Theremin Lesson Four

[BAJARACER43X]

Joe Banamassa uses one

[TheKittyKatsMeow]

I love your videos! I am greatly interested in learning the Theremin. I have been playing the Viola, Piano and Guitar for years and I think this is the challenge I need. :)

[ThomasGrillo]

@TheKittyKatsMeow Thank you. :) You've come to the right place if you're looking for a challenging instrument. I certainly wish you all the best with the theremin.

I also have a more detailed lesson series on DVD at my site.

Do let me know if I can be of assistance.

[iridescentgreen]

Wow. You're really good with the walking bass technique! I have a problem doing any staccato, let alone that...Great job.

[ThomasGrillo]

@iridescentgreen Thanks. I find it easier to do staccatos with the volume knob all the way to the right. I demonstrate this in even greater detail on my DVD, Theremin Lessons. :)

[ikazlar]

It's also a pity that Moog stopped making the big Theremins and has only the little ones. :-( I could have given it a go.

[ThomasGrillo]

@ikazlar I agree. It was a serious error for Moog Music to stop producing the Etherwave Pro. There were things they could've done to get around the production challenges they had rather than throw the baby out with the bath water.

[ikazlar]

I have Clara Rockmore's CD "The Art of the Theremin" where she plays some classical stuff. It's excellent! I am a keyboard player but I don't think I can manage with fiddling with my hands in the air :-(

[ThomasGrillo]

@ikazlar Ah, I'm glad to hear you have that album of hers. :)

It takes a bit of getting used to playing like that, but it's an adictive challenge. It's rather like a game of sorts. :)

[ThomasGrillo]

@ikazlar It does take time to learn the theremin. It's not like any instrument you've ever experienced. It's a true challenge.

That's a great album of hers. Isn't it? :)

[ikazlar]

@ThomasGrillo It's a very nice CD indeed. I was really mesmerized to hear all these lovely articulations, beautiful glissandi, fingering and so on. It's no wonder that Bob Moog said it's perhaps the most expressive electronic instrument. Perhaps the most difficult too, because you have not a very clear idea of reference as you have in a piano, for instance.

[ThomasGrillo]

@ikazlar I agree. It really is an expressive instrument. I actually find it more expressive, dynamically, and vibrato wise, than my violin, and flute. :)

[AnitaAZ]

Thomas - you are amazing!!! I love your videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!! I plan to order B3 deluxe. Do you find it as a good choice to start for fast learners? (I am film composer/orchestrator/pianist)

thank you!

[ThomasGrillo]

@AnitaAZ Thanks you. The B3 Deluxe is a good starter theremin. As a composer, you might also be interested in adding to your choice of sound by not only getting a b3, but an etherwave standard as well, so you can have alternative tonal charactors to select from.

[AnitaAZ]

@ThomasGrillo Thank you for such a prompt response! I didn't expect it. :)))))

Ok. I'll surely do that. But first I will see how my mastering a new instrument goes. With your help it will be much easier, but ..It isn't easy for sure.

As far as sound on your videos goes, I think B3 has quite a warm sound and I like that. Is my impression right?

[ThomasGrillo]

@AnitaAZ I wish you all the best with the theremin. By the way, I have a DVD, Theremin Lessons, and I teach via skype. Yes, the B3 has a nice warm string like tone in the lower notes, and a bit of a vocal like quality in the mid to upper notes. :)

[AnitaAZ]

Great!! I'll let contact you about possible skype lessons. Do you have DVD available to purchase and download?

[ThomasGrillo]

@AnitaAZ Cool. You can find my DVD, along with my CDs at my site. :)

[snoopyflick]

Is there any way to affect the tone color or timbre of the theremin, or will most theremin's sound basically the same excluding the articulation and expression?

[1viva]

Again, LOT'S of very useful information here.

Thank you!

Mario

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Glad to see you're enjoying these videos. :)

[ExTheremintal]

Hmmm, I decided to watch more of your instructional videos as my theremin was warming up for my practice session, and video recording today. I was amused to see you mention warming up the theremin in an earlier video, as that's something I just noticed in the last week. Now I'm going to spend some time experimenting with my playing arc, as I was keeping my pitch arm horizontal pretty much. Thanks again for these.

[ThomasGrillo]

Ah, I'm glad you're following the lesson series. :)

Thanks for the kind words, and you're welcome.

By the way, stay tuned, as I'm in final rehearsals on Theremin Lesson Seven, which will cover some viewer requested topics such as a recap on adjusting fo zero beat, use of pitch only theremins with expression pedals, ect. I should have it ready in a few days if all goes well. :)

[jkfar12]

Hey Tom,

I'm interested in buying a theremin. I've found a company in Queensland, Australia that sends you a package, that you build youself. I've looked at some pictures and it looks very small. I'm worried that there is not enough room to move when playing; meaning that the pitch control hand and the volume hand will clash. what do you think?

thanks!

[ThomasGrillo]

If this is your first time dealing with theremins, and you're serious, it would be better to consider a full length theremin such as a Moog Etherwave Standard or Burns B3 Deluxe, or Pro.

These will give you plenty of room to spread the pitch field out enought that the hands won't interfere with each other.

Kit theremins can be fun, but as you have to build them, they're not factory tested.

It's best to start with a factory theremin so you'll have a good working reference to compare.

[jkfar12]

this company looks pretty good though, and I don't have enough money to buy a moog. i wanted to buy this one for $120, and see if i like it or not. I think a theremin would make a fantastic live instrument; both for visual aesthetics and sound

[ThomasGrillo]

Considering that you're in Austrailia, the Jaycar kit would save you quite a bit on shipping.

It is small though, but I hear it's quite playable, albeit not as easy as a full size instrument.

[jkfar12]

oh, and thanks for the haste reply

[ThomasGrillo]

You're welcome. :)

[GibsonRocks12]

Yeah, I got the B3 standard and since its so small it seems that I can't get the full range without being all bunched up

[ThomasGrillo]

Dan's made an enhancement to the B3 you have which now allows you to spread the field out more than on the older version he released a couple of years ago.

Just turn your pitch knob so your zero beat zone is about 18 to 24 inches out from the rod, and you'll be fine. Still not as easy as with a full length theremin, but it's much more playable as you can see in my video, Der Erlkonig on Burns B3 Original Theremin.

[jackisme10]

i actually just ordered this and it isnt as small as it looks in the pictures. but it isnt as big as the some of the ones he uses in these videos.

[ThomasGrillo]

Indeed. I wish you all the best with your theremin. Do let me know if you have any questions. :)

[Beamshipcaptain]

This is so cool. I love electronic music, and I love the etheral sound of the theremin in many films. Ever heard of the Ondes Martinot?

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Yes, I've heard of the Ondes Martinot. Those are cool instruments. Very rare though.

[Beamshipcaptain]

Any idea of where I might obtain a Martinot? It looks like a small keyboard. If you have time, sir, please watch your DVD of JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN (1969-Universal Studios) in Surround sound, with a powered sub-woofer, and listen to the haunting and sweet, dulcet tones of the Ondes Martinot all thru the soundtrack of this highly cool science fiction film from the same summer as the frist moon landing. Peace on Earth.

[ThomasGrillo]

It is a great soundtrack. :)

[ThomasGrillo]

I don't know where one would get an OM. You might wiant to check with Peter Pringle. He has tons of instruments, and might even have one, or know where you could track one down.

Unfortunately, they're not in production.

[Beamshipcaptain]

Maybe I can do a websearch, or Ebay, or something. There may be some way to modify a microKorg, or a theremin to sound like a Martinot. Keep on rocking!

[ThomasGrillo]

I doubt that you'll find one, and when you do, it's many thousands of dollars for a working Ondes Martino.

However, you might find the next best thing, which would be the Persephone, which uses a ribbon controller.

You can even build one! Just look for schematics for tone genertators that use ribbon controllers.

[NvPGulstab]

Are you familiar with John Flansburgh? Your hair reminds me of his hair in some of his older works.

[ThomasGrillo]

No, I'm not. That's interesting. :)

[NvPGulstab]

Hey, what do I do if my parents asked me to set a goal, so I said I should learn to play the theremin, and they said yes, but later they listened to a theremin video and said no because they think it's too spooky?

[ThomasGrillo]

Hmm, People reacted that way when electricity first appeared. I remember my mother telling of how, when she was a kid back in the 30s, was so fearful of the "fire" in the light bulb as they got power for the first time when she lived on a farm. New things often cause fear, if they're not understood.

I would suggest having them consult thereminworld . com to learn about the physics behind the mystical magic. It is a musical instrument which is electronic. Works like motion sensor prettymuch.

[NvPGulstab]

They seem to have a basic understanding of how it works, they just dislike the sound it creates, but I like it, enough to be frustrated that I can't learn to play it now.

[ThomasGrillo]

Well, if it's played baddly, or in a spooky manner, this could be understandable given how they were used in old movies, and how they're used non-musically at times in rock bands.

You might want to mention that theremins can be practiced with headphones, or earbuds, so they would not have to endure the learning process in the beginning.

In the end, I'm afraid you're going to have to either hope that after seeing good performances, they will change their minds, or wait patiently a while.

[NvPGulstab]

Thanks, I'll try the headphone idea. For future reference, would you recommend a B3 Burns Theremin?

[ThomasGrillo]

I wish you luck with your parents. Do keep in mind, it's up to them ultimately, but yes, I do recommend the B3 for a good first time theremin. It's cheap, and does not have a lot of controls to distract the student. If you're still serious about the theremin, go for the Etherwave Standard later.

[NvPGulstab]

Thanks a bunch, I appreciate the kind advice, as well as the tutorial videos, which provided some insight into the art of theremin-ing.

[ThomasGrillo]

You're welcome.

All the best. :)

[Sebsvideos123]

Hi Thimas,

I was wondering where you could buy a Thermin, i can only find them on ebay, but they dont like they are good quality.

Please help me!!!

Seb

[ThomasGrillo]

The theremin seen here was discontinued a few years ago, unfortunately.

For good theremins, if on a budget, look to soundslikeburns . com. They're innexpensive, but quite playable, and have a nice soft tone. They have the B3 theremins.

Next up, are the more intermediate Etherwave Standard and Etherwave Plus theremins for between $400 and $520 at moogmusic . com.

More pro level theremins are the Wavefronts for $700 to $1800 at theremin . ws.

[Bagadaboats]

i think i know how to make a "scratch" sound like a DJ. Just move ur pitch hand back & fourth & ur volume hand snapply up & down.

[ThomasGrillo]

Yes, and you can also do that by dialing in the pitch field so it's so narrow that the plus, minus, and negative zones are in all within a small area. Then, just move your hand quickly through these zones. :)

[epdonohue]

Rock on

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Will do. :)

[epdonohue]

This is the first time I ever heard of a Theremin and I'm 39 years old. I must say that I'm and totally blown away by this instrument. I want to thank the author for taking the time to put together these videos. I am totally blown away by this. Thank you Mr. Grillo

[ThomasGrillo]

You're most welcome.

I wish you all the best with the theremin.

Thanks for the kind words. :)

[Doliath]

How long have you been playing the theremin? How long do you practice per day? How long would it take for a beginner to achieve basic competence?

[ThomasGrillo]

I started playing in mid 2006.

I normally get in a good 4 to 6 hours a day, but in the first 2, and a half years, I was putting in 8 to 10 hours. Sometimes, I still do if I'm working on a major project.

If a beginner has some experience with other instruments, and puts in at least an hour a day, they should be able to play relatively recognizable tunes in a few months, a little sooner with instruction. It can take a couple of years to reach good quality playing skills. More for pro level.

[TheStealthBug]

i recently ordered the Etherwave Plus from Moog. Do you know how the linearity is on that theremin? Is it more like the Etherwave Standard, or Pro?

[ThomasGrillo]

I've not yet had a chance to play the Etherwave Plus. However, I would assume that the linearity is likely to be identical, or perhaps, (hopefully), slightly improved over the Etherewave Standard.

Linearity is certainly not likely to be anywhere near that of the Etherwave Pro.

[Bryan198026]

Of course I did have to move the couch right back to its original position after I started or there would have been no room to sit. But this is workable unless and util I can find someoe with the electronics knowledge to tweak the Etherwave so I won't need to do that. I tried to explain that to my brother yesterday and he thought I was just complaining. I've also notice that if the theremin is too close to the amplifier it really mutes the volume antenna for some reason.

[ThomasGrillo]

Yes. For the same reason you don't want anything metal way too close to the pitch rod, you also don'w want anything too close to the volume antenna either.

As I recall, the theremin belongs to a relative, and you'll need permission to go in, and performa an internal tuning. So, I doubt if you'll be able to do that just now.

In themeantime, however, I'd suggest going to moogmusic . com, and downloading the hotrodding, and owners manual for EW standard for internal tuning. Order the tool.

[Bryan198026]

As usual, excellent video. I'm slowly making progress with my Etherwave. I generally try to practice for fifteen to thirty minutes a day since I work better practicing in short spurts every day rather than a marathon once a week. I was able to confirm that the pitch problems I'd been having were due to limited space, which I solved by moving my couch a little frther away from the table where I set up the Etherwave. These days I've been trying to learn simple melodies.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. :)

Glad to hear you were able to solve the pitch problem. Couches have lots of metal springs in them, so that would have indeed benn the culprit here.

30 minutes a day, every day is an excelent practice schedule for students, and is what's prescribed in music schools. ;)

I wish you all the best with your theremin.

[thedopefiend]

Thank you for these wonderful tutorials! I am curious that why by default, Moog made the left hand to be volume hand, and the right hand pitch hand. We guitarists are more used to the reversed system, aint we?

[ThomasGrillo]

Actually, the inventor-Leon Theremin, designed theremins to be played with the dominent hand. He actually offered to make Clara Rockmore's theremin the other way round for her, but she insisted, she would learn to play it as it was. So, that's why they've been made lake this ever since. However, Moog Music, Wavefront, and a few others have offered left handed theremins.

You can even turn some theremins like the Etherwave Standard around to suit your needs. ;)

[Bogota105]

I was very fascinated by this instrument, that really sounds like a violin or a cello. It is funny to see you play the bass exactly like I do on my bassguiter. I can really image you plucking invisible strings. Maybe if you use guitar effects on your amp you can create really an guitar sound. Love to see more of these techniques

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. I do have a JHS Mods Synth Drive pedal which can make the theremin sound lake a horn, or you can dump a lot of octave distortions in. Check out my demo of the JHS Mods Synth Drive in my channel. ;)

[bongored]

I've recently gained intrest for the theremin. A very nice instrument indeed. As a violinist I control the pitch and vibrato with my left hand. I've read that you've also played the violin, and I was wondering if you had a hard time adapting to the reverse? Great videos by the way! keep the good work up! Late holiday greetings from Sweden

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words.

The theremin was designed to take advantage of one's dominent hand. When Leon Theremin realized he could have made the instrument the other way round for Clara Rockmore who played violin, she declined, and said "I will learn this intrument as it is." She did.

I did not find it dificult at all to use my right hand to change notes. In fact, using the dominent hand makes perfect sense to me as the theremin is so demanding.

You can, however turn theremins around.

[s3lyf0x]

I am looking at getting a B3 Delux, I was wondering how linear of a pitch is it?

[ThomasGrillo]

The highest couple of octaves nearest the antenna are close together, but the rest of the field is quite easy to play. I also have a technique instruction in lessons 5 and 6 which deal with non-linear theremins such as the B3s, Moog, and Wavefrtonts. (all of which are quite playable.)

Good luck with your Deluxe.

[trilbilly]

i learned as much about physics as i did about the theremin:) thanks!

[LosVictoriaBand]

Thanks for your lesson Mr. Grillo, this instrument it´s so wonderfull... Have a nice day

[ThomasGrillo]

You're more than welcome. Happy holiday! ;)

[iridescentgreen]

awesome bass part...if one didn't know better, one would think the sound was made by a bass with the edge taken off...sweet! love your "lessons" keep it up.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind wors. Happy holidays! ;)

[TakesTwoToTango]

he looks like he's just singing the notes xD

I know he isn't, I know how the theremin works but still

he's funny

[DaLobsta]

can the b3 pro get as low in tone as you were playing in the beginning of this video

[ThomasGrillo]

The B3 can get very close to the lowest note of the EW Pro.

[torimasta]

Woohoo, I really like the 'jazzy' part at the beginning!

[endthis]

Cool instument...but the guy looks like a principal or insurance salesman or something lol

[CorkerDoggy2214]

It sounds a bit like both a cello and a voice

[ocarinaplaya]

I've always wondered if a vocalist was unavailable to perform in an ensemble, could a Theremin help with that by playing higher?

[ThomasGrillo]

Well, you could closely aproximate some vocalizations with a theremin, but it would depend on the model of theremin, and what voice type you were going to emulate. You can use a theremin with a "talk Box" to do words, but it's still not the same as a human voice. ;)

[sykes48]

You sir are very talented,I appreciate the posts because today is the very first time Ive seen this instrument and I have watched all your videos and its so cool I wish they would never end.Question:If I were to take lessons how hard would it be?

Thank you very much =D

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the compliment.

Allthough the theremin is the most difficult instrument to play "well", it's really about the same as learning to play any other instrument. It's challenging, but quite rewarding to learn the theremin.

Unlike instruments that let you move around, and dance while you play, the theremin requires a bit of getting used to the fact that you can't move around too much, or intonation gets affected.

With deternination, effort, time and a good ear, you should do well.

[Mikemc]

Nice, that's the music Penn & Teller had during their Misdirection skit.

- Mike

[dwbmb]

I've played keyboard and flute and it was little boring. But this is incredible! Fantastic and amazing. I was interested, what kind of instrument is it, because one of my favourite acters from tv serial Black Books plays theremin and I was really suprised! you are really talented:)

[stefanhyltoft]

That instrument is so cool... It plays the blues :)

[JrFLYnnIV]

You coulda made a killing for B Sci-Fi movies in the 50s.

[ThomasGrillo]

...I still can. ;)

[sigmasquadleader]

Are you saying you own a time machine, or that there is still sci-fi movies using this? :)

[ThomasGrillo]

Actually, I mean that theremins are indeed still being used in sci-fi, and horror films today. In fact, I just finnished working on the score for the movie Golgotha.

So, in a sense, without even owning a time machine, I am getting to experience what it was like to use a theremin for motion pitcures back in the 50s. ;)

[matthewmichaelbritt]

Really nice lessons! Just a note; most Theremins use capacitive coupling to detect the player's hand, so it's your interaction with the electric (not magnetic!) fields surrounding the antennae which vary the pitch and volume. The capacitive coupling between your hand and the antenna alters the resonant frequency of a circuit in the Theremin, which is the basis of the detection method. This explains the pitch spacing, since capacitance decreases roughly with the square of your hand distance.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the more apt description of the fields. ;)

[roneechan]

wow

so cool

never heard of it before

but so so cool

where can u buy one ? never seen it in musical stores

science & music in one

ingenious invention indeed

I bet its very hard to play music with, or else why on earth it isn't popular

[Aylaroble]

Fantástico !! :o) Increíble !! :o) Thank you for sharing it, Thomas Grillo !! :-)

[Wiizpig]

It's like an instrument from the future.

To think it was made in 1920... awesome; thanks for the video

[johnsof1]

Thanks Thomas.

Do you play any other instruments?

I have just ordered a Theramax kit so should start learning soon. I am not a musician so don't expect it to be easy. My Wife is a musician so we'll see who learns quickest..

[ThomasGrillo]

I used to play the violin, and flute. I have a keyboard, but the theremin is the main instrument to which I've bonded. Contact PAIA for a modification, and new parts not covered in the manual, it improves volume loop response. I'm also attempting a theremax.

[primordialoddity]

I agree, I've always turned my volume knob to full sensitivity.

I just have a Moog standard, works great for me so far...I have too much invested into guitar rig and my synthesizer. haha.

[true3on]

that is sweet...

[007beetlebug]

umm, you didnt talk at all about the type of theremins that dont have the volume antanna. the thing u touch, maybe yu could make a movie on those if you know about them? cause thats the kind I have

[ThomasGrillo]

Look for it in the upcoming Theremn Lesson Five. (still in production)

[IainGilbert]

PART_2

Couple of quick questions.

How hard are they to play? I play guitar a bit, but theremin looks way too hard. Is it worth me buying one to have a try?

Is it possible to put a horizontal piece of wood or something where your pitch hand is to rest it on? Or causes too much interference with signal?

Could even put marks on it for each note. As holding hand steady in air and choosing right note looks realy hard.

Cheers

Stupid craptube made me split comment (>500 char).

[ThomasGrillo]

It's NOt that hard to put your hand in mid air. In fact, putting it on a piece of wood will only slow you down. Marking the notes is not doable as changing conditions put the notes in slightly different places. It's been tried at a party where a theremin with note marks on it got different results with each person. With time, muscle memory takes over, and notes become easier to reach. For $150 the B3 from soundslikeburns dot com is a great way to "try out" the theremin.

[diracfeynman]

Thomas, you rock.

[conrad2468]

how much are those again?

[ThomasGrillo]

Moog EW Pro=1500 (discontinued)

Moog EW Std=350-kit, 400-full

PAIA 230-full kit.

Burns B3 150 from factory

[plickplock56]

conrad was asking the price.

[ThomasGrillo]

Moog EW Pro= $1500 (discontinued)

Moog EW Std= $350-kit, $400-full

PAIA $230-full kit.

Burns B3 $150 from factory

[plickplock56]

oh..haha

[glookenscap]

I watched all four introductory lessons - very good content and helpful. The demonstrations are very helpful in that they provide various "tips" and approaches that I will try out. Thank you.

[jrichman63]

Thanks this is helpful for the theremin community. Keep it up!

[HolidayInGuantanamo]

Awesome stuff, Thomas. Thanks for posting this! I would never have found out this stuff were it not for your videos.

[ThomasGrillo]

To clarify, each line in the magnetic field representation equals one octave. There's actually three pluss octaves which are "linear" or evinly spaced on the Etherwave Standard. The remaining octaves near the zero zone, and antenna are closer together.