Read in browser | Read Time: 4.5 minutes Hey music makers! Ever feel stuck with the same seven chords in a major key? You're not alone - that limitation can make your progressions feel predictable and boxed in. Today, we're exploring how borrowed chords give you strategic access to all 12 chords, transforming Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" from ordinary to extraordinary with just one "outside" chord. Gems Around The Web ⚡ Quick Wins: Seven bite-sized theory exercises that break...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Read in browser | Read Time: 4 minutes Hey music makers! Ever wonder why "Hey Joe" sounds so hypnotic? Five simple chords that create incredible tension. Today, we're cracking the code on a chord sequence that moves backward instead of forward, creating that inevitable pull that matches the song's dark story. Gems Around The Web ⚡ Quick Wins: One simple analytical habit that builds harmonic intuition fast. (Threads) 🗝️ Vault Pick C - G - D - A - E - Hear today's retrogression in action with...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Read in browser | Read Time: 4 minutes Hey music makers! Two things happening in today's issue that'll get you fired up: We're diving into a progression that plays with your emotions—building tension, teasing resolution, then delivering that perfect payoff. Plus, I'll show you a simple stacking trick that instantly gives you access to gorgeous, sophisticated chords. Quick update: Previously called the Music Maker’s Progression Database, The Harmony Vault has already helped 100+ music creators...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Read in browser | Read Time: 3.6 minutes Gems Around The Web 🧠Music Things Thelonius Monk's 25 Tips for Musicians (YouTube) 👀 ICYMI What if music theory is holding you back? (Music Maker's Journal) 🎵 Tunes Bed Chem by Sabrina Carpenter (Spotify) Yearning for Your Love by The Gap Band (Spotify) I'm curious to know which version you prefer. I'm old school, so The Gap Band original is my vibe. Where I find my best sounds—Kontakt 8! Almost every project I make includes sounds from Native...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Read in browser | Read Time: 3.8 minutes Gems Around The Web 🧠Music Things 5 songwriting tools that change everything. (YouTube) 👀 ICYMI Find Your Next Great Chord Progression With This Technique. (Music Maker's Journal) 🎵 Tunes Green Day's "21 Guns" progression (Dmin-Bb-F-C) shows how simple chords create powerful emotions when arranged thoughtfully. (Spotify) Deep Dive It started innocently. Just one more theory video. One more chord breakdown. One more concept to “master” before I finally...
about 1 year ago • 4 min read
Read in browser | Read Time: 3.5 minutes Gems Around The Web 🧠Music Things Using Chord Progressions to Create Rhythm Variations (YouTube) 👀 ICYMI Earth Wind & Fire Used This Chord Trick and Now You Can Too (Music Maker's Journal) 🎵 Tunes "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Never expected Kendrick and SZA to flip a Luther Vandross classic. They even gave us a bridge which is uncommon in modern music let alone on a hip hop record. (Spotify) Deep Dive Hey Music Maker's, Do you start every...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
The Music Maker's Journal Read Time: 4 minutes Welcome to The Music Makers Journal. Every week, I share helpful tips from successful creators with the goal of helping you learn music super fast and easily. Think of this as your guide to becoming a stronger creator – filled with ideas that really work. What's in store for today: The power of focus in action Hey there, music makers! As a Philly native and lifelong Eagles fan, this Sunday was the greatest football experience of my life! And if...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read
The Music Maker's Journal Read Time: 3.2 minutes Welcome to The Music Makers Journal. Every week, I share helpful tips from successful music creators about making music easier and better. Think of this as your guide to becoming a stronger creator – filled with ideas that really work. What's in store for today: Your Brain's Natural Success Filter How Strong "Why's" Lead to Solutions Have you ever wondered why some creative goals feel impossible to reach, while others seem to naturally unfold...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read
The Music Maker's Journal Read Time: 3.2 minutes Welcome to The Music Makers Journal, where every week I share battle-tested insights from music industry pros to help artists, producers, and musicians streamline their creative process. What's in store for today: Master The Emotional Palette of Music: A Simple Guide to Key Colors Hey there, music makers! You know what fascinates me almost as much as music? Food. In fact, if I wasn’t obsessed with music, I’d probably be doing something in the...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read