[Kmac]

Hi, wanting to really get into producing electronic music along the lines of Deadmau5 and Avicii. Just wondering if learning music theory would help me in starting out or should i just learn how to navigate and use my DAW suscinctly? atm i know nothing about music theory and it all seems very complex
Thanks

[Dugg Funnie]

Both. They're both complex, and they both get easier with time & understanding.

[Cracked World Foundation]

Have you seen that Avicii 'in the studio' video? I would hazard that he knows less music theory than the average horse. Not that that should be an inspiration to you, though.

Anyway, Dugg's absolutely right IMHO. Learn both. You'll be glad you did later.

EDIT: here's the link [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click here to register]

[Kmac]

Thanks very much yeah i have seen it and found it quite interesting. Just dont know how they come up with such simple melodies that are really memorable and great to listen to, the piano one in Years by Alesso is so good.
Thanks for the advice

[Mottyze]

Originally Posted by Kmac

Hi, wanting to really get into producing electronic music along the lines of Deadmau5 and Avicii. Just wondering if learning music theory would help me in starting out or should i just learn how to navigate and use my DAW suscinctly? atm i know nothing about music theory and it all seems very complex
Thanks

If you really like music better if you go into some music theory too You really need to be patient to learn but once you have learned you feel more confortable to work with other musicians not only edm producers...

[Take0ff]

go to beatport and look up your favorite songs and preview them, you can see what keys the track is in. Look up on google for common chord progression in that key. Gminor would be a good start.

[Exit_inrovert]

I don't think it's crucial but it can help a lot. I've spent the last 4 years doing a degree in jazz so we had to learn music theory. It definitely helps me expand on original ideas when I'm creating a track and makes the song writing process a lot quicker since I know what key I'm in and what notes I need to use etc.

[jimmyr1988]

I remember having the opposite problem, moving from just playing instruments to trying to produce electronic music. The DAW side of it is incredibly complex and I remember my disappointment at not being able to produce good stuff straight away! In my opinion studying both your DAW and music theory are equally important, if you want to make interesting, intelligent melodies as well as great production.

[Mottyze]

Originally Posted by jimmyr1988

I remember having the opposite problem, moving from just playing instruments to trying to produce electronic music. The DAW side of it is incredibly complex and I remember my disappointment at not being able to produce good stuff straight away! In my opinion studying both your DAW and music theory are equally important, if you want to make interesting, intelligent melodies as well as great production.

Totally agree with that !!!

[ThomasEdger]

If you don't know any instrument, I suggest you try learn the piano. It will make your work much easier later, and it will make learning theory easier.

At the same time as this, as other people have said, learn how to use your DAW.

Anyway, learning an instrument is a great way to learn music theory, and learn practical techniques, and not having everything just on a screen.

[Ellergy]

I've recently learned about harmony and "voice leading"

As a guitarist turned producer I felt like too many of my parts sounded like they came out of a guitar. Voice leading basically teaches you how to write chord progressions and would be great for knocking out pad parts and arps like deadmau5 uses. Why they work will suddenly seem very simple. Making sounds as sweet as his is another story

It's a endless old road this music thing, just keep learning

[Dave SeM]

Music theory. Just reseatch and practice!

[Ubh]

I think if you enjoy music to the point that you are compelled to make your own its well worth learning a bit about music theory, out of interest if nothing else. I can recommend a very accessible book on this topic:

How music works, by John Powell.

[kebn]

I'm a little familiar with music theory, and I would recommend learning how to play the piano. Not only will it help you learn music theory as well, but it will help immensely with composition and performance as well (especially if your midi controller/synth has programmable knobs!)

[reticent]

will learning music theory help me compose chord progressions? is it easy to learn?

[ThomasEdger]

Originally Posted by reticent

will learning music theory help me compose chord progressions? is it easy to learn?

Yes it will, and it usually isn't that easy to understand in the beginning. But music theory will teach you all about what chords fit to what scale, and so on.

[imonlsd]

Just thought I'd let you know of Varien's YouTube channel (/user/varienofficial), as he has 7 music theory tutorials that are fantastic. I've watched them myself and I'd say I have a much better understanding of basic music theory. Also getting some sort of piano controller really helps, as you're playing real keys as opposed to using your computer's keyboard.

Sorry I can't post the link, not at 30 posts yet

[Dippshoe]

If you want to reach up to avicii's level (no pun intended). You have to work really hard, I mean. You have to study music theory for years! And then you have to go in to music design YEARS AND YEARS of music design.
And after all these years... you still need YEARSS to become such a good producer as avicii.. I MEAN YEARS!!!

[bkwsk]

Yes, you need a lot of years to browse through all Nexus' and Sylenth1's presets.

[Subflex]

Originally Posted by Kmac

Hi, wanting to really get into producing electronic music along the lines of Deadmau5 and Avicii. Just wondering if learning music theory would help me in starting out or should i just learn how to navigate and use my DAW suscinctly? atm i know nothing about music theory and it all seems very complex
Thanks

it is complex

its not easy

it will seem overwhelming

but it will be very very very worth it... even just the basics make composition so much more natural and fluid

both of the guys you mentioned know their theory inside and out, thats part of how they get their catchy hooks and melodies... doesnt happen by accident!

a lot of people can make cool sounds, but then dont know what notes to play with them lol