Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Toning Down the “Sweetness” Factor In Your Songs

There are some genres that are edgy and energetic by nature. If you like the warm fuzzy feeling you get from a lightly-accompanied ballad, you’re not likely going to be writing heavy metal. But what if you like lightly-accompanied music for the transparency of its sound, but you wish your song had a bit more […]

10 Chord Progressions that Steer Clear of the V-Chord

Avoiding the V-chord helps to remove a layer of predictability from your music. ____________ “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle comes with this FREE eBOOK: “From Amateur to Ace: Writing Songs Like a Pro”. _____________ The V-chord is the one built on the 5th note of a scale. For music in C major, G is the […]

5 Catchy Options For the I-IV-V-I Chord Progression

Here are some interesting alternatives to turn a basic I-IV-V-I progression into something that sounds a bit fresher. ____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-eBook Bundle, and increase your song’s HIT potential. _____________ In the balance between innovation and predictability, your songs should only offer a taste of innovation if you want to build an audience base. There […]

If the V-Chord Bores You, Try These Substitutes

Written by Gary Ewer, Senior Instructor, Dalhousie University, from “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” website. • Follow Gary on Twitter • Good songs sell! Check out “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle – available now at a 50% savings! ________________________________ As the Roman numeral implies, the V-chord is the chord built on the 5th degree of a […]