Have you ever wondered why some music just seems to have staying power? Like the energizer bunny, it just keeps on going and going. But what is the secret to creative songwriting? Is it a catchy chord progression or a great melody? Perhaps it’s a lightening fast lead guitar solo? Read on to gain a few of my personal tips and ideas…
NEWS UPDATE:
Ooops…! One astute reader noticed that in last month’s newsletter I stated that Keith Moon was the drummer for the Rolling Stones. Wrong! Keith Moon was the drummer for the Who. Thanks for pointing that out Glen. It was clearly a case of mistaken identity!
And since we’re talking about “Past Masters”…
The Beatles have a new CD called, “Love” and it’s really fun to listen to. I got to hear it for the first time over the Chrismas Holiday. George Martin and his son, Giles did a masterful job of re-mixing and combining different tracks from various albums to create a very unique album.
Speaking of Love…
Get free guitar tab to one of my favorite love songs by The Beatles…
In My Life
Sing it for the one you love on Valentines Day! :0)
MUSIC TRIVIA:
Did you know…?
The Beatles stopped giving live perfomances after playing their last concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29, 1966. They decided they wanted to spend more time in the recording studio and just make music. Many people thought they were crazy and would quickly lose their fan base and popularity if they stopped giving live performances.
The Beatles didn’t listen and guess what happened as a result? They kept cranking out hit songs and their popularity grew even more! The question that was constantly on everyone’s lips back then was, when are the Beatles going to give another concert?” Learn More…
Beatles Easy Guitar Tab
Apparently the slogan “Beatles Forever” is quite true- especially when you consider the fact that it’s been 40 years since they disbanded and yet they are still selling CDs and winning grammy’s!
Get More Beatles Guitar Tab Here…
TODAY’S GUITAR TOPIC
Successful Songwriting
When I am writing a song, I often find that the chord structure develops after the melody line is fixed in my head. But the reverse is also true. Sometimes I’ll get a little riff idea or a nice chord progression going and then put some words to it.
One day I was working outside in my yard and I began thinking about a book I was reading. I was absorbed by the fact that some of my life experiences paralleled those of the main character in the book. As I reflected upon this, I remembered the feelings of loneliness I sometimes experienced as a teenager. These thoughts are what launched the first line of my song Alibis…
She stands alone within a crowd of peers
Seeking refuge from her inner fears
But no one’s listening to her silent song
It can’t be heard unless you sing along
As I recited the verse over and over in my mind, a melody began to develop. When I sat down with my guitar I simply matched the chords to the melody I had come up with…
You can listen to Alibis by clicking here
Alibis has a very simple chord sequence, but it captures the mood and intensity that I wanted the song to express.
Am C G Am
C FMaj7 G Am
Am C G Am
Am E Am
Songwriting Resources at ABC Learn Guitar
Now, it may surpise you to learn that the chords for the chorus are exactly the same as the verses! The distinquishing difference between them is the change in the vocal melody.
To help build the song as it moves toward the chorus, I play the verses with a lighter picking stroke on the guitar and then move to a stronger strum on the chorus. I also added a vocal harmony and echo to the chorus.
The main idea I want you to grab onto is the importance of making your statement in the chorus. This is where you want to sum up everything you’re song is trying to convey.
Songwriting Books at ABC Learn Guitar
For example, in the chorus of Alibis I attempt to show how self-justification tends to perpetuate the cycle of pain and anger. In fact, I believe this is the reason for much of the conflict we see in the world today. As a teenager I used to have many alibis for my own rebellious anger until I realized the negative chain reaction it was creating in my life.
Alibis is a very personal song for me, so I am able to sing it with feeling and conviction. Emotions are an important aspect of songwriting. If you are not connected to your song emotionally it will not make a very big impact on your audience either. So, whether you write your own songs, or sing what others have written, try to choose those you can personally identify with. If you do this you will probably have a much better performance overall.
GUITAR TIPS:
Learn How to Create your own song
Learn to create your own unique, powerful songs with the help of an industry expert!
These exclusive audio interviews are not available anywhere else and will give you an insiders view on the secrets to creating your own successful original songs so you can start recording your own music, sharing it with others or even making money in the music business right now.
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