Music Theory for Techno

Have you ever wondered if music theory was relevant for techno? Well wonder no more!

In this video we examine:
1. How to apply classic music theory to the genre of techno
2. What the role of dissonance and repetition is in techno
3. How to get the right sound character for techno

Instagram: @underdogmusicschool

Content:
0:00 Introduction
1:02 Rule 1: Use classic music theory
1:49 Scales for Techno infographic
2:11 Using chord progressions or intervals
3:17 Rule 2: Embrace dissonance
3:39 Ostinato insistence
4:28 The harmonic architecture of a techno track
5:11 3 strategies to make repetitive riffs
6:38 Rule 3: Sound character
7:38 DETUNE YOUR OSCILLATORS
8:53 The techno toot
9:38 The ML185 sequencer and Phoscyon
11:16 Recap of the 3 rules

[bryanscott]

I’ve never seen anyone discuss techno music theory before. Thanks!

[AlteredStatesNoiseMaker]

Nobody has ever done this before yet many tried. The best music theory video I've ever seen. I wish I saw it years ago...

[--]

Just wanted to throw this out there: music theory is frequently thought of as a set of rules. The better way to think about it is that music theory instead explains why things sound the way they do. If two bits of music have the same explanation, they will have the same kind of sound. If you like the sound of one, you will like the sound of the other, and music theory will be an explanation as to why.

It is entirely possible that there is another theory of techno. It's totally fine that it incorporates some of the explanations of what you like in classic western music. And it is ALSO totally fine that it says that some kinds of dissonance sound good in techno.

[lazyatom]

Been a user of Ableton since 2006. Never knew about the setting Scale feature you show at 1:22. I cannot believe that's there. The struggle I have had to discern what's in scale or not just winging it. I have learned so much from you after watching just 4 videos. You are gifted at nailing the important info without any waffle. Love it.

[AmbientMusicStudio]

One observation re Phrygian and other modes. You have to pay special attention to using the unique characteristics of the mode to reinforce your root note. For example, the move from the flattened 2nd to the root. If you don't do that, because our ears are so used to the major and relative minor scales our ears will interpret the mode (Phrygian in this case) as a melody within the major or minor scale. For example, E Phrygian is the same set of notes as C Major and A Minor. If you're not emphasizing the relationship between E and F in your melody and hitting the E often in your bass, then as soon as you play an C or A your brain will tell you it's the major or minor scale. Kind of a complicated way to explain something that is actually pretty simple when you hear it. If you're trying to work in E Phrygian and your melody is sounding happy and bouncy to you (instead of dark and exotic) they you are probably not emphasizing the E - F relationship enough. This used to throw me off all the time. Sorry I can't think of an easier way to explain it :D

[francisco_lazarte]

Finally somebody who knows and helps. I'm tired of listening that techno is just noise and doesn't uses theory

[urphakeandgey]

I'd like to add that in more typical _"EDM"_ genres and not this deeper underground techno, "classic music theory" will go even further in assisting you. Vast majority of EDM tracks use fairly simple and common chord progressions that can be broken down into a handful of Roman numerals, like vi - IV - I - V, which is basically every Alan Walker Track.

Just knowing the basics in music theory will really help any producer. It'll speed up your creative process by a lot and you'll see how so much music is similar even across genres.

[abcrxj]

I'm a guitarist with near to 0 interaction with making electronic music, i normally play math rock and jazz which don't even require much effects, but for some reason I clicked on the video when I saw it. No regrets.

[calitune]

I saw this and thought, "oh yeah right in only 12 min this is gonna be useless" but I was wrong. He did a very good job covering basic concepts relevant to techno for those who might not have or be opposed to traditional music theory. It's very easy to make theory complicated so good work on keeping it simple.

[citizenworld]

As someone who worked in classical music all my life I can't understand why anyone would vote this down. This is an excellent video and a rich source for anyone experimenting with techno. Bear in mind, the best beat makers are the smart beat makers. Same for classical music.

[vz-v]

I found it funny when you described why I like the 303 sounds "Anything in a 303 loop sequence it doesn't really matter what note it plays and the audience really loves it" or something like that and I couldn't stop laughing because its true. 😂

[GgWifi-otsh]

First 25 seconds was all I needed to hear . That's definitely the science of a perfect loop

[GingerDrums]

as a techno producer I really appreciate this video. The genre lives from transgressing rules, and most pieces come from textural and rhythmic musical ideas, and the harmony is often an afterthought. having a looping groove playing whilst tweaking it until the piece aquires a hypnotic and danceable atmosphere is essential, everything else are just spices to add to that process. Hope this helps somebody understand the culture, as it does come from a different place than most other genres. Hip Hop often operates from a similar compositional standpoint.

[Cheesecake]

I like how straightforward are these tutorials, what a great material mate, keep up the good work.

[CoreyLaGray]

I really hope this channel goes viral mode. I learn something new every time and I'm always inspired to sit down and tinker. Thanks for doing what you do, man.

[zodiac]

The fact that this man gave out so much information for free cannot be understated. There are schools that would charge you your arm and leg just for this information. Much love.

[wwlittlejOfficial]

Wow, u just spilled ALL the beans. Way back when I started out trying to do techno, but had basic music theory. My techno was major scale. It did not sound good. Ughhh it was nauseating. Underdog just gave it all away, esp the Phrygian scale and the embracing dissonance. Perfect.

[samloan]

Remember, even classical musicians didn’t avoid dissonance. Adam Neely’s video on the myth of the tritone ban has some great musical examples of this.

[RandomNoiseMusic]

You know its a quality content when he correctly cals it polymeter and not polyrythm 😄 great stuff, subbed!

[robertjones]

Dude. Finally. Yes! Someone who is actually explaining this stuff. Timbre and asthetics matter massively, western harmony teaching just does not encapsulate this dimension of music sorely overlooked but ever present in modern music production.