Did
you know that good songwriting is often the key
to establishing a successful music career? But
more than that, it can be fun! When you write
a song you are able to express yourself in new
and creative ways. Whether you're sad, happy,
angry, or in love... with words, you can fly!
Freedom of expression is one
of the greatest priviledges we have, but with
it comes some responsibility. Words are very powerful
and have been used successfully by many for better,
or worse. When writing a song, consider how your
words are going to impact your listener. Do you
wish to alienate them, or draw them into your
perspective on things?
A good song will create an emotional
reaction in people, and that's exactly what you're
trying to achieve! You want to get your listener
to feel with you. You want to move them emotionally.
You want them to like your song and be willing
to listen to it again and again. If you can get
your audience to identify with you on some level,
you will be on the road to creating a good song.
As you are stirring up your
creative juices you may discover that finding
just the RIGHT word is sometimes a bit frustrating.
But with the RIGHT songwriting tips and resources
it becomes a lot easier! Here are three of the
most important songwriting tools you should have:
1. DICTIONARY - A dictionary
is essential when writing. Besides giving you
the correct meaning of a word, it will also help
you to express yourself more clearly. You will
discover new words while expanding your vocabulary
too!
2. THESAURUS - A thesaurus is
another important tool to help with creating your
songwriting material. You can use a thesaurus
to find different words that have similiar meaning.
3. RHYMING DICTIONARY - As the
name implies, a rhyming dictionary organizes words
that rhyme in alphabetical order using the vowel
sounds A E I O U. For example, if you were looking
for a word that rhymes with Abel you would look
under A sounds. Words rhyming with Abel would
be listed in alphabetical order.
There isn't really a secret
formula for writing a good song because determining
what is "good" is subjective and a matter
of personal opinion (some great songs have broken
all the so called "rules"). However,
many successful songwriters have used the following
format to write a "Hit" song:
INTRO: Approximately 4-8 measures
of instrumental music that contains part or all
of "the hook" (a part of the melody
that is easy to remember).
VERSE: Each verse should be
written in such a way as to "set up"
the chorus. Try to keep the meter of your song
even by matching the syllables of your words.
Be consistent with the sentences that rhyme. Verses
should create an anticipation of fulfillfment.
CHORUS: This is where you make
your statement. Stress the most important part
of your song and make it tasty. Think of your
chorus or "hook" as being like the icing
on a cake. You want your words to be worth remembering.
VERSE: Continue to follow the
idea of your song all the way through, don't get
side-tracked!
CHORUS: This is where you have
the opportunity to repeat your "hook"
which should continue to emphasize your songs
main theme.
BRIDGE: This is where you can
create some interest and tension by changing your
melody line, modulating to a different key, or
adding an instrumental guitar part, etc. Don't
make it too long, approximately 8 measures or
so. It should build or crescendo to the final
chorus.
FADE CHORUS: This is generally
the same as your first chorus, but you will end
by repeating it over and over, then gradually
fade out to end your song. Use your "hook"
generously, but don't over-kill!
Be flexible and use your
imagination! Don't just copy or mimic what is
currently popular. Remember that some of the biggest
names in the music business made it to the top
because they were not afraid to be ORIGINAL or
have a different sound. So, experiment, be yourself,
and most of all- have fun!
