Many talented songwriters use these six techniques to write memorable songs. Thus, if songwriting is something you are passionate about, keep reading!
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Wednesday, March 16th
Here, we share six practical tips when composing new music and lyrics:
1. Compose a catchy melody
Millions of songs share the same three- and four-chord progressions. And, more often than not, that is why a melody gets stuck in our heads. Successful melodies usually move in stepwise motion (up or down either a half-step or a whole step) with a few leaps. They also often have a focal point—a high note in a melodic passage that anchors the rest of the melody line.
2. Build your song around a riff.
Whether you’re a guitarist, a pianist, a bassist, or a non-instrumentalist, you can compose variations that anchor an entire piece. As a result, riffs are one of the best songwriting tools at your disposal.
3. Write a song you can play live!
It might not sound important, but given the advancements in music technologies, you might be tempted to add all the bells and whistles your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software allows.
But you should also think about how you can perform your songs live! Your music should be just as compelling when played live as it is in recorded form.
4. Step away from your instrument to write.
Common logic would suggest that you should write songs while seated at the piano or holding a guitar. But, going outside and writing melodies and rhythms in your head allows you to be even more creative and to think outside the box.
5. Get ambitious with song structure.
Most songs contain some combination of the following elements: an intro, a verse, a pre-chorus, a chorus, a bridge, instrumental solos, and a coda or outro. Challenge yourself to write a song that does more than toggle back and forth between verses and the chorus.
6. Learn to break through writer’s block
A great way to fight writer’s block is to vary your creative process. For example, writing a song on a new instrument or in a genre that’s unknown to you. Moving out of your comfort zone can help jumpstart your creativity.
This article is a re-post, with minor modifications, ofSongwriting Tips: 10 Techniques for Writing Memorable Songs” an article published on masterclass.com
