Synthwave Tutorial: How To Use Foreshadowing In Your Track

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer, gives an advanced hint as to what’s about to come later on in our story. The technique is also used in a number of horror, suspense and thriller movies. Remember the classic movie “Jaws” where the theme song foreshadowed the arrival of the horrifying shark? As synthwave producers it is our job to guide our listener. In this synthwave tutorial we’ll discuss how to use this powerful technique that helps manage our listeners’ expectations while they embark on their sonic journey.

Why Use Foreshadowing In a Synthwave Track?

As synthwave producers, our primary job is to guide our listeners.

You accomplish this with sonic cues that help them identify patterns, rhythms and melodies.

When done correctly, it greatly increases listener engagement. They will feel as if they’ve already heard your song before even though it’s their first time hearing it. Moreover, the technique adds cohesion, balance and familiarity to a song.

How to Use Foreshadowing In a Synthwave Song?

So how do you use the foreshadowing technique in a synthwave track?

Here is a simple way of doing this.

Use the same instrument for the introduction and outro of your song. You only need to use one or two bars for an intro but be sure to reuse the same instrument at the closing of your song. This results in an overall sonic cadence that your listener will inadvertently appreciate as the closing section will sound much more familiar.

As a tip, you can vary the intro and outro sections by opening and closing the cutoff filter, respectively.

• Learn more on Synth bass mixing
• Learn how to make synthwave snare drums
• Learn how to use foreshadowing on a synthwave track
• Learn how to create a whisper track
• Learn how to create better transitions in your arrangement
• Learn how to program synthesizers by ear the easy way
• Enroll in the synthwave course

How to Use Drum Fills to Foreshadow a Melodic Lead

Another way of using the foreshadowing technique is by mimicking a melodic lead line’s rhythmic pattern during the previous bar.

For instance, a three note melody can be preceded by a similar three note drum fill pattern. The idea is illustrated in my video where I show you how to use a simple tom fill to outline the shape of the upcoming melodic motif.

Sometimes the best drum fill patterns are the ones whose shape imitates an upcoming lead line or vocal line. Incidentally, jazz drummers will often mimic the vocal pattern of a vocalist while trading 4’s, a musical section of a jazz performance where band members take turns playing for four bars in an alternating sequence.

Conlusion

Be sure to include some of these foreshadowing techniques as outlined in this blog post and accompanying videos. They are also a great way of combating writer’s block and can add cohesion to any synthwave soundtrack.