Passing Notes
Generating Chords and Melodies with Random MIDI
In this sequel to our Passing Notes article about auto-generated parts, we use Live’s Random MIDI device to generate a long chord progression and two melodic leads.
Passing Notes
Further Chords
Dance music theory expert Oliver Curry demonstrates how to break away from basic chords and create more complex harmonic structures…
Passing Notes
DAW & Drum Machine Swing
Swing functions were first introduced to drum machines 34 years ago, but the concept still causes confusion. In this extended…
Passing Notes
Orchestral Techniques from Jeff Mills’ Amazon (Blue Potential Version)
In this new Passing Notes we use Spitfire Audio’s new Originals orchestral instrument plug-ins to recreate two sections from the Detroit Producers’ collaboration with a live orchestra.
Passing Notes
Parallel Chords
In this new Passing Notes we focus on the technique of parallel chords, which are one of the tried and tested means for catchy progressions in dance music.
Passing Notes
Lessons From Disco
Dance music theory expert Oliver Curry examines how classic disco uses chord inversions and careful placement of instruments to great…
Passing Notes
Polyrhythms
Polyrhythms in dance music are an amazingly simple way of adding complexity to your tracks. Dance music theory expert Oliver…
Passing Notes
Kerri Chandler Chords: The Ultimate Guide – Part 2
In the second part of this two-part Passing Notes series, we break down advanced chord tricks used by one of the true pioneers of house.
Passing Notes
Kerri Chandler Chords: The Ultimate Guide
We break down Kerri Chandler’s top chord tricks by analyzing some of his classic tunes.
Passing Notes
Ostinatos and Acid Riffs
In the latest instalment of our dance music theory column, we take a look at how repeating melodies can be…
Passing Notes
Contrary Motion
In this week’s Passing Notes we look at a simple but powerful technique that can inject emotion and movement…
Passing Notes
Breaking Down the Strings and Arpeggios of Black Water by Octave One
In our latest Passing Notes feature, we take a better look at the theory and arrangement behind Black Water by…
Passing Notes
The Chords and Arpeggios of Todd Terje
In this latest Passing Notes article, we take a better look at Todd Terje’s evergreen “Preben Goes to Acapulco…
Passing Notes
Disco House Basslines
Disco house basslines are unashamedly retro, harking back to the 70s heyday of white suits and platform boots. Oliver Curry…
Passing Notes
Dissonant Polyrhythm Basslines
Polyrhythms in dance music are a simple yet effective technique for adding a sense of complexity to your tracks. In…
Passing Notes
No Strings Attached: Resampling Custom String Samples
Sampling strings from existing records is a staple technique in dance production, but it has its downsides. Creating your own…
Passing Notes
Legato Synths: Glide, Slide & Portamento
Legato playing styles allow for smooth, seamless transitions between notes. Dave Clews explores how they can be…
Passing Notes
Bored of 4/4: Other Time Signatures In Dance Music
In our latest Passing Notes article, dance music theory expert Oliver Curry explains why it’s OK for producers to…
Passing Notes
Counterpoint
Oliver Curry explains the theory of counterpoint, with help from JS Bach, Steve Reich, The Orb, Lorn and children’s…
Passing Notes
Syncopation
Attack’s resident dance music theory expert Oliver Curry explains how emphasising off beats can change the feel of a…
Passing Notes
Sampled Chords
Our resident music theory expert Oliver Curry explains how sampling chords can add timbral complexity, distinctive harmonic character and a…
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