Six Hundred and Eighty Six Universal Chords

From the perspective of creation, Maxim's style is still mainly pop rock. Although he also tried a mix of different styles due to the influence of Ronan, pop rock is still his comfortable area. The difference is that in the past In the past half a year, Maxim has also grown, adding some more mature and moving parts to his creation.

From an appreciation point of view, it is more popular.

From a technical point of view, the arrangement is more mature.

In fact, the two sentences say the same thing, but how should we understand it?

The so-called "more popular" does not mean that "it will be put into the market for verification, and the single will be better and more popular", but that when creating the melody, the arrangement and combination of chords can be suitable for market communication, that is to say, at the technical level The arranger gradually merged with the mainstream industry in the music market.

What does this mean?

First of all, it is necessary to go back in time and look back at history. In the 1960s, the Beatles were born and spread across the world. They created countless brilliant records in nearly two decades. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as early as 1988 and wrote A history that cannot be replicated or surpassed.

Behind the popularity of the Beatles, we can initially see the rudiments of music industrialization. Of course, the reason why the band is popular cannot be a simple one or two, and it is difficult to explain the whole ins and outs in a few words, but one of them is very important. , Paul McCartney and John Lennon also personally admitted:

When they were composing chords, they accidentally discovered a rule that human ears have different receptivity to different audio and different chord arrangements.

For example, the high-frequency roar of metal rock is beyond the comfort zone for most people's hearing; for another example, the low-frequency whisper of jazz is unable to feel the comfort of the melody for many people's ears. Just like the sound of a whale, it can only be heard when it reaches a certain frequency.

That is to say, at the physiological level, some melodies are easier to "get in the ear", but some melodies are more "harsh".

Of course, what is mentioned here is a "mainstream" feeling, and everyone's subjective feeling must be different, but for most ordinary listeners, this is the case. Naturally, these "mainstream chords" can also be recognized by the market. More affirmation, excellent mainstream results are inevitable.

The Beatles gradually figured out the rules of these "chords" during the creation process. They summed up more than 20 or 30 kinds of chords, and then completed the creation based on these chords-the result is obvious, and their album sales continue to refresh. History, popular all over the world.

From the 1960s to the 21st century, the secrets of "chords" were gradually discovered. More and more singers began to use these "comfort zone" chords when composing. Gradually, these chords were It is widely used, and has even reached the level of flooding, so it is also called "universal chord".

For example, the "6415" chord is often seen in popular styles; for example, the "4536251" chord is suitable for all styles; for example, the "4321" chord is mostly used in rhythm and blues; for example, "15634145 ” chords—this is also the famous canon chord; for example, the “1645” chord, which is widely used in folk songs; and so on.

These numbers are the musical score.

Take "6415" as an example for a brief description.

"6" can be regarded as a "pull" key on the black and white keys of the piano. Put the right index finger on this key, press the middle finger of the right hand down a key away, and the ring finger of the right hand press down a key apart.

That is to say, the right hand presses three keys at the same time, and the fingers are separated by one key.

Then, the left hand looks for an octave down "La" on the left side of "La". The keys of the left hand can not only grasp the pitch center of gravity, but also increase the level of music.

Finally, the two hands cooperate and press four keys at the same time, so this also has the first complete note, "6".

Next, "4", "1", and "5" all use the same principle, pressing different keys to form the second, third, and fourth notes respectively. When playing, play according to the order. OK:

For example, "6415, 6415"; or, "66441155", as long as the order of "6415" is followed, there is no regulation on how many times each note is repeated, and it is rearranged according to the creator's own inspiration to finally form a complete chord.

There are more than 30 similar "universal chords", and there may be more groups of universal chords waiting for continuous excavation by music creators, not only for pianos, but also for other musical instruments.

Master these universal chords, and then through different arrangements and combinations, and then perform different arrangements in the later stage, it can evolve into thousands of different songs.

For the general public, these works are easier to hear, accept and immerse.

Simply put, that is, "more popular".

It is precisely because of this that contemporary music has entered the "assembly line industry". As long as you master the universal chords and try different combinations in the recording studio, you can continue to produce new works like an assembly line. Achievements in the market.

Of course, everyone can use universal chords, but how to transform them into different patterns and how to give them new vitality is the innate ability of the creator. The same universal chords are mediocre in the hands of some people. , but in the hands of some people it can radiate vitality.

In addition to the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, etc., almost most contemporary pop singers have more or less used universal chords.

The "6415" chord alone finds these compositions:

"Apologize" by Republic, "Fade" by Alan-Walker, "All-Of-Me" by John-Legend, Big World (A-Great-Big-World) and Christian-Aguilera's "Say-Something," Adele's "Hello."

Etc., etc.

The above works are all music created on the basis of "6415" chords, which may be similar but different.

With only one "6415" chord, more than 30 classic pop songs can be connected in series, and even more; Ed Sheeran once demonstrated this skill on a talk show, using one chord to adapt those familiar songs The legendary work - in fact, it also uses the principle of universal chords.

Although the mainstream music market is becoming more and more homogenized due to the proliferation of "universal chords", and the assembly line products continue to screen, Ronan does not reject or dislike "universal chords". What he rejects is without thinking. Universal chords are also frequently used without re-creation.

Just look at Ed Sheeran, who can conjure a flower in his hands with universal chords; the same is true for Taylor Swift, using universal chords is just a medium, but her music is truly moving. The place is still in the emotions carried by the lyrics and move the audience.

In Maxim's latest creation, he has adopted a large number of universal chords, and the arrangement is more mature and complete, which is a small progress.