Theory & Arrangement Breakdown | Zedd - Spectrum

“So it’s one idea - displayed multiple times, multiple ways”

Back due to popular demand, Pyramind’s Chief Academic Officer Matt Donner gives us another music theory breakdown. This time, he runs us through the songwriting & arranging techniques used in Zedd’s 2012 hit, “Spectrum”.

Before digging in, he wants you to keep this concept in mind - complexity equals simplicity. This concept was also the main theme in a video Matt did on Disclosure’s hit, “Latch”, which you can watch here:

In Spectrum, Zedd repeats a 10 chord progression - a relatively simple arrangement - with a surprise minor to major chord switch. This is where “complexity” comes in. Complex chord changes can really make a simple arrangement pop.

Matt dissects the chords, voicing, as well as the vocal melody. We have included helpful visuals of the progression and chord names so that you can build these chords yourself. This is a must watch for Zedd fans, and any music producer struggling with theory and arrangement techniques.

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