Metal Music Theory
Easy Way to Learn Music Theory and How to Apply Theory to Metal Music
Online Music Theory Course By University Professor, Pro Audio Engineer, & Metal Mastermind Co-Founder: Ken Candelas
Does This Sound Like You?
Riff Repeater
You can crank out heavy riffs all day long, but when it comes to turning them into full songs, you hit a wall. Chord progressions feel random, and your tracks sound more like loops than complete ideas.
Session Imposter Syndrome
You can shred with the best of them, but when other musicians start talking theory or throwing around terms like “Phrygian” or “7/8 groove,” you nod along, hoping no one asks questions.
Same Song, Different Day
Every new track you write starts to sound like the last one. You're stuck in the same four chords, same tempo, same feel and you’re ready to break out of the creative cage.
Tempo Trouble
You’ve got killer ideas, but they fall apart when you try to fit them into a time signature or lock in the rhythm. Everything feels either too rushed or too loose, and you’re not sure how to fix it.
Your Struggles Today vs. Your Success Tomorrow
Your Struggles Today 😔
Theory Barrier
"I don't know how to make this riff sound better!"
Musician Language
"I can’t jam with others because I don’t ‘speak’ music."
Rhythm Confusion
"Time signatures and tempos are too complicated."
Practice Frustration
"I don’t have good learning materials."
Creative Block
"I run out of ideas constantly"
Your Success Tomorrow 🚀
Composition Mastery
"I build riffs and progressions that actually mean something musically."
Pro-Musician Collaboration
"I walk into any jam session and can perform with confidence"
Rhythm Precision
“I use time signatures to tighten up my grooves and define my style.”
Full Arsenal
“I’ve got a trusted professional resource at my fingertips!"
Creative Abundane
"I can write killer songs because I understand music on a deeper level."
What If You Understood the Theory Behind Why Music Does or Doesn’t Work?
Imagine plugging in your guitar after work and, instead of aimlessly riffing, you build a complete, heavy-hitting song start to finish in just days. Picture crafting riffs, progressions, and breakdowns that actually fit together, using scales and rhythms that give your music real edge and identity. No more guessing, no more generic chord loops.
You don’t need a degree in music theory or years of classical training, just the right framework. That’s what Metal Music Theory gives you: the tools to unlock the sound in your head and translate it into full tracks that hit hard and sound professional. And our students? They’re doing it every day! Writing tighter, heavier, and more original music than ever before.
Learn the Skills that Make Professional Musicians
What You'll Master
How to Build Chord Progressions
You’ll learn how to build powerful chord progressions to create your own original rock and metal music. Complete with chord maps to guide you every step of the way!
Work With Top Musicians
You’ll be able to collaborate with top musicians because you’ll speak the language of music. If you’ve ever wanted to become a session musician, understanding music theory is essential!
Endless Musical Possibilities
You’re going to dramatically expand your musical possibilities by mastering the unique scales, chords, rhythms, and progressions that define rock and metal music.
Time Signatures & Tempos
You’ll learn how to use time signatures and tempos to write tighter rhythms, play with precision, and identify your specific rock or metal sub-genre.
Music Notation & Analysis
You’ll get complete music notation, downloadable audio tracks, and a full music theory reference guide to support your learning.
Advanced Chords, Modes & Downtuning
You’ll also get access to an advanced module covering unique chords, harmonies, melodies, modes, instrumentation, and even a dedicated section on downtuning techniques.
What’s Really Holding Your Music Back?
Understanding theory is what will push your music further
Many metal musicians shy away from learning music theory because they get overwhelmed by the process.
Metal is actually one of the best genres to benefit from knowing music theory. Just listen to musicians like Yngwie Malmsteen, Dream Theater, and Nightwish (to name a few!).
That’s exactly why I created Metal Music Theory for you. It gives you clear and simple explanations of the concepts and, more importantly, how to apply them.
So jump in, and I’ll see you on the other side!
This course isn’t just about learning music theory.
It’s about finally becoming the metal musician you’re meant to be.
My Promise to You
Throughout this course, you’ll gain a clear understanding of metal music theory and how to apply it creatively.
After the course, you’ll confidently write original metal riffs and progressions that elevate your music!
Perfect For...
Songwriters
stuck in creative ruts who want to expand their musical vocabulary and explore new rhythmic and harmonic ideas.
Producers
Who want to deepen their metal and rock theory to create tighter, more authentic tracks.
Session Players
who want to confidently understand and use music theory to collaborate with top musicians.
Composers
looking to expand their toolkit with rock and metal inspired scales, modes, and harmonies.
Success Stories
"Kudos to Metal Mastermind for putting together a one-of-a-kind resource. Whether you're new to metal performance and composing, or an experienced musician looking to take your chops to the next level, this course is a must-have. Metal Music Theory has definitely earned a permanent spot in my music composition library and I’m really excited to put some of these concepts into practice!"
"Ken has clearly demonstrated his content knowledge expertise, both through his education and practical experience in the field. He is highly regarded by his peers and colleagues and has a high profile position in the industry. Ken does a good job delivering the content in a manner that can be understood by his students."
"This was one of my favorite courses. At times consuming all that information was overwhelming but it was worth it. I find myself pointing out certain things I’ve learned."
"To be honest this course has been one of my favorites and one of the most challenging. Never have i been so stressed but never have i learned so much! I love Music i cant stay away!"
Meet Ken Candelas
Ken is an audio engineering professor in New York City, teaching at SAE Institute and CUNY colleges. He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Metal Mastermind®. Endorsed by leading brands like Antelope Audio, Audeze, Chord Electronics, and Eventide, he has worked on major productions such as Good Morning America and in studios across NYC. His expertise includes recording, mixing, mastering, post-production, and broadcast. Ken is The Mad Composer behind the metal project Homerik, drummer for Four Trips Ahead, and a member of the Hey! Audio Student Audio Educators Advisory Group, where he supports audio education and curriculum development.
- CEO and Co-Founder of Metal Mastermind®
- Creator of the philosophical metal project Homerik
- Professional audio engineer, producer, sound designer and author
- Professor of music and audio at the university level
- Audio Technician for Good Morning America
- Drum Tech for Mario Duplantier of Gojira and Shawn Pelton of SNL
- Worked alongside Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Tesla
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Over $5000 of value
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Private Community Access
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Weekly Mentorship Meetings
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Course Lifetime Access
One-Time Payment
Lifetime-
Over 50 video Theory Lessons
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Music Notation & Tracks
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Music Theory e-books
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$300 value
-
Join Spectre Academy Discord
-
Private Community Access
-
Weekly Mentorship Meetings
-
Access full Spectre Academy Library
-
Access to newly released courses
-
Over 30 courses, all things music
-
Comprehensive Career Path Learning
-
Huge edu discounts for the best tools
-
4 Months All Access Free
-
Course Lifetime Access
All Access Pass
Annual (Save 40%)-
Over 40 Courses & Counting
-
Learn Production, Business & More
-
1000s of Video Lessons
-
Over $5000 of value
-
Join Spectre Academy Discord
-
Private Community Access
-
Weekly Mentorship Meetings
-
Access full Spectre Academy Library
-
Access to newly released courses
-
Over 30 courses, all things music
-
Comprehensive Career Path Learning
-
Huge edu discounts for the best tools
-
4 Months of All Access For Free
-
Course Lifetime Access
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Frequently Asked Questions
What format does Metal Music Theory come in?
The format is an online course. Once you purchase Metal Music Theory, you will create a username and password that you will use to access the course.
Who is Metal Music Theory for?
This course is for any rock or metal musician with a desire to take their musicianship to the next level by learning music theory.
Can I access Metal Music Theory at any time?
Yes! Once you purchase Metal Music Theory, you will always have access to the course. In fact, I encourage you to go through the course as many times as you wish!
Is Metal Music Theory just for guitarists?
Metal Music Theory is for ALL musicians! Guitarists, bassists, keyboardists drummers, singers, songwriters…everyone can benefit greatly from this course.
Can I download the music notation and tracks in the course?
Yes! You will be instructed throughout the course where to download tracks and music notation.
How long will it take me to go through Metal Music Theory?
This really depends on you. We recommend not rushing through the course and spending adequate time on each module. We also encourage you to go through the course as many times as you wish. Remember, once you purchase the course you’ll always have access to it.
Can't I just learn music theory by watching YouTube videos?
You could. However, what sets this course apart is that it’s a hyper-focused series of structured lessons. Ken has a interactive and engaging teaching style that makes complex concepts both accessible and enjoyable.
How is the course delivered?
Once you have bought the course, you can stream at any time, right from our website on our custom platform which lets you keep track of your progress and interact with your instructor.
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