Bland Chord Progressions? Try The NEAPOLITAN Chord

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  • čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
  • Complete Chord Mastery course: www.musictheoryforguitar.com/...
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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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    Website: musictheoryforguitar.com
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Komentáře • 451

  • @juanmoralesvideo
    @juanmoralesvideo Před 4 lety +169

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

  • @ricardofranciszayas
    @ricardofranciszayas Před rokem +6

    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 CZcams 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.

  • @shaolinmatadordeporco4246
    @shaolinmatadordeporco4246 Před 7 měsíci +2

    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

  • @brazwen
    @brazwen Před 3 lety +183

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

    • @MusicTheoryForGuitar
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  Před 3 lety +48

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

    • @brazwen
      @brazwen Před 3 lety +5

      @@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
      @JohnnyOlsson Před 3 lety +9

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

    • @svenolofandersson2572
      @svenolofandersson2572 Před 3 lety +1

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

    • @joshuafernandes4935
      @joshuafernandes4935 Před 2 lety

      Have you tried playing the chord at Trafalgar square ?

  • @johnprice3341
    @johnprice3341 Před 4 lety +125

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

  • @toofattoskate1
    @toofattoskate1 Před rokem +3

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

  • @steveanderson7727
    @steveanderson7727 Před 4 lety +39

    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
    @VoidloniXaarii Před 4 lety +32

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

    • @sanzen1234
      @sanzen1234 Před 4 lety +1

      Made me hear moonlight sonata section.

  • @dsracoon
    @dsracoon Před 4 lety +3

    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!

  • @robbesisca
    @robbesisca Před 4 lety +4

    The quality of this video is amazing. Brilliantly done!

  • @alixchatelain2913
    @alixchatelain2913 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @kibavlood5826
    @kibavlood5826 Před 4 lety +5

    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.

  • @danielrennie8444
    @danielrennie8444 Před 4 lety +20

    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
      @marcuscarman9936 Před 2 lety

      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

  • @lucagambirasio
    @lucagambirasio Před 4 lety +11

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

  • @luckylicks3497
    @luckylicks3497 Před 4 lety +2

    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.

  • @lindsayfraser
    @lindsayfraser Před 4 lety +2

    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.

  • @TalesGrimm
    @TalesGrimm Před 4 lety +4

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

  • @johnjoseph1966
    @johnjoseph1966 Před 4 lety +11

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

  • @luisantoniocarrillotejas8236

    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

  • @aakash9058
    @aakash9058 Před 4 lety +2

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

  • @JohnnyOlsson
    @JohnnyOlsson Před 3 lety +3

    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.

  • @Sebastianandthedeepbluemusic

    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.

  • @tongateachesmusic
    @tongateachesmusic Před 4 lety +4

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

  • @liquensrollant
    @liquensrollant Před 4 lety +1

    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!

  • @JakeSpeed1000
    @JakeSpeed1000 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @SamuelPeckman
    @SamuelPeckman Před 4 lety +5

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

  • @docwill184
    @docwill184 Před 4 lety +38

    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
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  Před 4 lety +8

      You must be so smart

    • @docwill184
      @docwill184 Před 4 lety

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

    • @idmarc
      @idmarc Před 4 lety +4

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

  • @N4m43
    @N4m43 Před 4 lety +37

    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
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  Před 4 lety +6

      Well spotted!

    • @N4m43
      @N4m43 Před 4 lety +2

      @@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
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  Před 4 lety +4

      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
      @N4m43 Před 4 lety +5

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

  • @lit2021
    @lit2021 Před 4 lety +3

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

  • @remipereira3060
    @remipereira3060 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @billyvitale8994
    @billyvitale8994 Před 10 měsíci

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

  • @cavaturnagesh
    @cavaturnagesh Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @mikitomita8524
    @mikitomita8524 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @nashyteeth91
    @nashyteeth91 Před 4 lety +2

    Fantastic explanation of the Neapolitan

  • @hizaleus
    @hizaleus Před 3 lety +5

    That made perfect sense, and every other description of the Neapolitan (Sixth) chord eluded me, despite an otherwise good grasp of music theory. This made the explanation more conceptual, which suits me better than explanations that are more based on memorization. Thank you also for explaining away the term Neapolitan Sixth, as a remnant of figured bass notation.

  • @kenestioko8019
    @kenestioko8019 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @EclecticEssentric
    @EclecticEssentric Před 4 lety +1

    Always enlightening AF. Mercy.

  • @ryedylantm
    @ryedylantm Před 3 lety +3

    Very clear and concise explanation. I learned a lot.

  • @ahknown2755
    @ahknown2755 Před 2 lety +1

    damn every time i had a question, the video proceeded to ask and answer the question for me 3 seconds later. much psychic, much wow

  • @django9858
    @django9858 Před 4 lety +5

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

  • @FullMetalDMZ
    @FullMetalDMZ Před 4 lety +4

    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!

  • @katorzhnik
    @katorzhnik Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @meschadarc141
    @meschadarc141 Před 3 lety +1

    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.

  • @cocacolafeliz
    @cocacolafeliz Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @johnsujith12
    @johnsujith12 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Sir you are amazing! Thank you so much!

  • @rikbardyn5914
    @rikbardyn5914 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @yuriy.goldman
    @yuriy.goldman Před rokem +1

    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!

  • @jaybefaulky4902
    @jaybefaulky4902 Před 4 lety +2

    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.. ;)

  • @leo-ki9ye
    @leo-ki9ye Před 2 lety +1

    BEAUTIFULLY EXPLAINED THANK YOU SO MUCH

  • @ruanof7
    @ruanof7 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @katieyoung9447
    @katieyoung9447 Před 3 lety +3

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

  • @jooo7900
    @jooo7900 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @antoninowoodystella4607
    @antoninowoodystella4607 Před 3 lety +1

    Bellissima spiegazione!

  • @cesaraugustocavazzolajunio7438

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

  • @ipecacisgoodforyou8128
    @ipecacisgoodforyou8128 Před 4 lety +2

    brilliant explanation, great video!

  • @kumareshnatarajan8019
    @kumareshnatarajan8019 Před 3 lety +1

    Superb info. Thanks a lot. Thanks once again.

  • @rrdwiki
    @rrdwiki Před rokem +1

    simply perfect. Smashed that like button :)

  • @image30p
    @image30p Před 3 lety

    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.

  • @johnhedgerguitarstudio3436

    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!

  • @clyderichardson6475
    @clyderichardson6475 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks again for your educational videos!

  • @vze2gsgr
    @vze2gsgr Před 2 lety +1

    Love these videos.

  • @nerddroid
    @nerddroid Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @jasneskis
    @jasneskis Před 4 lety +1

    Always interesting and informative.

  • @eli3625
    @eli3625 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you! Your explanation was really helpful!! 😎

  • @patubo
    @patubo Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @keshavleitan7800
    @keshavleitan7800 Před 3 lety +3

    I play piano and I really find your lessons valuable.

  • @joselekiwi5695
    @joselekiwi5695 Před 4 lety +1

    Congratulations this is perfectly explained!

  • @scintube
    @scintube Před 7 měsíci +1

    Excellent explanation thank you much!

  • @DadRockAndGuitars
    @DadRockAndGuitars Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @rockkevinrock
    @rockkevinrock Před 3 lety +1

    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!!!

  • @jaykay1053
    @jaykay1053 Před 2 lety +1

    Instantly Subscribed!

  • @Kyrelel
    @Kyrelel Před 2 lety +1

    As well as the enclosure around A, there is the sequence A - Bb - B - C

  • @davidsonmick
    @davidsonmick Před 3 lety +1

    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
    @justincase2600 Před 4 lety +1

    useful topic and wonderfully explained.

  • @NullStaticVoid
    @NullStaticVoid Před 4 lety +7

    I've been doing this for years and never had a name for it.

  • @pepepadillaensambl3
    @pepepadillaensambl3 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @altacert
    @altacert Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent explanation!

  • @MrMikomi
    @MrMikomi Před 4 lety +1

    Nicely done. Thanks.

  • @sergiocorrea2781
    @sergiocorrea2781 Před 3 lety +1

    Genial está explicación, un saludo desde Colombia!

  • @natarajanrathinam869
    @natarajanrathinam869 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @silverappegio
    @silverappegio Před 4 lety +1

    Amazing...learning ! thank you !

  • @judasxchrist
    @judasxchrist Před rokem +1

    Just great, thank you!

  • @zmpfl5044
    @zmpfl5044 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @longfade
    @longfade Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @aylbdrmadison1051
    @aylbdrmadison1051 Před 4 lety +3

    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
      @FullMetalDMZ Před 4 lety

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

  • @chaza.2891
    @chaza.2891 Před 3 lety +1

    Xsuperbly explained bro!!! Thx!

  • @brianbergmusic5288
    @brianbergmusic5288 Před 2 lety +1

    More options!!! Thanks!

  • @gianlucapice1929
    @gianlucapice1929 Před 3 lety +1

    Very nice and clear!

  • @kasrakhavarinejad1476
    @kasrakhavarinejad1476 Před rokem +1

    Best explanation 👍👌

  • @johnhendricks8140
    @johnhendricks8140 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @dhaneshs131
    @dhaneshs131 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @infinitypiano9170
    @infinitypiano9170 Před 3 lety +1

    Benissimo! Grazie.

  • @fredvacher3998
    @fredvacher3998 Před 3 lety

    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!

  • @TedBoyRomarino
    @TedBoyRomarino Před 4 lety +353

    In the key of A major, I IV V I sounds like a good A D E A 😜😜😜😜😜

  • @rocknrollman9913
    @rocknrollman9913 Před 4 lety +2

    one of the most beautiful examples is bwv 582 the Fugato finale, in which Bach reaches the height of tension with a Neapolitan chord followed by a sudden pause

  • @jeanlucchapelon
    @jeanlucchapelon Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent

  • @plusticksofficial524
    @plusticksofficial524 Před 3 lety +1

    Wow. Wanna try this one.

  • @lokmanmerican6889
    @lokmanmerican6889 Před 4 lety +1

    Nice explanation

  • @JohnnyArtPavlou
    @JohnnyArtPavlou Před 4 lety +3

    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!

  • @paulstaerker8158
    @paulstaerker8158 Před 3 lety +1

    Bravissimo!