"If you want you can think of it like a secondary dominant flat nine chord without the root note." Me: Haha, yeah.

I got a Mario ad. I sat through 2 minutes until I realised it was an ad

When you talked about it being easy for novices to understand, it reminded me of a funny story about my first Mario game. So I had my DS for a while, but only had like 2 or 3 games, one day my mom got me new super Mario bros. The only Mario game I had played before that was Mario and Luigi: Bowser's inside story. When I was thrust into the first level, I immediately walked into a goomba expecting it to start a turn-based battle.

This guys said a lot of words. I understood a few of them. :V

tl;dw - Mario music don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing

TL; DR (W?) 1. Use 1 3 5 chord tones 2. Big unison hooks 3. Master playing around motifs 4. Using your motifs, play around the interest curve 5. Chromatism (Borrowed chords) 6. Not too much or it will turn too dark 7. For a brighter option try using secondary dominant 8. Passing Diminished chords too 9. Chromatic passing notes as well 10. GROOVE IT UP WITH DAT SWING i was doing this for myself as i'm aiming to be a composer/ producer one day, but i decided to share it in case anyone wants easier access to all these points as well.

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Being a game and music geek myself.

It makes sense that a lot of Mario music is inspired by jazz origins. I mean, look at odyssey. Pauline and the new donk players is basically a Big Band. Anyway I’m going to go find a music theory class online so I can better understand what you’re saying and actually start writing my own music better XD

this is really great content. I didn't understand a single word of it, but great content nonetheless. Keep at it.

You are the perfect example of someone who explains things in the best possible way, with the best possible examples, not leaving anything important out. As always, bravo sir. Bravo.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="67">1:07</a> Mario has 3 hands?

As a classical pianist, I learned a lot about some jazz stuff, and the fact the you could blend music theory (which I love) to show me why Mario music is so fun to listen to (one of my fav games) is amazing. You definitely deserve my subscription, and I hope you get many more.

This was my first video of yours and let me just say, you do these very well.

"you jump on to them" *shows a video of mario STRIKING an enemy*

I understood none of this. Good thing I play bass! That wasn't a joke.

The way you explain music theory stuff is super digestible. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these I love you

_pretends to understand music theory_

I better not have been the only one singing/humming along to *every* example he gave us.

good, now explain why every frikin' Pokemon song starts a downwards trill

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="40">0:40</a> Unless you're Ceave, Mayro, Gamechamp, DGR, or NicoBBQ

When you started talking about the ACTUAL music theory, I completely stopped understanding. Still informative. Like :D

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="709">11:49</a> "You just unplugged a device from the audio Jack".

Hmm, I was expecting certain top comment, but it wasn't here... so I have to say it: Koji Kondo is GENIUS!!!

I used to be staunchly against learning music theory, but I remember stumbling upon this video years ago. The explanation of how notes from outside of a key being used and then very quickly resolved to a scale degree really blew my mind and since watching it I’ve become obsessed with music theory and it’s really opened up my playing and learning. Thank you 8bit ❤️

Always a joy to find more Vulfpeck fans. =)

The jazz... So that's why mario kart went to the big band soundtrack....

This video still held my interest even though I don't fully grasp all of the concepts of music theory. It's actually interesting to reflect on why the music is so fun and lighthearted in nature. I'm surprised you aren't more well-known. Looking forward to watching more.

Damn. Subbed af.

THERE IS SOMETHING THAT YOU MUST DO A VIDEO ON! There's this game called VVVVVV that has an 8-bit soundtrack that I want to know more about.

This is an amazing series! It's unique, interesting and informative. Though I can't read musical notes whatsoever, I can appreciate a music masterpiece in video games, and as for you, you clearly know your stuff. KZfaq's all about time, effort and just a little bit of luck, so keep up the good work. I hope you find further success with your KZfaq career.

i don't understand that much about music theory but your channel is cool

i can’t even begin to imagine how much work went into this video. you talk about these music composers being geniuses but the content of this video is just as impressive. one of my favorite videos of all time. does not get much better than this. 10/10

Your videos are excellent :)

I personally love the Gusty Garden Galaxy the

Great video, really enjoyed it. I loved the tunes from both of the aquatic levels in Super Mario 64, they were so peaceful. I also liked the tunes from Mario Paper, really great for setting the mood of the different locations you were in. You are right, the maker of this music is really worthy of admiration :)

This video is gold! Thank you so much for making this, and for doing an excellent job with the channel!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="710">11:50</a> You just unplugged a device from the audio jack (bottom right)

"Seriously, an Italian stereotype with insane vertical stunts who go through turtles, ghosts, and cross-dressing dinosaurs to get to a castle; only to find out seven times in a row that he got to the wrong one.... this is not a game who takes itself too seriously" A MASTERPIECE OF A DEFINITION!!!

The entire time this music was playing, I was thinking of all of the horrifying Mario songs like River Twygz Bed. *God is that terrifying*

So great! I constantly find myself stopping the videos to research anything I don't understand and man, I've learned a lot, thanks for such great content in this channel!

Amazingly informative for both beginners and those well-acquainted with music theory. Couldn't have asked for better. Keep up the great work!

The tune you're missing is the ending theme to Super Mario World -- probably my favorite in the series! Actually, the harmony there is particularly interesting. After the initial Dm9 - G+, you have C - B+7 - Gm/Bb - A7 - F - F#o - C/G - A7 - Dm9 - G+, etc. The B+7 is an especially interesting chord here, since you might expect it to go to Em but it goes to Gm/Bb instead. Fun one to think about!

I've been waiting for a channel like this THANK YOU

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="534">8:54</a> it took my man thirty whole seconds to get a fire flower in the background

Wow. Great video. This is THE thing I was looking for for music writing ideas. If you look up music theory, it's a little more technical that I'd like (not that I don't like the technical, but for example, a video on music theory would spend time teaching you things to memorize and stuff like that when all I want to do is understand it so I can apply it later- if that makes sense...). Perfect depth of subject and focus. Keep it up!

I did two years of jazz/music theory at university and took more away from this video than all of those lectures, way more fun too!

Plain fantastic video. Thank you soooo much for taking the time and putting all of this together!

Literally just went and subbed to your patreon because this is phenomenal work and I'd love to hear more.

Whoa, I had no idea this music was so in depth!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="709">11:49</a> Information You just unplugged a device from the audio jack Realtek HD Audio Manager

I love this. Your analisis has given me so much to understand and think about. Thank you so much for doing this. You make my life better. :) ♥

Thank You! This was very informative, enlightening and helpful. I'm currently trying to create 8it music for an upcoming game and this one video alone summarized everything I needed to learn about how to make the music sound the way I like!

The improvement in graphics in this video is night and day. I'm really glad this show is improving visually, you have really great things to say and don't shy away from more advanced ideas. I can't wait to see what you do next!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="710">11:50</a> "you unplugged a device from the audio jack." No I didn- ohhhhhhhh. Whoops. Fullscreen.

You make the gamer and music nerd in me happy, I love these videos! Thanks for all the hard work!

Great channel! I love that you don't "dumb anything down". Keep doing what you do!

When you have to make a 15 minute music appreciation presentation and you get to pick the topic. 😂😂

8-bit Music Theory, Wow you really outdid yourself this time. :) I thoroughly enjoyed this video like you wouldn't believe. I've been a subscriber since your first video, and I do not regret ever checking out this channel in the first place. I actually found you on the Music Theory subreddit when you first posted the TLoZ theme analyses (why don't you continue to post your videos there? I considered sharing them for you, but I didn't want to mistakenly take credit for anything you've done). As an aspiring Theorist and Music Educator myself, these videos have not only taught me new and interesting analytical and compositional techniques (such as the great chromaticisms of the augmented V and chromatic approach tones, ya know, things we aren't allowed to know about in basic theory courses) , but also how to >teach< such. You are an inspirational analyzer, a wonderful speaker, and a fun teacher. Please, do not ever stop making these videos. P.S. I actually enjoyed the straight-rhythmed original Mario Bros. theme :P It was an interesting contrast to what we're all used to, and would be a fun way to play around with Theme & Variations!

Your channel is absolutely brilliant dude

Oh my goodness his video has helped my understanding of making beautiful melodies, chord progressions, rhythms and so much more! Thank you!

As an avid videogame music listener, I absolutely love your videos. Definitely explains why I love my favorite tunes! Keep up the great work!

Still waiting for a video game composer to use microtones in their music.

Great video as always, been playing through Odyssey and remarking how great the score was. Very great insight into why!

This is the first time I came acoss this channel, and I immediately subscribed! Great content!

chromatic diminished passing chords are just a great thing to know. i see it a bunch for like dramatic emphasis between iv and V in minor pieces. and it works so well.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="124">2:04</a> to GRAB the attention... ;D

I learned so much in only one video, you do a great job:)

Wow, this is amazing! You are clearly working in your strengths. What an enjoyable video.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="753">12:33</a> i can imagine a italian person rapping to that beat somehow...

My favourite tune, or at least I've heard in any Mario game, is the World Map Medley from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Its entire soundtrack is incredible.

Your videos are so awesome! Glad to finally someone cool on creator on the rise!

This is the first time I've seen one of your videos. I can assure you, it won't be the last. Excellent work!

"You want fun?" "Wario show you Fun!"

Until today I generally had no idea that something as simple as syncopation was actually the thing that connected all forms of Jazz. Thank you for teaching me a new way to give something a more Jazzy feel.

Thank you so much for these videos! I've always been curious as to why I loved these compositions so much even into adulthood

Maaan, what an AWESOME CHANNEL! Instant subscribe

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="709">11:49</a> *Information* You just unplugged a device from the audio jack

Vulfpeck Mentioned 100/10

such a joy to see the roman numerals for all these tunes... very helpful and saves a lot of hard work transcribing

wow, i did not expected such depth and quality in this video, u earned a sub

Oh my god I absolutely could not stop laughing at the part near <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="390">6:30</a>!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="508">8:28</a> ahhh... yes... I'm sure I COULD think of it that way... If I wanted to... Much easier... how... Um... simple... *(*Cough)*

just discovered your channel, subscribed and have all of your videos opened in a bunch of tabs. Will update in 4 hours.

such good content man, thx!

In the words of the great Adam Neely R E P E T I T I O N L E G I T I M I Z E S

Top quality video here. Subbed. Could you also analyse Pokémon songs in the future? Thanks for this video.

REally interesting video ^^ love that you added newer mario games as well :D

stumbled upon this looking for help - got recruited to a mario project team to do a bit of everything. some of these middle words are too tiny for my smolbrain or are a distant school memory, but as this video progresses (and as i check what everything means) it becomes a GENIUS goddamn cheat sheet. please never stop doing what you do. if this is anything to go by, you're a lifesaver for anyone working on this kinda stuff.

I actually understood quite a bit, this video! I don't really now much about chords, but perhaps I'll once look into them. For now, I'm not really interested. But there are definitely some things I want to try use myself some time soon! A motif sounds really good. I think I often do this intuitively already, but it might still help to refine it and study it to figure out in what ways it can be used. Using an out-of-key note to resolve into an in-key note sounds really interesting as well! I've got to say I haven't ever done that before, as far as I recall. 'syncopation' sounds good too, I'll look it up! Most of my rhythms probably could be more interesting. :) I'm not sure if these things will work out in my music, but I'll try to play around with them! Thanks for the video!

Wanna hear some not fun mario music? Look at the mario rpgs. Some crazy stuff like the theme for the empty sammer kingdom in super paper mario, the whole area behind the thousand year door in paper mario TTYD, or the "doomed straw" from color splash. Could also look at Cackletta's theme in Super Star Saga, crystal palace theme in paper mario 64, deep castle (inside bowser) from Bowser's inside story, final Antasma from dream team, and so many more. Edit: I had to go back and find names to get most examples. That's why this is edited

That's pretty cool. Thanks for making this video to explain this subject in detail with examples. :)

FANTASTIC!!!!! this is just the information I've been looking for, for a long time! I feel my brain growing

Yesss Vulpeck! Great video! I subscribed.

Since I found this channel, I have no longer been able to listen to music the same way. You have permanently changed my life. Thank you. I had no idea how interested I would be in this topic, but I have probably seen every video on this channel at least once at this point. I am looking forward to more.

KZfaq suggested this to me and I'm so impressed! My knowledge of music theory doesn't go past reading music for choir, but the information was presented in such a way that was easy to understand. This video is so well put together and you definitely got a new subscriber here. (:

You just unplugged a device from the audio jack.

Overworld Theme 1.Super Mario World 2. Super Mario 2 3. Super Mario 3. 4. Delphino Island (Super Mario Sunshine)

These guys were genius! Thanks for breaking this down in an in-depth and accessible way!

How have I not heard of this channel sooner? It combines two of my ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE THINGS! Wonderful!

Small nitpick for you. I prefer to describe a chord’s quality after I have named the chord. I would not say “minor G chord” but instead I’d say “G minor chord.” Therefore I would not say “minor iv chord” but instead I’d say “iv minor chord.”