As listeners of music, we like to hear contrasting ideas as a song progresses, even if we’re not consciously aware of it. In songwriting, a contrasting idea might mean something like this: one part of a melody that’s harmonized mainly with minor chords, followed by a section harmonized with mostly major ones. Contrast in a […]
We know that creating contrast is an important principle in the structure of good songwriting. Contrast is naturally sought by listeners, and they’re not usually aware that they’re seeking it. When melodies are low, we assume they’ll move higher. When music is soft, we expect that something louder is going to happen. If you listen […]
In the past ten years or so of pop music, it’s become much more of a thing to write hit songs that are mostly based on one single chord progression. It sounds like it would just result in music that is repetitive and boring. Or perhaps the better way to say that is: the job […]
Get “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 10-eBook Bundle. Discover why great songs are great, and how to use those secrets in your own music. Buy today and get “Creative Chord Progressions” FREE. In the last post, we saw that contrast in modern pop music has a lot to do with melodic shape and chords, and not […]
Contrast plays a crucial role in keeping listeners interested in your music. Here’s how. ______________ Take your songwriting to a new level of excellence. Get “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 10-eBook Bundle, written by Gary Ewer. Get today’s FREE OFFER. Time to become the best songwriter you can be! Read more.. ______________ There’s been a principle in musical composition […]
You’ve got a great song if listeners can hear contrasting elements throughout. Here’s how to do that. _____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-Ebook Bundle. 11 Songwriting Principles That Will Turn Your Writing Around – Guaranteed. _____________ In almost every blog article I write, I make reference to song energy or momentum. But what is it? How important is it? Does […]
