production through performance

Learn

4.1 root position triads

A parallel chord progression uses chords that are next to each other in the diatonic scale. These types of progressions are in every genre of music and are easy to play using the same shape in the right hand.

  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • Learn the information below.

IV V vi progression

The IV V vi chord progression is a perfect way to practice playing three note shapes with the right hand. Try playing this progression using root position, first inversion, and second inversion chord shapes. The different locations of the chord tones create slightly different flavors of the progression.

chordal range

Chords sound best played within a specific part of the keyboard, specifically where the bass leaves off. The chordal range sounds best between C2 and C5 (DAW octave numbers).

 

Write

1 LISTEN TO THE EXAMPLE DRUM + BASS PARTS

  • Check out the groove elements of the sample track.

  • Pay close attention to the doubling of the bass and the low cut used on the drum track to keep the bass instrument and kick from fighting for frequencies.

2 WRITE + RECORD YOUR OWN DRUM AND BASS TRACKS

  • Write your own drum groove and bass line.

  • Make sure the bass and the kick drum are rhythmically related, that the bass is in the correct octave, and that the chord progression is IV, V, vi, vi.

  • Write the bass and drum parts on the Chord Organizer →

  • Record the drum and bass parts, quantize the recordings, and trim the ends of the notes of the bass part.

3 DETERMINE YOUR INVERSION

  • Each chord shape has a different sound.

  • Figure out which shape you are going to use and write the notes out on the organizer.

  • Look at your hand while playing the shapes to find the notes in the bottom, middle, and top voice of the chords.

Practice

3 PREPARE TO RECORD

  • Practice playing the chord progression using the shape that you chose.

  • Move your hand in the shape when going from chord to chord while focusing on the target note.

  • Pay close attention to the volumes of each note in the chord. Try to make sure they are all played with the same velocity level.

  • Gain muscle memory by repeating the chord part with and without a metronome.

 

Record

4 FIND A SOUND

  • Select a sound that fits within the sonic palette of your drum and bass sound.

  • Make sure it is a patch that has duration.

5 RECORD

  • Know the expectations! Review the Rubric →

  • Make sure the metronome is turned on.

  • Record the keyboard part by playing the chord on beat one and holding it out for all four beats.

5 QUANTIZE, EDIT, AND MIX

  • Quantize the performance to the correct subdivision.

  • Check the velocities of the notes inside of the chord and fix any that are either too loud or too soft.

  • Trim the ends of the notes to the desired length.

  • Reflect on how you did with the Self Assessment →