4 Tips for Writing Ambient Chord Progressions

In this video I take a brief look at harmonic conventions in David Wise's ambient music from the Donkey Kong Country series.

[DavidWise]

Thank you 8-bit Music Theory. Chords: Major or Minor, sometimes 5ths / 4ths. I don't think in terms of 9ths / 13ths - but it's where the bass note is in relation to the chord inversion. Dissonance is intended - never accidental. Composition driven by how it feels. Close spacing of intervals derived from hardware limitations - but I still use this technique as it compartmentalizes instrument specific frequencies over the harmonic spectrum - everything has its' place. I try not to over-think it.

[Nicole-pxll]

the aquatic ambiance theme gave me some seriously surreal dreams as a child

[RacingSnails]

"Use smooth voice leading."

*Donkey Kong vocalizes*

very smooth voice

[thogameskanaal]

"A lot of rules can be broken" he said while glitching Mario Kart 64.

[InvisiblesilenceA]

High quality, worth-more-than-money-can-buy musical analyses on beautiful video game music pieces.
*_WONDERFUL!_*

[evan]

David Wise's stuff is always the best

[PiercingSight]

You touched on something that has always grabbed my attention when it comes to compositions, something that I call "contextual justification" because I have no other name for it. I'm wondering if it has a name.

For example, when trying to figure out a chord while learning a piano piece, sometimes you'll get the chord right, but it will sound wrong. Chords with "forbidden" or ugly intervals that, on their own, are quite unpleasant to listen to. However, when the surrounding music gives each of the notes in the chord a "justification" for being there, it suddenly sounds pleasant and harmonious, constants being a simple example of how this can be achieved.

Does this concept have an official music theory name?

[Hadaron]

After school today I saw this in my sub box and was watching it. My friend was next to me, and at 2:58 he asked me with the most confused voice “wait, WHAT did he just say?”

[jaxvon]

That B-flat Add2 voicing is straight out of the Steely Dan playbook. It's most prominent (with more colors at times) on Peg from Aja. It's one of my favorite kind chords to play, too!

[AlrotaMusic]

1:17 Oh boy, there was a hidden cave? Now I have to get out my old Nintendo again - Thanks for that :/

[BudCharlesUnderVlogs]

This is one of your best videos yet :D

[Hainbach]

That was a very good explanation. You would not believe how hard it can be to explain constants some orchestra players. I make use of this in all of my music, as I love the way different chords illuminate the main melodic pattern. It's like life progressing, with the circumstances changing.

[Mortistar]

I just started writing some ambient chiptune pieces of my own and this video is a godsend. Great advice and a lot to think about! <3

[sweetwheatsy]

This is awesome; so great that you also focus on the less conventional melodically-driven pieces, but also these terrific soundscapes and what makes them special. Still always get chills when I listen to Aquatic Ambiance.

[Bankai]

I think covering the great soundtrack behind this series was very "Wise" of you. And I love how keep everything simple and don't get caught up in all the complicated "(Jungle) Hijinks" of music theory. You K. Rool man!

[ThisIsTeeKay]

I have a strange feeling you love David Wise's ambient music. Not sure why.

[metaspherz]

As a self-taught musician who's still learning the ropes and loving every minute of it, I don't understand the technical elements behind much of what this video is conveying. But, I do appreciate it very much and I've watched it twice trying to glean as much out of it as I may. I prefer more aggressive music such as EPIC, cinematic, and orchestral compositions, but I have recently come to love ambient music like that which is spacey, cosmic, and creates the sense that one is journeying through space and time. Learning more about chord progressions -- making them smoother and less jarring -- is what you've explained in great detail and exactly what I've needed. Thanks!

[mteo]

I feel like dynamics are really important for getting a really nice soothing ambient sound. You can see the arpeggiated parts or even the chords having various dynamics, crescendos, etc.

[Frilleon]

I know almost nothing about music theory and I still watched this video

[Mathieew]

I always get the feeling that people think that, under any circumstances, avoid a natural fourth and major third in the same chord. Especially when I was studying Jazz I got that feeling. However, I actually really like the sound of an add11-chord, IF the fourth is placed underneath the third, creating a major seventh interval instead. It isn't that often heard, but I think it's a unique and really tasteful sound. I thought of this when you mentioned the "forbidden 11th", it feels like people tend to overlook the possibility of an other voicing in that case. :)
In any case, as you mentioned, in the right context, taboo intervals can very much sound great too.