Where to start (regarding goa/psy/music theory in general)?

[halluci:nation]

I've just started learning how to compose music, but it seems like I don't know what to research.

I've read one of the goa threads here which sort of pointed me n the right direction.

Bare with me as I may not know what I'm talking about.

In order to create goa/psy/trance, what will I need to know, and where should I learn it?

I've read the wiki articles on modes, such as Aeolian and Phrygian - but I don't know how to use them at all. Like when I want to make tracks I want to make more exotic sounds/end of word/ancient/uplifting. I guess this would be more of the realm of non-western music theory?

This all seems overwhelming to me... could anyone map out things to learn and where to learn them, like books, websites or even videos. It would be much appreciated.


Thanks!

[xoxos]

try one and see

[Exie]

You don't need to learn music modes to compose good music.
To be simple: try to go away from standard minor scale, e.g. when using A minor scale don't be afraid to use sharp notes to get melody to sound "weird", don't be afraid to change multiple scales during single riff. Most of that music is written by this approach and doesn't contain any real connections to ethnic traditions and scales, although after gaining some experience you'll find that some of your approaches were already invented earlier and are known as Aeolians, Phrygians and other academic stuff
Of course you need not to lose the music beyond the weirdness

[halluci:nation]

That's a bit re assuring, but surely I'd need to know some fundamentals?

Would re creating other songs such as be a good place to start and learn what how they structure it and what notes are used?... Actually, I find it very hard to find the notes that are used, I can tell whether it's higher or lower(generally)...but not the exact notes...

[ckatrun411]

If you don't know know anything about music theory, you ought to purchase this:

Music Theory Made Easy by David Harp.......

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Made ... 0918321999

That book, is perhaps the best jumping off point for anybody wanting to start learning theory. After reading that book, you will have enough of an understanding to start reading all music theory books.

Now, music theory is a HUGE subject. You can fill up four years of study at a university with Jazz Theory alone.

Modern music, is a very "cut to the chase" attitude about music theory. Furthermore, Goa and Psy as well as many others electronic genres are very timbre focused... With stripped ideas of harmony.

The David Harp book is excellent. It will give you some fundamentals. There are some other books....


With GOA and PSY, you are focusing a lot on timbre and sound design, with the same elements of Trance arrangement and harmony that have been in play for years now. Sure there are plenty of producers incorporating exotic scales and modes.,

But I am not sure if that is a place to start. Right? Basics first.


For a neat look at Trance arrangement and Harmony, as well as a brief rundown on all dance genres I suggest here:

"Dance music programming secrets" or ( something close to that ) by Roger Brown..

Google it


I think reading those two books, and listening to what other producers are doing, will help you quite a bit.

In dance, the production, mixing, and sound design is quite important. Music theory is a bit important, but you know, your dealing with a really bastardized viewpoint on theory in dance genres.....

1s, flat 3rds, 5ths, 7ths, 9ths, octaves, and arpegios, usually in minor keys....... Also very chromatic lines and such....


Basically gating 4 tones to make a track.....


LOL...
Cheers

[Exie]

That's a bit re assuring, but surely I'd need to know some fundamentals?

To be honest, you will need less fundamentals when composing dancing music than any other. But yes, basic musical training for your ear and some basic study in theory (chords and scales concepts) will help you a lot. Nothing special on this stage. And you won't find any info how to program psy track by track, you'll have to listen to music and figure it by yourself. Getting and analysing prefabricated midi and wav loops will help you a bit.

And with regard to youtube track... all that I've said above about goaish approach should be applied only to goa and some derivative styles. The track you've mentioned is considered to be contemporary melodic psy, also known as "full-on". No weird scales take place there at all, just plain minor scale, just like in mainstream trance.

And yes, as ckatrun411 said, psy is all about timbres. Timbre work will take at least half of your overall time, particularly because there are not so many "psy" sound presets for any kind of synth, and some of timbres are needed to be synthesized by your own anyway, you won't be satisfied with prefabricated presets.

[halluci:nation]

1s, flat 3rds, 5ths, 7ths, 9ths, octaves, and arpegios, usually in minor keys....... Also very chromatic lines and such....

Basically gating 4 tones to make a track.....

Could you explain those briefly?

[ckatrun411]

1s, flat 3rds, 5ths, 7ths, 9ths, octaves, and arpegios, usually in minor keys....... Also very chromatic lines and such....

Basically gating 4 tones to make a track.....

Could you explain those briefly?

It is at the very least, a 2000 word essay you are asking me to write.
sorry....

Start here:

$6.00 +- shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Made ... 0918321999


Cheers

[Caysi]

Hey touch, hows things?

I'd suggest trying to recreate another popular song that you like, if you need help getting sounds, go over to the sound design forum and post a youtube link and tell people what it is you are trying to make, most people will be able to give you a simple answer using the synths you have and may even post you a patch if all the effects are in the synth.

[halluci:nation]

Thanks!

I'll order that book, and start working on recreating a more simple song.

[Meffy]

Hey touch

Probably not the same.