Question:
So, I've always wanted to write a song (hasn't everyone?). Hmm ok, I don't think I'll have as much trouble with the lyrics side of the songwriting issue, I've got oodles of crappy poetry and the gusto to write more. My issue more has to do with...how just do you come up with a melody? I think my main issue is the melody, now that I think about it. I can usually come up with the appropriate chord progressions just by messing around on the piano (at least, I can do that when I'm transcribing songs from radio to piano). This music business...it's hard
My musical background: I sing (am an alto); I've been playing piano for 8 1/2 years and I just started jazz lessons, so I'm learning things about chord progressions now; and I have started playing guitar. I know some chords on the guitar, and I can do some basic strumming.
Is there something that I need to know about the way music is built in order to write songs? Something I'm missing? I'm perusing the Songwriting tips page, but I see mostly things about lyrics, which is why I'm posting here
Thanks,
Answer:
Just do it like George Thorogood did
Answer:
Originally Posted by Shift Just do it like George Thorogood did I don't know who George Thorogood is
Answer:
Shame on me for attempting humor outside of the CPF
Thorogood did Bad to the Bone and a few others. He kind of just told a story in his deep raspy voice and sang the chorous once in awhile.
Hmmm... I don't really know the answer. I guess I'll just wait for somebody to answer it too
Answer:
Well for me when I write I usually start off with an idea in mind ie; do I want thsi song to sound happy or sad or angry or reflective ect. To me certain chord progressions, and melodies triggger those emotions, but usually I start with the chords so I can at least establish what key I want to write in, then I usually start some little riffs with blues scales or a diatonic mode and run with it.
s there something that I need to know about the way music is built in order to write songs?
Well yes and no. It's a good idea to know keys, scales, modes and stuff so you don't throw in notes that do not fit, but usually what sounds good works according to theory, and songs written to satisfy theory sound mathematical. I guess a rule of thumb is play something, if it sounds good run with it, then figure out what kinda lyrics match the song.
Answer:
Something I've found helpful on occasion is to come up with a chord progression, then just hum (or sing nonsense words) along with it. Just make it up as you go along. That can help get ideas flowing.
That's not how I always come up with melodies, and it doesn't always work as well as I would like, but it's a good place to start.
Answer:
Hmm allright, thanks for your suggestions guys...I'll give it a shot tomorrow afternoon, which is my people-free time.
Answer:
Another idea I got from reading about other great songwriters, and use myself, is to get a melody and song structure when you're not on your main instrument. The idea is that can limit you to your level of expertise on that instrument; also we tend to go to familiar chords and progressions that "feel good" (read: done before) which can limit where the song could go.
I tend to get good ideas while driving and singing, meditating, or getting a feel of what kind of music is on the radio of late, and springboard from there. I then try to record the main melody (and chords, which knowing some theory would help, here) on a digital recorder.
All this said, my last two songs I'm working on, came from me fiddling around with chords on my guitar at night after some great meditation/prayer (wow, I must sound spiritual or something). [actually a plug is in order here for sacredspace.ie, an Irish Jesuit guided prayer site while I was at, at my computer. I'm not catholic, but it's pretty good stuff]
My other help/curse, is that I constantly have music going through my head, almost like musak (spelled right?), which can be a problem when trying to do other things like, live life and swerve from ongoing traffic (kidding). Have fun, and tell us how you're doing.