Top 5 YouTube Channels for Learning Music Theory

🎶 Ever wondered why some melodies tug at your heartstrings while others make you want to dance on your desk (or at least tap your pencil)? The secret sauce: music theory. But before your mind conjures images of dusty textbooks and cryptic notations, let’s hit refresh. Today, your next creative breakthrough might just be a YouTube click away.

Here’s my curated list of the Top 5 YouTube Channels for Learning Music Theory—each one a gateway to unlocking not just musical knowledge, but a new dimension of creativity and emotional expression. Ready to tune up your brain?

1. 12tone

Ever wanted to deconstruct a Radiohead song with the precision of a musical detective? 12tone’s hand-drawn doodles and rapid-fire explanations transform theory into a visual playground. Whether they’re mapping the emotional arc of a chord progression or revealing hidden patterns in pop hits, you’ll find yourself humming new ideas before you realize you’re learning.

Impact: 12tone makes complex concepts feel like inside jokes between you and your instrument. The result? More creative “aha!” moments, and a fresh toolkit for your next composition.

2. Adam Neely

Adam doesn’t just explain music—he lives it, breathes it, and occasionally memes it. His channel is a sparkling blend of deep dives (what even is groove?), quirky challenges, and practical wisdom. Want to know how music shapes our emotions, or why a bass line can make or break a song? Adam’s your guy.

Impact: Prepare for a productivity boost. Understanding how music works at a gut level can supercharge your practice sessions—and maybe even your next jam session on Zoom.

3. MusicTheoryForGuitar

If your six-string is your creative canvas, this channel is paint, brushes, and a crash course in color theory. Tommaso Zillio demystifies scales, chords, and progressions with a wit that’s as sharp as his playing. No more getting lost on the fretboard—this is practical theory you can use today.

Impact: Emotional expression goes off the charts when you finally understand why that G7 chord just feels right. Bonus: Your solos will thank you.

4. Nahre Sol

Think of Nahre as your musical spirit guide. Her channel is a delightful mashup of classical chops, contemporary explorations, and thought-provoking “what ifs.” She’ll improvise in the style of Ravel, then explain the theory behind it—all with a twinkle in her eye.

Impact: Creativity explodes when you realize there are no rules—just endless possibilities. Expect a surge of inspiration (and maybe a new favorite genre).

5. Michael New

If you crave clarity and structure, Michael New is the digital music teacher you wish you had in high school. His step-by-step lessons break down theory into digestible bites—no jargon, no fluff, just beautifully organized knowledge.

Impact: Productivity gets a boost when you can finally connect the dots, whether you’re composing, arranging, or just jamming with friends.

In the end, music theory isn’t a cage—it’s a jetpack for your imagination. So go ahead: binge-watch, binge-learn, and let your next creative project soar. If you find yourself air-conducting Beethoven in your living room, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Happy learning—and even happier listening! 🎹🎸

Which channel will you start with? Drop your pick (or your latest musical epiphany) in the comments!