Neoclassical Music Theory Course | Week 2 (Patreon)

Welcome to week two of Neoclassical Metal Music Theory! Ever feel like you're skipping steps in your musical journey? That ends now because we're going to fill in the gaps with KNOWLEDGE 

MUHAHAHA

In this installment, we'll be learning the harmony used in classical music. First, we'll study the harmonic minor chords, then apply them in a fun exercise. 

HARMONIC MINOR PRIMARY CHORDS 

Last week we talked about the engine of classical music in minor keys...the harmonic minor scale (below) 👇 

The next step is to uncover the harmony within this incredible scale. By playing every other note, from the scale, we get a series of chords (tab below 👇 )

These are the chords built on each degree of the E Harmonic Minor Scale (E-F#-G-A-B-C-D#). The chords built on the 1st, 4th and 5th degree are called PRIMARY CHORDS (Em-Am-B). Em is home base, Am creates forward momentum and B establishes a delicious tension, calling for resolution back to the i chord Em (tab below 👇 )

VOICE LEADING

Now here's the problem. You may be aware of how to play each of these chords (Em-Am-B). However, stock barre chords will NOT get you that classical sound. Composers like Bach, Beethoven and Mozart used "closed position voice leading" to get that epic sophisticated sound. Check out the chords above to see what I mean. This is an absolute game changer. I was frustrated for years because I couldn't figure out this smooth voice leading trick. It's like going from Wonderwall to Bach instantly! 

MUSICAL APPLICATION

Now that we have the basis for Neoclassical Harmony under out belts, it's time to make music! Instantly apply what you learn in a musical scenario, or you'll forget it. Use the drone below to improvise with the chords above. Listen to your ears and don't be afraid to experiment. This exercise is engineered to uncover your unique voice on the instrument, so have FUN! 

E DRONE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUjoYO6VX_g

NEXT WEEK

Stay tuned for next week's lesson on my Neoclassical Metal Etude. This is where we put the scales and chords together for a complete piece of music! 

🛑 NEOCLASSICAL METAL MUSIC THEORY PROGRAM

https://www.patreon.com/posts/neoclassical-1-91047295