Lessons by topic
Song and Music Analysis
Taking famous songs apart to see why the chords and rhythms work, then using those tricks yourself.
10 lessons
Stairway To Heaven's Mysterious Measures - The Bridge Rhythm Explained
The bridge section in Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin is maybe the most mis-played section in classic rock history. This lesson breaks down the unusual time signature and rhythmic structure that makes this section so tricky.
Creating The Impossible Rhythm Illusion From "The Odyssey"
How to recreate the "Risset Rhythm" in the Odyssey, which sounds like it speeds up forever.
Analyzing Perfect Chords from "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
Explore the beautiful chord progression of Bruno Mars' emotional ballad. Learn about the use of major 7ths, suspended chords, and how the harmony supports the lyrical content.
Analyzing the Chords from George Harrison's "Something"
A chord-by-chord walkthrough of George Harrison's "Something," demonstrating a classy way to get from the tonic to the minor vi chord, with secondary dominants, line clichés, and a surprise modulation to A major along the way.
Analyzing Perfect Chords from "We Are the Champions" by Queen
Discover what makes this Queen anthem so powerful and triumphant. Learn about the dramatic chord changes, modulations, and why this song feels like a victory lap.
Reverse Engineering Dream Theater: Metropolis Pt 1 Analysis
A deep analysis of the opening section of Dream Theater's "Metropolis Pt 1," breaking down the polymeter, suspended chord harmony, and time signature tricks, then using those ideas to build our own prog rock riff.
Analyzing the Chords of John Lennon's "Imagine"
A deep dive into the chord progression of John Lennon's iconic song "Imagine." Learn about the creative use of borrowed chords, inversions, and how simplicity creates impact.
Analyzing Metallica's Orion: Cliff Burton's Genius Riff
A short breakdown of the genius riff from Metallica's instrumental "Orion," exploring Cliff Burton's use of harmonic minor, tresillo rhythm, and multi-tracked bass.
Master of Puppets Interlude Explained: Music Theory Breakdown
Breaking down the iconic interlude from Master of Puppets, then using those strategies to write original music.
Analyzing "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
A deep dive into the chord progression of Louis Armstrong's classic, exploring secondary dominants, borrowed chords, augmented triads, and more.