Dorian Mode, Aeolian Mode, Minor Key… What's the Difference?

by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting”. Gary is the author of several e-books that open the world of song composition to budding writers. If you’d like to know how to get your songs working, let his texts show you the way. ____________ In traditional harmony (i.e., the kind you’d learn in a […]

Connecting Verse and Chorus Progressions with Chord Substitutions

Written by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. You can find Gary’s songwriting e-books here, and read about a free offer. ______________ For most songs, you want to make a connection between the chords you use in your verse and the ones you choose for your chorus. A really neat way to […]

Song Analysis: Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi"

Written by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting“. Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle, and improve your songwriting skills. ______________ Paparazzi is a recent single from Lady Gaga’s “Fame.” It’s written in a standard verse-chorus format, and it’s worth looking at various compositional elements, particularly chord progression and melodic shape. […]

Chord Progressions that Change Key

by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. __________________ A few days ago I wrote about ways that you can keep a song from getting stale on the listener, changing key (also known as modulating) being one possible way to achieve this. There are many ways to modulate, and depending on the style […]

The Role of Inspiration in Songwriting

by Gary Ewer, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. When I pick up a pencil and try to draw a face, it looks grotesque. I get the perspective wrong, the shading looks haphazard, and the dimensions are simply off! Because I am untrained, I can’t really finish any drawing I start. As I progress […]

Some Lessons from Owl City's "Fireflies"

Gary Ewer’s Songwriting E-books tell you why good songs are good, and why bad songs fail. If you’re stuck, trying to figure out how to get your songwriting working for you again, his downloadable e-books may be all you need. Right now, make a purchase, and take advantage of a free deal. ____________________ A cute […]