swiftlessons
patreon
How to Write Original Songs - Part 1 - Useful Tips, Progressions & Rhythms
🕑 Added 2018-02-20 01:49:09 +0000 UTC Hello friends,and welcome to another Weekly Challenge! In today's session we'll follow up on our study of major keys and begin learning the process of writing our own original songs! Composition is something that guitarist of all levels can enjoy, and is fantastic way to retain information as you apply the techniques and theory concepts that you have studied. Let's get started!
1. Use the Basics - The ability to compose quality music is not dependent on years of study, or virtuosity - beginners can get started with a basic understanding of music and a few standard techniques. Of course as your musicianship improves, so will your ability to analyze and replicate more complex ideas, but remember, some of the most memorable songs throughout music history employ a few basic chords and a simple hook.
2. You Are What You Eat - Nourish your creative health with a steady diet of rich and diverse music. Dig into the classics, discover contemporaries, and branch out into new musical genres. As your understanding of music theory and playing chops improve, so will your ability to borrow from these sources.
3. Learn Basic Music Theory - There are a few music theory concepts that will allow you to analyze your favorite songs, and break their components down into raw materials for writing songs. To learn the origins of chords and progressions, click here - for understanding of major keys click here.
4. Learn Stock Chord Progressions - The majority of hit songs utilize a few common chord progressions. These “stock” chord progressions are the perfect starting point for novice song writers. I recommend working in the key of G where the majority of available chords can be played as basic open shapes:
Recommended Progressions:
1,4,5 - G, C, D
1,6,4,5 - G, Em, C, D
1,5,6,4 - G, D, Em, C
2,5,1 - Am, D, G
5. Find the Right Groove - One of the most important elements to a memorable song is the rhythm. For this reason, I recommend that all songwriters experiment with time signatures, strumming patterns, syncopation, and dynamics to give each song it's own unique feel. Beginners can get started by memorizing a few basic strumming and picking patterns in a variety of time signatures:
Pop/Calypso Pattern:
R&B Percussive Patter:
Basic 3/4:
6/4 finger-style - basic arpeggio:
Associated Content:
Links:
Comments
Willie Nelson said all you need to write a song is two chords and the truth.........
I just can't peel the smile off my face, Rob. Thanks for this great first lesson on songwriting. I'm all in with the process of using what I know (that you've taught me) by studying songs and your PDFs. Locating the melody and connecting it with the lyrics is my struggle. I've tried writing the lyrics first and sometimes the music first. It seems when I have lyrics I can fit a rhythm better, but still the melody resists me, even when I rely on searching the scale. It shows up eventually but makes me wait! Anyway, I got a lot out of this lesson and can't wait for the next installment. Thanks so much!
This is a great start, Rob, Oh yes, on the lyricism as well as which comes first, the lyrics, the chords, the melody. I'm always confused as to how often the melody seems buried in the chords and I can't hear it or catch it especially if I'm " trying" to sing along. So many pieces to the puzzle and getting them to fit together in a way that's pleasing. I haven't even tried yet, but plan on giving it a go soon. Thanks for the help and nudge.
Grest lesson! A lot to work with!
Thanks Warner. I'm thinking that I might do some follow up tutorials where I break down a few different writing processes and compose an actual song. Additionally, I think I need to do an individual lesson on lyricism as well. So many possibilities... Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! -Rob
Thank you, Rob. Very straight forward explanation of song basics. Really got my gears cranking. I can’t wait for your next installment. Love your lessons.
