MUSIC THEORY TUTORIAL
MUSIC THEORY
TUTORIAL
🎹 Music Theory Tutorial For Beginners
Master the soul of music - melody - with our easy-to-follow, fun, and practical Music Theory Tutorial For Beginners. If you've ever felt like music theory was too complex, this is the course that will finally make it click. Over 3+ hours of step-by-step video lessons (22 in total) are packed with only the most essential information. No waffle, just real, actionable insights to help you learn music theory and confidently create melodies and chord progressions in your DAW.
🎥 Watch the course overview to see exactly how this beginner-friendly journey unfolds.
22 Lessons - 3 hours - Any Genre, Any DAW
🎓 Why Learn From Born To Produce?
For over 15 years, we’ve helped thousands of students become better producers with our practical, no-fluff teaching style. This music theory tutorial is the result of months of thoughtful planning to ensure maximum value and clarity.
✅ Rated 4.7/5 from 46 reviews
✅ Immediate support when you need help
✅ Structured for complete beginners
We break down complex music theory concepts into easy-to-follow steps so you can start applying them in your own tracks - fast. Simple. Powerful. Fun.
What Will You Get Out of It?
1. Solid Foundations to Grow From
Whether you’re new to production or have completed one of our beginner courses, this music theory for beginners tutorial gives you all the core tools to elevate your sound with better melodies and richer chord progressions.
2. Music Theory Made for EDM Producers
You’ll learn how to write chord progressions, build melodies, and understand how notes interact - all without needing to know how to play an instrument. We teach concepts like 7th chords, borrowed chords, and tension & release in a way that’s fun and easy to understand.
3. Endless Creative Inspiration
We don’t just teach theory—we show you how to use it to get inspired and unlock new musical ideas. Learn how to transform simple progressions into exciting hooks and layered arrangements.
4. Real Musical Satisfaction
There’s nothing more motivating than making music that actually sounds great. This course gives you the tools to build songs you’re proud of, starting with one killer melody at a time.
Check out these free lessons from the course...
Course Structure
Course Structure
🎹 Module 1 – Music Theory Kick-Off: Find Your Notes (Vids 1–3)
We start from absolute zero - but in the most musical way possible. You'll get hands-on with the keyboard layout (no keyboard required), learn how to center yourself in any DAW, and uncover the magic of choosing your first scale. This scale is your creative playground - your go-to map for making music that sounds awesome from the very first note.
🔥 Module 2 – Build Your First Chord Progression (Vids 4–5)
Time to take your first real step into songwriting. You'll learn the no-fail rule for making any triad chord (yep, it’s that easy!) and then piece them together into your very first chord progression. We’ll show you how to resolve those chords for maximum emotional payoff.
🎼 Module 3 – Add Some Spice! (Vids 6–9)
Let’s turn your chord progression into something unforgettable. Add richness with 7th and 9th chords, spice things up with borrowed chords, and stack tones like a pro. These tools make your music stand out - and we make it feel like second nature.
🎯 Module 4 – Hook Time! Write a Killer Melody (Vids 10–13)
Now comes the fun part—writing your lead melody. Learn the secrets behind melodies that stick in your head: rhythmic tricks, stable vs. unstable notes, and the all-important tension & release. You’ll walk away from this module with hooks that hit hard.
🎵 Module 5 – Real Music in Real Time (Vids 14–15)
Watch as we bring it all together! Follow along as we create two completely different melodies—from scale to full hook—one in House and one in Future Bass. This is where theory becomes real music, and you’ll see just how much you've already learned.
🧠 Module 6 – Bonus Magic: Unlock Hidden Musical Powers (Vids 16–22)
In this final module, we explore pro-level tricks that sound complex - but we make them easy. We’ll show you apps and tools that make theory feel effortless, teach you how to weave in counter melodies, and give you the lowdown on diatonic vs. non-diatonic notes so your music hits even harder. It’s like discovering cheat codes for songwriting.
🎶 By the end of this music theory tutorial, you’ll be thinking and sounding like a real music producer 🎶
🚀ONWARDS!
We hope the free lessons lit the spark. If you’re ready to learn music theory in a way that sticks, grab the full course and unlock all 22 video lessons—over 3 hours of engaging, beginner-friendly content.
You’ll be learning music theory in the most natural, fun, and practical way possible—while supporting creators who care about your progress.
- Instant Download
- Any DAW compatible
- Email support (less than 24 hour response time)
YOUR TUTOR
Jon Merritt (producer, tutor & founder of Born To Produce) has been making tunes for over 20 years and has been teaching for the last 10 of them. In his career, he has come to grips with many genres of modern music from Hard House to Downtempo.
His skill in music production has been crafted over many years of self taught experimentation and learning from other producers at the top of their game. He has tried almost every angle on most production techniques, so when he teaches you something you know it has been tried and tested, and refined. He is always willing to learn new skills / software that further the goal of music production.
Get in contact any time to give feedback, ask for help, or just say hello. Use the contact form HERE
❓Music Theory for Beginners – FAQ
How do I start learning music theory as a complete beginner?
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the basics: notes, scales, and chords. Utilize foundational lessons found on borntoproduce.com. Complement this with practical application by experimenting with melodies and chord progressions in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This hands-on approach reinforces theoretical concepts and accelerates learning.
Do I need to read sheet music to learn music theory?
Not necessarily. While reading sheet music can deepen your understanding, many producers and musicians learn theory through patterns, ear training, and DAW interfaces. Focus on grasping intervals, chord structures, and scales, which are fundamental to composing and producing music, even without traditional notation.
How long does it take to learn music theory?
The timeline varies based on individual goals and dedication. With consistent practice, you can grasp basic concepts within a few weeks. Achieving proficiency for composition or production might take several months. Remember, the key is consistent, focused practice rather than speed.
Is music theory necessary for producers?
While not mandatory, understanding music theory can significantly enhance your production skills. It provides a framework for creating harmonically rich and emotionally resonant tracks, streamlining the creative process and improving communication with collaborators.
What's the best way to learn music theory for beginners?
Combine theoretical study with practical application. Use online platforms like musictheory.net for lessons, and apply these concepts in your DAW. Engaging with interactive tools and composing simple pieces can reinforce learning and make the process enjoyable.
Can I learn music theory without an instrument?
Absolutely. Many producers learn theory using virtual instruments and DAWs. Tools like MIDI keyboards and notation software allow you to experiment with musical concepts digitally, making it accessible even without a physical instrument.
What are the first concepts I should learn in music theory?
Start with understanding the musical alphabet (A-G), intervals, scales (major and minor), and basic chord structures (triads). These elements are the building blocks of music and will serve as a foundation for more advanced topics.
How can I practice music theory daily?
Dedicate time each day to both study and application. For example, learn a new scale and then create a simple melody using it in your DAW. Regularly challenge yourself with exercises like identifying intervals by ear or composing short chord progressions.
MOST POPULAR MUSIC PRODUCTION TUTORIALS & TOOLS