Music Theory for Computer Musicians: Second Edition

Whether you are a beginner to music production or a seasoned professional looking to brush up on your music theory knowledge, this book is for you.

Many electronic music producers, DJs, or gigging musicians know their tools, yet they struggle with the language of music itself. The second edition of the world-renowned Music Theory for Computer Musicians is the definitive guide to learning the language of music.

This book translates music theory into your music production workflow by making it simple, accessible, and relevant. Whether you use Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or any other DAW, author Dr Michael Hewitt connects core concepts directly to the piano roll through screenshots and practical exercises.

Key topics include:

• Production basics: Build your fundamental understanding of sound, noise, and tone.
• MIDI sequencing: Learn how to use the MIDI environment, with topics such as editing, quantisation, velocity, and automation.
• Rhythmic design: Discover the origins of common drum sounds, and harness the power of metre to program complex, fascinating percussion.
• The language of melody: Construct better melodies using your new knowledge of pitch classes, scales, clefs, and intervals.
• Harmonic structure: Create memorable music using advanced chord structures, modulation, and the Circle of Fifths.
• Melodic depth: Go beyond the basics with the seven diatonic modes, pentatonic leads, complex harmony, arpeggiation, and microtuning.

From the very first chapter, this accessible, yet comprehensive book will help you unlock the secrets of better music production!