Hey music makers!
Last week kicked my butt. Between launching a new Harmony GPS module, getting a YouTube video out the door, and migrating this entire newsletter to a new platform...but I’m satisfied because sometimes the chaos leads to better systems.
And speaking of better systems.
I made the switch to Beehiiv for this newsletter, and honestly it’s a game changer. Their tools let me focus on what matters (teaching you harmony) instead of fighting with clunky tech.
If you’ve been considering starting your own newsletter (to share your music, lessons, or side hustle), Beehiiv is where I'd start.
REAL SONGS. REAL PROGRESSIONS
💿 "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
Key: Eb major
Progression: Eb - Gm - Ab - Bb (I - iii - IV - V)
The Magic: Listen to how the phrase "Let’s get it" begins on the weak beats, building energy and the word “On” lands powerfully on the one when the new chord progression cycle begins.
This technique can also be heard on “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry, “Yesterday” by Paul McCartney, and “A Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James.
🧠 TERM OF THE WEEK
Back Heavy Phrases
What it is: A melodic phrase where the musical activity starts before the harmonic phrase begins, creating an "out-of-sync" relationship between melody and harmony.
Think of it like a pitcher's windup—the melody builds anticipation and energy before the harmonic "pitch" arrives. This gives listeners two distinct moments of interest: the melodic moment and the harmonic moment.
Back-heavy phrases highlight that melody, not harmony, is the primary attention-getter. The melody attracts listeners because it moves independently, creating rhythmic freedom that keeps them engaged.
Why This Works So Well
Energy and Forward Motion: When a melody starts before the downbeat, it creates significant forward momentum. The phrase feels like it's pulling the song ahead rather than just following along.
Section Contrast: If your verse uses "front-heavy" phrases (melody aligned with chord changes) and your chorus opens with a back-heavy phrase, the contrast is incredibly effective for marking important moments.
🎯 CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK
Your Mission: Write a short 4-bar melody where your hook starts before beat one.
Template to try: Using the "Let's Get It On" progression (I - iii - IV - V):
Start your melody on beat 4 of the measure before your chord progression begins
Let it flow across the barline into beat 1
Play it back and notice how it changes the energy compared to starting on the downbeat
Document your discovery: How does the anticipation change the feeling? Does it make you want to lean forward into the song?
CREATOR’S TOOLKIT
🎧 Tuesday Tunes
I stumbled on this song by Ben Jones and I’m really glad that I did. It’s a total vibe. (YouTube)
⏪ In Case You Missed It…
Root Motion Part 1: (Music Maker's Journal)
Root Motion Part 2: (Music Maker's Journal)
Root Motion Part 3: (Music Maker's Journal)
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