Playing In Key - What Does It REALLY Mean?

4:05 Him: Where does it wanna go? Me: Where? Where?!! Him: Back home. For some reason that moment felt very suspenseful lol

wow, finally someone explains it in a way that makes sense to me! Thank you for the time you put into this video!

I’ve been playing guitar for four years, never understood what this meant. You just explained it in a way I could understand for the first time and I feel like I just had a major breakthrough!!!! Thank you!!!!

I actually had a huge grin bopping my head trying to guess who's walking away and who's going home..great job

This was extremely helpful! I love how you linked the function or feel of the different chord positions in the key to stages of the story (e.g. starting at home at the 1, falling into contrast at the 6 as things go wrong, getting hope for resolution back at the 2, then working toward returning home at the 5 and finally making it there at the 1). That idea of the key sequence of chords as mapping out a plot progression is brilliant and a great tool for understanding and writing song structure. Thanks so much! Subscribed!

Nothing ridiculous about playing country; I love it, and I'm happy every time I see someone using it when teaching. Very good lesson, and I really enjoyed it!

I have a basic understanding of theory and what it means to play in key, well, at least I thought I did. The way you explained the 1-6-5-2 theory made so much sense on how it goes bad/away, then comes back, brilliant! I just recently came across your lessons and love how you explain theory in most of your lessons. I'll definitely be signing up for the full course.

I've heard this explained many different ways from multiple college courses. This is the best version I've ever heard. The way it's worded make the difference. Really nice!

THAT. Was excellent. Each chord is one of the kids. 4 can live by himself just fine. 5 isn't so confident away from home. Six is the wayward son....a little troubled. Wants to come home but isn't ready. Six visits two for support. Two takes six home to make up with dad.

Honestly, your analogy is right on the money. Keep up the good work

I have been struggling with this key thing for awhile. I write a shit ton of songs and never used keys. They sound good I don't know why. You just explained the whole business to me in just under 9 minutes. Thank You, and keep on rocking!

I've been struggling for a long time trying to understand keys. For some reason it simply would not stick even after dozens of videos and multiple people teaching me. I have a lot of issues with people getting very technical like they are speaking a different language, it becomes very mundane, boring, and void of soul. But this lesson was 10/10. Will never forget what I've learned here.

What a great video. Couldn't stop smiling through the whole thing and learnt a tonne. Thank you

Thank you so much :-)! It is becoming clear and clearer now. It’s not rocket science although it can escalate but this helps me understand what I’ve been playing by ear all these years. I watch people and I learn what you’re doing and I recognized the sounds and I’m able to play within the box and think outside the box but I just really didn’t understand the language. Thank you.

This video was the key to unlocking a new understanding of music for me... seriously though thank you so much!!! I was so confused about what a key was for so long.

This guy is the best on YouTube makes it so easy

I'm a smart guy and I've watched 50 videos on music theory and it still all sounds like someone was high when they came up with music theory. I keep hearing 'this is what you do' but why? "Because this is the way you do it"..... why? I know that sounds like a five year old but I feel like music theory is an attempt to put sound into a box. Seems limiting. But, I'm a newbie so I'm sure I sound stupid. Nice video though, hopefully someday I get it. lol

This is most helpful explanation of keys I’ve ever heard. It makes so much sense when you explain it this way!

What an excellent tutorial, I had a big grin on my face every time he said "where's it want to go? It wants to go home" in time with the music. Good stuff.

what a great video, love how you personified the chords