Real and high quality advice. Thanks man🫶🏻😎
Thank you! You are a wonderful communicator.👍🏽
Wow, thank you!
This is a really excellent video! Thankyou so much ❤
Liam I appreciate that. Glad that you enjoyed it.
Wish I could like this video more than once. Thank you for sharing this!
Wow thanks for the love! I'm really glad you liked it.
So accurate and thank you for the reminder. My teacher had us focus on 2/5/1 a few years back. I will refocus to bring those memories back.
You are very welcome! It’s great that you had a solid foundation.
Excellent content! This week I’ll do the 2-5-1 progression
That’s an essential progression!
This was super solid bro🙏 thank you so much for this! Can’t wait for more
I appreciate that and there is more to come! What are you most interested in hearing about.
@ yo thanks for replying! U touched on it in the video briefly, but chord substitution is something I want to get more into and get a better understanding of. Thank u so much again, and hav a blessed holiday season!
Phenomenal advice! Thank you Melvin.
This makes a lot of sense.
We’ve learned a lot more about how the brain learns in the last 50 years and it’s good to see it applied here.
I appreciate that perspective. Thank you for the feedback.
1000 out of one, got it man!
amazing video, your getting better with each new video, from the topics to the editing 🙏❤
Thank you for tuning in consistently. Your feedback is energizing.
What a great tip! Thank you
damn this is a great video! tons of solid references and loved the neighborhood analogy.
Thanks Nathan! I’m glad the neighborhood analogy clicked!
wow the video is reaaally good! thanks for all the tips and nice editing btw, the vibe of the video was cool asf
Thanks for the love! Glad that you enjoyed the vibe and found the tips to be helpful! 🙏🏾
Great video! Thanks for posting this.
I appreciate that! Glad you found it helpful.
Awesome vide!. What you outlined sounds like exactly what I have been doing. I'll be working on this method. I read the Hookpad Theory books, but definitely can go deeper with the analyzing and internalizing the chord progression examples they provide.I'm going to pick out a progression now
Excellent all around. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks Patrick! I appreciate the encouragement.
Immediately subscribed!
Thank you Najla. I’m glad that you found some value in the video.