The 3 Dimensions of Sound

I like to think of sound in terms of 3 dimensions: 1. Quality

2. Quantity

3. Timing

Quality is what something is like, its character. Sound can be measured by frequency, which relates to pitch, tone, and texture. A producer might use tools like EQ and saturation to alter the "quality" of sound.

Quantity is how much of something there is. Sound can be measured by amplitude, which relates to loudness, level, and volume. A producer might use tools like compression and limiting to adjust the "quantity" of sound.

Timing determines the precise order in which particular qualities and quantities of sound occur in sequence. Sound, unlike a painting or a sculpture, evolves. It has a chord progression. It has melody. It gets louder and softer over time. A producer might use tools like reverb and delay to alter the timing of sound.

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To me, art is about finding a compromise between the novel and the familiar. Creativity alone isn't enough to write a great song. A songwriter also needs to be able to recognize and fulfill the potential for patterns within the music, for it is these patterns that keep a listener grounded during an otherwise captivatingly original experience. Thinking of sound in terms of the 3 basic dimensions above better equips me to recognize and imitate the patterns I hear in music, ultimately making me a better, more efficient songwriter. Try it yourself!