Vertical layering
I can explain how linear loops work in video games and have created some for a racing game.
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- Year 10
- AQA
Vertical layering
I can explain how linear loops work in video games and have created some for a racing game.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Video game composers make music adaptive by using linear loops and vertical layering.
- This allows music to quickly and seamlessly respond to changes caused by a player’s actions.
- Adding (or removing) layers to develop the texture is one way to do vertical layering.
- Adding a harmonised melody is another common tool used by composers for this purpose.
Keywords
Linear loop - a repeating musical idea in a video game that can be looped indefinitely
Adaptive music - music that can change by reacting to a stimulus; video game music reacts to the player's actions
Vertical layering - where layers of music are 'stacked' on top of each other and change in response to the player’s actions
Arpeggio - notes of a chord played separately, ascending or descending
Harmonisation - adding notes to a melody to create harmony with the main melodic notes (also called harmonising)
Common misconception
Reharmonising a melody is as simple as playing it a third higher.
While this can be effective, for certain melodies this won't work effectively. Instead, experimenting with the harmonised melody both above and below the main melody is key, as well as experimenting with 3rds and 6ths.
Equipment
DAW, notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool
Licence
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