Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy
Volume 34 Article 12
1-1-2020
Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Brent Ferguson
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/jmtp
Part of the Music Pedagogy Commons, and the Music Theory Commons
Recommended Citation Recommended Citation
Ferguson, Brent (2020) "Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music,"
Journal of Music Theory
Pedagogy
: Vol. 34, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/jmtp/vol34/iss1/12
This Resource is brought to you for free and open access by Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections. It has been
accepted for inclusion in Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy by an authorized editor of Carolyn Wilson Digital
Collections.
Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Created and Curated by Brent Ferguson, PhD (Ferguson_musi[email protected])
Analytical Contributors: Brent Ferguson, T.J. Laws-Nicola, and Alan Elkins
This document is inspired by the work of 8-bit Music Theory, VGLeadSheets.com, Disney Music
Theory, Alan Elkins’s North American Conference for Video Game Music presentation and
Justin Binek’s theory resources for popular music and jazz.
Analyses are mostly based on transcriptions and arrangements in VGLeadSheets.com - Lead
Sheets for Video Game Music. Other sources include the Asako Niwa piano arrangement books
of the Chrono Trigger (1995) and Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) soundtracks by DOREMI Music
Publishing.
A Note from the Curator: This is a living document that will expand and change over time. These
examples are meant to be a supplement in the music theory classroom. The first update will
include links to arrangements or midi files, as well as more form analyses. Future updates will
include more concepts, varying arrangements, and a Google Drive with representative .musx
files for educational purposes. I will also provide a spreadsheet at some point with this
information.
Any help is appreciated. If you would like, I will post the results of your analyses to this
document and credit you as an analytical contributor. Also, please feel free to share this with
your colleagues and students. Please, know that video game music, like popular music and
jazz, does not have to follow ‘traditional’ theoretical functions. This is especially true when it
comes to form.
Each composer is linked to a wiki the first time they are mentioned. Transcribers (trans.) and
arrangers (arr.) are credited for each example. The song title link leads to a YouTube video of
the cue. The transcriber link leads to the respective lead sheet at VGLeadSheets.com. Please,
let me know if any links are broken. If you are a composer, transcriber, arranger, or performer of
any cues on this list, please send me links to your home page, arrangements, or performances
and I will add them to this list.
Concepts Covered
- Opening Interval, unless otherwise noted. Some interval happen in the presentation of
the melody.
- Secondary Function (V/ or viio/)
- Mode Mixture (Major: iio, bIII, iv, v, bVI, bVII; Minor: ii, #III, IV, #vi)
- Neapolitan (Note: These rarely function as they do in classical literature.)
- Augmented Sixth Chords (Note: These are almost always in the form of a bVI dominant
seventh chord (i.e. C7 in Em), and they rarely utilize the voice leading for an augmented
sixth chord.)
- Tritone Substitutions
- Common Tone Diminished Chords
- Altered Dominants (7b5, 7#5)
- Modulation (Parallel, Relative, Closely Related, Common-Tone Related, Distantly
Related)
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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- Modalities (Note: My understanding of modalities falls in line with Samantha Zerin’s
webinar on How to Teach Musical Modes Using Disney Music. Most of the time, modes
are not the basis for the entire cue, and they will often happen within a section)
- Extended Tertian Harmony (9, maj9, -9, -11, maj7#11, 7#9, 13, etc.)
- Form (Period, Sentence, B.I.=Basic Idea, C.I. =Contrasting Idea, etc.) more coming soon
- Extended Harmonic Techniques and (planing, transformations, etc) coming soon
Opening Interval
(melody) denotes when opening interval happens in first notes of the melody
Minor 2nd Up
A Sea Breeze Blows from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie (melody)
Apollo Justice ~ A New Trial Is In Session from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by
Toshihiko Horiyama, trans mkafie and sigmabeta (melody)
Brinstar from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. JohnStacy
Bubble Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. Aarek MG
Corneria Castle from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Decisive Battle from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Espionage from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Eterna Forest from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl (2006) by Hitomi Sato, trans. Ashanti Mills
(melody)
Gemini Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita and Harumi Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills
(top voice)
Grandma’s Theme from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy
Lazy Afternoons from Kingdom Hearts II (2005) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. mkafie (melody)
Magus’s Battle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. AarekMG
Moo Moo Farm/Yoshi Valley from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie (melody)
Song of the Ancients ~ Devola from NieR (2010) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
Title from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills (melody)
The Legendary Theme from Gitaroo Man (2001) by COIL, trans. DoubleMark
Threed, Free at Last from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
Toad’s Turnpike from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie (melody)
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Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
Woody Woods from Mario Party 3 (2000) by Ichiro Shimakura, trans. Jonathan Aldrich (melody)
Minor 2
nd
Down
Battle I from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie (melody)
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Ending from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Gloomy Memories from Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans
GUIM
Hero Theme from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Junes Theme from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. mkafie
Mog from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Opening Stage from Mega Man X (1993) by Setsuo Yamamoto, trans. Jer Roque
Poem of Everyone’s Souls (Velvet Room) from Persona 3 (2006) by Shoji Meguro, trans.
DoubleMark (melody)
Storm Eagle from Mega Man X (1993) by Makoto Tomozawa, trans. Jer Roque (melody)
The Trial from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko Matsueda;
Arr. Asako Niwa (melody)
Theme from Space Harrier (1985) by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, trans. Jer Roque (melody)
Tyrano Lair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Tristan H
Winters from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
Major 2
nd
Up
Air Battle A from 1943: The Battle of Midway (1987) by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, trans Mike
Matarazzo
Aquatic Ruin Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. DoubleMark
Area 7 from Blaster Master (1988) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG (melody)
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Cherrygrove City from Pokemon Gold and Silver (1999) by Go Ichinose, trans. Zack Wong
Commander in Training from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, Arr. Asako Niwa (melody)
Dark Pit’s Theme from Kid Icarus: Uprising (2012) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Ashanti Mills
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Desert Land from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa (melody)
Dungeon from Star Tropics (1990) by Yoshio Hirai, trans. Gregory Orosz
Europe from Aerobiz (1992) by Taku Iwasaki, trans sigmabeta
Guardia Castle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa (melody)
Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. Ashanti Mills
Koopa Beach from Super Mario Kart (1992) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Marble Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
New Bark Town from Pokemon Gold and Silver (1999) by Go Ichinose, trans. Zack Wong
Prophecy from Secret of Mana (1993) by Hiroki Kikuta, trans. DoubleMark
Quick Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. AarekMG (melody)
Route 101 from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire (2002) by Morikazu Aoki, trans. xXChickyChuXx
Snake Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Aarek MG (melody)
Staff Roll from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. JohnStacy
Sunshine Airport from Mario Kart 8 (2014) by Atsuko Asahi, trans. Nathan Ford (melody)
Terra from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque (melody)
That Person’s Name Is from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans mkafie
The Prelude from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
Theme of Laura from Silent Hill 2 (2001) by Akira Yamaoka, trans. Jer Roque (melody)
Title from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
To A Distant Place from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida and Yoshino Aoki, trans
DoubleMark
Treetop from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
Trisection from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Unavoidable Battle from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa (melody)
Underwater from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Major 2
nd
Down
Ahead on Our Way from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
Astral Observatory from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy (melody)
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Blue Water Blue Sky from Guilty Gear XX (2002) by Daisuke Ishiwatari, trans. DoubleMark
Bike Race from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko Matsueda;
Arr. Asako Niwa
Continue from Super Ghouls ’n Ghost (1991) by Mari Yamaguchi, trans. GUIM
Cruising on the Ocean from Star Tropics (1990) by Yoshio Hirai, trans. Gregory Orosz
Data Screen from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Dragon Palace from Okami (2006) by Rei Kondoh, trans. Gregory Orosz
Drifting Endlessly from Illusion of Gaia (1993) by Yasuhiro Kawasaki, trans. DoubleMark
Frog’s Theme from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
Guile’s Theme from Super Street Fighter II (1993) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. Jer Roque
Heartbreak, Heartbreak from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. DoubleMark and
musicalmoose (melody)
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
(melody)
Kids Run Through the City Corner from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans.
mkafie, analysis by Alan Elkins (melody)
Mute City from F-Zero (1990) by Yumiko Kanki, trans Bao Vuong (melody)
Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Peaceful Days from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Running Around the City from River City Ransom (1989) by Kenzuo Sawa, trans. AarekMG
Secret of the Forest from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque (melody)
Sedge Flower from Shenmue (1999) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans. Jer Roque
Shadow from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG (melody)
Shadow Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills (melody)
Shop from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr. Asako
Niwa (melody)
Song of Healing from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque (melody)
Super Bell Hill from Super Mario 3D World (2013) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Jer Roque
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
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Theme of Love from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Bao Vuong
Vampire Killer from Castlevania (1987) by Kinuyo Yamashita, trans JohnStacy
Wind Nocturne from Lunar: The Silver Star Story (1996) by Noriyuki Iwadare, trans. Jer Roque
Zombies on Your Lawn from Plants vs. Zombies (2009) by Laura Shigihara, trans. Amy Hsieh
(melody)
Minor 3
rd
Up
Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Edgar and Sabin from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Gumball Bonus from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) by Jun Senoue, trans. Ashanti Mills (melody)
Kolima Forest – Mogall Woods from Golden Sun (2001) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Gregory
Orosz
Matoya’s Cave from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans AarekMG
Rosalina in the Observatory from Super Mario Galaxy (2007) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Song of Storms from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo, trans.
DoubleMark
The Venerable Forest from Star Ocean: The Second Story (1998) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans.
Gregory Orosz
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie (melody)
Underground Sewer from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Minor 3
rd
Down
Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Choco Mountain/Battle Arenas from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie
Dr. Wily Stage 1 from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. Jer Roque
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose (melody)
Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
(melody)
Invincible from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. Ashanti Mills
King Dedede from Kirby Super Star (1996) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Jer Roque
Main theme from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
You’re Not Alone from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. John Stacey (melody)
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Major 3
rd
Up
A Chapel from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa (melody)
Corridors of Time from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
Costa Del Sol from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque (melody)
Dungeon 1 from Zoda’s Revenge: Star Tropics II (1994) by Yoshio Hirai, trans. Gregory Orosz
and Analilia Fierro
Pollyanna (I Believe In You) from EarthBound Beginnings (1989) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Sand Storm from Gradius III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Saria’s Song (Lost Woods) from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo,
trans. Jer Roque
Major 3
rd
Down
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy (melody)
Beedle’s Shop from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002) by Koji Kondo, trans. mkafie
(melody)
Chocobo-Chocobo from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Jer Roque
Home Guldove from Chrono Cross (1999) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans mkafie (melody)
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy (melody)
Marble Gallery from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) by Michiru Yamane, trans
DoubleMark (melody)
Overworld from New Super Mario Bros. (2006) by Koji Kondo, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Title Screen from Paper Mario (2000) by Yuka Tsujiyoko, trans. JohnStacy
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
Perfect 4
th
Up
A Distant Promise from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
Area 3 from Blaster Master (1988) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG (melody)
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
(melody)
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Character Introductions from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, Arr. Asako Niwa (melody)
Chrono Trigger from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
Cyrus, the Scholar from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie (melody)
Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark (melody)
Eight Melodies from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
Green Greens from Kirby’s Dream Land (1992) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Jer Roque
K.K. Crusin’ from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
Kapp’n’s Song from Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012) by Kazumi Totaka, trans AarekMG
Manoria Cathedral from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Name These Children from Mother 3 (2006) by Shogo Sakai, trans. JohnStacy
Theme of Fire Emblem from Fire Emblem (1990) by Yuka Tsujiyoko, trans. JohnStacy
Twoson from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Jer Roque (melody)
Waltz for the Moon from Final Fantasy VIII (1999) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
(melody)
Perfect 4
th
Down
A Settlement in the Red Bluffs from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans.
DoubleMark (melody)
Another World of Beasts from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Clockwork from Castlevania III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans JohnStacy
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Gogo from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG (melody)
Hyrule Castle from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque (melody)
Locke from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Kakariko Village from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque (melody)
Millennial Fair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. DoubleMark
Random Waltz from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
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Schala’s Theme from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. AarekMG
Shevat, the Wind is Calling from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans. DoubleMark
Shop from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Tal Tal Heights from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) by Yuichi Ozaki, trans.
mkafie (melody)
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Under the Stars from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Tritone Up and Down
No examples as of yet
Perfect 5
th
Up
Backborn Story from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Battle Theme from Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987) by Akito Nakatsuka, trans. GUIM
Boss Battle 1 from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa (melody)
City Ruins – Rays of Light from NieR Automata (2017) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
(melody)
Hikari from Kingdom Hearts (2002) by Hikaru Utada, trans. Amy Hsieh (melody)
Invasion from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa (melody)
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Marshmallow Castle from Kirby Super Star (1996) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Gregory Orosz
Metal Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. AarekMG
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy and Jer Roque
Stage 1 from Batman (1989) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
The Brink of Time from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. DoubleMark (melody)
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Perfect 5
th
Down
Bland Logo ~ Title Back from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, trans. Jer Roque
Mabe Village from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) by Kazumi Totaka, trans.
JohnStacy
H’aanit, the Hunter from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
You’ve Come Far, Ness, from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H (melody)
Minor 6
th
Up
Title BGM from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. Jer Roque
Olberic, the Warrior from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Minor 6
th
Down
Green Star from Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Ashanti Mills (melody)
Major 6
th
Up
Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
(melody)
Tifa’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie (melody)
Major 6
th
Down
Singing of the Gentle Wind from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans. Jer Roque
Minor 7th and Major 7th Up and Down
No examples as of yet
Perfect Octave Up
7AM from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
Perfect Octave Down
Holy Orders (Be Just or Be Dead) from Guilty Gear X (2000) by Daisuke Ishiwatari, trans.
DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Title Screen from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. John Stacy
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Secondary Function
b – stands for flat
o – stands for diminished
Secondary Dominants
V/ii or ii
o
7AM from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
A Distant Promise from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
A Sea Breeze Blows from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Corneria Castle from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Grandma’s Theme from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy
Green Star from Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Ashanti Mills
Junes Theme from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. mkafie
Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. Ashanti Mills
Koopa Beach from Super Mario Kart (1992) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Overworld from New Super Mario Bros. (2006) by Koji Kondo, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Peaceful Days from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Staff Roll from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. JohnStacy
The Legendary Theme from Gitaroo Man (2001) by COIL, trans. DoubleMark
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Theme from Space Harrier (1985) by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, trans. Jer Roque
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Treetop from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
Underwater from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Woody Woods from Mario Party 3 (2000) by Ichiro Shimakura, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
V/iii or III
Aquatic Ruin Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. DoubleMark
Battle I from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Cyrus, the Scholar from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Edgar and Sabin from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Guile’s Theme from Super Street Fighter II (1993) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. Jer Roque
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
Kass’s Final Song from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) by Manaka Kataoka,
trans. Aarek MG
King Dedede from Kirby Super Star (1996) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Jer Roque
Kolima Forest – Mogall Woods from Golden Sun (2001) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Gregory
Orosz
Matoya’s Cave from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans AarekMG
New Sunlight from Albert Odyssey 2 (1994) by Naoki Kodaka, trans. and analysis by Alan Elkins
Olberic, the Warrior from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Saria’s Song (Lost Woods) from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo,
trans. Jer Roque
Snake Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Aarek MG
Storm Eagle from Mega Man X (1993) by Makoto Tomozawa, trans. Jer Roque
That Person’s Name Is from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans mkafie
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Under the Stars from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Underwater from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
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Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, Vol. 34 [2020], Art. 12
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V/IV or iv
Aquatic Ruin Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. DoubleMark
Area 3 from Blaster Master (1988) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Beedle’s Shop from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002) by Koji Kondo, trans. mkafie
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Cyrus, the Scholar from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Drifting Endlessly from Illusion of Gaia (1993) by Yasuhiro Kawasaki, trans. DoubleMark
Eight Melodies from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
Gumball Bonus from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) by Jun Senoue, trans. Ashanti Mills
H’aanit, the Hunter from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Kakariko Village from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque
Kass’s Final Song from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) by Manaka Kataoka,
trans. Aarek MG
Kolima Forest – Mogall Woods from Golden Sun (2001) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Gregory
Orosz
Main theme from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Overworld from New Super Mario Bros. (2006) by Koji Kondo, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Shop from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Song of the Ancients ~ Devola from NieR (2010) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
The Legendary Theme from Gitaroo Man (2001) by COIL, trans. DoubleMark
Theme from Space Harrier (1985) by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, trans. Jer Roque
Title from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
Title BGM from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. Jer Roque
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
Winters from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
V/V
13
Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Published by Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections, 2020
A Distant Promise from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
Astral Observatory from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy
Choco Mountain/Battle Arenas from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie
Chocobo-Chocobo from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Jer Roque
City Ruins – Rays of Light from NieR Automata (2017) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
Clockwork from Castlevania III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans JohnStacy
Cyrus, the Scholar from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Dearly Beloved from Kingdom Hearts (2002) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. DoubleMark
Eight Melodies from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Gogo from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Green Star from Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Ashanti Mills
Gumball Bonus from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) by Jun Senoue, trans. Ashanti Mills
Holy Orders (Be Just or Be Dead) from Guilty Gear X (2000) by Daisuke Ishiwatari, trans.
DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
Hyrule Castle from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque
Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. Ashanti Mills
Koopa Beach from Super Mario Kart (1992) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Lazy Afternoons from Kingdom Hearts II (2005) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. mkafie
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Marble Gallery from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) by Michiru Yamane, trans
DoubleMark
Millennial Fair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. DoubleMark
Name These Children from Mother 3 (2006) by Shogo Sakai, trans. JohnStacy
New Bark Town from Pokemon Gold and Silver (1999) by Go Ichinose, trans. Zack Wong
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Peaceful Days from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
14
Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, Vol. 34 [2020], Art. 12
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Poem of Everyone’s Souls (Velvet Room) from Persona 3 (2006) by Shoji Meguro, trans.
DoubleMark
Saria’s Song (Lost Woods) from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo,
trans. Jer Roque
Singing of the Gentle Wind from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans.
Terra from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Title Screen from Paper Mario (2000) by Yuka Tsujiyoko, trans. JohnStacy
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Twoson from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Jer Roque
Tyrano Lair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Tristan H
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
Winters from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
V/vi or VI
Astral Observatory from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Bubble Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. Aarek MG
Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Corneria Castle from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Data Screen from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Ending from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Gloomy Memories from Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans
GUIM
Grandma’s Theme from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy
Green Greens from Kirby’s Dream Land (1992) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Jer Roque
Gumball Bonus from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) by Jun Senoue, trans. Ashanti Mills
15
Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Published by Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections, 2020
Hikari from Kingdom Hearts (2002) by Hikaru Utada, trans. Amy Hsieh
Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. Ashanti Mills
Lazy Afternoons from Kingdom Hearts II (2005) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. mkafie
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Marble Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Name These Children from Mother 3 (2006) by Shogo Sakai, trans. JohnStacy
Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Poem of Everyone’s Souls (Velvet Room) from Persona 3 (2006) by Shoji Meguro, trans.
DoubleMark
Shadow from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Song of the Ancients ~ Devola from NieR (2010) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Theme of Fire Emblem from Fire Emblem (1990) by Yuka Tsujiyoko, trans. JohnStacy
Title Screen from Paper Mario (2000) by Yuka Tsujiyoko, trans. JohnStacy
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Twoson from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Jer Roque
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
Wind Nocturne from Lunar: The Silver Star Story (1996) by Noriyuki Iwadare, trans. Jer Roque
Winters from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
Woody Woods from Mario Party 3 (2000) by Ichiro Shimakura, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
V/VII
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Hero Theme from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Kids Run Through the City Corner from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans.
mkafie, analysis by Alan Elkins
Snake Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Aarek MG
Wind Nocturne from Lunar: The Silver Star Story (1996) by Noriyuki Iwadare, trans. Jer Roque
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V/N
Gemini Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita and Harumi Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills
Underwater from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
V/bIII
Brinstar from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. JohnStacy
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
New Sunlight from Albert Odyssey 2 (1994) by Naoki Kodaka, trans. and analysis by Alan Elkins
V/bVI
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Secondary Leading Tone
vii
o
/ii or ii
o
Junes Theme from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. mkafie
Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. Ashanti Mills
Overworld from New Super Mario Bros. (2006) by Koji Kondo, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Theme of Love from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Bao Vuong
Staff Roll from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. JohnStacy
Woody Woods from Mario Party 3 (2000) by Ichiro Shimakura, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
vii
o
/iii or III
Cyrus, the Scholar from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Ending from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Super Bell Hill from Super Mario 3D World (2013) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Jer Roque
vii
o
/IV or iv
Battle I from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Gloomy Memories from Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans
GUIM
17
Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Published by Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections, 2020
Holy Orders (Be Just or Be Dead) from Guilty Gear X (2000) by Daisuke Ishiwatari, trans.
DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
Pollyanna (I Believe In You) from EarthBound Beginnings (1989) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
That Person’s Name Is from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans mkafie
vii
o
/V
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Battle I from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Clockwork from Castlevania III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans JohnStacy
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Gloomy Memories from Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans
GUIM
Gumball Bonus from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) by Jun Senoue, trans. Ashanti Mills
Kapp’n’s Song from Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012) by Kazumi Totaka, trans AarekMG
Kolima Forest – Mogall Woods from Golden Sun (2001) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Gregory
Orosz
Main theme from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy and Jer Roque
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Poem of Everyone’s Souls (Velvet Room) from Persona 3 (2006) by Shoji Meguro, trans.
DoubleMark
Super Bell Hill from Super Mario 3D World (2013) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Jer Roque
That Person’s Name Is from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans mkafie
Theme of Fire Emblem from Fire Emblem (1990) by Yuka Tsujiyoko, trans. JohnStacy
Treetop from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
Tyrano Lair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Tristan H
Underground Sewer from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Waltz for the Moon from Final Fantasy VIII (1999) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
You’re Not Alone from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. John Stacey
18
Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, Vol. 34 [2020], Art. 12
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vii
o
/vi or VI
Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Singing of the Gentle Wind from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans.
Title Screen from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. John Stacy
Waltz for the Moon from Final Fantasy VIII (1999) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
vii
o
/VII
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy and Jer Roque
vii
o
/N
Home Guldove from Chrono Cross (1999) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans mkafie
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
vii
o
/bIII
Title Screen from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. John Stacy
Treetop from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
vii
o
/bVI
No examples as of yet
Mode Mixture
In a Major key
i
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
19
Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Published by Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections, 2020
Shop from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr. Asako
Niwa
iio
A Sea Breeze Blows from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Ahead on Our Way from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
Drifting Endlessly from Illusion of Gaia (1993) by Yasuhiro Kawasaki, trans. DoubleMark
Green Star from Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Ashanti Mills
Koopa Beach from Super Mario Kart (1992) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Mabe Village from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) by Kazumi Totaka, trans.
JohnStacy
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy and Jer Roque
bIII
Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Brinstar from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. JohnStacy
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Guardia Castle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Kids Run Through the City Corner from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans.
mkafie, analysis by Alan Elkins
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Pollyanna (I Believe In You) from EarthBound Beginnings (1989) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Sedge Flower from Shenmue (1999) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans. Jer Roque
Sunshine Airport from Mario Kart 8 (2014) by Atsuko Asahi, trans. Nathan Ford
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
Threed, Free at Last from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
Title from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
iv
20
Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, Vol. 34 [2020], Art. 12
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Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Ahead on Our Way from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
Area 3 from Blaster Master (1988) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
Athletic from Super Mario World (1990) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Cherrygrove City from Pokemon Gold and Silver (1999) by Go Ichinose, trans. Zack Wong
Corneria Castle from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark
Ending from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Green Star from Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Ashanti Mills
Home Guldove from Chrono Cross (1999) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans mkafie
Kapp’n’s Song from Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012) by Kazumi Totaka, trans AarekMG
Lazy Afternoons from Kingdom Hearts II (2005) by Yoko Shimomura, trans. mkafie
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Staff Roll from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. JohnStacy
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
The Legendary Theme from Gitaroo Man (2001) by COIL, trans. DoubleMark
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Theme from Space Harrier (1985) by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, trans. Jer Roque
Threed, Free at Last from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
Tifa’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
Title Screen from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. John Stacy
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
Waltz for the Moon from Final Fantasy VIII (1999) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
v
21
Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
Published by Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections, 2020
Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Guardia Castle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Tifa’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
bVI
Area 3 from Blaster Master (1988) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
Brinstar from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. JohnStacy
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Character Introductions from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, Arr. Asako Niwa
Cruising on the Ocean from Star Tropics (1990) by Yoshio Hirai, trans. Gregory Orosz
Desert Land from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Green Star from Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Ashanti Mills
Guardia Castle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Gumball Bonus from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994) by Jun Senoue, trans. Ashanti Mills
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
Mog from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Route 101 from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire (2002) by Morikazu Aoki, trans. xXChickyChuXx
Sand Storm from Gradius III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Shadow Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills
Shop from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr. Asako
Niwa
Sunshine Airport from Mario Kart 8 (2014) by Atsuko Asahi, trans. Nathan Ford
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
22
Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, Vol. 34 [2020], Art. 12
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The Prelude from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
Threed, Free at Last from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
Winters from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans JohnStacy
bVII
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Character Introductions from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, Arr. Asako Niwa
Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Cruising on the Ocean from Star Tropics (1990) by Yoshio Hirai, trans. Gregory Orosz
Data Screen from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
Kids Run Through the City Corner from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans.
mkafie, analysis by Alan Elkins
Koopa Beach from Super Mario Kart (1992) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Sand Storm from Gradius III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Shop from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr. Asako
Niwa
Super Bell Hill from Super Mario 3D World (2013) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Jer Roque
The Prelude from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
Tifa’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1997) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
Vampire Killer from Castlevania (1987) by Kinuyo Yamashita, trans JohnStacy
Welcome Horizons from Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) by Kazumi Totaka, trans
xXChickyChuXx and Jer Roque
In a Minor key
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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I
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
ii
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
#III
No examples as of yet
IV
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
#vi
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Neapolitan
7AM from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
A Chapel from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Area 7 from Blaster Master (1988) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
Backborn Story from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Battle Theme from Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987) by Akito Nakatsuka, trans. GUIM
Brinstar from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. JohnStacy
Clockwork from Castlevania III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans JohnStacy
Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Dr. Wily Stage 1 from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. Jer Roque
Gemini Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita and Harumi Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills
Manoria Cathedral from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
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Marble Gallery from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) by Michiru Yamane, trans
DoubleMark
Matoya’s Cave from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans AarekMG
Mog from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Mute City from F-Zero (1990) by Yumiko Kanki, trans Bao Vuong
Overworld from The Legend of Zelda (1986) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Quick Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. AarekMG
Stage 1 from Batman (1989) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
Tal Tal Heights from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) by Yuichi Ozaki, trans.
mkafie
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Threed, Free at Last from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
Title BGM from Metroid (1986) by Hip Tanaka, trans. Jer Roque
Trisection from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Under the Stars from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Augmented Sixth Chords
German or Italian
Kass’s Final Song from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) by Manaka Kataoka,
trans. Aarek MG
Marble Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
You’re Not Alone from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. John Stacey
French
Mog from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Tritone Substitutions
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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Another World of Beasts from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Area 6 from Star Fox 64 (1997) by Hajime Wakai, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Locke from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
Woody Woods from Mario Party 3 (2000) by Ichiro Shimakura, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
Common-Tone Diminished Chords
Continue from Super Ghouls ’n Ghost (1991) by Mari Yamaguchi, trans. GUIM
Cyrus, the Scholar from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Dark Pit’s Theme from Kid Icarus: Uprising (2012) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Ashanti Mills
Eterna Forest from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl (2006) by Hitomi Sato, trans. Ashanti Mills
Gemini Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita and Harumi Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills
Kass’s Final Song from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) by Manaka Kataoka,
trans. Aarek MG
Mabe Village from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) by Kazumi Totaka, trans.
JohnStacy
Name These Children from Mother 3 (2006) by Shogo Sakai, trans. JohnStacy
Rosalina in the Observatory from Super Mario Galaxy (2007) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
Staff Roll from Super Mario Land 2 (1992) by Kazumi Totaka, trans. JohnStacy
The Guitar’s Serenade from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by Shu Takumi, trans Jer
Roque
Tyrano Lair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Tristan H
Underwater from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. John Stacy
Altered Dominants
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Vb5
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Tyrano Lair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Tristan H
V#5
A Sea Breeze Blows from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
Super Bell Hill from Super Mario 3D World (2013) by Mahito Yokota, trans. Jer Roque
Modulation
Parallel
Air Battle A from 1943: The Battle of Midway (1987) by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, trans Mike
Matarazzo
Bland Logo ~ Title Back from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, trans. Jer Roque
Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Green Greens from Kirby’s Dream Land (1992) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Jer Roque
Horizon of Light and Shadow from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans Analilia Fierro
Relative
Matoya’s Cave from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans AarekMG
Terra from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
Closely Related
A Settlement in the Red Bluffs from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans.
DoubleMark
Bland Logo ~ Title Back from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, trans. Jer Roque
Character Introductions from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, Arr. Asako Niwa
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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Choco Mountain/Battle Arenas from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie
Decisive Battle from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Gogo from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Mog from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. AarekMG
Moo Moo Farm/Yoshi Valley from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie
Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Tressa, the Merchant from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Woody Woods from Mario Party 3 (2000) by Ichiro Shimakura, trans. Jonathan Aldrich
Common-Tone Related
Locke from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
That Person’s Name Is from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans mkafie
Distantly Related
Battle III from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Burning Heat from Gradius II (1988) by Motoaki Furukawa, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Commander in Training from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu
Iwata, Arr. Asako Niwa
Decisive Battle from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Dragon Palace from Okami (2006) by Rei Kondoh, trans. Gregory Orosz
H’aanit, the Hunter from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Locke from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans Jer Roque
Olberic, the Warrior from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
That Person’s Name Is from Bravely Default (2012) by Revo, trans mkafie
Sedge Flower from Shenmue (1999) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans. Jer Roque
Unavoidable Battle from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Under the Stars from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Wind Nocturne from Lunar: The Silver Star Story (1996) by Noriyuki Iwadare, trans. Jer Roque
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Modalities
Dorian
City Ruins – Rays of Light from NieR Automata (2017) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
Decisive Battle from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Europe from Aerobiz (1992) by Taku Iwasaki, trans sigmabeta
Hero Theme from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Kass’s Final Song from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) by Manaka Kataoka,
trans. Aarek MG
Kolima Forest – Mogall Woods from Golden Sun (2001) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans. Gregory
Orosz
Marshmallow Castle from Kirby Super Star (1996) by Jun Ishikawa, trans. Gregory Orosz
Mute City from F-Zero (1990) by Yumiko Kanki, trans Bao Vuong
Prophecy from Secret of Mana (1993) by Hiroki Kikuta, trans. DoubleMark
Shadow Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Ashanti Mills
Song of Storms from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo, trans.
DoubleMark
Snake Man from Mega Man 3 (1990) by Yasuaki Fujita, trans. Aarek MG
Tal Tal Heights from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) by Yuichi Ozaki, trans.
mkafie
Theme of Love from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Bao Vuong
Vampire Killer from Castlevania (1987) by Kinuyo Yamashita, trans JohnStacy
Zombies on Your Lawn from Plants vs. Zombies (2009) by Laura Shigihara, trans. Amy Hsieh
Phrygian
Area 6 from Star Fox 64 (1997) by Hajime Wakai, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Magus’s Battle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. AarekMG
Lydian
Corridors of Time from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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Eterna Forest from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl (2006) by Hitomi Sato, trans. Ashanti Mills
Guardia Castle from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; Arr. Asako Niwa
Hikari from Kingdom Hearts (2002) by Hikaru Utada, trans. Amy Hsieh
Saria’s Song (Lost Woods) from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo,
trans. Jer Roque
Song of Healing from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque
The Venerable Forest from Star Ocean: The Second Story (1998) by Motoi Sakuraba, trans.
Gregory Orosz
Theme of Laura from Silent Hill 2 (2001) by Akira Yamaoka, trans. Jer Roque
Title from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) by Koji Kondo, trans. JohnStacy
Mixolydian
Millennial Fair from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. DoubleMark
Sand Storm from Gradius III (1989) by Konami Kukeiha Club, trans. Mike Matarazzo
Simeon Segue from Donkey Kong Country (1994) by Eveline Fischer, trans mkafie
World Map, from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Aeolian
Neverending Journey from Lost Odyssey (2007) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. mkafie
Apollo Justice ~ A New Trial Is In Session from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by
Toshihiko Horiyama, trans mkafie and sigmabeta
Backborn Story from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata,
Arr. Asako Niwa
Chocobo-Chocobo from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Jer Roque
Dr. Wily Stage 1 from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. Jer Roque
Dungeon from Star Tropics (1990) by Yoshio Hirai, trans. Gregory Orosz
Heartbreak, Heartbreak from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. DoubleMark and
musicalmoose
Marble Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) by Masato Nakamura, trans. Jer Roque
Matoya’s Cave from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans AarekMG
Metal Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. AarekMG
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Opening Stage from Mega Man X (1993) by Setsuo Yamamoto, trans. Jer Roque
Quick Man from Mega Man 2 (1988) by Takashi Tateishi, trans. AarekMG
Schala’s Theme from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. AarekMG
Song of the Ancients ~ Devola from NieR (2010) by Keiichi Okabe, trans. DoubleMark
Stage 1 from Batman (1989) by Naoki Kodaka, trans AarekMG
Terra from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
The Trial from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko Matsueda;
Arr. Asako Niwa
Theme of Laura from Silent Hill 2 (2001) by Akira Yamaoka, trans. Jer Roque
Trisection from Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, Arr.
Asako Niwa
Locrian
No examples as of yet
Extended Tertian Harmony
min = minor
maj = major (as in major seventh)
Added Chords
add9
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark
The Prelude from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
add#11
Shevat, the Wind is Calling from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans. DoubleMark
min add9
Apollo Justice ~ A New Trial Is In Session from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by
Toshihiko Horiyama, trans mkafie and sigmabeta
The Prelude from Final Fantasy VI (1994) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. Jer Roque
Toad’s Turnpike from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie
min add11
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
Major Seventh Chords
maj7b5
Eterna Forest from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl (2006) by Hitomi Sato, trans. Ashanti Mills
maj7 add13
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
maj7#11
Astral Observatory from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans.
JohnStacy
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark
Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
Song of Healing from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer
Roque
Dominant Seventh Chords
7b9
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
7#9
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
K.K. Crusin’ from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
To A Distant Place from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida and Yoshino Aoki, trans
DoubleMark
7#11
Continue from Super Ghouls ’n Ghost (1991) by Mari Yamaguchi, trans. GUIM
Europe from Aerobiz (1992) by Taku Iwasaki, trans sigmabeta
H’aanit, the Hunter from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
7b13
Crossing Those Hills from Final Fantasy IX (2000) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. DoubleMark
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Ophilia, The Cleric from Octopath Traveler (2018) by Yasunori Nishiki, trans. mkafie
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
Other Seventh Chords
minmaj7
Continue from Super Ghouls ’n Ghost (1991) by Mari Yamaguchi, trans. GUIM
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
dimmaj7
Continue from Super Ghouls ’n Ghost (1991) by Mari Yamaguchi, trans. GUIM
Nine Chords
maj9
K.K. Crusin’ from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Sedge Flower from Shenmue (1999) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans. Jer Roque
Shevat, the Wind is Calling from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans. DoubleMark
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
You’ve Come Far, Ness, from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
9
7AM from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
Heartbreak, Heartbreak from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. DoubleMark and
musicalmoose
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. (1983) by Koji Kondo, trans. Jer Roque
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
minmaj9
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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Drifting Endlessly from Illusion of Gaia (1993) by Yasuhiro Kawasaki, trans. DoubleMark
Theme of Laura from Silent Hill 2 (2001) by Akira Yamaoka, trans. Jer Roque
9#11
You’ve Come Far, Ness, from Earthbound (1994) by Keiichi Suzuki, trans Tristan H
min9
Apollo Justice ~ A New Trial Is In Session from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by
Toshihiko Horiyama, trans mkafie and sigmabeta
Casually from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Heartbreak, Heartbreak from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. DoubleMark and
musicalmoose
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy (melody)
K.K. Crusin’ from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
Main Menu from Sim City (1989) by Soyo Oka, trans. JohnStacy
Monkeys from Mario Paint (1992) by Hip Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kazumi Totaka, trans.
Jonathan Aldrich
Shevat, the Wind is Calling from Xenogears (1998) by Yasunori Mitsuda, trans. DoubleMark
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Theme of Love from Final Fantasy IV (1991) by Nobuo Uematasu, trans Bao Vuong
To A Distant Place from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida and Yoshino Aoki, trans
DoubleMark
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
Zombies on Your Lawn from Plants vs. Zombies (2009) by Laura Shigihara, trans. Amy Hsieh
6/9
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy
Eleven Chords
11
Dire Dire Docks from Super Mario 64 (1996) by Koji Kondo, trans. DoubleMark
Toad’s Turnpike from Mario Kart 64 (1996) by Kenta Nagata, trans. mkafie
min11
Apollo Justice ~ A New Trial Is In Session from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (2007) by
Toshihiko Horiyama, trans mkafie and sigmabeta
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Heartbreak, Heartbreak from Persona 4 (2008) by Shoji Meguro, trans. DoubleMark and
musicalmoose
Secret of the Forest from Chrono Trigger (1995) by Yasunori Mitsuda, Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko
Matsueda; trans. Jer Roque
To A Distant Place from Breath of Fire III (1997) by Akari Kaida and Yoshino Aoki, trans
DoubleMark
Thirteen Chords
maj13
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy (melody)
13
K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans JohnStacy (melody)
K.K. Crusin’ from Animal Crossing (2001) by Kazumi Totaka, trans Ashanti Mills
New Sunlight from Albert Odyssey 2 (1994) by Naoki Kodaka, trans. and analysis by Alan Elkins
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Tunnel from Rhythm Heaven (2008) by Masami Yone, trans. mkafie
13#11
The Yaschas Massif from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) by Masashi Hamauzu, trans. musicalmoose
and DoubleMark
Form
Large Form
Binary
AABB
Air Battle A from 1943: The Battle of Midway (1987) by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, trans Mike
Matarazzo
Europe from Aerobiz (1992) by Taku Iwasaki, trans sigmabeta
AABB’
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Ternary
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Ferguson: Music Theory Examples in Video Game Music
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ABA’
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Small Form
Period
Air Battle A from 1943: The Battle of Midway (1987) by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, trans Mike
Matarazzo
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
New Sunlight from Albert Odyssey 2 (1994) by Naoki Kodaka, trans. and analysis by Alan Elkins
Town Theme from Final Fantasy II (1988) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. and analysis by Alan
Elkins.
Sentence
Airship Theme from Final Fantasy (1987) by Nobuo Uematsu, trans. and analysis by Alan Elkins
Distant View from Breath of Fire (1993) by Capcom Sound Team, trans. and analysis by Alan
Elkins
Floor Theme from Adventures of Lolo (1989) by Hideki Kamazashi, trans AarekMG
Overworld from Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) by Koji Kondo, trans. and analysis by Alan Elkins
Hyrbid
Antecedent + Continuation
Adventure from Dragon Warrior III (1988) by Koichi Sugiyama, trans. and analysis by Alan
Elkins
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
Fanfare
Fillmore from Actraiser (1990) by Yuzo Koshiro, trans DoubleMark and musicalmoose
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