The Secret to Writing Powerful Chords and Melodies

Learn music production in 6 weeks with EDM Bootcamp: alexromesound.com/pages/edm-b...
[FREE Chord Building Blueprint Guide]: alexromesound.com/pages/7-ste...
Get vocals on your songs with my vocal packs: www.alexromesound.com
MY GEAR:
DAW (Music making software): Logic Pro and Ableton Live
Studio monitors (speakers): Yamaha HS8's
Headphones: Audeze LCD X (open back)
Camera: Canon 80d
Computer: Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip and 2 TB hardrive
Midi controller (keyboard): Komplete Kontrol 61
Interface: Scarlett Clarett 2 pre
Desk: a cheap one from ikea
Chair: also a cheap one from ikea
My favorite plugins that I use the most:
XFER Serum
Sylenth 1
Nexus 3
Kontakt
RC 20
Valhalla Shimmer
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Shaperbox 3
XFER OTT
Fab Filter Saturn 2
Fab Filter Pro C 2
Arturia Pigments
Baby Audio Comeback Kid
Output Thermal and Portal
LABS Soft Piano
Hardware that I use behind the scenes but not in videos:
Elektron Octatrack (my fav)
Elektron Digitakt
Korg Minilogue XD

Пікірлер: 146

  • @AyrixMusix
    @AyrixMusix11 ай бұрын

    Hey Alex, I enrolled in the EDM Bootcamp a couple of days ago and I gotta say its already helping me a ton! It's provided me with better focus and structure in my songwriting stage as well as new mixing and sound design methods that I didn't know. Thanks a bunch!

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    Hey thank you for posting this! I am so happy to hear this. Who is this btw? I can't by your stage name.

  • @AyrixMusix

    @AyrixMusix

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRome I'm Eric Esparza, I'm not sure if it shows my name or just my nickname on the Slack group.

  • @mcgritty8842

    @mcgritty8842

    11 ай бұрын

    Sounds like you’re 10% better already! 😉 ❤❤❤

  • @alicehoon7474

    @alicehoon7474

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRomecan you make a video on all the software ?im just gonna start my music production career 😢need a good guidance so that I can become someone in future ❤️

  • @alicehoon7474

    @alicehoon7474

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRomethere are lots and it’s difficult to understand

  • @AlexRome
    @AlexRome11 ай бұрын

    Hey everyone, lately I've been working to transition from doing all 'clickbaity' videos into videos where I pick topics that I feel are important and fundamental to song writing and music production such as the topic I discussed in the video above. I'd love to know your feedback on this video.

  • @electrofiyofficial

    @electrofiyofficial

    11 ай бұрын

    This video really motivated me to start working on music

  • @prashantrishu1

    @prashantrishu1

    11 ай бұрын

    Perfect advice and not the run of mill video. Fyi, deconstruction videos will be helpful too

  • @jayplay8140

    @jayplay8140

    11 ай бұрын

    great video with real insight and well explained , would love more of these, thanks Alex

  • @Dashmaster305

    @Dashmaster305

    11 ай бұрын

    I just want to say that I learned a lot from this video and you did another great job, but I feel like calling harmony a "secret" is a bit much still.

  • @AviationFun737

    @AviationFun737

    11 ай бұрын

    Love this video! I made a new project where i just write chords and melodies and on my 3rd one I found something I really like!

  • @andiprogshop3097
    @andiprogshop309711 ай бұрын

    Dude, you're sharing so much valuable stuff, i couldn't believe it. I've lost my connection to the magic in producing somehow quite a while ago due to some losses and a rough time, but to see the love and the joy in your eyes when you're talking about how the tiniest details affect you, is absolute amazing

  • @sebastiankrau8652
    @sebastiankrau865211 ай бұрын

    When I heard only half of the Melody of Silhouettes I directly got tears in my eyes :,). Tim was such a great talent.

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    isn't it beautiful? That melody just brings me back to the good old days.

  • @Sneakycat1971
    @Sneakycat197111 ай бұрын

    When the melody follows the chords it sounds good most of the time. What I mean by that is each note of the melody needs to match the same notes being played in the specific chord being played. You don't have to play every note in the chord but at least two of the notes. Then as the chord changes you will be changing the notes of the melody to fit the chord being played. If you play guitar and want to get good at solos just follow the chord progression with the notes.

  • @brianhlp30
    @brianhlp3011 ай бұрын

    just wanted to say thank you man. you're really helping me up my game lately

  • @z0OZ00OOO
    @z0OZ00OOO11 ай бұрын

    Thank you Alex, this is such a great way to communicate this. I think a layer beyond harmony can be frequencies. Because some of the best ear candy and subtleties are orchestrated along with the harmony. Whether from a mixing / instrumentation perspective, or even venturing away from western 12 tone theory.

  • @VikIsLost
    @VikIsLost11 ай бұрын

    This video kicks ass and I have been mystified by the harmonies in Language since I started learning to produce 5 years ago. You breaking this down was incredibly helpful. Glad I clicked on this video!

  • @spiritvoys
    @spiritvoysАй бұрын

    Thank you Alex for your support 🙌🙌🎶🎶❤👍

  • @DD-te6oj
    @DD-te6oj26 күн бұрын

    Great video! Your videos are very helpful and inspirational!

  • @andresfernandez2032
    @andresfernandez20324 ай бұрын

    Alex ur absolutely my professor in my own practice, ur a beast thx so much man

  • @lucastora9207
    @lucastora920711 ай бұрын

    I love the way you talk about music

  • @latheofheaven1017
    @latheofheaven10179 ай бұрын

    Alex... all my life I've been banging on to anyone who would listen (not many) that harmony is the core of everything in music. Yes, rhythm is essential. Yes, melodies are the hook. But harmony is what provides the emotion - the tension and release - the weight. Most non-musicians don't understand that, because they don't hear music as rhythm, melody and harmony. They just hear the sound. But anyone writing music REALLY needs to understand this. Harmony is the core.

  • @Syel_Music
    @Syel_Music11 ай бұрын

    Alex is amazing!!! SO knowledgeable!!!

  • @francoperez8145
    @francoperez814511 ай бұрын

    Your tips are gold.

  • @alanrossze2873
    @alanrossze287311 ай бұрын

    Amazing videos as always❤❤

  • @TheRealProfit
    @TheRealProfit11 ай бұрын

    Always a great video!

  • @emmanual-goldstein
    @emmanual-goldstein10 күн бұрын

    I love the cords and melody from Sons Of Maria: Leave you Alone. Which sounds amazing like this video.

  • @petecore7238
    @petecore72389 ай бұрын

    Hey Alex, Amazing advice as usual brother!

  • @myriaddsystems
    @myriaddsystems6 ай бұрын

    Don't why I haven't already subscribed to Mr Rome's Supremely excellent channel. I've leant such fab stuff! THANKS!

  • @georgegilchrist7882
    @georgegilchrist788211 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this Alex, very helpful to me, thank you sir.

  • @danic.3760
    @danic.376011 ай бұрын

    Nothing but respect for a man who can produce music listening through 2 frying pans. Jokes aside I love all your videos no matter the subject, I always start songs like that, first the chords, then a melody, and then all the other elements and structure, nice video.

  • @beatsfromyhwh
    @beatsfromyhwh11 ай бұрын

    amazing, thank you, Alex 🙏🏼🙏🏼

  • @helisoma
    @helisoma11 ай бұрын

    just to say you are my #1 go to reference for music production as it relates to the creative side and you handle it so effortlessly...that being said yes it's a numbers game but i think that in a moment when you create a melody or harmony it kind of has a life of its own...and develops on its own as you add more elements...the first melody has a reason for being and i try to stay true to that first intuition

  • @ranradd
    @ranradd11 ай бұрын

    Great video, Thanks!

  • @bitbotrecords
    @bitbotrecords7 ай бұрын

    amazing, so glad i stumbled on this. thank you.

  • @josh_thatcher
    @josh_thatcher10 ай бұрын

    Great videos Alex. Very pratical information. Saving up for your course. 🔥

  • @sd4beatsmore
    @sd4beatsmore11 ай бұрын

    love your tutorials

  • @Triskaimusic
    @Triskaimusic10 ай бұрын

    I consider Alex my EDM coach. His videos are helping me a lot with my EDM production.

  • @earnest1620
    @earnest162011 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this sir...❤❤❤

  • @EfnaCelik
    @EfnaCelik6 күн бұрын

    Really really thanks😊

  • @scernik
    @scernik5 ай бұрын

    you are the best!

  • @-AnGuS.SuGnA-
    @-AnGuS.SuGnA-21 күн бұрын

    Thank you for what you are doing for real, thank you, you have a good sole

  • @RealDealy
    @RealDealy11 ай бұрын

    Basically, this is what Geroge Clinton used to do He would do Jam sessions with different musicians, and singers, then keep what he liked for ONE song, but because he did so many mixes, he was able to put out so many albums from those jam sessions! I used to do the same thing when I used to dj, turntablist style. You freestyle, then for some reason you come up with different patterns that become routines. Next thing you know, you have multiple routines you can do. When I did it at a battle, people lost their minds, but it just came from me freestyling routines after school

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    Yea, I like the numbers game. I learned that you might be better if you avoid sticking with your first idea every time you start a new song. I think coming up with a lot of ideas gives you a better chance of creating something better.

  • @xavierlagueux9866
    @xavierlagueux98665 ай бұрын

    Good advices💪

  • @myriaddsystems
    @myriaddsystems7 ай бұрын

    Love this guy!

  • @Astroni800
    @Astroni80010 ай бұрын

    I loooove these advices 🖤🖤🖤

  • @oddbeat5693
    @oddbeat569311 ай бұрын

    At 4:00 best advice! Keep on writing chords and melodies until you realize that the 1st or the 69th take is the best one. I found myself going with mediocre sounding chords and melodies, building the whole song around that, ending up with having to begin with a new song. It is vital to create a solid foundation, no matter how many takes.

  • @sebastianfuttrup5970
    @sebastianfuttrup597011 ай бұрын

    Just found your channel, But amazing explanation! Great job on this video✅

  • @GTORT
    @GTORT7 ай бұрын

    Stay with me. If I was a beginner I would've hated this video. The answer is that there is no answer, and as a beginner, you don't understand that. However, now as a passionate amateur, it really is the truth. You just have to put in your time productively. Plain and simple. Big shouts out to Alex for being real. Love your content.

  • @j_u_m_pmedia3872
    @j_u_m_pmedia387219 сағат бұрын

    Very interesting tutorial

  • @UAEverything
    @UAEverything11 ай бұрын

    u r amazing music producer bro Umair from Pakistan

  • @aixzi_official
    @aixzi_official2 ай бұрын

  • @trueneraa
    @trueneraa11 ай бұрын

    Thank you Rome

  • @Nykronds
    @Nykronds10 ай бұрын

    thanks bro

  • @ganomichael4494
    @ganomichael449411 ай бұрын

    Thanx bro...

  • @mcgritty8842
    @mcgritty884211 ай бұрын

    I love Language! Thanks for the tips

  • @pachirisugirl7204
    @pachirisugirl72043 ай бұрын

    For anyone watching this video, the creator says that the secret is: harmony between chords and melodies, and in order to find good harmony, all you gotta do is write a bunch of melodies and chords and you may one day find harmony ….saved you 5:53 min of your time 👍

  • @fotpjusto457
    @fotpjusto4574 ай бұрын

    Those are the most extreme headphones I’ve ever seen

  • @user-pe6sn2yn4d
    @user-pe6sn2yn4d4 ай бұрын

    80 % work 20% study

  • @user-cb5wk3og4v
    @user-cb5wk3og4v2 ай бұрын

    I get shivers everytime I hear Language :D

  • @ordonisisgreat
    @ordonisisgreat11 ай бұрын

    Big ups from a Porter stan. 😁

  • @stormrushtv
    @stormrushtv9 ай бұрын

    Man the sound of those chords and melody is incredible! Is that an effect? A synth? I cant find anything like it in Ableton

  • @zizwemusic7688
    @zizwemusic768811 ай бұрын

    04:28 That first chord reminded me of DJ Khalid's 'God Did'. I actually said, "It breaks my heart" after it hit.😅 Amazing stuff you teach us here man.

  • @APBT3chnoM0nkey

    @APBT3chnoM0nkey

    6 ай бұрын

    THEY AINT BELIEVE IN US! GOD DIIIIID!!!

  • @sluszip9797
    @sluszip979711 ай бұрын

    thx broo

  • @electrofiyofficial
    @electrofiyofficial11 ай бұрын

    Hi Alex!!

  • @Taksheel
    @Taksheel10 ай бұрын

    I GOT SO EXCITED HEARING PORTER ROBINSON

  • @Inverteddagger187
    @Inverteddagger18710 ай бұрын

    thank u baldie

  • @tiguechimack3301
    @tiguechimack33015 ай бұрын

    Yo Alex! What plugins are your go to in order to get a beautiful drone like the one you used in this video?

  • @isthisforrealyes7194
    @isthisforrealyes719411 ай бұрын

    Hi Alex!

  • @AnwaarAliOfficial
    @AnwaarAliOfficial4 ай бұрын

    You should also show what synth you're using?

  • @lupiyamujala
    @lupiyamujala2 ай бұрын

    Does anyone know what instruments he’s using in the conclusion? I like the sounds and I would love to use them.

  • @kristopherclark350
    @kristopherclark3509 ай бұрын

    you know I have never done that just sat and wrote, wrote n wrote always came up with idea, started grabbing a bass, arranging drums 😅, thanks bro, maybe explore the other modes to be a good shout.

  • @rileyrufer4254
    @rileyrufer425411 ай бұрын

    hey Alex. hope your well. hey I'm really into music and am getting into music production. I'm at a beginner level, but really want to learn how to record and process vocals to make them nice and crisp and to a professional standard id really really appreciate if you made a video about vocals and how to process them. thank you heaps. I'm sure others would really appreciate that video too.

  • @shevystudio

    @shevystudio

    11 ай бұрын

    I'm a beginner too :)

  • @masqueraver3552
    @masqueraver355211 ай бұрын

    can you do some uplifting trance melodys alex in style of bryan kearney please i can never seem to get the patterns rite

  • @sergdendy967
    @sergdendy96710 ай бұрын

    Amazing. 00:48 Where can I get these presets?

  • @mattyfinality
    @mattyfinality2 ай бұрын

    Maaan how does he get that sound?? I put some chords into Ableton Lite and I can’t even get the same chords let alone the sound. Like every chord sounds either out of place or happy instead of melancholic like this

  • @paminak
    @paminak9 ай бұрын

    Which programm are you using?

  • @jaredhorton807
    @jaredhorton80710 ай бұрын

    How come I prefer the sound of a chord without the middle note? Especially with the guitar midi?

  • @asherwilliams
    @asherwilliams11 ай бұрын

    At 2:53 , that Chord progression literally made me gasp like what???? It has no right to sound that good.

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    Haha! That’s the power of really simple chords in the minor scale.

  • @blueeyedcat3443

    @blueeyedcat3443

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRome At 2:53 minor, not major?

  • @asherwilliams

    @asherwilliams

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRome Yeah facts! Ive been doing rap beats for a few years, but this video inspired me to make an EDM track like the ones in this video, its difficult but very fun!

  • @oama2009
    @oama200910 ай бұрын

    Okay so the chords are written, does the melody have to be in the same key ?

  • @LifestyleDJ
    @LifestyleDJ9 ай бұрын

    Would give my right arm for Alex to switch to Ableton.

  • @georgevulpe5600
    @georgevulpe560011 ай бұрын

    why ma man got frying pans on ears?

  • @philvalley
    @philvalley11 ай бұрын

    YESSIR

  • @sanderjensen9087
    @sanderjensen908711 ай бұрын

    What piano do u use?

  • @gaving321
    @gaving32111 ай бұрын

    What would You advise on someone first starting out what to buy etc , I can make music but I use korg gadget on switch lol

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    Get a daw on your computer and a pair of headphones. Either Logic Pro, ableton, or fl studio are good options.

  • @gaving321

    @gaving321

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRome thanks bro , do I need to get the best options available?

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    @@gaving321 meaning what? like the best option for a DAW? You should get the most professional standard options if you're serious about music production and want a limitless experience... If you just want to mess around and have fun, load up Garageband or something like you're already using.

  • @gaving321

    @gaving321

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRome nah serious pal, I make decent stuff now , however think I’ll excel on proper software , so what I mean , get the most expensive daw I can buy yeah ?

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    @@gaving321 well, ableton is the most expensive but it’s no better than logic. Logic is mac only though. Both I’d say are the best options. Fl studio is ok but sound design features in fl studio lacks big time compared to logic and ableton. So if you want to do everything, Logic or ableton are solid choices. May even help to trial them both as they both offer long trial periods.

  • @oooooollllllll
    @oooooollllllll10 ай бұрын

    Its absolutely hilarious how the words "music theory" werent spoken once in this video because its a boogeyman to EDM producers LMAO

  • @JT-hs6hc

    @JT-hs6hc

    8 ай бұрын

    the concept of "harmony" (one of the most fundamental concepts of all of music) is kept hidden by those darn music theorists! LMAOOOOO

  • @oooooollllllll

    @oooooollllllll

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JT-hs6hc Im unsure if youre trying to mock my comment, if you are you kind of miss the point of what i said. EDM producers tend to want quick and easy ways to make music, and often think theory is a waste of time and think theyre better off winging it. and a lot of too much adhd to ever actually sit through a theory lesson. trying to teach theory without letting people know you're teaching them theory is a valid tactic to interest EDM producers. Its kind of like guitarists not wanting to learn sheet music, they want the quick and easy tablature.

  • @ozarkaviation

    @ozarkaviation

    Ай бұрын

    Agreed. Personally I think edm could be made a lot better if the artist pays attention to theory

  • @StrobeFireStudios
    @StrobeFireStudios11 ай бұрын

    Hey, what's the name of that program you're using there?

  • @darshanajjamada

    @darshanajjamada

    11 ай бұрын

    Hey man, that's Logic Pro.

  • @TheMadamMusic
    @TheMadamMusic9 ай бұрын

    This is an important part of music, yes, but it's not harmony Those music parts COMPLEMENT each other. Harmony is when multiple notes playing simultaneously sound pleasant because they are from the same chord. The opposite of dissonance. What you're talking about is much broader and can be done in a lot of different ways, not just with chords (like countermelodies, for example)

  • @CtWolffe
    @CtWolffe10 ай бұрын

    I've been inspired by Boywithuke and I am trying to make a whole song by myself, your channel is very helpful. Maybe one day I can release the song (vocals are probably gonna give me the most annoyance)

  • @hls9973
    @hls997311 ай бұрын

    after clicking the button which says apply to the bootcamp, typeform says I can't access this typeform until its creator says so. what should i do

  • @AlexRome

    @AlexRome

    11 ай бұрын

    Hmm. Let me check this out.

  • @hls9973

    @hls9973

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AlexRome thanks, it's accessible now

  • @PlayGtr
    @PlayGtr6 ай бұрын

    Well, David did say there was a secret chord that pleased the Lord....😂

  • @KellyEvan-jg7sh
    @KellyEvan-jg7sh6 ай бұрын

    Hi my friend

  • @LeeHoMusic
    @LeeHoMusic11 ай бұрын

    ❤🌟👌

  • @amxum
    @amxum11 ай бұрын

    🔋

  • @drummerAVA
    @drummerAVA5 ай бұрын

    4:55… sheeeesh, write an album in a week… why not?? 😅

  • @aphex2109
    @aphex21093 ай бұрын

    Bro said how to know the secret is to get good pretty much

  • @philvalley
    @philvalley11 ай бұрын

    😲

  • @ApexArtistX
    @ApexArtistX9 күн бұрын

    Facebook is so lame it will mute those examples melody from other songs

  • @ILOVEKITTIES444
    @ILOVEKITTIES4449 ай бұрын

    wheres mashbit at? das ya homie or something? i sense a connection between you two.

  • @johnrose4440
    @johnrose44407 ай бұрын

    you could play megamind in a live action megamind

  • @leander1642
    @leander164211 ай бұрын

    I usually like your videos but this one to me feels like just saying "get good". However your other videos that I've seen have been very helpfull

  • @mabian69
    @mabian6910 ай бұрын

    Not really sure harmony is defined that way.... harmony is about chords, melody + harmony + rhythm = music... no?

  • @simebubica7575
    @simebubica757511 ай бұрын

    The fact that I'm 15 and understand everything

  • @yandereSyndrome
    @yandereSyndrome10 ай бұрын

    So the secret to good chords and melodies is to pick chords and melodies that sound good. And you get better at that by writing a lot of chords and melodies and getting a feel for what sounds good. Not necessarily wrong or bad advice but the title is click baity af. The secret is... dun dun dun, practice and experience.

  • @ethanaerni8938
    @ethanaerni893811 ай бұрын

    I made thi likes go from 1k to 1.1k - sorry!

  • @ircluzar
    @ircluzar9 ай бұрын

    i learned nothing

  • @theburgerofficial1
    @theburgerofficial16 ай бұрын

    this video is terrible for a number of reasons

  • @latinballa88
    @latinballa8811 ай бұрын

    Great examples. Silhouettes and Language hit so hard when you created the full “harmony” 🥲

  • @1000qlimax
    @1000qlimax11 ай бұрын

    1:19 this piano sound so guud ! which one did u use :p ? Again a very usefull vid ! thx a lot