8 Hacks for Better Bass Lines
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ม.ค. 2018
- Learn how to write better bass lines that are guaranteed to stand out on those Spotify playlists, by applying our easy-to-use music theory hacks to your midi bass melodies. In this video, you'll learn how to use polymeters, non-diatonic notes, and more. But first... tea!
►Apprenticeship #1 (Mile Zero) Playlist: • 8 Hacks for Better Bas...
1:43 Scale/Mode & Tempo of Song
2:22 Hack 1: Set Up Odd Number of 4/4 Bars
2:48 Hack 2: Create an 8th-note Polymeter
3:27 Hack 3: Make a 16th-note Rhythm
4:03 Hack 4: Loop Part of the Rhythm
5:16 Hack 5: Choose Root Notes for Chords
6:15 Hack 6: Move Some Roots to 3s & 7s
8:04 Hack 7: More Syncopation
8:55 Hack 8: Add Non-Diatonic Notes
10:49 Playthrough of Final Bass Line
Hack Music Theory, the pioneering notation-free method for making great music!
►Free eBook:
RevolutionHarmony.com/Books
►Online Apprenticeship: RevolutionHarmony.com/Apprent...
►Songwriting & Producing PDF: RevolutionHarmony.com/Books
What is the HACK MUSIC THEORY show?
Hello, we're Kate Harmony and Ray Harmony, and together we are Revolution Harmony. If you’re new to our channel, welcome, and please allow us to introduce ourselves. We're music producers based in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, and we’re also the founders of Hack Music Theory, the pioneering notation-free method for making great music. Every Monday, you’ll find us here on TH-cam sharing our top secret music theory hacks, which are designed to transform you into a super confident music maker whose songs will stand out on those Spotify playlists. So, whether you’re a beginner or a professional, a songwriter or a producer, an instrumentalist or a DAW musician, our music theory hacks will have you writing great songs in no time!
Who is RAY HARMONY?
Ray is an award-winning music lecturer and the author of the critically-acclaimed book series, Hack Music Theory. After decades of teaching ‘popular’ and ‘classical’ music theory, Ray created a unique crossover method for songwriting, which we call Hack Music Theory. We use this method to write all our music. Ray’s songs have even featured Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Kool Keith, and many more.
►Download free music by Ray:
RevolutionHarmony.com/Ray
►Follow Ray on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/artist/4eIz4...
Who is KATE HARMONY?
Kate is the only person on the planet who's been trained by Ray Harmony to teach his Hack Music Theory method. From 2014 to 2016, she undertook her formal teacher training, and has since become a partner and co-teacher at Hack Music Theory. Kate has a Grade 8 (the highest grade) Distinction in Popular Music Theory from the London College of Music, and is also a songwriter, producer, and recording artist.
►Download free music by Kate:
RevolutionHarmony.com/Kate
►Follow Kate on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/artist/3cMx4...
Music by Revolution Harmony
(c) 2018 Revolution Harmony
►FREE BOOK:
HackMusicTheory.com/Books
I am just finding you folks today and could not be happier. After a long day of scratching my head and hammering the keys in my one man studio (semi-non-productivity), finding your channel has taken my mind out of the red and put me back in the black. I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me soon as your instruction style is so accessible and all too enjoyable. TEA!!! Haha, keep rockin' and rollin'.
Awesome tips!!! Thank you.
Awesome hack !! Thank you guys
I love you guys. I always smile when I see your notifications. And you inspire me to keep learning. Great bass line.
Awe you're so lovely Francis, thank you for sharing, that makes us really happy! So excited to hear that you're inspired to learn and grow as a musician, woohoo!! Kate :)
You guys are a blessing I can’t thank you enough👍🏼👋🙏🙏🙏🙏
These lessons are just getting better and better. Can't wait to see what drums you come up with for this.
Happy New Year Gregor! Hope you're staying warm and dry and are filled with the creative spirit! We're looking forward to inspiring and empowering you this year, so we can all fill the world with great music! Just about to film the drums video, we look forward to sharing it with you! Take care and have a great week, Kate :)
Awesome! This is very helpful.
Hey thanks for watching and connecting, Bill, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! Have a great weekend and happy songwriting! Kate :)
Excellent video, thank you!
Thanks for watching! Hope you have a wonderful week :)
awesome video as always guys!
Hey thanks Aaron, we really appreciate you being in the Hack Music Theory community :) Hope this finds you safe and healthy!
Words cant express how much I love you guys!!! seriously. big hugs from nyc
Great!!
Dope stuff
Yes, I agree with all positive comments here. You two are a gold mine of excellent info. Thanks.
We're really happy you're enjoying our videos, Kyrix! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, we're deeply grateful to you. Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)
Thanks guys - that was perfect timing. I just bought the Ujam bass VST plugins and for a couple of weeks I was like a kid going wild in a toy shop with the bass running riot over the songs (good bass mind you, but too much of it!). Today I came into the arena to wrestle this problem to the ground, but no real idea how to structure the music that my amazing new toy was pumping out. Magically, the first thing I saw was your video, so my final roadblock to international recognition and stardom has been removed. Thanks.
Haha, happy to hear this tutorial helped remove your final roadblock, Vincent! Hope this finds you safe and healthy, and we look forward to seeing you around for more hacks :)
What a brilliant couple. I love you guys and wish you the best in the new year
Awe thanks Milad, you're very kind and all the best to you this year!! What kind of music do you make?
Thank you so much. I do not know if I can call them music but I tried many genres and currently I am enjoying electronic music.
Good for you!! Well you're in the right place for electronic music :) We're pumped to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution! By the way, where are you based? Kate :)
Aw you guys are what makes freedom of information work! By sharing your experience , thanks heaps x
Thank you sincerely for your lovely comment, Sound Out, it means the world to us that our teachings are resonating with you. Welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we're stoked and grateful to have you here :)
love this channel, awesome mahi whanau x
Awe thanks Benjamin! Happy New Year :D
Thank youy
the miracle of making something awesome from zero! I'm not surprised, cause I've seen Yr other videos - I'm just still impressed :)
Hey wojtekstach78, good to hear from you! Happy New Year! I hope this year will bring much happiness and music to you and your family. Have a lovely week! Kate :)
Im from Romania, im a beginner daw musician. I watched a lof of another youtube channels, guides, and i must say, the Hack Music Theory is the best daw oriented music theory channel in a whole youtube.... Thank you guys for the awesome content
Wow Tunebaq, thank you so much for your kind and generous note! And a big warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we're thrilled you're here! What kind of music are you making? Hope this finds you healthy and happy :) Kate
That's really cool. Thanks a lot.
Hey K, thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it! By the way, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)
Hi Kate. So far, I've been writing a melody to my poems and lyrics. I played it on the guitar then. For some time I have been trying to create arrangements for my songs using other instruments using Reaper . Your channel on toutube is a treasure trove of knowledge, but I still have to learn a lot and often watch your films on several occasions because English is my second language. Thank you so much for your great videos. You are great at what you do for us.
Regards
Kris
Hey Kris, thanks so much for sharing and for your very kind words! Good for you for taking the time to learn more about music and for putting into practice the knowledge you've gained. That's cool that you're experimenting with your arrangements, you can definitely have a lot of fun with that! We are so happy to have you here with us and we are cheering you on in your songwriting 100%!! You said English is your second language, what is your first? Where are you based? Hope you're having a lovely week. Kate :)
6:03 Freaking LOVE polymeters.
best TH-cam Chanel ever
Aww Billy, you're very kind! Thank you so much for watching and connecting, we're super pumped to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution! By the way, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)
pretty sweet bass groove - I love the chromatics!
Thanks Azi! We wish you a wonderful week :)
Amazing
great video! also so great chemistry between you two!
Hey thanks Eddy! We're happy to have you here with us, thanks for watching and connecting. What kind of music do you make?
What plugin is it your using for the Bass, sounds great and would like to duplicate? Also you guys should make a video on how to arrange a song or map a song on the piano roll from start to finish. This would be awesome for us songwriters to your workflow because it gets confusing over time putting the tracks together.
Hi John, thanks for watching and connecting, we really appreciate it! We are using sounds from EastWest's Composer Cloud and I think the bass came from the Goliath collection. As to your request, because arranging can only be taught in the context of a whole song, it's a far more time-consuming topic, and therefore the video would be way too long (analytics show that people don't watch long videos on TH-cam). This is exactly why we launched our cutting-edge online apprenticeship. It consists of 17+ hours of unedited video which captures every second of the songwriting process, from blank screen to finished song, while also teaching every single step and theory hack along the way. Through the apprenticeship you'll learn our most advanced hacks, including arranging and the art of song whispering. If this sounds like it would be helpful to you, then you can find out more here: www.RevolutionHarmony.com/Apprenticeship. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again for your interest in Hack Music Theory, and until next time, take care and happy songwriting! Kate :)
Hi Kate, Thanks for getting back to me on the virt instruments info. So also looking at the apprentice program stuff which Im very interested in for songwriting workflow and the hacks.... I have a question about apprentice#1 & #2. It looks like for apprentice#1 I can purchase the whole program for a single price of $119 , or the other option is apprentice#2 and it seems you pay buy the month at $20 and includes other goodies as well...does this also include access to the material from apprentice#1? Just trying t understand how it all works. Thanks!
Hey John, hope you're having a great week! Thanks for your great questions about our apprenticeships. And yes you are correct, Apprenticeship #1 is available for purchase through our website as an online course (it is not available on Patreon). We recommend that everyone starts with Apprenticeship #1, because #2 is mainly aimed at people who've already done #1. Having said that, some people binge-watch #1 and jump straight into #2 on Patreon, and that's great too, if you have the time!
As for Apprenticeship #2 (which started in February), we're currently posting 2 episodes per month on Patreon (at the Artist level), and previous months' episodes are also available if you pay for those months. This month we'll be filming episode #3 and #4, and it's already shaping up to be an epic adventure! We will eventually release all the episodes as a full course once we're done making it (probably in September).
Hope that helps, and please let us know if you have any more questions :) Kate
That bass tone is nice. The whole thing reminds me a little of Showtime-era Nitzer Ebb--like "Lightning Man," but slower, and without the swing. I dig it!
Hey Rob, Happy New Year! Glad you're diggin' the bass :) We actually just added some swing to the verse, so keep an ear out for it when we release Mile Zero at the end of January! This song is super fun! By the way, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)
Hack Music Theory Hi, Kate! I'll definitely be looking forward to the song.
Thanks for asking about my music. It's apparently impossible for me to fully describe my vision in one or two sentences--LOL--but I'll try to be concise.
I'm aiming for a shoegaze/dream/noise/ambient kind of sheen on top of various styles of pop and rock. Most of my music ranges from moody and melancholic to satirical or goofy. I suppose I might have written a happy song purely for the sake of happiness once, but I prefer not to think about it--LOL! Anyway, such moodiness works for shoegaze, since it's an extension of post-punk and psychedelic. My music could easily end up being more electronic, however, given that my plan is to mostly use a PRE to make demos, and I want those demos to stand on their own.
Have y'all ever heard of Chordbot? If not, I highly recommend checking it out. I've used the Android version for several years to quickly sketch out ideas. It has its limits, but it works well with my way of thinking about chord progressions and stylistic elements.
Hack 5: 6:00 Make a chord progression in your life to other styles like darkisch Trance basslines.
Your tutorials are really style-versatile !
Love the thumbnail.
Thanks Ritchie! Happy New Year!
Can you guys please make a video on where to use perfect 4ths and 5ths and 7ths?
Hey hey Gurlin! Thanks big time for watching and connecting, much appreciated! If you're talking about using perfect 4th and perfect 5th intervals in melodies, I don't recommend that at all, cos the notes vibrate too similarly to each other and therefore they don't create much melodic interest. On the other hand, 7ths are awesome in melodies, cos if you go up to them they create a dramatic jump, and if you go down to them, they're smooth and fluid. If you want more hacks on writing melodies, please read my Melody Checklist in our Songwriting & Producing PDF, here: RevolutionHarmony.com/Books. Hope that helps, my friend, and thanks again for your interest in Hack Music Theory! Ray :)
These two are always super happy, what's in that tea?
Its called Canadian rage :)
My idea for this month's song is to feel like in outer space and I wanted to emphasize the coldness so a I'm using synths with tons of reverb and delay. Couldn't sleep at all last night so I'm well into the song by now. I'll have to show instrumental versions while I get the chance to record vocals.
Pradich I second that! 😄
Pradich that sounds nice! do you upload your music?
I've only uploaded the Christmas song so far, but I'll try to upload my monthly songs along with Kate and Ray. I can link it if you want.
Pradich yes, please that would be great
th-cam.com/video/oJIJc7jU3OY/w-d-xo.html Hope you like it :D
Is the apprenticeship training available now.. when classes are going to start.. i wanna enroll .. need more information about the class
Hey Abhineet! That's awesome that you wanna enrol in our apprenticeship! You'll find all the course details at: HackMusicTheory.com/Apprenticeship Do let us know if you have any questions, and we're super stoked to welcome you into our exclusive apprentice network! Take care, Kate :)
Hi guys! Loving your book Hack Music Theory For Songwriting! Do you have any tips to help musicians map out their ideas for their song or music (in my case music for tv and film) before they actually start producing? There are just too many choices to make! I'm having trouble completing tracks because I don't have a "map" to stick to and I end up creating random parts that just don't make sense in my music. Please advise! ❤
The first video of their Christmas song is great start to mapping out your ideas, conceptualize what kind of music do you want to make, for example the song I'm working is a "sad, out of this world song" so I'm thinking "what scales, instruments, topics and effects help bring this to life?" I'm using minor modes, lots of synths delay and reverb. But your concept can be anything from a specific feeling to a music genre, a melody or part of the lyrics and anything in between. Once that's done, it's easier to get on the right mindset to make an amazing song.
Hey Killer Queen! Thanks BIG time for your lovely comment, we're super happy to hear you're loving our Songwriting & Producing PDF. Yay!! This is a great question too, and the best way to create a "map" for your song, is to allow your initial concept/idea to grow into the song it wants to be. Musical ideas are like babies, they need guidance, yes, but most importantly, they need the freedom to develop in the direction they want. So, it's vital to listen to what your song really wants, and allow it to create its own map. This is what I call "song whispering" haha! It sounds funny, but when you learn how to do it, the music just starts writing itself. Seriously! This is the only way to be truly liberated as a songwriter, otherwise you end up forcing your songs into places they don't want to go (like forcing a child to play sport, when they actually want to play chess haha!). This approach to songwriting will ensure that your songs always end up the way they should (so no more random sections!). It has taken me decades to develop this "song whispering" method, and I share it all in our apprenticeship, which I think you'll find very helpful. If you're interested, you can learn more about it here: RevolutionHarmony.com/Apprenticeship. Thank you sincerely once again for your interest in Hack Music Theory, we're pumped to have you in our revolution! Ray :)
Hack Music Theory Wow thanks so much for the info, Ray! 😄 I missed some episodes over the holidays but I'm back now! Will keep watching and definitely check out apprenticeship, sounds like just what I need FOR SURE! I'm subbed to at least 200 music production and theory channels here on YT and this channel is by far the simplest and BEST way to learn how to write better music, no joke, no lie! I've never had so many "aha!" moments that actually made a difference before. I've grown so much already!🤓 Onwards and upwards! ☝️Peace!✌
Pradich thanks a bunch! I actually missed those over the holidays! So you are right on point! HMT community is the best! 👌
Wow Killer Queen, thank you for your very kind words about our channel, we are so happy to have you with us! I'm thrilled to hear that you've learned so much and have put it into practice. Congratulations and we're cheering you on 100%! Kate :)
reminds me of NIN
What are the "rules" about changing modes in a song? You guys did it in Christmas Counterpoint and you are talking about it here.
Does changing modes = changing keys? I am still a little lost on the relationships between these two things.
Could you do a video with examples? (Visual learner here... :) )
Hey hey Victor, hope this finds you splendidly well. Thanks a bunch for watching, and that's an awesome question! Yes, changing modes is changing keys, and this is known as modulation. There are three approaches to modulating: change the scale/mode, change the root, or change both! So yeah, any time you change from one scale/mode to another (e.g. C Aeolian to C Dorian), you're modulating. And, any time you change the root note of your key, AKA "key note", (e.g. C Aeolian to D Aeolian), you're also modulating. And of course, any time you change both (e.g. C Aeolian to D Dorian), then you're definitely modulating haha! Modulating is a HUGE topic though, which we cover in great detail in our apprenticeship program, so if you're up for it, hop in over at: RevolutionHarmony.com/Apprenticeship. Otherwise, check out the super easy-to-use modulation hack in our Songwriting & Producing PDF, here: RevolutionHarmony.com/Books. Thanks again for all your ongoing interest in Hack Music Theory, Victor, you're awesome!! Ray :)
First, thanks for that response. That makes sense. I appreciate all the effort and work you and Kate put into the videos and the songs you are making. I am looking forward to the new projects!
Second, I just downloaded the songwriting book today. So, I will start reading through it this week. As questions come up I will pass them along. You have really made music theory more interestesting/fun and accessable than I though possible. So, cheers for that!!
Third, how do you decide when or if to modulate? If it's in your book on songwriting I look forward to reading through that section.
I can't yet join up for the apprenticeship right now. But, I am interested and hope to be able a little later on. But, I will keep bother you guys here on TH-cam for now. :)
One final question: when is part 2, 3, 4, etc., of the hack theory book series coming out? Really enjoyed the first one. Will definitely be referencing that again (and again).
Hi Victor! So glad that you're finding everything helpful :)As the general rule of thumb is that every section in your song should be in a different key. So in other words, you should always be modulating in every song! And with regards to Part 2, 3, etc., don't hold your breath, haha. We're pouring all our time and energy into our apprenticeships this year, so that's currently our only focus.
Have a wonderful week and happy reading! Kate :)
Hi! Where can I find the program they use to write and play the melodies?
www.reaper.fm/
Hey Brian, I asked last month, it's called reaper. I'll be getting it soon. LOL
www.reaper.fm/
But first, 00:08
Is it just me or the way she said TEA sounds exactly like the hindi word for TEA i,e 'Chai' .
This is genius. I feel really sorry for the 5 dimwits who gave it a thumb down
Hey great to hear from you again Rodrigo, and Happy New Year to you! Thanks for your kind compliment, glad you found it useful :D Kate
Second!
Hola M B y feliz año nuevo! I hope you are well :)
Hello guys! happy new year! I'm fine and I wish you the best for you both and your channel this year!
Glad to hear you're doing fine! Thanks for your support and kind wishes. All the best to you too!!
First!
Pradich .. 48th!
And what is with the thumb down!!!! I wonder why? I can't imagine someone intentionally watching this would not enjoy it. TH-cam should make you explain why you put a thumbs down before they allow it.
Same
Hahaha, what's the name of the Doors's song again ? Ah yes, People are strange ! ;-)
Resonance and Dissonance. It is needed ;)
. . . and some people are trolls.