Bland Chord Progressions? Try The NEAPOLITAN Chord

Рет қаралды 305,257

Күн бұрын

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If you play a major triad and a minor triad to most people, and you ask them which of the two is more 'tense' and less 'happy', then the overwhelming majority will tell you that minor triads are more tense.
So it stands to reason that if you want to create more tension in your chord progressions, you should use more minor triads and less major triads.
This is a clear, reasonable, even obvious deduction... and it's wrong.
Why?
Because it does not take into account that the quality (major or minor) of the chords is not the only factor that determines tension.
Another important factor for instance is how the chords in the progression relate to the tonic chord in the key.
In this video we are going to see how changing two triads from minor to major (counterintuitively) can substantially increase the tension in a chord progression - and how you can do it too in your music
In the process we'll also learn about the Neapolitan chord - this is a 'secret weapon' for songwriter, and it is worth watching the video if only to learn about it ;)
If you like this video, share, like, comment & don't forget to subscribe for more content!
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Пікірлер: 453

@juanmoralesvideo 4 жыл бұрын

«If you like this video». 'If'? Are you kidding? Man, your explanations are great!

@MusicTheoryForGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 😃

@dartoucupuhuuuy2304 3 жыл бұрын

@ricardofranciszayas Жыл бұрын

Maestro, You are a brilliant teacher. I’m a 71 year old semi-retired keyboard player. The need for understanding the Neapolitan chord was never crucial for a blue collar musician like me. So out of curiosity I thought I would research it. I went to different KZfaq videos explaining the Neapolitan chord and came away feeling more stupid at the end of the videos. But your video, good Sir, explained so concisely and in terms understandable to a mere mortal like myself. Bravissimo, Maestro. Your channel is wonderful.

@johnprice3341 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, I was playing Chopin’s Nocturne op 9 no 1 and he does this A LOT

@MusicTheoryForGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@rebelquadronfpv1065 4 жыл бұрын

He invented it?

@renzo3939 4 жыл бұрын

@@rebelquadronfpv1065 probably not

@SpaghettiToaster 4 жыл бұрын

@@rebelquadronfpv1065 If he had, why would it be called the Neapolitan chord?

@rybateman 3 жыл бұрын

@@SpaghettiToaster It's clearly named after the ice cream

@brazwen 3 жыл бұрын

I tried the Napoleon chord, ended up nearly conquering all of Europe. I think I did this wrong.

@MusicTheoryForGuitar 3 жыл бұрын

I should have titled the channel "military strategy for guitar"...

@brazwen 3 жыл бұрын

@@MusicTheoryForGuitar LOL! I've been watching some documentaries and Epic History TV youtube channel (highly recommend) on Napoleon Bonaparte. I came here and saw how similar Neapolitan spelling is to Napoleon and that's all I could think of. Napoleon was an absolute genius on the battlefield and to think his downfall was his own doing not that other European nation got smarter and defeated him. Other than that, great content on your channel. I'm learning alot.

@JohnnyOlsson 3 жыл бұрын

History, music theory and dad joke - this comment has it all. Well done sir.

@svenolofandersson2572 3 жыл бұрын

Dude, wait until you discover the Hitler chord... :-)

@joshuafernandes4935 2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried playing the chord at Trafalgar square ?

@shaolinmatadordeporco4246 7 ай бұрын

The best part of your videos is that not only you explain how stuff works, but also explains the reason for it to work the way it does, just like in books, but you do it in a much easier way to understand

@edwardrice2848 14 сағат бұрын

Best breakdown here - particularly why d stays in the bass here (first inversion)

@johnjoseph1966 4 жыл бұрын

The Neopolitan chord is just a first inversion bII chord. Very easy to remember. 😃

@steveanderson7727 4 жыл бұрын

This is quite simply the best and most easily understood bit of music theory I have ever been shown. Normally I struggle to follow music theory, but this poured into my brain like a cool beer. Most grateful, I am off right now to experiment with the accordo Napolitano :)

@VoidloniXaarii 4 жыл бұрын

The explanation at the end with half above and half below is great

@sanzen1234 4 жыл бұрын

Made me hear moonlight sonata section.

@alixchatelain2913 4 жыл бұрын

Your exposés are always top notch: incredible depth of content coupled with very practical simplicity, together they make for instant applicability! Thanks again!

@tongateachesmusic 4 жыл бұрын

Love everything about this video/explanation, very clear and concise with easy to follow examples! Well done!

@kibavlood5826 4 жыл бұрын

Dude i really love the Chord videos man, you could even make a series out of it. I love Chords and love discovering new, your videos is perfect so is your channel. Stay safe.

@luisantoniocarrillotejas8236 3 жыл бұрын

I just discovered your channel and I must say that is truly amazing, your explanations are so clear and your examples are great, keep going like that man, you're awesome

@toofattoskate1 Жыл бұрын

excellent tutorial. I understand it now. So many videos are over complicated this chord. this is simple. thank you.

@robbesisca 4 жыл бұрын

The quality of this video is amazing. Brilliantly done!

@luckylicks3497 4 жыл бұрын

I'm just loving these videos, and I hope this will reach a million before the end of this year. Stuff like this should be rewarded bigtime.

@cavaturnagesh 4 жыл бұрын

nice to see you in action keep safe during these difficult and dangerous times

@liquensrollant 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the extra information you put in the video description. There was no need to crowd the video with it, but it's a nice bit of context!

@dsracoon 4 жыл бұрын

I love how your explanations are simple and they make sense. Most music theory teachers/ytbers don't go into the detail you go or just handwave it. Or when they do try to go into detail they just go off on crazy tangents. Auguri!

@JakeSpeed1000 4 жыл бұрын

Your videos are so helpful, educational and very entertaining. Thank you!

@lindsayfraser 4 жыл бұрын

This Video has finally fully explained a type of progression I have used for years in various songs but still struggled t understand what I was harmonically doing with my limited theory knowledge. Thank you, I have been enlightened as to why it works.

@aakash9058 4 жыл бұрын

Your channel is a invaluable music theory resource. Thanks for your hard work.

@docwill184 4 жыл бұрын

You explain this for knuckle-head guitar-players so well... "How do you get a guitar-player to shut up?" "Put some sheet music in front of him."

@MusicTheoryForGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

You must be so smart

@docwill184 4 жыл бұрын

@@MusicTheoryForGuitar Thank-you but too much proof to the contrary...

@idmarc 4 жыл бұрын

how do you make him leave? write notes on it ... ha!

@mikitomita8524 2 жыл бұрын

You explained the way constructed Neapolitan chord so well. Thank you

@meschadarc141 3 жыл бұрын

this is all stuff i know and use and still i watched and enjoyed the entire presentation. you are teaching with relish! i'll be back to watch more.

@rikbardyn5914 3 жыл бұрын

Finally I do understand what the neapolita chord is ! Although I am not a guitarist !Thank you for sharing !

@lucagambirasio 4 жыл бұрын

I read tons of harmony books, but you've done the easiest explanations here. Cheers!

@JohnnyOlsson 3 жыл бұрын

That double chromatic thing, with notes both a half note sharp and a half note flat of the tonic, it gives a very strong pull towards the root. Another interesting thing with the progression is that it also has a half note "climb"; A, Bb, B, C. So the resolution is very strong, both because of the pull toward the root and the climb toward the third. I'm writing this not to mansplain it to the teacher but because this is the first video that gave me this Eureka-feeling where things just came together in my head, and I want to say thank you for this.

@image30p 3 жыл бұрын

Really nice lesson. Thank you! I love your explanation of the "weak" notes. It makes sense. I haven't been able to use the IV chord as much as I would like, but I didn't understand why until now. So I hope I can start sounding better with the Neapolitan chord.

@rockkevinrock 3 жыл бұрын

I only took two semesters of music theory in college, and the concept of the Neapolitan 6th cadences really confused me and I could not figure out how it works, you finally explained it in a way that makes sense to me. You are a good teacher Tommaso!!!

@Sebastianandthedeepbluemusic 4 жыл бұрын

Dig “tension profile” phrase. Its hard to talk about extended harmonic music theory without sounding like its about a new better set of harmonies. When really its just a new color to paint with in the so ic space. If thats what you want to do. Explaining it as a tension profile seems like a good way to avoid the more complicated is better snob effect. Anyways thanks for the video. I was just thinking of looking up the neopolatin chord because i couldn’t remember exactly what it was but I remembered liking its effect when i first learned about, and now I remember. Cheers.

@FullMetalDMZ 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, as always! The fact that you tackle the “weak” notes is a very eye opening concept, at least for me. It explains why some chord movements feel bland and not very interesting!

@ruanof7 4 жыл бұрын

I am a piano player, you explain theory so simple ! you are a great teacher. Thank you.

@ryedylantm 3 жыл бұрын

Very clear and concise explanation. I learned a lot.

@kenestioko8019 4 жыл бұрын

Keep it up sir. I am learning a lot. Such a fun way to learn.

@cocacolafeliz 4 жыл бұрын

this videos help me a lot with the theory from my music course, thank you!

@katieyoung9447 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not a guitarist but what a fabulous, clear explanation! Thank you for making these videos!

@johnhedgerguitarstudio3436 3 жыл бұрын

This is a very well explained lesson on the Neapolitan chord! It always seemed so confusing and mysterious in my undergrad music theory classes. Thanks!

@katorzhnik 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation. I'm learning tons from your videos!

@danielrennie8444 4 жыл бұрын

Doing this is Am sounds very much like the Hans Zimmer score from the "Dark Phoenix" movie. I mistook it as being written in A Phrygian Dominant, but now I realize that it's just in A minor using an N6 chord. Highly recommend you listen to the score, specifically the piece called "Gap" within the score. Thanks for a fantastic video and content. Love this channel

@marcuscarman9936 2 жыл бұрын

I believe emphasize the " starting " of a mode , is to acclimate you ears to the color of the mode , a reference point like you were doing with the short chord melody in 'a ' minor

@SamuelPeckman 4 жыл бұрын

I play the piano not the guitar. I found this to be a very clear explanation of the near Politan chord. Thank you.

@DadRockAndGuitars 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation! It's been awhile since I've seen someone talk about the Neapolitan chord. Subscribed!

@billyvitale8994 10 ай бұрын

Great.. detailed and comprehensive lesson.....Grazie Tomaso❤

@jaybefaulky4902 4 жыл бұрын

this was good it reminds me of the age old trick of 'when in doubt lead it out' where you 'fix' the chord progression by always maintaining a semi tone lead in for the next chord..this is best when it's part of the melody as well like a 'pick up note'...play with the lead note being ascending or descending...you can 'fix' otherwise awkward sounding progressions by a strategic sharp and flat here and there, using this way of thinking brings light to why there are many sharps and flats in many classical music melody lines.. ;)

@lit2021 4 жыл бұрын

This explanation is better than the one given to me by my classical harmony professor at the music academy..

@N4m43 4 жыл бұрын

Just noticed there's a chromatic rise (I don't know how it's called in english... "chromatic ascension"? anyway...) going from A to C in the Am progression. There's A, Bb, B and C. It's pretty cool.

@MusicTheoryForGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

Well spotted!

@N4m43 4 жыл бұрын

@@MusicTheoryForGuitar I actually though you were about to talk about that while commenting the progression... Then it was about the A, Bb, G#, A. ^^ But yeah, definitely a great tension trick.

@MusicTheoryForGuitar 4 жыл бұрын

Both things are going on at the same time in the progression. The best progressions always have on or more lines (diatonic or chromatic) moving 'through' the chords.

@N4m43 4 жыл бұрын

@@MusicTheoryForGuitar Yep, definitely agree with that. This way you can listen to it several time and hear a different thing each time.

@ipecacisgoodforyou8128 4 жыл бұрын

brilliant explanation, great video!

@cesaraugustocavazzolajunio7438 4 жыл бұрын

That's great. Thank you so much for the lesson!

@nashyteeth91 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic explanation of the Neapolitan

@django9858 4 жыл бұрын

I'm getting out the guitar right now...thank you 🎸👍

@jooo7900 3 жыл бұрын

great video. im so grateful that i found this. thanks!

@EclecticEssentric 4 жыл бұрын

Always enlightening AF. Mercy.

@zmpfl5044 4 жыл бұрын

Good way to teach! As a numb, I would like to hear the chords more often.

@JohnnyArtPavlou 4 жыл бұрын

I just about followed this bit of theory in real time. Stopped a couple of times to absorb a few things. Of course don’t ask me anything now that I finished watching it. I’m gonna have to watch it a few times. But fantastic video, great lesson thank you!

@yuriy.goldman Жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining this so simply, Tommaso! I was able to use this chord in a hard rock/metal style in a song for my band and it was very effective. Hadn't heard anyone else use it in this style (at least not that I can recall), so I'm glad it worked. Thank you!

@christopherheckman7957 5 ай бұрын

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_chord#In_popular_music

@johnsujith12 4 ай бұрын

Sir you are amazing! Thank you so much!

@jasneskis 4 жыл бұрын

Always interesting and informative.

@joselekiwi5695 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations this is perfectly explained!

@nerddroid 4 жыл бұрын

explanation is clear and well done. thank you so much.

@aylbdrmadison1051 4 жыл бұрын

I've always loved playing Major7 and b2 around the root in melody lines or solos, or even rhythm type riffs, especially mixing them with harmonies in thirds with or without an occasional 7, et cetera, using the double harmonic minor scale. Now I know how to use it in a great sounding chord progression too. Thanks for that. Until next time, enjoy your days too. ^-^

@FullMetalDMZ 4 жыл бұрын

Aylbdr Madison I like that idea of making harmonies in 3rds using maj7b2 sounds! Gonna try it!

@leo-ki9ye 2 жыл бұрын

BEAUTIFULLY EXPLAINED THANK YOU SO MUCH

@vze2gsgr 2 жыл бұрын

Love these videos.

@clyderichardson6475 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for your educational videos!

@patubo 3 жыл бұрын

very very nice. Clear presentation. Very generous thank you so much!

@eli3625 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Your explanation was really helpful!! 😎

@johnhendricks8140 4 жыл бұрын

This makes me want to buy your chord book. So many ways to rework chords and make more it interesting.

@remipereira3060 3 жыл бұрын

Best naepolitan sixth explanation on KZfaq, a big thanks you man

@kumareshnatarajan8019 3 жыл бұрын

Superb info. Thanks a lot. Thanks once again.

@davidsonmick 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, just watched two of your videos, which were both great! Such and interesting and unique ay of teaching. And I love your accent! Plus it looks like you're writing with your finger, which is magic. :) Ciao!

@justincase2600 4 жыл бұрын

useful topic and wonderfully explained.

@pepepadillaensambl3 4 жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias, muy buena explicación, voy a usar este acorde y su progresión. Muchas gracias

@jaykay1053 2 жыл бұрын

Instantly Subscribed!

@TheKarmicRepairCo 4 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. That Neapolitan chord can also be a major 7th. You inspired me to swap out a chord. I'm in Em on guitar, so it would be: Em Fmaj7/A. B7 Em. Putting the 3rd in the bass and adding the maj7, sweet!

@warnerbroken8973 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for the video, very informative as always! Also, placing the chord before the 5th creates a tritone with the 5th. It's an easy way to memorize how this works.

@altacert 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation!

@rrdwiki Жыл бұрын

simply perfect. Smashed that like button :)

@TalesGrimm 4 жыл бұрын

I don't even understand music on this level but I couldn't stop watching

@longfade 4 жыл бұрын

Totally forgot about the Neopolitan voicing. Great video, thanks!

@silverappegio 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing...learning ! thank you !

@MrMikomi 4 жыл бұрын

Nicely done. Thanks.

@gianlucapice1929 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice and clear!

@colinmichaelroberts 4 жыл бұрын

I think it also works well because it creates a chromatic voice leading in which gives it a stronger sense of direction. Interesting video!

@michaeljhintonpiano 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful explanation! You might include the conversation for pianist to but whatever it’s also just great as it is thank you. Sincerely, Michael Hinton

@scintube 8 ай бұрын

Excellent explanation thank you much!

@dhaneshs131 4 жыл бұрын

I knew about it... But now I finally understood it.... Thanks Tommaso

@keshavleitan7800 3 жыл бұрын

I play piano and I really find your lessons valuable.

@sergiocorrea2781 3 жыл бұрын

Genial está explicación, un saludo desde Colombia!

@fredvacher3998 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! Very clear explanation. I am not a guitarist. I play the keyboard. I am now convinced of the efficiency of the Neapolitan chord in a minor key (sounds chromatic, fluent and logical) but I m not convinced of its efficiency in a major key. (What I sometimes do in a major key is to raise the dominant chord by a semitone. It sounds over the top, I know, but sometimes I can t help it!!! 😉). I ll have to try the Neapolitan chord in major more often.... Many many thanks!

@josuastangl7140 3 жыл бұрын

I just wrote a chord progression and was confused what scale it was in, thx this helped a lot!

@judasxchrist Жыл бұрын

Just great, thank you!

@natarajanrathinam869 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful website. Thanks a lot. Thanks once again.

@SimonBay 4 жыл бұрын

Actuall a producer and only play the piano, but this was also very helpful for me! Gonna compose some cool chordprogression now! Also subbed!

@chaza.2891 3 жыл бұрын

Xsuperbly explained bro!!! Thx!

@sloth1762 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video man. It's like playing the first chord of the D dorian, which is usually played like a D major 6th but in this case it's a D minor 6th. awesome