Music Theory for Electronic Musicians, Part 1: Chords (Udemy.com)
Electronic music theory, digital music theory, and dance music theory. Learn music theory with ableton live and more!
Created by: J. Anthony Allen
Last updated May 2026
What you will learn
- By the end of this course, you will have improved your tracks by understanding how to build chords and melodies that work together.
- Understand and apply minor chords
- Use the circle of fifths to generate new ideas for your own tracks
- Work within minor keys to write compelling melodies and basslines
- The Piano Roll editor
- Octaves
- Using Octaves in Bass Lines
- The Black Keys (not the band!)
- Finding C and Middle C
- The Perfect 5th
- Finding Fifths
- Being "in key"
- The pattern of a key
- Moveable Patterns
- The major and minor third
- Building triads
- Chord progressions
- What is diatonic?
- Finding all the chords in a key
- Using roman numerals
- Inversions
How it compares
Against the other 270 rated Udemy courses in Music on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.6 out of 5higher than 40% of them
- Reviews1,272#38 of 271 by number of reviews
- Length3.6 hourslonger than 51% of them
- Last updatedMay 2026more recently than 82% of them
Course Description
** UDEMY BESTSELLER **
This course is "5-Star Certified" by the International Association of Online Music Educators and Institutions (IAOMEI). This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.
100% Answer Rate! Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.
Welcome to the MUSIC THEORY FOR ELECTRONIC MUSIC Guide - Part 1!
In this class, we learn how to work with the piano roll editor in a DAW to make harmonies, melodies, and whole tracks, and then we expand on those ideas and work with harmonic patterns (harmony) that is richer than just major and minor.
Production Techniques Through Theory
The most important part of this class is an extensive foray into using these techniques in actual tracks. I'll be creating 9 tracks through this class, right along with you, each using a different technique so you can see exactly how I incorporate it right into my music.
Full Sessions
After each production project, I'll give you the whole session of what I made using the techniques for you to play with. You can download it, expand on it, re-work it, and even release it as your work.
If Your Music is Missing Something, This is Probably It.
If you are finding that you are writing track after track, and while they sound good, there is something they are missing - then this it. You are missing the sense of harmony that professional producers have. In this class, I'll arm you with all the tools you need to produce those tracks just like you imagine them.
Who should take this course?
Anyone interested in producing their own music. This will get you up and running and give your tracks a unique sound in no time.
Structure
This course consists of video lectures, which all contain a session in Ableton Live 9. If you are using a different program (or none at all), no worries! This isn't a class on how to use Ableton Live, and the concepts can be applied to any DAW.
Topics include:
Using the Piano Roll Editor
Octaves
Finding C and Middle C
The Perfect 5th
What it means to be "in key"
Moveable Patterns
Major and Minor Intervals
Building Triads
Chord Progressions
7th Chords
... And much more!!!
The course is a roadmap to finding the missing piece in your tracks, or just getting started making great tracks.
All the tools you need to make, produce, and start your music career are included in this course, and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.
Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start making great tracks today.
** I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music theory course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee) **
Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.
Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:
⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah
⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce
⇢ "Excellent explanations! No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth
⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You!" - Jeffrey Koury
⇢ "I am learning LOTS! And I really like having the worksheets!" - A. Deichsel
⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips!" - J. Pook
⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class!" M. Smith
Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts to all future classes in the series.
Instructor Details
- 4.6 Rating
1,272 Reviews
J. Anthony Allen
Dr. Allen is a 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator.
Dr. J. Anthony Allen is a distinguished composer, producer, educator, and innovator whose multifaceted career spans various musical disciplines. Born in Michigan and based in Minneapolis, Dr. Allen has composed orchestral works, produced acclaimed dance music, and, through his entrepreneurship projects, he has educated over a million students worldwide in music theory and electronic music production.
Dr. Allen's musical influence is global, with compositions performed across Europe, North America, and Asia. His versatility is evident in works ranging from Minnesota Orchestra performances to Netflix soundtracks. Beyond creation, Dr. Allen is committed to revolutionizing music education for the 21st century. In 2011, he founded Slam Academy, an electronic music school aimed at increasing accessibility to music production education. His innovative approach to academia was highlighted in 2024 when he received tenure and resigned from his university position on the same day.
As a composer, Dr. Allen is known for his unique synthesis of diverse musical influences, often blending acoustic music with electronic dance music elements. With a Ph.D. in Music Composition, multiple master's degrees, and numerous awards, Dr. Allen's academic and professional achievements are substantial.
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Reviews
By T C on 2/8/2026
Thank you Dr. Allen! I purchased 2 EDM courses from other music producers, and watched a lot of youtube videos. They are famous on youtube AND until now I realized they weren't teaching Chords and Chords Progression. That is not called an "education." This course by you means a lot to me. Like I got "IT". I understood! The demostration of its definition, really helped. Thank you again.
By Julian Beckles on 10/9/2020
I have completed previous courses taught by Jason Allen and I have had nothing less than an amazing experience. I expect this to be no different.
By Kevin A. Joseph on 8/26/2020
It's ok, I already know most of the things that the course talked about. I took the course because I was curious.
By Adrian Toledo on 8/20/2020
Yes I did not know anything of creating music when I got here and now I know how the piano works. Now I know how the melody of a song and the chords are made and when I know when I have the right key.
By Steven on 8/10/2020
Ive already learned more watching two videos than I have the last two years !
By David Kavalow-Huie on 7/13/2020
Struggled a little with his other music theory classthis is more my speed.
By Carl Topham on 6/22/2020
Great course. I learnt so much on this course. Great explanations with easy to follow demos
By Amrit Rosell on 6/16/2020
Easy to understand and I love the pace of it. :-)
By Ute John on 6/11/2020
Teaches very simple chord progressions with little emphasis on how to use Ableton - not very technically helpful. Additionally, it seems too simple, ignoring such things as 7th chords. Unfortunately, too, there were a few inconsistencies with his use in Ableton. The course seemed to me more advanced by description, not a basic music class as I had it in 5th and 6th grade.
By Jacqui Bourke on 5/26/2020
Great course with clear and knowledgeable content that's well presented. Really enjoyed it.
By Niko La Pierre on 4/27/2020
It was a great course, I can't wait to start the second, and then the third!
By Luiz Fernando Pinatti Alves on 4/12/2020
Porque o curso apresenta uma outra tica sobre o assunto.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 92 / 100










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