Music Theory
For music theory, there are three different types of music pitch.
- Lows, AKA bass, example of instruments: bass, drum kicks
- Mids, AKA vocals or melody, example of instruments are mixed
- Highs, AKA treble, example of instruments: cymbals, violins, bells
Breaking Down In Frequency:
Sub-bass - 15H-50Hz
Bass - 50-200Hz
Mid-bass - 200-400Hz
Lower mids - 400-900Hz
Upper mids - 900-4000Hz
Treble - 4000-20000Hz
Key & Time Signature
Before we go in-depth of the entirety of this theory, we have to take a look on key signatures and time signatures. Today’s music is mostly in 4/4 beats. On each beat, a note is played. Count each kick in house music for instance, we find repetition after 4, 8 or 16 beats, anything in the power of 2.
An example of a 5/4 beat is Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs
For further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_signature
Structuring the Percussion(and the bars)
To structure a proper percussion, remember that there are 4/4 time signature(which is the most common time signature). All music genres has their own unique way of structuring their percussions.
For instance, D’n’B(drum and bass) relies on a small ‘lag’ on their second kick, house music relies on filling 4/4 beats with kick in each beat and hi-hats. These percussions sometimes changes upon progression. Read Chord Progression.
Tones and Chord Progressions – The Probable Help For Your Sound Compliments
To play a proper melody(and pattern), you will need a circle of fifths that reads the relationships between the 12 pitches; also an octave(not always the case, sometimes it extends through two octaves). Following the circle of fifths will create the right feeling for the chords based on key signature. Listen to the melody of songs you know, and see how they are played.
Chords are several notes played in unison. Press C, E and G, you have a C-major chord. Basically three or more keys simultaneously, not two, three or more. Two is called an interval.
Don’t forget that there are major and minor. Both sounds differently, major sounds positive and happy while minor sounds sad and tragic.
For further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chord_(music)
The Bass, The Mids, The Treble
Hell yeah, we’re getting in the spicy part. No bass means the tone is relatively empty. In color theory, it’s like painting without red and orange. Bass is usually repetitive and usually the most present frequency in modern music. Remember to follow chord progressions too!
The mids are usually for melodies and vocals. Without mids, we have background music instead. All bass and treble.
Treble’s signature color is blue. Sometimes repetitive, sometimes can play melodies.
Musical Genres
All music has its own genre. EDM is an umbrella genre of many different genres. Make sure you read about the genre you want to compose. Or else it’ll confuse the listeners.
Remember, EQ and tremolo is your best friend if entire track sounds too mixed, along with automation for adjustment during the song.
Side note: Wrote this while tired, correct me if you find any errors.