Bthelick’s Groove: Crafting Those Deep, Emotional Chords

Dive into Bthelick’s latest video where he brings soulful, emotional chords to life for his stutter house track. For the groove-obsessed and those seeking to infuse some sonic magic into their beats, this one’s got the juicy tricks and tips to elevate your sound from average to unforgettable. This ain’t your usual tutorial—it’s a trip through chord magic with a pinch of humor and a whole lot of musical insight.

The Journey Begins: Forgotten Tracks and New Beginnings

Bthelick kicks off his video with a casual, honest vibe, admitting he forgot to finish a track. It’s a relatable moment for anyone who’s ever left a beat on the back burner. He’s laid it all out, making this video part of a series documenting how he’s bringing those forgotten vibes back to life. Today, Bthelick’s zeroing in on chords, his favorite subject. He’s setting the stage, not just for any tutorial, but one that dives into emotional chord progressions to add depth to his stutter house track.

Well, the short story is, I forgot to finish it. Whoops!

"Well, the short story is, I forgot to finish it. Whoops!"
© Screenshot/Quote: Bthelick (YouTube)

Unlocking the Secrets of A Minor (and Its Sneaky Outliers)

...non-diatonic chords. That sounds fancy doesn't it?

"...non-diatonic chords. That sounds fancy doesn't it?"
© Screenshot/Quote: Bthelick (YouTube)

Bthelick reveals a little-known trick for those who don’t fancy stumbling through all the black keys: the track is rooted largely in A minor, a simple yet versatile scale. However, it’s not all about playing it safe. He introduces the concept of non-diatonic chords—those wildcards that step outside the traditional scale boundaries. It’s like adding a dash of hot sauce to your grandma’s old recipe. But, as Bthelick reminds us, it’s not about showing off with fancy chords for their own sake. These chords are tools serving the greater goal of capturing the intended emotional journey in his piece.

Crafting Chord Progressions: The Path of Possibilities

Getting into the nitty-gritty, Bthelick’s aim is to create a chord progression that flows like a story, rather than sticking to predictable patterns. He tries out various standards—some too chipper, others flat out dreary. Ultimately, Bthelick pushes boundaries by stepping off the beaten path, introducing a chord progression that bridges traditional and non-traditional choices. This journey uncovers a musical landscape that invites exploration and emotion, steering the chord progressions away from the mundane and into the realm of the magical.

So it's time to ditch the scale, let's go off road.

"So it's time to ditch the scale, let's go off road."
© Screenshot/Quote: Bthelick (YouTube)

Beyond the Scale: The Thrill of Non-Diatonic Explorations

Bthelick jokingly tells viewers it’s time to ‘ditch the scale,’ and venture off-road into the territory of non-diatonic explorations. He elaborates on how to forge ahead using the two trusty types of chords: major and minor. It’s like serving street tacos instead of gourmet dinner—far more satisfying for us groove-seekers. By messing around with chord structures, Bthelick demonstrates how these types can be adapted to fit any mood or moment. He takes a peculiar note, the sharp four, and uses it as a bridge in his composition, opening up a new world of possibilities. And with each new chord choice, the emotional depth of the soundscape expands, breathing life into his track.

Voicing and Extensions: Coloring Outside the Lines

"Incredible, there we go."
© Screenshot/Quote: Bthelick (YouTube)

Bthelick gets into the final strokes of his creative process, focusing on chord voicings and adding extensions. Think of this as the remix phase, where notes get shifted around for smoother sound transitions. He shares how adjusting octaves and adding extra notes like ninths can add breadth to the final sonic image. It’s like turning a flat sketch into a 3D model. As he fine-tunes his chords, he provides savvy tips along the way—using a flat two for extra flavor, reminiscent of a hanging bassline in a Neapolitan chord. By the end of the section, we’re treated to a sound that feels inspired and complete, proving that sometimes the best journeys require a bit of scenic wandering.