Using Deceptive Cadences to Boost a Song’s Energy

Extending chord progressions by using deceptive cadences will entice listeners to keep listening. __________________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle. Write smarter – Tap into your creative mind. __________________ One of the important ways that songwriters build energy is by creating an expectation, and then avoiding it. Here’s what I mean. Most songs are a musical […]

Which Bits of Music Theory Are Most Relevant for Songwriters?

You don’t need to learn every area of music theory all at once. Here’s a short list to get you started. __________________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle. Become the best songwriter you can be! __________________ To put it succinctly, music theory is what allows musicians to be literate. It makes it possible to listen […]

Strengthening a Chord Progression: Check the Roots

Musical complexity happens better if you focus on melodic phrasing, time signatures and rhythms, and leave chord progressions more or less intact. __________________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle. Write smarter – Tap into your creative mind. __________________ You might be tempted to think that creating a good chord progression is a hit-or-miss activity, where […]

What Verse 2 Lyrics Should Be Doing In Your Song

Verse 2 is typically a repeat of verse 1’s melody and chords, but there are things you should be doing that differ. __________________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle. Become the best songwriter you can be! __________________ Verse-chorus formats are the most common ones in modern day popular song. In many cases, the most significant […]

Between Chords, Melody and Lyrics, Something Should Be Predictable

As a songwriter, you should see predictability as a great way to balance innovative elements in your music. __________________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle. Write smarter – Tap into your creative mind. __________________ You wouldn’t think of “predictability” as being a good characteristic to incorporate into music. After all, when something is predictable, it […]

Building Song Energy is Usually an “Ebb and Flow” Thing

Musical energy should build and die away several times throughout a song’s length. __________________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6 e-book bundle. Become the best songwriter you can be! __________________ There aren’t many musical compositions that start at a low energy level, and then build energy in a straight line to the end. For most songs, energy […]