You Only Need 2 Chords to be a Film Composer

Title: How to Establish Mood with Two Chords in Music Composition

Step 1: Understand the Power of Two Chords

• In music composition, you can evoke a wide range of emotions using just two chords.
• For example, in the first 30 seconds of the theme from "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," the chords used are one major and three minor, which are only a single half step apart.
• This slight difference can transform a happy major chord into something more complex and emotional.

Step 2: Experiment with Chord Combinations

• Rather than following strict rules, focus on exploring different chord combinations to establish a mood that resonates with you.
• Consider the emotional impact of each chord pairing and how it fits the narrative or feeling you want to convey in your music.

Step 3: Try Different Pairings for Different Moods

• Experiment with chord pairings like one major to three minor for a bittersweet feeling or one major to two major for a bright and uplifting mood.
• Explore how different chord combinations can evoke specific emotions or settings, such as using one minor to four major for a fantasy adventure theme.

Step 4: Pay Attention to Musical Context

• Understand that the effectiveness of chord pairings goes beyond the chords themselves and includes factors like harmony, tempo, rhythm, and instrument choices.
• Analyze how these elements work together to create a cohesive and emotional musical experience.

Step 5: Develop Your Musical Vocabulary

• As you explore different chord combinations and musical contexts, you will begin to develop your own musical vocabulary.
• Pay attention to what resonates with you personally and use that knowledge to enhance your music composition skills.

Step 6: Utilize Music Theory as a Tool

• Music theory should not be seen as a set of rigid rules but as a tool to help you understand and identify musical elements.
• Use music theory to analyze and recreate musical techniques you encounter in your own compositions.

Step 7: Keep Track of Your Learnings

• Consider using a notion template or a similar tool to keep track of chord pairings, musical ideas, and inspirations.
• This will help you organize your thoughts and ideas, making it easier to incorporate them into your music compositions.

By following these steps and experimenting with different chord pairings, contexts, and emotions, you can enhance your skills as a music composer and effectively convey the mood and message you want through your music compositions.