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Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers: The producer's guide to harmony, chord progressions, and song structure in the MIDI grid.
The producer's guide to harmony, chord progressions, and song structure in the MIDI grid.
As an online class, Dr. Allen has had over 50,000 students use this ground-breaking curriculum to learn music theory. Students and Producers who have wanted to learn music theory to improve their own music, but have been intimidated by traditional approaches, music notation, and abstract concepts will find this book to be the answer they have been looking for.
From the Author:
“How music theory is usually taught is unfair. It starts with the assumption that you can read music and understand the language of classical music. My book leaves all of that behind – focusing only on the MIDI grid that producers are already familiar with to learn all the key concepts of music theory, and ultimately, make better music.”
This book covers all the fundamentals of music theory, but is written using the language of the DJ and Producer – the MIDI Grid. It includes “analysis” projects that look at the harmonic and melodic ideas in songs by popular producers including Zedd, Boards of Canada, Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Bonobo, Richie Hawtin, Moby, Skrillex, and Aphex Twin.
Praise for Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers:
“Aspiring electronic musicians have choices to make when it concerns their own education and training. This text makes one choice much easier: start here and get learning, quickly. Grounded and easygoing, the book uses real-world examples to help you make sense of music’s inner worksings while steering clear of dense theories.”
– Michael J. Ethen, PhD
Musicologist
“This book knocks the oftentimes alienating world of music theory completely onto it’s side. Difficult to explain concepts are perfectly demonstrated for the aspiring electronic music producer who might have no formal music training. A must have for all aspiring producers.”
– James Patrick (DJ, Producer, Educator)
Slam Academy, Dubspot, IPR, Ableton Certified Trainer
“With Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers, Dr. Allen has produced a remarkable resource: an extensive tour of musical theory that leverages some of our favorite modern tools – the virtual studio and it’s piano roll note display. By introducing us to the “why” as well as the “what” of music theory, this book helps us to understand what makes music tick and how to improve our own work. In addition to offering a sound theoretical foundation, the deep dives into analyzing tracks by Skrillex, Aphex Twin, and Deadmau5 keeps our attention focused on real-world production. MTEMP will definitely go on the top of my recommendation list for anyone that needs a fresh view of musical concepts.”
– Darwin Grosse
Director of Education, Cycling ’74
As an online class, Dr. Allen has had over 50,000 students use this ground-breaking curriculum to learn music theory. Students and Producers who have wanted to learn music theory to improve their own music, but have been intimidated by traditional approaches, music notation, and abstract concepts will find this book to be the answer they have been looking for.
From the Author:
“How music theory is usually taught is unfair. It starts with the assumption that you can read music and understand the language of classical music. My book leaves all of that behind – focusing only on the MIDI grid that producers are already familiar with to learn all the key concepts of music theory, and ultimately, make better music.”
This book covers all the fundamentals of music theory, but is written using the language of the DJ and Producer – the MIDI Grid. It includes “analysis” projects that look at the harmonic and melodic ideas in songs by popular producers including Zedd, Boards of Canada, Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Bonobo, Richie Hawtin, Moby, Skrillex, and Aphex Twin.
Praise for Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers:
“Aspiring electronic musicians have choices to make when it concerns their own education and training. This text makes one choice much easier: start here and get learning, quickly. Grounded and easygoing, the book uses real-world examples to help you make sense of music’s inner worksings while steering clear of dense theories.”
– Michael J. Ethen, PhD
Musicologist
“This book knocks the oftentimes alienating world of music theory completely onto it’s side. Difficult to explain concepts are perfectly demonstrated for the aspiring electronic music producer who might have no formal music training. A must have for all aspiring producers.”
– James Patrick (DJ, Producer, Educator)
Slam Academy, Dubspot, IPR, Ableton Certified Trainer
“With Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers, Dr. Allen has produced a remarkable resource: an extensive tour of musical theory that leverages some of our favorite modern tools – the virtual studio and it’s piano roll note display. By introducing us to the “why” as well as the “what” of music theory, this book helps us to understand what makes music tick and how to improve our own work. In addition to offering a sound theoretical foundation, the deep dives into analyzing tracks by Skrillex, Aphex Twin, and Deadmau5 keeps our attention focused on real-world production. MTEMP will definitely go on the top of my recommendation list for anyone that needs a fresh view of musical concepts.”
– Darwin Grosse
Director of Education, Cycling ’74
- GenresMusicNonfiction
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2018
568 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 6, 2023
very simple and engaging writing that really makes music theory easy to understand
definitely going over this many more times
definitely going over this many more times
March 7, 2021
A great introduction to music theory is given in the modern setting of music production. Especially helpful given the examples of modern electronic songs for fundamental concepts of harmony. Also, I like how the author enforces the reader to experiment, concluding the book by mentioning chromaticisms. A recommended read for all those who want to learn this wonderful topic, and are already familiar with a piano roll.
March 11, 2024
This book is exactly what I have been looking for for a very, very long time! Aside from a few very minor typos in the Kindle edition, the author TRULY knows what he is talking about. How do I know this? Because he was able to explain in the simplest possible terms that even I could understand (lol). I’m not kidding when I say that I have been trying to learn the basics of music theory contained in this book for a very long time. It wasn’t until reading through this work that I was able to gain a practical understanding. (Things like Chords, Scales, Keys, Chord Progressions, etc…the basics) EXTREMELY grateful for this book and most highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn the basics of music theory. J. Anthony Allen does a phenomenal job of making concepts that had previously seemed unattainable to me quite manageable. I am tremendously grateful for this little book and can’t recommend it enough for anyone interested in a book on Music Theory 101. Many thanks to the author!
July 9, 2025
Bellissimo libro.
Spiega molto con estrema competenza.
Ogni concetto è presentato attraverso un esempio di tavola MIDI che aiuta a visualizzare le note nel loro insieme.
Propone degli studi di alcuni bravi famosissimi per identificare le note di basso, la chiave ed infine gli accordi.
Il tutto si conclude rimarcando un concetto esposto all’inizio del libro: tra teoria è orecchio a vincere è sempre l’orecchio; se qualcosa suona bene è giusto sperimentare potrebbe essere il contributo originale ed innovativo adatto ai tempi.
Spiega molto con estrema competenza.
Ogni concetto è presentato attraverso un esempio di tavola MIDI che aiuta a visualizzare le note nel loro insieme.
Propone degli studi di alcuni bravi famosissimi per identificare le note di basso, la chiave ed infine gli accordi.
Il tutto si conclude rimarcando un concetto esposto all’inizio del libro: tra teoria è orecchio a vincere è sempre l’orecchio; se qualcosa suona bene è giusto sperimentare potrebbe essere il contributo originale ed innovativo adatto ai tempi.
April 26, 2018
Great Theory, Your Ear Always Wins
This book is easy to follow and understand with examples easy enough to follow in any piano roll. This book covers the basics in a structured and methodical series allowing the reader to build on material covered in previous chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone new to music theory or anyone who wants a refresher on the core concepts of theory. Well worth the read.
This book is easy to follow and understand with examples easy enough to follow in any piano roll. This book covers the basics in a structured and methodical series allowing the reader to build on material covered in previous chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone new to music theory or anyone who wants a refresher on the core concepts of theory. Well worth the read.
May 16, 2021
Theory of tunes
A likeable style and structure. Reinforced some of my knowledge. Explained scales and modes so I now have a clue about modes. Not sure I can make use of modes with confidence yet. A re-read of some later sections hopefully will bring further light bulb moments.
All told an accessible book on how to apply theory to your music. Best takeaway: if it sounds good don’t worry wether it’s explained by theory.
A likeable style and structure. Reinforced some of my knowledge. Explained scales and modes so I now have a clue about modes. Not sure I can make use of modes with confidence yet. A re-read of some later sections hopefully will bring further light bulb moments.
All told an accessible book on how to apply theory to your music. Best takeaway: if it sounds good don’t worry wether it’s explained by theory.
September 13, 2020
A good book for someone with no prior music knowledge. Good explanations covering guitars and pianos. The main program referenced is Ambleton. But the content information is transferable to other music programs. The theory is good, and there is a little history. For people with no prior music knowledge who want to compose digital music, then it is well worth the read.
January 20, 2024
I found the content of this book to be very accessible and useable. I could read a chapter and then immediately apply it to my music production. I’m giving 5 stars for content but also want to implore the author to get a better editor. There are many typos, etc. Anyway, great, short, easy, impactful book for music producers. I’ll be keeping it handy as I work through songs.
July 29, 2025
This book answered questions that I’ve had for decades. It really simply lays out music theory and encourages the artist to start creating. Very happy I picked this one up, it got me making music again after a very long hiatus.
October 22, 2022
Great way of introduction to music theory for complete beginners who just downloaded their first DAW without any previous education
December 15, 2022
One of the best books! It was just perfect. It started small and helped at each step and went to bigger things. If you are beginning, this is the right book.
October 19, 2024
great for music theory
Simply explains music theory concepts but this wasn’t as specific to electronic music as I would like. More examples with specific genres would be better.
Simply explains music theory concepts but this wasn’t as specific to electronic music as I would like. More examples with specific genres would be better.
Read
February 23, 2025Learning to play a keyboard will be more effective but you do you.
April 26, 2025
Simple to follow and really helpful.
November 26, 2020
I have a better understanding of music theory but I still have gaps in my knowledge. The book is quite detailed, you will obviously benefit from it.
There are many practical exercises and song analyses. I was happy to see Board of Canada and Aphex Twin analyses.
However, I personally did not practice the exercises, some of the exercise are just too hard to follow from a book.
There are many practical exercises and song analyses. I was happy to see Board of Canada and Aphex Twin analyses.
However, I personally did not practice the exercises, some of the exercise are just too hard to follow from a book.
December 29, 2019
Buen libro
Es un repaso a la teoría básica que se necesita para empezar a crear musica. Hay ejemplos de como analizar las canciones y esa pienso yo es la !será correcta de empezar un proyecto.
Es un repaso a la teoría básica que se necesita para empezar a crear musica. Hay ejemplos de como analizar las canciones y esa pienso yo es la !será correcta de empezar un proyecto.
August 6, 2020
This is simply one of the best books on music theory using the piano roll. Get this book together with the DANCE MUSIC MANUAL (latest) and you're ready to make your music production interesting and ear catching. What are you waiting for?! 🏃♂️☁️☁️☁️☁️ 😎🎯🔥
October 22, 2023
unexpected gem
I was expecting a fairly dry set of rules and tips, and instead found a book that actually helped me to understand music theory better than any teacher I’ve yet had. Great use of examples to drive home the concepts.
I was expecting a fairly dry set of rules and tips, and instead found a book that actually helped me to understand music theory better than any teacher I’ve yet had. Great use of examples to drive home the concepts.
August 4, 2020
me gustó!! definitivamente tengo planeado volver a leerlo todo para ver que mas le aprendo. excelente como aporte para el curso de teoria musical que estoy tomando en AXSS. recomendado.
October 14, 2020
Great!
Really enlightening and clear explanation of key musical principles, with some very helpful analysis of a diversity of electronic music.
Really enlightening and clear explanation of key musical principles, with some very helpful analysis of a diversity of electronic music.
September 30, 2025
doesn't explain the concepts properly. bro assumes we already know what he's talking about, it's basically revision lol
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews