How Links Awakening Rearranges a Soundtrack @8bitMusicTheory

8-bit Music Theory After being blown away by the Link's Awakening remake and its approach to rearranging the original Gameboy soundtrack, I decided to see if I could analyze the new soundtrack to glean some insight into arranging for a group that you don't often hear in video game soundtracks: wind sextet. After analyzing the game's wind sextet arrangement of its title theme, I tried to 'steal' the ideas present in the arrangement in order to create a wind sextet arrangement of the original Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow title screen of my own. After much trial and error I ended up with something that I'm pretty proud of, and this video is meant to take you through the process of how I got there.

My Pokemon arrangement starts at: 10:45

Bassoonify's channel: youtube.com/channel/UCLkNcN2ort4Rf5VcL1cfx0A
Medllix's channel: youtube.com/channel/UCVzglaKuLai2OwCOyG7AOiA
Soundole's channel: youtube.com/user/SoUnDoLe
PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory
DISCORD: discord.gg/R8XUEdT

#LinksAwakening #videogamemusic #musictheory

updated 4 years ago

How Links Awakening Rearranges a Soundtrack

8-bit Music Theory 2019-11-28 | After being blown away by the Link's Awakening remake and its approach to rearranging the original Gameboy soundtrack, I decided to see if I could analyze the new soundtrack to glean some insight into arranging for a group that you don't often hear in video game soundtracks: wind sextet. After analyzing the game's wind sextet arrangement of its title theme, I tried to 'steal' the ideas present in the arrangement in order to create a wind sextet arrangement of the original Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow title screen of my own. After much trial and error I ended up with something that I'm pretty proud of, and this video is meant to take you through the process of how I got there.

My Pokemon arrangement starts at: 10:45

Bassoonify's channel: youtube.com/channel/UCLkNcN2ort4Rf5VcL1cfx0A
Medllix's channel: youtube.com/channel/UCVzglaKuLai2OwCOyG7AOiA
Soundole's channel: youtube.com/user/SoUnDoLe
PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory
DISCORD: discord.gg/R8XUEdT

#LinksAwakening #videogamemusic #musictheory

Why Mario Water Music Feels So RIGHT

8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-06 | The rhythm of the music matches the rhythm of the gameplay

#shorts #Mario #8bitmusictheory

Explaining Super Marios Underwater Music

8-bit Music Theory 2024-02-29 | In this video I tackle Super Mario Bros.' iconic underwater theme, breaking down how the music fits the rhythm of the game's underwater levels and how it develops just a couple musical ideas in to a full, satisfying piece.

0:23 - Matching the Rhythm of the Gameplay
2:59 - Chromatic Neighbour Embellishment
5:20 - Developing the Piece Out of These 2 Ideas
8:20 - Ending Section
10:29 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#Mario #supermariobros #8bitMusicTheory

Ya got TRICKED: That Full Band was really just 3 Channels!

8-bit Music Theory 2024-02-03 | The Gameboy, much like the NES, had very limited sound capabilities, and yet the Pokemon Trading Card Game video game managed to squeeze a whole soundtrack of full-sounding arrangements out of that hardware. In this video I go over some techniques the soundtrack uses to trick you into thinking there are more voices present in the music than there actually are.

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Gameboy's Sound Limitations
1:44 - Making a full band out of 3 channels
4:10 - Articulation Tricks
5:54 - Duty Cycle
8:54 - Using Repeating Figures
10:24 - Ronald's Theme
12:38 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#Pokemon #Chiptune #8bitMusicTheory

Bloodborne’s Best Boss Theme? || Music Theory Analysis

8-bit Music Theory 2024-01-12 | Ludwig's theme from the Bloodborne: Old Hunters DLC captures everything that's great about the Souls series' music. The piece bounces between eerie dissonances, somber melodies, and huge dramatic builds with effortless fluidity, while also adding an emotional context to the fight that deepens our understanding of the character without any explanation necessary. Let's take a look and see if we can see just why Ludwig's music is so beloved.

0:00 - Ludwig, The Accursed
1:27 - Eerie Tension
3:29 - First Main Theme
6:56 - Spooky Choir Chords
8:07 - Boss Phase Transition
10:55 - Ludwig, The Holy Blade
12:38 - Second Main Theme
13:41 - Climax
16:38 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#Ludwig #Bloodborne #8bitMusicTheory

What Makes This Sound So Cute?

8-bit Music Theory 2023-12-18 | I loved the soundtrack to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and I just had to break down one of the best moments from the game: The Piranha Plants on Parade music.

0:00 - Intro
1:24 - Piranha Plants on Parade
2:12 - The March Style
4:12 - The Melody
6:35 - Chromatic Neighbour Tones
8:46 - Secondary Dominant Chords
10:14 - Music as Part of the Level

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#Mario #mariowonder #8bitMusicTheory

Why does Dark Souls sound like Dark Souls?

8-bit Music Theory 2023-11-29 | The music of the souls games has a very specific sound that doesn't change much throughout the series, so in this video I take a look at some of the common elements that define the sound of these games.

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - No Music
1:27 - Orchestration
2:37 - Iudex Gundyr - Dark Souls 3
4:00 - Gehrman's Theme - Bloodborne
5:33 - Dominant V chords
6:31 - Firelink Shrine - Dark Souls
7:45 - Diminished vii chord
8:18 - Tower Knight - Demon's Souls
9:29 - Godskin Apostle - Elden Ring
11:19 - Great Grey Wolf Sif - Dark Souls
13:02 - Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon - Dark Souls 2
15:14 - Ornstein & Smough - Dark Souls
17:20 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#darksouls #fromsoftware #8bitMusicTheory

The Music Theory of Super Mario RPGs Battle Music

8-bit Music Theory 2023-11-16 | SPOILERS FOR FINAL BOSS INCOMING

The battle themes from Super Mario RPG are great, and all take an interesting approach to rhythm which manages to evoke a perfect middle ground between bouncy Mario fun and epic RPG battles.

0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Fight Against Monsters
2:39 - Fight Against a Somewhat Stronger Monster
6:32 - Fight Against an Armed Boss
8:46 - Fight Against Smithy
10:26 - Fight Against Smithy, Who Likes Transforming
14:05 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#nintendo #mario #8bitMusicTheory

Explaining Super Mario Bros. Underground Theme

8-bit Music Theory 2023-10-30 | DEHNEH DEHNEH DEHNEH

0:00 - Intro
0:38 - The Underground Theme
2:28 - "Let's Not Talk About It"
4:12 - Time Signature Evolution
5:17 - Real Music Theory Analysis
7:03 - How Did Koji Kondo Write That Ending Line?
9:31 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#nintendo #mario #8bitMusicTheory

New Zeldas Lullaby Reharm in TotK #8bitmusictheory #zelda #gamemusic

8-bit Music Theory 2023-10-30 | Check out the channel for more Zelda Music Theory Nerdery!

#shorts #tearsofthekingdom #gamemusic

The Music of Zeldas Best Ending

8-bit Music Theory 2023-10-23 | ThERE I SAID IT. Tears of the Kingdom's ending sequence is unforgettable, and the music plays a huge role in making it the enormous, emotional climax that it is. Let's dive into why:

0:00 - Overall Shape of a Musical Work
2:08 - Ganondorf's Transformation
7:57 - Duelling Ganondorf
12:10 - Dragon Battle
18:06 - Final Catch
20:02 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#tearsofthekingdom #zeldamusic #8bitMusicTheory

The Wii Shop Theme can teach you Jazz Songwriting

8-bit Music Theory 2023-09-30 | The Wii Shop Theme is, surprisingly, a perfect example of the fundamentals of jazz harmony. It's also just a total banger.

0:00 - "Elevator Music" / the Bossa Nova style
3:28 - Wii Shop Theme
4:01 - Beautiful Upper Extensions / the 7-6 move
5:19 - ii V I voice leading
8:20 - 3+7 voice leading in the Wii Shop Theme
12:38 - How Jazz Melodies Work
14:44 - The Rootless ii V I
16:18 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#wii #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

What are the Melodic Minor Modes?

8-bit Music Theory 2023-09-22 | After finishing my series on the major modes, I thought I'd put together a video walking through the 7 modes of the melodic minor scale as a sort of epilogue. There were a few scales that I couldn't find video game examples of, so I had to make my own. Hope you enjoy it!

0:00 - What is a Mode?
2:00 - What is the Melodic Minor Scale?
3:33 - Melodic Minor Scale in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
4:33 - The Dorian b2 Scale
5:23 - The Lydian Augmented Scale
6:15 - The Lydian Dominant Scale
8:19 - The Mixolydian b6 Scale
9:58 - The Locrian #2 Scale
10:58 - The Altered Scale
12:48 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#modes #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

Why Animal Crossing Music Sounds Nostalgic

8-bit Music Theory 2023-08-25 | Animal Crossing music has a completely unique feel to it. Rather than the purely fun, upbeat aesthetic you might expect from just looking at the game, the music always has this slightly tainted undercurrent - a kind of world-weariness that punctuates the optimistic exterior. This feeling adds to the mostly upbeat, simple melodies to create some truly poignant musical moments.

0:00 - 3 Steps to Animal Crossing Music
0:52 - Animal Crossing
6:05 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons
10:13 - Animal Crossing: Wild World
15:23 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#AnimalCrossing #animalcrossingnewhorizons #8bitMusicTheory

How Austin Wintorys Interactive Musical Works

8-bit Music Theory 2023-08-10 | I had the privilege of getting an inside look into Austin Wintory's work on the new interactive musical: Stray Gods: A Roleplaying Musical. The system to allow players to choose-their-adventure through a song is deceptively complex, with just an insane amount of work writing and planning required to make something that feels totally seamless on the players' end.

0:00 - Intro
1:11 - How the Interactive Music System Works
1:43 - Challenging A Queen
2:57 - The Blue Path
3:56 - The Green Path
5:01 - The Red Path
6:01 - Persephone's Reactions
7:59 - Rippling Implications of Player Choice
11:18 - Small Sample of Possible Endings
14:46 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#StrayGods #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

The Ionian Mode Feels RELAXING

8-bit Music Theory 2023-07-21 | Is there a point to the "Ionian mode"? It's just another name for the major scale, and surely the major scale couldn't have any unique colours or qualities that set it apart? Well, in the process of making this video I discovered that, if you treat the major scale like I've been treating every other major mode, it does have a uniquely relaxing quality. Check out the examples in the video and you'll see what I mean!

0:00 - Ionian Mode vs Major Scale
1:06 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Museum Theme
2:51 - Final Fantasy VI - Relm's Theme
5:11 - Earthbound - Sunrise & Onett Theme
6:47 - Super Mario Bros. - Star Theme
7:24 - Mode Fun Fact
9:00 - Voice Leading of the Major Scale
9:32 - Pokemon Red/Blue - Pallet Town
11:50 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#ionian #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

Understanding the Magic of Joe Hisaishi *MUTED*

8-bit Music Theory 2023-07-07 | CLICK LINKS FOR AUDIO EXAMPLES:
ex1 - youtu.be/is3no4rVze8?t=55
ex2 - youtu.be/is3no4rVze8?t=4
ex3 - This example was supposed to be the solo melody without any chords, so the audio example kind of ruins the point I was trying to make. But it's the same link as ex4 below
ex4 - youtu.be/-uNNWc0wJiw?t=214
ex5 - youtu.be/UqYT00Qze0g?t=126
ex6 - youtu.be/2pQKqQ9sG50?t=13 *once again, there's harmony in this example which kinda ruins the point I was making with the isolated melody. But the film version of this piece, which has the solo melody, isn't uploaded on YouTube
ex7 & 8 , the Merry Go Round of Life ones, all use the same link as above. Again it's a slightly different arrangement from the film version so there's a couple discrepancies, but what're you gonna do
ex9 - youtu.be/XcoyRYIMfzw?t=6
ex10 - This track isn't available on YouTube either, but it's at the end of the track "Totoro" on the film's soundtrack on any streaming service
ex11 - youtu.be/TK1Ij_-mank?t=15
ex12 - youtu.be/TK1Ij_-mank?t=20
ex13 - youtu.be/TK1Ij_-mank?t=45

Joe Hisaishi is one of the most important and accomplished living composers, and his work was an absolute pleasure to dissect for this video. From his perfect melody writing to his inspired harmonies, let's take a look at a few of the techniques that make Ghibli music instantly recognizable and completely unforgettable.

Uncensored video: vimeo.com/841096031?share=copy

Musica Universalis video referenced: youtu.be/Fi5fdoTnoEM

0:00 - Intro
1:36 - Perfect Melodies: Totoro Theme
5:50 - Modern Harmonies, Classic Melodies: Path of Wind
8:24 - 'Jazz Standard' Harmony - Osono's Request
10:38 - Jazz meets Classical - Merry-Go-Round of Life
13:08 - The 'Ghibli Turnaround': The Flower Garden & Totoro's Theme
15:49 - Quartal / Quintal Harmony: One Summer's Day
20:57 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Ghibli #JoeHisaishi #8bitMusicTheory

Analyzing the Orchestration of Skyward Sword - feat. @ChristopherSiu

8-bit Music Theory 2023-06-21 | Orchestration is one of my weaker points in musical analysis, so I brought on fellow music YouTuber Christopher Siu to help analyze the orchestration of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's Sky Theme. It's a bit of a more casual format, but I think there's a lot here to enjoy!

Check out Chris's channel for more orchestration tips: youtube.com/@ChristopherSiu
Check out Chris's 'Orchestration Essentials' here: christophersiu.com/8bit

0:00 - Intro
2:21 - Sky Theme Intro
6:48 - A Section
14:46 - A' Section
22:30 - B Section
26:10 - B' Section
28:19 - Ending / Loop Back to Intro
33:15 - Chris's Orchestration Essentials

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Zelda #SkywardSword #8bitMusicTheory

The Music of Tristram Village is a Classic for a Reason

8-bit Music Theory 2023-05-26 | Being the Nintendo Fanboy that I am, there's a lot of classic western game music that I overlook. I try to buck that trend in this video breaking down the Tristram Village Theme from Diablo, analyzing how it uses atmosphere, texture, and the natural strengths of the acoustic guitar to create its devilish vibe.

FamilyJules' cover of Tristram Theme: youtu.be/qXf2VjZz2qI

0:00 - Intro
1:04 - Opening Chords
5:07 - Fmaj7b5 - F#11
7:12 - Bmadd2 - Dm/F
8:53 - Back to Am
10:33 - Lighter Chords
11:37 - Tonal Ambiguity
13:43 - Final Chord Sequence
15:13 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Diablo #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

The AEOLIAN Mode Feels Devastating

8-bit Music Theory 2023-04-30 | You might've thought I wasn't gonna touch on the more vanilla modes, but I am! Come check out what makes the Aeolian mode, or Natural Minor Scale, sound so depressing.

0:00 - What's the Aeolian Mode?
2:57 - NOT AEOLIAN: Desert Ruins - Wario Land 3
3:38 - Auriel's Ascension - Elder Scrolls IV
4:30 - Aquatic Ambience - Donkey Kong Country
6:16 - Our Children Taken - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
8:02 - Guile's Theme - Street Fighter 2
9:33 - Billy & Jimmy Lee's Theme - Double Dragon
10:22 - Metal Man - Mega Man 2
10:52 - Objection! - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
11:35 - Aeolian's Melancholy
12:27 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#aeolian #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

SURGE OF POWER - The Hype-est track from Mega Man Battle Network

8-bit Music Theory 2023-04-14 | The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection comes out today, and in this video I'm taking a look at the boss theme "Surge of Power" from Mega Man Battle Network 6. The tune starts hype and gets progressively hyper as it goes on - how does it do this?? Watch the video to find out!

Check out the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection here: gsght.com/c/fkhhwh

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Intensity Tip #1: Lots of Notes
1:53 - Intensity Tip #2: Dissonant Notes
3:32 - Intensity Tip #3: Arrangement Density
4:58 - Contrast
6:18 - Intensity Tip #4: Unexpected Chord Changes
7:44 - Intensity Tip #5: "Fake Out" Moments
8:42 - Outro

#sponsored #megamanbattlenetwork #8bitMusicTheory

A Piece That Does Only Beautiful Things from Suikoden II

8-bit Music Theory 2023-03-30 | Reminiscence from Suikoden II is an undeniably beautiful piece of music, and in this video I break down some specifically beautiful things that it does and some specifically not-beautiful things that it avoids. Enjoy!

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

0:00 - Intro
1:42 - The Line Cliche
2:42 - Adding the 7th to chords
4:00 - Not adding the 7th to chords
5:43 - Accidentals in the music
6:27 - First Inversion Chords
7:37 - The B section
8:30 - Surprise Augmented Chord
9:34 - The #4 - 3 move
10:30 - Outro

#Suikoden2 #VideoGameMusic #8bitMusicTheory

My FAVOURITE Soundtrack?? The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls || ONLY IN JAPAN

8-bit Music Theory 2023-03-20 | Japan only GameBoy title "Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru", or "The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls", features one of my favourite game soundtracks of all time. Written by the legendary Kazumi Totaka, the music hits this perfect middle ground of melodicism, unique and colourful harmony, and thematic unity that really hits me. Follow along as I breakdown some of my favourite tracks and get into how Totaka worked around the limitations of the GameBoy soundchip when writing this great work!

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

0:00 - What is The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls?
1:21 - The GameBoy's limitations
1:48 - The Bell Theme
2:44 - The Prince's Adventure
7:46 - Port Saltwater
8:57 - Spring Hill
11:49 - Mandola's Theme
16:24 - Reunion
20:33 - Outro

#gamemusic #gameboy #8bitMusicTheory

The DORIAN Mode Feels MYSTERIOUS (among other things)

8-bit Music Theory 2023-02-22 | The Dorian Mode is the most versatile of the 7 major modes, but 'versatile' doesn't seem like a very click-bait-y word to put in the title. From mysterious to heroic to funky the Dorian mode sees a lot of play in a wide variety of musical contexts, and in this video I explore how the different ways of handling the characteristic raised 6th note contribute to each of these various effects.

0:00 - What's the Dorian Mode?
0:39 - Midna's Lament - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
2:00 - Dirtmouth Theme - Hollow Knight
2:58 - Cyan's Theme - Final Fantasy VI
4:17 - Battle Theme 1 - Chrono Trigger
5:05 - Olberic's Theme - Octopath Traveller
6:33 - Never Forget - Halo 3
8:25 - Dark World Theme - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
10:26 - Halo Theme - Halo
11:30 - The Dorian Mode is FUNKY
13:11 - Stage 4 - Kirby's Block Ball
13:49 - Song of Storms - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
14:33 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Dorian #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

How Music Matches Gameplay in Oris Shadows of Mouldwood

8-bit Music Theory 2023-01-30 | The Shadows of Mouldwood level from Ori and the Will of the Wisps shows how developing a theme across multiple musical tracks within a level can enhance the emotional effect the game is trying to create. Enjoy!

Composer Code podcast episode I referenced: composercode.com/gareth-coker

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

0:00 - Ori and the Will of the Wisps
1:05 - Shadows of Mouldwood
4:34 - Mora the Spider boss fight
8:17 - The Darkness Lifted
12:05 - Outro

#oriandthewillofthewisps #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

ONLY IN JAPAN: Napple Tales Magical Daydream Music

8-bit Music Theory 2022-12-31 | Napple Tale: Arsia in Daydream, released in Japan for the Dreamcast in 2000, has one of the most beautiful soundtracks I've ever heard. A gorgeous, one-of-a-kind approach to harmony is woven throughout idiosyncratic forms and structures to take you into a new, magical world that manages to feel unfamiliar without being uninviting. How did the great Yoko Kanno do it? Let's find out!

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

0:00 - What is Napple Tale?
2:24 - Musical Influences
3:30 - Slow Water (New Year's Day)
9:48 - Defying Formal Expectations
10:25 - Delightful Arithmetic
11:42 - Rain Waltz
12:45 - Chocolate Forest
16:09 - Skipper (Napple Town Theme)
20:49 - Outro

#onlyinjapan #NappleTale #8bitMusicTheory

The PHRYGIAN Mode Feels THREATENING

8-bit Music Theory 2022-12-13 | The Phrygian Mode is the most threatening of the 7 major modes, even more so than the Locrian Mode! That's not a take I would've thought before doing this mode series, but looking at where you actually see these two modes used in the real world I think it's clear that the Phrygian mode feels more threatening even though the Locrian scale is technically "darker". Anyways enjoy the vid!

0:00 - What's the Phrygian Mode?
1:09 - Battle With Magus - Chrono Trigger
3:00 - The b2-1 resolution
3:35 - Gestahl Empire - Final Fantasy VI
4:49 - Those Who Fight - Final Fantasy VII
5:58 - Zoombinis
8:00 - The Sus4b9 chord
9:02 - Norfair - Metroid
9:43 - Leavetaking - Ni no Kuni II
10:46 - Ending - For the Frog the Bell Tolls
11:24 - Pokemon Trainer Battle - Pokemon Red/Blue
12:12 - The bII chord
13:10 - Hollow Bastion - Kingdom Hearts
13:41 - Brinstar Red Soil Wetlands - Super Metroid
14:15 - Pokemon Trainer Battle (again) - Pokemon Red/Blue
15:13 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#phrygian #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

The Beautiful Musical Textures of Okami

8-bit Music Theory 2022-11-28 | Okami's music is as beautiful and unique as its visual style, and in this video I take a look at how the approach to harmony, instrumentation, and texture are to thank for this!

Interview with Masami Ueda I referenced in the video: parkerchapin.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/interview-with-masami-ueda

0:00 - Introduction
1:32 - Japanese Aesthetic
2:59 - Cursed Shinshu Field
6:42 - Lake Harami
11:22 - Enter Waka
14:56 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Okami #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

SNES vs Gameboy music: Mega Man Xtreme

8-bit Music Theory 2022-10-31 | Did you know that a bunch of the levels and bosses from the Mega Man X games were remade to fit on the Gameboy Colour in a spin-off series called Mega Man Xtreme? I didn't until super recently! The 'demade' versions of classic Mega Man X tunes made on the GBC hardware are super fun to listen to, especially if you know the original versions really well. There are tons of small (and not so small) tweaks to the original music that make the soundtrack a real treat!

0:00 - Introduction
1:32 - Stage Start!
2:49 - Flame Mammoth Stage
5:32 - Armored Armadillo Stage
11:04 - Chill Penguin Stage
16:17 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Megaman #chiptune #8bitMusicTheory

The MIXOLYDIAN Mode is Really Kind of Goofy

8-bit Music Theory 2022-10-17 | Of all the major modes, Mixolydian carries a uniquely lighthearted spirit. In this video I go through some examples of this in games, talk a little bit about what the mode isn't, and then take a look at one of the less lighthearted aspects of the scale. Enjoy!

0:00 - Introduction
0:35 - What's the Mixolydian Mode
1:48 - The I-bVII vamp
5:48 - What the Mixolydian Mode isn't
8:47 - Not Always Goofy: The minor v
10:45 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Mixolydian #LegendofZelda #8bitMusicTheory

Fire Emblem Awakenings Greatest Track

8-bit Music Theory 2022-09-30 | Fire Emblem Awakening's "Don't Speak Her Name!" is easily the high point of the game for me, and the most widely beloved track on a soundtrack full of phenomenal tunes. Let's take a look at what it does and why I think it does it!

0:00 - Introduction for the Piece
1:26 - Introduction from the Piece
2:10 - Main Melody #1
5:05 - Rhythms and Feelings Clash
5:40 - Main Melody #2
7:33 - Main melody #3
8:36 - The Lowest Point of Intensity
9:57 - The Intensity's Back
10:31 - Leading Up to the Climax
13:09 - And What If I Can't?
15:24 - Dry Your Tears, Love
16:40 - No Reaction? Was I Wrong Then?
19:00 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#FireEmblem #fireemblemawakening #8bitMusicTheory

When You Just Scream Through Your Saxophone

8-bit Music Theory 2022-09-19 | Moment from the album release show I put on last month, featuring Niall Cade tearing his sax a new one and Devon Gillingham just about pulling the strings off of his bass.

Full Album on Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play

#videogamejazz #livemusic #zeldamusic

How to Use the LYDIAN Mode

8-bit Music Theory 2022-08-28 | This video uses entirely examples of the Lydian mode used in video game music, but it's really about general principles of using modes when writing music that could apply to any scale. This one was a lot of fun to make, hope you enjoy!

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - What is the Lydian Mode?
1:01 - Mode Method 1: The Crust
2:14 - Mode Method 2: The Cheese
3:29 - Mode Method 3: The Pepperoni
4:06 - Fake Lydian sounds
6:00 - The Crust: Yoshi's Story
7:57 - The Crust: Zelda's Lullaby
10:24 - The Cheese: Rogueport
12:00 - The Cheese: Garden of Hope
13:35 - The Pepperoni: Space Junk Galaxy
15:53 - The Pepperoni: Perplexing Pool
17:43 - The Pepperoni: Painful Battle
19:15 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#lydian #videogamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

We Played the Wii Sports Theme in a Real Bowling Alley

8-bit Music Theory 2022-08-16 | From the 8-bit & The Single Players album release show at Park Alleys in Winnipeg!

featuring:
Matthew Walden - Trumpet
Niall Cade - Tenor Sax
Aaron Shorr - Guitar
Carter Graham - Keyboard
Devon Gillingham - Bass
Me - Drums

Video by Adam Fainman

Full Album on Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play

#videogamejazz #livemusic #wiisports

LOCRIAN doesnt have to be S p O o K y

8-bit Music Theory 2022-07-31 | It really doesn't! I dug up some examples of the Locrian mode used in video game soundtracks with surprisingly-non-spooky sounds!

0:00 - Intro
0:37 - What is the Locrian Mode?
1:43 - At Doom's Gate
4:19 - Doom (2016) version
5:02 - Mines of Narshe
7:14 - Using Locrian is tough
7:58 - Samasa Desert
10:35 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Locrian #videogamemusic #8bitMusicTheory

How to Write Transitions || Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

8-bit Music Theory 2022-06-30 | Final Fantasy Tactics Advance has some brilliant music, and frequently features transition segments between the main sections of a piece that gracefully connect each of the main musical ideas. I had absolutely no clue how to do this, and after transcribing some of the music and taking a look at it in depth, I feel like I have some idea! Hopefully this video will help you along that same trajectory.

0:00 - Intro
1:03 - Example 1: Battle for Hope
2:38 - Why Do Transitions Feel Like Transitions?
4:49 - Unexpected Phrasing
6:58 - Example 2: Undeniable Anxiety
8:59 - Writing In Sequence
9:35 - Example 3: Battle for Hope again
10:44 - Example 4: Painful Battle
14:06 - Outro

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#finalfantasy #tactics #8bitMusicTheory

Why is Dragon Roost Island such a Bop?

8-bit Music Theory 2022-06-12 | Why, indeed?

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory
Check out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#Zelda #WindWaker #8bitMusicTheory

How I Turned Rainbow Road into a Jazz Fusion Jam

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-26 | I'm very excited to have released my debut video game cover album last week, a tribute to the music of the GameCube called "Let's Play" by 8-bit & The Single Players. In this video I breakdown the process of creating one of my favourite arrangements from the album, a high energy take on Rainbow Road from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! with spicy chord changes, wailing solos, and gratuitous drum fills. Hope you enjoy!

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

#MarioKart #Jazz #8bitMusicTheory

Molgera (from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai, Toru Minegishi, and Koji Kondo

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Todays Results (from Pikmin)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Hajime Wakai

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Crashed Ship Frigate Orpheon (from Metroid Prime)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Kenji Yamamoto & Kouichi Kyuma
Copyright Sony Music Japan Inc.

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Introduction

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition "Gamecube Startup Sound" by Nintendo
Copyright Nintendo

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Delfino Plaza (from Super Mario Sunshine)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Koji Kondo
Copyright Nintendo of America

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

A Maidens Thoughts (from Chibi-Robo!)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Hirofumi Taniguchi

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Perplexing Pool (from Pikmin 2)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Hajime Wakai

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Opening (from Super Smash Bros. Melee)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Hirokazu Tanaka
Copyright Nintendo

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Our Children Taken (from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Flugelhorn - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Horn - Emily Kidd
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Bassoon / Bass Clarinet - Lauren Teterenko
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Toru Minegishi, Asuka Ota, and Koji Kondo
Copyright Nintendo of America Inc.

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

Rainbow Road (from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-13 | From Let's Play by 8-bit & The Single Players

Trumpet - Andrew Littleford
Tenor Saxophone - Niall Cade
Guitar - Aaron Shorr
Keyboard - Carter Graham
Bass - Julian Bradford
Drums - Ben Kidd

Full Album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ZQIvQFPv4LU8jcoLiR2531AIu7mUWJx
Album available for purchase on bandcamp: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-play
Spotify: sptfy.com/8kjg
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/lets-play/1622346166

Original composition by Kenta Nagata
Copyright Nintendo of America

Recording funded in part by the Winnipeg Arts Council

ALBUM RELEASE DATE

8-bit Music Theory 2022-05-07 | Coming to streaming services and Bandcamp May 13th

How Simple Chord Progressions Work

8-bit Music Theory 2022-04-30 | It's fun to talk about s p i c y voicings and perplexing harmonies, but most music out there stays pretty simple in the chord department. Even simple chord progressions need to follow some underlying logic for what works and what doesn't, and in this video I present a way of analyzing harmony that's simple, but that I find helpful. Each example was taken from a game requested by one of my highest tier Patrons, whom I can't thank enough for their generosity and support!

0:00 - Intro
1:18 - 3 Types of Chord Movement
3:06 - Rain World Main Theme
5:56 - Kentucky Route Zero's 'Too Late to Love You'
9:37 - Ys VIII's 'Sunshine Coastline'
11:25 - For The King's 'The Burning Forest'
12:42 - Hades' 'Good Riddance'
15:15 - Evil Genius Main Theme
16:57 - Frogatto & Friends' 'Map Theme'
18:27 - Outro

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#VideoGames #Chords #MusicTheory

The Hyrule Castle Theme is Spectacular

8-bit Music Theory 2022-04-16 | The title really says it all, I think. The Hyrule Castle theme, originally from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, is one of the greatest pieces of video game music ever written. It kind of gets overshadowed, being on a soundtrack full mostly of the greatest video game music ever written, but taking a deeper look at it I was surprised at how much there was to chew on. Enjoy!

Entire A Link to the Past score, transcribed by yours truly: drive.google.com/drive/folders/11vLAzMWC8znuwu_D1UoidDjKuTNt6hn9?usp=sharing

0:00 - Intro
1:43 - Overall Form
2:23 - Intro Fanfare
3:05 - Setting Up The Groove
4:06 - A Section Gives Us Some Ideas
5:51 - B Section Fleshes Them Out
7:47 - C Section Ties Everything Together
12:46 - Outro

Check out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare

PATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheory
NOTEBOOK: themusiciansnotebook.com/collaborations/8-bit-music-theory
DISCORD: discord.gg/8bmt
TWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory

#aLttP #HyruleCastle #MusicTheory