Songwriting Tips and Tricks: Changing Tonal Focus

When changing key is not working for you, how about just changing tonal focus? ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and get back to the basics of why hit songs sell. _____________ There are times during a song when you want to allow the chords to move off and explore harmonies that are a bit […]

Songwriting: Analyze Your Failures, and Others’ Successes

Analysis helps you become a better songwriter, but there are times when it’s best to simply move on. ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and get back to the basics of why hit songs sell. _____________ The analysis of good music can reveal important secrets to you as a songwriter, and I highly advise getting […]

Comparing Rhythmic Activity of the Verse and Chorus Lyric

Longer note values work better in the chorus, as a way of enhancing emotional impact. ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and get back to the basics of why hit songs sell. _____________ There’s nothing like a song that allows the listener a powerful emotional release. It’s got to be done right, though, because songs […]

Creating Melodic Symmetry to Strengthen Song Structure

Reversing the direction of a melodic line can give a sense of symmetry to your song, and make it easier to remember. ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and get back to the basics of why hit songs sell. _____________ Canadian singer-songwriter Lights (Lights Valerie Poxleitner) writes music that demonstrates two songwriting principles that work […]

Chord Modifications for Songs with the Same Verse/Chorus Melodies

Songs can use the same melody for both the verse and the chorus. It’s all in the lyric you write. ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and get back to the basics of why hit songs sell. _____________ Most songs use one melody, chord progression and lyric for the verse, and a different set […]

Verse Structure in “Irresistible Force” (Jane’s Addiction)

Don’t make the automatic assumption that Verse 2 needs to be the same as Verse 1. You have options. _____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and build your audience base, starting right now! _____________ When we talk about songs in a verse/chorus-bridge format, we tend to make the automatic assumption that all the […]