7 Levels of Reharmonization (ft. 88bit) 8-bit Music Theory 2024-10-19 | 7 Levels of Reharmonization (ft. 88bit)
The Art of the Title Screen Theme 8-bit Music Theory 2024-09-30 | I unironically love Princess Peach: Showtime, and the first time I booted up the game and got greeted by the title screen theme it took my breath away. The game's two title screen themes are both some of the most gorgeous music in video games, and I just had to make a video breaking down why. 0:00 - Title Screens1:10 - Entrancing Prelude8:30 - Captivating Prelude15:15 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#Princesspeach #piano #8bitMusicTheory
How to Write Hero Music with Heart 8-bit Music Theory 2024-09-20 | FINALLY, an actual 8-bit soundtrack on 8-bit Music Theory! Kid Icarus has a great score, and I think the music would be as well remembered today as Metroid's music is if the game itself had more of a legacy. Let's dive into how the soundtrack straddles the line between head-strong and heartfelt!0:00 - Kid Icarus1:23 - Heroic vs Emotional1:58 - Underworld Theme5:42 - Descending Bassline7:27 - Sky Palace Theme8:41 - Title Screen Theme10:29 - Credits Theme12:32 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#kidicarus #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory
How Nintendo Makes Music Sound Japanese 8-bit Music Theory 2024-08-30 | I always love in Mario games when there's a level themed around feudal Japan, and in this video I wanted to take a look and see what techniques these games use to make their music feel Japanese. 0:00 - Japanese Mario Levels1:14 - Percussion Propulsion3:24 - 4th Based Harmony5:07 - SM3DW - Hands-On Hall7:16 - Princess Peach: Showtime - Ninja Village8:55 - Pentatonic Scales9:36 - Hirajoshi Scale10:57 - Paper Mario: The Origami King - Shogun Studios Entrance11:44 - Super Mario Odyssey - Bowser's Castle Courtyard12:26 - Pentatonic Melodies in Paper Mario: The Origami King13:59 - Mario Party 7 - Pagoda Peak14:42 - Mario Kart 8 - Dragon Driftway15:21 - Shamisen Shredding16:04 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#Mario #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory
How Shadow of the Colossus Music Works 8-bit Music Theory 2024-08-19 | Let's see how the music of Shadow of the Colossus enhances the gameplay loop!0:00 - Long Winded Intro1:27 - Basic Gameplay Loop2:26 - Searching for the Colossus3:08 - Approaching the Colossus5:37 - Battle Begins8:09 - Turning the Tide of Battle10:29 - Colossus Defeated13:21 - Categorical Composition17:23 - Long Winded OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#shadowofthecolossus #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory
I wrote a fake Professor Layton tune 8-bit Music Theory 2024-07-31 | Enormous thanks to the musicians who contributed their time and talents to this recording:Eli Bishop - ViolinKasey Kurtz - GuitarAndy-Ru - Upright Bass & MixingYou can check out the analysis video I wrote this tune for here: youtu.be/k17yQXuv_JE#composition #videogamemusic #8bitmusictheory
The Secret to Writing a Professor Layton Theme 8-bit Music Theory 2024-07-31 | Professor Layton is one of those series where the music seems especially important. Each games' soundtrack brings you into their game's world and crafts the mysterious, goodhearted, gentlemanly vibe that sits at the heart of the series. After transcribing and studying the title themes from each of the mainline games in the series, I put together a road map for how to craft your own music in the style of a Professor Layton theme.You can listen to the entire piece I wrote here: youtu.be/jMFW43d-PKI0:00 - What's the Professor Layton Sound?1:22 - Layton Theme Structure2:28 - Moody Intro5:00 - Instrumentation5:40 - Violin Melody8:24 - Build Up10:49 -The Hook14:50 - Breakdown17:57 - Crescendo Toward Climactic Ending21:54 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#professorlayton #composition #8bitMusicTheory
Can Odd Meters Feel Good? || Odd Time Signatures in Video Game Music Part 2 8-bit Music Theory 2024-07-22 | Who can get enough odd time signatures? I certainly can't! This time we're diving in to try and figure out how to make odd time signatures feel good, with at least one example that feels specifically very bad. Enjoy!0:00 - Odd time signatures can groove too1:03 - Wild Woods - Mario Kart 85:53 - Balatro Theme7:53 - Winning Result - Mario Kart 6411:01 - Sagat's Theme - Street Fighter II14:24 - Fairy Flying Theme - Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time15:55 - Mad Luca - Suikoden II19:33 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#oddtimesignatures #musictheory #8bitMusicTheory
A Musical Analysis of Mipha’s Theme 8-bit Music Theory 2024-06-16 | Mipha's theme from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, is a standout on a great soundtrack, simultaneously showcasing the game's general modern-piano-driven approach as well as an elegant melodic style very much in the vein of classic Zelda music.0:00 - Mipha's Theme1:28 - Pretty Opening Piano Chords3:06 - Mipha's Sad Melody5:17 - Harmonizing the Melody9:51 - A Bittersweet Bridge12:53 - Ending the Piece15:22 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#Zelda #botw #8bitMusicTheory
Why Does This Paper Mario Boss Theme Go So Hard? 8-bit Music Theory 2024-06-04 | Let's break down the boss music from one of the best moments of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and figure out how this combination of creepy cathedral and spooky circus atmospheres works!0:00 - Intro1:15 - Spooky Opening Chord2:40 - Chromatic Decoration5:00 - Circus Atmosphere7:02 - Dark Cathedral Atmosphere10:35 - Simmering Synth Crescendo11:56 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#papermario #gamemusic #8bitMusicTheory
How to Write Atmospheric Music on a Super Nintendo 8-bit Music Theory 2024-05-26 | Secret of Evermore has a great, moody soundtrack that I'm sure would be a way bigger deal in video game music history if it hadn't been released shoulder to shoulder with the best video game soundtracks of all time. Let's take a look at the soundtrack and see how it creates such a poignant atmosphere.0:00 - How does SoE craft its musical atmosphere?1:24 - Simulated Reverb3:13 - Sitting on Am for forever7:16 - A Clever Homage9:25 - Changing Keys on a Dime18:06 - Voice Leading through Weird Key Shifts20:41 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#SecretofEvermore #SNESmusic #8bitMusicTheory
How Cynthias Theme Terrorized a Generation 8-bit Music Theory 2024-04-30 | In this video I take a look at Cynthia’s battle theme as well as her “approach” theme, and try to spell out how the music sets the stage for the battle and delivers an appropriately threatening experience0:00 - Intro1:15 - Approaching Cynthia8:34 - Battle Against Cynthia13:42 - Connection to Pokemon's Musical Legacy14:41 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#pokemon #champion #8bitMusicTheory
Gohdans Theme is a Baroque Banger 8-bit Music Theory 2024-04-24 | I love all of the Wind Waker boss themes, but Gohdan's theme has so much going on that I thought it deserved its own full video. Let's take a look at how Gohdan's theme combines stylistic elements of the Baroque period of music with a more aggressive modern approach to create such a unique and compelling atmosphere for the fight!0:00 - Intro1:33 - Gohdan's Canon5:40 - Gohdan's Dynamic Music9:40 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#Zelda #WindWaker #8bitMusicTheory
An Analysis of Mass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission Theme 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-31 | In this video I want to go over some of the elements that I think make a piece of music sound "epic", using the music from the Suicide Mission level of Mass Effect 2 as an example.0:00 - Intro1:25 - Heroism5:29 - Gravitas9:53 - Scale11:59 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#EpicMusic #MassEffect2 #8bitMusicTheory
Snipperclips soundtrack harbors a devastating secret . . . 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-28 | What does Snipperclips have in common with one of the greatest saxophonists in history? #snipperclips #coltrane #shorts #8bitmusictheory
Dreamy Ethereal Music in Golden Sun 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-25 | The composition is so simple, but feels so mystical#goldensun #shorts #8bitmusictheory
Leitmotifs in Hollow Knight 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-21 | L O R E D E E P D I V E A L E R T#hollowknight #leitmotif #shorts #8bitmusictheory
Wind Wakers Boss Themes are the Best in the Series 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-19 | Fite me0:00 - Intro1:12 - Ocarina of Time Boss Theme2:08 - Gohma's Theme5:50 - aLttP Boss Theme6:44 - Kalle Demos' Theme9:38 - The Helmaroc King's Theme13:09 - Jalhalla's Theme17:16 - Molgera's Theme21:43 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#Zelda #windwaker #8bitMusicTheory
When the best musical choice is silence 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-18 | Game music is always meant to serve the game, and sometimes no music is the best way to do that#Hotlinemiami #shorts #8bitmusictheory
Use This Chord Progression 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-14 | Once you hear it, you won't be able to stop noticing it everywhere#yakuza #shorts #8bitmusictheory
Metroid music was different from the beginning 8-bit Music Theory 2024-03-11 | The original Metroid soundtrack has aged astonishingly well
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 Gameplay2:59 - Chromatic Neighbour Embellishment5:20 - Developing the Piece Out of These 2 Ideas8:20 - Ending Section10:29 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 - Intro0:41 - Gameboy's Sound Limitations1:44 - Making a full band out of 3 channels4:10 - Articulation Tricks5:54 - Duty Cycle8:54 - Using Repeating Figures10:24 - Ronald's Theme12:38 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 Accursed1:27 - Eerie Tension3:29 - First Main Theme6:56 - Spooky Choir Chords8:07 - Boss Phase Transition10:55 - Ludwig, The Holy Blade12:38 - Second Main Theme13:41 - Climax16:38 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 - Intro1:24 - Piranha Plants on Parade2:12 - The March Style4:12 - The Melody6:35 - Chromatic Neighbour Tones8:46 - Secondary Dominant Chords10:14 - Music as Part of the LevelPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 - Intro0:41 - No Music1:27 - Orchestration2:37 - Iudex Gundyr - Dark Souls 34:00 - Gehrman's Theme - Bloodborne5:33 - Dominant V chords6:31 - Firelink Shrine - Dark Souls7:45 - Diminished vii chord8:18 - Tower Knight - Demon's Souls9:29 - Godskin Apostle - Elden Ring11:19 - Great Grey Wolf Sif - Dark Souls13:02 - Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon - Dark Souls 215:14 - Ornstein & Smough - Dark Souls17:20 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 INCOMINGThe 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 - Intro0:50 - Fight Against Monsters2:39 - Fight Against a Somewhat Stronger Monster6:32 - Fight Against an Armed Boss8:46 - Fight Against Smithy10:26 - Fight Against Smithy, Who Likes Transforming14:05 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheory#nintendo #mario #8bitMusicTheory
Explaining Super Mario Bros. Underground Theme 8-bit Music Theory 2023-10-30 | DEHNEH DEHNEH DEHNEH0:00 - Intro0:38 - The Underground Theme2:28 - "Let's Not Talk About It"4:12 - Time Signature Evolution5:17 - Real Music Theory Analysis7:03 - How Did Koji Kondo Write That Ending Line?9:31 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 Work2:08 - Ganondorf's Transformation7:57 - Duelling Ganondorf12:10 - Dragon Battle18:06 - Final Catch20:02 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 style3:28 - Wii Shop Theme4:01 - Beautiful Upper Extensions / the 7-6 move5:19 - ii V I voice leading8:20 - 3+7 voice leading in the Wii Shop Theme12:38 - How Jazz Melodies Work14:44 - The Rootless ii V I16:18 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 Night4:33 - The Dorian b2 Scale5:23 - The Lydian Augmented Scale6:15 - The Lydian Dominant Scale8:19 - The Mixolydian b6 Scale9:58 - The Locrian #2 Scale10:58 - The Altered Scale12:48 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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 Music0:52 - Animal Crossing6:05 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons10:13 - Animal Crossing: Wild World15:23 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 - Intro1:11 - How the Interactive Music System Works1:43 - Challenging A Queen2:57 - The Blue Path3:56 - The Green Path5:01 - The Red Path6:01 - Persephone's Reactions7:59 - Rippling Implications of Player Choice11:18 - Small Sample of Possible Endings14:46 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: 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 Scale1:06 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Museum Theme2:51 - Final Fantasy VI - Relm's Theme5:11 - Earthbound - Sunrise & Onett Theme6:47 - Super Mario Bros. - Star Theme7:24 - Mode Fun Fact9:00 - Voice Leading of the Major Scale9:32 - Pokemon Red/Blue - Pallet Town11:50 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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=55ex2 - youtu.be/is3no4rVze8?t=4ex3 - 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 belowex4 - youtu.be/-uNNWc0wJiw?t=214ex5 - youtu.be/UqYT00Qze0g?t=126ex6 - 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 YouTubeex7 & 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 doex9 - youtu.be/XcoyRYIMfzw?t=6ex10 - 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 serviceex11 - youtu.be/TK1Ij_-mank?t=15ex12 - youtu.be/TK1Ij_-mank?t=20ex13 - youtu.be/TK1Ij_-mank?t=45Joe 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=copyMusica Universalis video referenced: youtu.be/Fi5fdoTnoEM0:00 - Intro1:36 - Perfect Melodies: Totoro Theme5:50 - Modern Harmonies, Classic Melodies: Path of Wind8:24 - 'Jazz Standard' Harmony - Osono's Request10:38 - Jazz meets Classical - Merry-Go-Round of Life13:08 - The 'Ghibli Turnaround': The Flower Garden & Totoro's Theme15:49 - Quartal / Quintal Harmony: One Summer's Day20:57 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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/@ChristopherSiuCheck out Chris's 'Orchestration Essentials' here: christophersiu.com/8bit0:00 - Intro2:21 - Sky Theme Intro6:48 - A Section14:46 - A' Section22:30 - B Section26:10 - B' Section28:19 - Ending / Loop Back to Intro33:15 - Chris's Orchestration EssentialsPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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/qXf2VjZz2qI0:00 - Intro1:04 - Opening Chords5:07 - Fmaj7b5 - F#117:12 - Bmadd2 - Dm/F8:53 - Back to Am10:33 - Lighter Chords11:37 - Tonal Ambiguity13:43 - Final Chord Sequence15:13 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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 33:38 - Auriel's Ascension - Elder Scrolls IV4:30 - Aquatic Ambience - Donkey Kong Country6:16 - Our Children Taken - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess8:02 - Guile's Theme - Street Fighter 29:33 - Billy & Jimmy Lee's Theme - Double Dragon10:22 - Metal Man - Mega Man 210:52 - Objection! - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney11:35 - Aeolian's Melancholy12:27 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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/fkhhwhPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare0:00 - Intro1:01 - Intensity Tip #1: Lots of Notes1:53 - Intensity Tip #2: Dissonant Notes3:32 - Intensity Tip #3: Arrangement Density4:58 - Contrast6:18 - Intensity Tip #4: Unexpected Chord Changes7:44 - Intensity Tip #5: "Fake Out" Moments8:42 - 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/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare0:00 - Intro1:42 - The Line Cliche2:42 - Adding the 7th to chords4:00 - Not adding the 7th to chords5:43 - Accidentals in the music6:27 - First Inversion Chords7:37 - The B section 8:30 - Surprise Augmented Chord9:34 - The #4 - 3 move10:30 - 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/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare0:00 - What is The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls?1:21 - The GameBoy's limitations1:48 - The Bell Theme2:44 - The Prince's Adventure7:46 - Port Saltwater8:57 - Spring Hill11:49 - Mandola's Theme16:24 - Reunion20:33 - 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 Princess2:00 - Dirtmouth Theme - Hollow Knight2:58 - Cyan's Theme - Final Fantasy VI4:17 - Battle Theme 1 - Chrono Trigger5:05 - Olberic's Theme - Octopath Traveller6:33 - Never Forget - Halo 38:25 - Dark World Theme - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past10:26 - Halo Theme - Halo11:30 - The Dorian Mode is FUNKY13:11 - Stage 4 - Kirby's Block Ball13:49 - Song of Storms - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time14:33 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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-cokerPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare0:00 - Ori and the Will of the Wisps1:05 - Shadows of Mouldwood4:34 - Mora the Spider boss fight8:17 - The Darkness Lifted12:05 - 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/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare0:00 - What is Napple Tale?2:24 - Musical Influences3:30 - Slow Water (New Year's Day)9:48 - Defying Formal Expectations10:25 - Delightful Arithmetic11:42 - Rain Waltz12:45 - Chocolate Forest16:09 - 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 Trigger3:00 - The b2-1 resolution3:35 - Gestahl Empire - Final Fantasy VI4:49 - Those Who Fight - Final Fantasy VII5:58 - Zoombinis8:00 - The Sus4b9 chord9:02 - Norfair - Metroid9:43 - Leavetaking - Ni no Kuni II10:46 - Ending - For the Frog the Bell Tolls11:24 - Pokemon Trainer Battle - Pokemon Red/Blue12:12 - The bII chord13:10 - Hollow Bastion - Kingdom Hearts13:41 - Brinstar Red Soil Wetlands - Super Metroid14:15 - Pokemon Trainer Battle (again) - Pokemon Red/Blue15:13 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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-ueda0:00 - Introduction1:32 - Japanese Aesthetic2:59 - Cursed Shinshu Field6:42 - Lake Harami11:22 - Enter Waka14:56 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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 - Introduction1:32 - Stage Start!2:49 - Flame Mammoth Stage5:32 - Armored Armadillo Stage11:04 - Chill Penguin Stage16:17 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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 - Introduction0:35 - What's the Mixolydian Mode1:48 - The I-bVII vamp5:48 - What the Mixolydian Mode isn't8:47 - Not Always Goofy: The minor v10:45 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck 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 Piece1:26 - Introduction from the Piece2:10 - Main Melody #15:05 - Rhythms and Feelings Clash5:40 - Main Melody #27:33 - Main melody #38:36 - The Lowest Point of Intensity9:57 - The Intensity's Back10:31 - Leading Up to the Climax13:09 - And What If I Can't?15:24 - Dry Your Tears, Love16:40 - No Reaction? Was I Wrong Then?19:00 - OutroPATREON: patreon.com/8bitmusictheoryCheck out my album: 8bitmt.bandcamp.com/album/lets-playDISCORD: discord.gg/8bmtTWITTER: twitter.com/8bitMusicTheoryCheck out my video editor's own channel here: youtube.com/gamescorefanfare#FireEmblem #fireemblemawakening #8bitMusicTheory
