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Learn How to Write Songs
Learn How to Write Songs

Tag archives for songwriting

Lyric Writing Tools

By songwriter Published May 15, 2013

hammer-nail

Tools make things easier. That is why lyric writing tools are so important in the song creation process. Imagine trying to drive a nail into a board with your fist.  Not only would it be painful, it would not do the job properly. Now imagine driving that same nail using a hammer.  It is so much easier to accomplish the task using the correct tool.  As a songwriter you need to build a tool kit.

Having the proper tools is vital to the songwriting process. Taking the nail example, imagine again driving the nail into the board.  Except this time use a screwdriver.  Obviously the screwdriver is ineffective in driving the nail.  The same thing is true with lyric writing tools.  It is important to use the right tool. Continue reading »

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Lyrics Method - How to Write Rap SongsLyrics Method - How to Write Rap SongsIf you want to learn how to write a rap song, then check out the "Lyrics Method" course.

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Hit Click 2 The Master Class: Music Industry Master Class (Volume 2)Hit Click 2 The Master Class: Music Industry Master Class (Volume 2)HIT CLICK 2 - THE MASTER CLASS EDITION Back by public demand after the success of HIT CLICK 1: Thriving in the Music Industry. Music Producer, Rory Ni... Read More >
Popular Lyric Writing: 10 Steps to Effective StorytellingPopular Lyric Writing: 10 Steps to Effective Storytelling(Berklee Guide). Write songs that sell! Hit-songwriter/educator Andrea Stolpe shares time-tested tools of commercial songwriting. Her ten-step process... Read More >
Songwriting For DummiesSongwriting For DummiesProven techniques for songwriting success

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Posted in Songwriting Lyrics Techniques, Songwriting Lyrics Tips Tagged: DICTIONARY, lyric, lyrics, Rhyming Dictionary, songwriting, Thesaurus | Leave a comment

5 Things You Can Do to Take Your Songwriting to the Next Level

By songwriter Published May 1, 2013

Headphone Music

You’ve started to write songs.  You really enjoy creating these songs.  Up to now it has only been a hobby but now you want to take it more seriously.  You’re creating some great sounding songs, but now it’s time to improve your skills as a songwriter.  Here are some ways to help you move to the next level in your songwriting.

Learn Music Theory

Understanding music theory can help you with the inner workings of how music is put together.  To get start you need to pick up a good music theory book or enroll in lessons.  The essence of music theory will help you learn about scales, chords, rhythms, harmony.  Learning these elements in music will make you a better songwriter. Continue reading »

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Behind The Muse: Pop and Rock's Greatest Songwriters Talk About Their Work and InspirationBehind The Muse: Pop and Rock's Greatest Songwriters Talk About Their Work and Inspiration"Behind The Muse" features interviews with over 40 successful and respected songwriters. Billy Joel, Burt Bacharach, Brian Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Jo... Read More >
The Secrets of Songwriting: Leading Songwriters Reveal How to Find Inspiration and SuccessThe Secrets of Songwriting: Leading Songwriters Reveal How to Find Inspiration and Success

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F... Read More >
Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics (Songwriting Guides)Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics (Songwriting Guides)(Berklee Guide). Veteran songwriter Pat Pattison has taught many of Berklee College of Music's best and brightest students how to write truly great ly... Read More >
How To Write Songs On Guitar - RevisedHow To Write Songs On Guitar - RevisedSo you want to write songs, and you want to write them on guitar. This is the book that shows you exactly how. Taking tips and tricks from classic son... Read More >
Songwriting Sourcebook: How to Turn Chords Into Great SongsSongwriting Sourcebook: How to Turn Chords Into Great SongsUsing visual examples of songwriting techniques, this book teaches guitarists to write better songs. The book starts with basic chords, describes how ... Read More >
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Posted in Songwriting Inspiration, Songwriting Techniques Tagged: Learn Music Theory, music, songwriting, Write Songs, Write Songs Everyday | 1 Comment

Songwriting – How to Easily Write a Strong Melody

By songwriter Published April 15, 2013

Download a copy of the songwriting eBook How to Write Songs That Sell

Great melodies are crucial to great songs. This video will show you how you can easily come up with a solid, memorable melody. you’ll learn an easy technique for writing effective, singable melodies your listeners will be singing, even after your song is over.

Some of the things that I found very useful for songwriting is the use of a musical motif.  A motif a short musical phase that is used as a foundation for a melody.  For a motif to work it must be repeated several time in the song section.  In the video Anthony creates a musical phase based on the motif.  The phase is then altered and modified to create some variations.  The first variation is to add additional notes to the original motif.  The second variation is to shorten the phase by removing some of the notes from the motif. Continue reading »

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Posted in Songwriting Melody Techniques Tagged: Anthony Ceseri, Find Inspiration Method, It Yourself Method, MELODY, motif, music, songwriting, Write Songs | Comments Off

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Do When Writing Song Lyrics

By songwriter Published March 30, 2013

Songwriting Mistakes to AvoidSong lyrics must communicate. Making some of the mistakes presented here will hinder the ability for a song to communicate. These mistakes will confuse the listener. When the listener is confused they will lose interest in a song. A loss of interest is fatal to a song’s ability to be successful. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when writing song lyrics.

1. Avoid Grammar Mistakes

Songwriting is the art of using words to communicate a story. Having song lyrics with proper grammar is important for communicating the story. It is not exempt from the basic rules of grammar. Grammar rules are important. Using grammar correctly will help present the song’s story the best way possible. Some mistakes that can happen include these items. The use of pronouns needs to be consistent in the lyric. Don’t move from “I” to “we” if the story is first person. Another problem is verb tense. If your verse is in the present time don’t use past tense verbs. The next grammar mistake is using sentence fragments. Keep in mind that a sentence has a subject and verb. A prepositional phase is not a sentence, it’s a fragment. These are some of the common grammar mistake that a songwriter needs to avoid when writing lyrics. Continue reading »

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Songwriting for Beginners: An Easy Beginning MethodSongwriting for Beginners: An Easy Beginning MethodAnyone can get started learning how to write a song with this user-friendly basic method. You will learn how to write a melody, write an interesting c... Read More >
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Posted in Songwriting Basics Tagged: Avoid Grammar Mistakes, Avoid Using Obscure References, grammar, lyric, lyrics, plot, rhyme, Song, songwriting, weird | Leave a comment

The Elements of Writing a Song

By songwriter Published March 25, 2013

Songwritng Flow ChartSongwriting is a rewarding activity. There is something special with word meets melody meets a great story. In order to get to a finished song several elements must happen. Think of a stool. If some of the legs are missing, it is unstable or unable to stand up. It is like that with songwriting. Several key elements go into writing a song. Here are some of these elements.

Words

Words are what make up the lyric of a song. Lyric is a specific form of poetry that is used in songwriting. The words are the basic elements of a songs story. As a songwriter put together words, a story should be the result. A story is the best way to communicate ideas and thoughts. Words paint a picture for the listener. Words are one element that goes into writing songs. The next element of a song is the melody. Continue reading »

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Posted in Songwriting Methods Tagged: Chord Progressions, music, Song, Song Form, songwriting, story | 3 Comments

Songwriting Software

By songwriter Published February 4, 2013

The use of songwriting software makes the task of writing songs easier. Technology allows the songwriter the ability to record songs at home. The advantage of songwriting software is the ability to modify digital audio, add special effects and use virtual instruments. These programs provide synths that use real instrument samples. The songwriter can create drum beats and loops for their songs. Song tracks can be edited and improved by touching up parts that you don’t like.

Once a song is finished, it can be interfaced with other multimedia apps. There are several brands of songwriting software. Some of the more popular ones include Cakewalk Sonar X2 Producer, Steinberg Cubase, Finale 2012 and Masterwriter Songwriting Software. Each one not only records songs they also have additional features as well.

The prolific use of songwriting software has revolutionizes the art and craft of writing songs. In day gone by the cost of making a demo or final product was very expensive. Software opens the door for creative artist an affordable option in getting songs out to the public. Now the home computer is the recording studio,

Though the use of the software an artist is empowered to write and record songs. This creates more opportunities for songwriters. Independent artist can compete with the larger music industry. It makes the playing field level. It is now possible to reach fame by recording songs and publishing them directly on the Internet. Now distribution is quick and easy. It can be done from the comfort of your home.

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Posted in Songwriting Software Tagged: artist, digital, songwriting, songwriting software | 1 Comment

More Secrets to Songwriting Success

By songwriter Published January 30, 2013

Develop these attributes of a successful songwriter, and you will find yourself moving quickly toward songwriting success!

Thick Skin

The music business is a tough business. You cannot be easily hurt or upset if you want to be a successful songwriter.  There will always be situations where your work will be under scrutiny or critiqued. You need to develop a way to see past that and let it roll off your back, like “water off a duck’s back.”

Duck in WaterDucks have feathers that are tight and their density act like oil. It keeps the duck dry and warm.  So when water, cold or otherwise, lands on the back of a duck, it simply rolls off. Let critiques roll off your back in a similar manner. If you are going to be successful, you need to take these situations as opportunities to become a better songwriter. Continue reading »

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Posted in Songwriting Inspiration Tagged: courage, fanatic, music, music business, resolve, songwriting, Thick Skin | 1 Comment

Four Top Tips of Successful Songwriters

By songwriter Published January 19, 2013

target

Here are four tips that will help your songwriting career become more successful.  First you will need character.  Character is about who you are.  Second you will need to hustle. This is the amount of effort you put into your work. The third thing is time management.  The ability to control what you do and when is vital to your success. The fourth thing is risk taking.  Playing it too safe can destroy or even stall your progress.  Include these skills into your strategy for a successful songwriting career and you’ll move forward faster than you ever dreamed! Continue reading »

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Posted in Songwriting Help Tagged: Character, Hustle, Risk Taker, Risk Taking, songwriting, Time Management | 1 Comment

Songwriting: You Can Do It!

By songwriter Published December 7, 2012

If there is anything that keeps a songwriter from realizing success is the attitude of confidence. A positive attitude can only take you so far. You must have full confidence in your ability to write songs.

You may ask yourself “How can I have that confidence?” You may feel that you suck at songwriting or you believe that other successful songwriter’s don’t struggle at their craft. Well here some advice – Get over it!

The truth is nearly every songwriter struggles with songwriting. Struggling with self-esteem means you are looking at how you compare with other songwriter’s and using that to measure your success.  As a result you become your own worse enemy.

Continue reading »

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Posted in Songwriting Beginners, Songwriting Exercises, Songwriting Techniques Tagged: music, songwriting, Write Songs | Leave a comment

Songwriting Tools to Help You Write a Better Song

By songwriter Published November 28, 2012

This website has several online tools to help you write and create songs. These tools will help jump start your songwriting efforts. We will explore each one of the tool in a step by step fashion. So lets get started.

Step 1: Getting a title

Every song needs a strong title. Oftentimes this is the first spark of inspiration. Titles can be found just about anywhere. To help you get song title ideas go to the “Random Song Title Generator“. Here you will find a series of titles randomly generated. Some may seem silly or don’t make sense. But as you go through the list there may be something that appeals to you. Make that your title.  Add this to a new document in your favorite text editor. Continue reading »

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Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics (Songwriting Guides)Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics (Songwriting Guides)(Berklee Guide). Veteran songwriter Pat Pattison has taught many of Berklee College of Music's best and brightest students how to write truly great ly... Read More >
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Lyrics Method - How to Write Rap SongsLyrics Method - How to Write Rap SongsIf you want to learn how to write a rap song, then check out the "Lyrics Method" course.

The "Lyrics Method" course teaches you how to writ... Read More >
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Posted in Songwriting Inspiration, Songwriting Methods, Songwriting Software, Songwriting Techniques Tagged: ABAC, Chord Progressions, Melody Shape Generator, music, Random Song Title Generator, Rhyming Scheme, Rhyming Words, Rhythm Motif, songwriting, Step Five Create Chord Progressions, Step Four Free Write | 3 Comments
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  • Songwriter Tip:

    Songwriters fall prey to writer’s block quite easily. It’s the nature of the beast. As you’re already well aware, there are only so many chords and notes out there with which to work. But as bad as writer’s block may be, it is much, much worse to be suffering from what I call ‘song sameness.’ This is when a writer just keeps rewriting the same song over and over and over and over and over again. The same chord progression, same tempo, same stylistic touches, the whole works. Be aware of this syndrome when you write your songs.

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