[rizzkid89]

Was wondering if anyone knew of any resources (books, websites, etc) that do a good job of breaking down and analyzing the composition of songs (EDM or otherwise). In depth music theory stuff on harmony, melodic development, overall song structure, and similar concepts are what I had in mind.

I've been analyzing some tracks on my own, but I'd like to see some other attempts to use as a guideline. I have a pretty firm grasp of music theory concepts, but it would helpful for me to see and hear the application of what I know, if that makes sense.

[Dugg Funnie]

I don't have a website to post it, but here's what I do when I go to analyze a track I like.

1. Load up Ableton, toss the track into it's own audio channel, and warp the tempo/grid of Ableton to the track.
2. Establish the overarching structure by adding markers for the intro, build, drop, A section, B section, Bridge, etc...
3. Break down individual channels note for note, rhythm for rhythm
4. While I'm doing step 3, I keep a notebook handy so I can make detailed thoughts and draw conclusions about what, in my opinion, makes the song work (i.e. key & scale, chord progressions, transitions, mixing techniques, Gestalt psychology, the way the notes/timbres interact, counterpoint/call and response)
5. Attempt to make note of what I personally like MOST about the song and bear it in mind next time I'm working on a relevant composition.

[agreth]

Originally Posted by Dugg Funnie

I don't have a website to post it, but here's what I do when I go to analyze a track I like.

1. Load up Ableton, toss the track into it's own audio channel, and warp the tempo/grid of Ableton to the track.
2. Establish the overarching structure by adding markers for the intro, build, drop, A section, B section, Bridge, etc...
3. Break down individual channels note for note, rhythm for rhythm
4. While I'm doing step 3, I keep a notebook handy so I can make detailed thoughts and draw conclusions about what, in my opinion, makes the song work (i.e. key & scale, chord progressions, transitions, mixing techniques, Gestalt psychology, the way the notes/timbres interact, counterpoint/call and response)
5. Attempt to make note of what I personally like MOST about the song and bear it in mind next time I'm working on a relevant composition.

I could never do that. for me, the most pleasing thing about finish a track is knowing that I'll never have to look at that particular project screen again. the exported wav file is the gold medal.

[Dugg Funnie]

Lol, I meant for analyzing other peoples (read: inspiring artists) tracks, not my own.

[rizzkid89]

Dugg, I really like steps 4 and 5. Definitely going to include that in the future. It's a great way to actually take something away from the analysis that can be of use. Thanks for sharing.

[CallAndResponse]

Originally Posted by Dugg Funnie

I don't have a website to post it, but here's what I do when I go to analyze a track I like.

1. Load up Ableton, toss the track into it's own audio channel, and warp the tempo/grid of Ableton to the track.
2. Establish the overarching structure by adding markers for the intro, build, drop, A section, B section, Bridge, etc...
3. Break down individual channels note for note, rhythm for rhythm
4. While I'm doing step 3, I keep a notebook handy so I can make detailed thoughts and draw conclusions about what, in my opinion, makes the song work (i.e. key & scale, chord progressions, transitions, mixing techniques, Gestalt psychology, the way the notes/timbres interact, counterpoint/call and response)
5. Attempt to make note of what I personally like MOST about the song and bear it in mind next time I'm working on a relevant composition.

That is like word for word EXACTLY what I do hahaha its works great and gives you a better understanding of professionally composed tracks and their structure.