Rolling Stones - Satisfaction

Exploring a Deeper Definition of a Song Hook

In pop songwriting, the word hook is often used synonymously with chorus. “I’ve just written a hook” usually means that you’ve got the main part of your chorus done. But in fact, that concept we call the hook is more complex, and overlaps with other elements we typically call riffs, motifs, maybe even loops and other types of repetitive patterns. […]

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The 3 Most Important Components of a Good Song Hook

“It’s all about the hook,” you’ll often be told, when it comes to successful pop songwriting. The only problem with that assertion is that it makes it seem as though other song elements aren’t quite as important. A hook grabs attention, to be sure, but doesn’t excuse you from making sure that the overall structure […]

4 Characteristics of Beautiful Song Melodies

It takes more than a beautiful singer to make melodies beautiful. It’s all in how they’re constructed, and it’s not accidental. ____________ Get “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” eBook Bundle, and discover the 11 principles of songwriting that the pros have been using for decades. NOTE: Buying the 10-eBook Deluxe Bundle gets you a FREE GIFT. To […]

How a Verse Properly Connects to a Chorus

Verses and choruses are usually completely different, but there are ways to make a successful connection between them. ____________ Struggling to build an audience base? “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” shows you every aspect of what makes a great song great. Read more.. ____________ It’s common for a verse and chorus to be different in most respects. While […]

All the Rowboats - Regina Spektor

Songwriting: Hooks Made of Motifs

Check out Gary’s book, “Beating Songwriter’s Block – Jump-Start Your Words and Music”, published by Backbeat Books (Hal Leonard). Here’s an interesting thought that Yuri, a reader of this blog, suggested to me. Is it possible to have a song hook that’s comprised of motifs? The answer is yes, and it provides a song that’s got […]

How Musical Motifs Make Songs Catchy and Memorable

If you find yourself using a melodic or rhythmic idea throughout a song, you’re using a motif. Here’s how that works. ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 10-eBook Deluxe Bundle, and increase your song’s HIT potential. For desktop, laptop, iPad, iPhone, or any other mobile PDF-reading device. It’s time to take your music to a new level of excellence! _____________ If […]