Music Theory with the Ableton Push

Name: Music Theory with the Ableton Push
Rating: 4.2 (165 reviews)

Applying the concepts of music theory with the Ableton Push as our instrument.

Created byJ. Anthony Allen

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Learn the layout of the push in "in key" mode.
Learn the layout of the push in "chromatic" mode.
Write chord progressions and melodies using the Ableton Push

Course content

4 sections • 15 lectures • 1h 6m total length

Overview3:45
What this class is all about.
"In Key" and Chromatic Modes6:15
There are two main modes for looking at notes: "In Key" and Chromatic. Lets have a look at the differences between the two, and talk about how to deal with both modes.

Finding Octaves4:09
The Ableton Push is shows us our Octaves with a nice blue light. It also shows us repeated notes in blue. Lets look at how those blue lights can be used as a guide for finding the rest of our intervals.
Major and Minor Seconds6:10
Using the Push to locate our major seconds and minor seconds, in both "In Key" mode and Chromatic mode.
Major and Minor Thirds4:09
Locate our major and minor thirds on the Push. This can be tricking if we are in the "In Key" mode and want to go our of key.
4ths and 5ths5:38
Finding our perfect intervals on the Push, again, in both modes.
6ths and 7ths4:23
Last set of intervals! Finding our 6ths and 7ths, major and minor, in "In Key" and Chromatic.

Triads in "In Key" Mode9:01
Remember - follow the patterns. In this lesson we find two triad patterns, and we see that in the "In Key" mode, we don't need to think about major and minor, as long as we stick to the patterns.
Triads in Chromatic Mode6:55
The patterns get a lot more blurry in chromatic mode. But we can still find some, and learn how to play outside of the key by using the chromatic mode.
7th Chords3:17
We already know the pattern to find a 7th on the Push, and we know the pattern for a triad. Lets put them together to build 7th chords on the Push.

Other Keys and Modes3:53
So far we have only looked at Major and Minor keys and scales. But there are others - lots of others. A handful of the others are built in to the Push, so lets have a look at them.
Thanks and Bye!1:09
Thats it! I hope you got what you were looking for from this class. If you need more theory help, be sure to check out our other Theory classes!
A Reminder!0:27
Bonus Video1:15
A few bonus videos from some friends of mine putting out some awesome Push videos.
Bonus Lecture: Discount Offers & Mailing List5:45
There is so much more to learn!

Requirements

Ableton Live
Ableton Push controller
Recommended: Taking the other Music Theory for Electronic Musician classes listed in the course summary.

Description

100% Answer Rate! Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Traditionally, music theory is taught with a piano as the main tool to learn the concepts. In this class, we take music theory concepts and apply them to the Ableton Push controller. Using the Push, we can find the patterns for chords, harmony, and intervals that will get you producing, songwriting, or composing with the Ableton Push.

For the best success in this course, it is recommended students have already taken the other Music Theory for Electronic Musician classes. They are:

Music Theory for Electronic Musicians I

and

Music Theory for Electronic Musicians II: Minor Keys and More

My Promise to You:

I am a full-time music producer, composer, and Educator. If you have any questions please post them in the class or send me a direct message. I will respond within 24 hours. And if you find this class isn't for you, I am more than happy for you to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked.

What makes me qualified to teach you?

In addition to being a composer and educator, I also have a Ph.D. in music, I am a university music professor, and have a long list of awards for teaching.

But more importantly: I use this stuff every day. I write music professionally, I am an active guitarist, and I stay on top of all the latest production techniques, workflows, and styles. As you will see in this class, I just love this stuff. And I love teaching it.

Let's get started!

See you in lesson 1.

All best,

Jason (but call me Jay...)

Who this course is for:

Anyone with an Ableton Push, or looking at getting an Ableton Push controller.
Anyone who has taken the other Music Theory for Electronic Musicians I & II class, that wants more.

Music Theory with the Ableton Push

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

The Push Layout2 lectures • 10min

Interval Patterns5 lectures • 24min

Chords and Triads3 lectures • 19min

Wrapping Up5 lectures • 12min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: