Want to write your own Christmas Single? This is the post for you!
In this first part we’re looking at the most festive instruments, pick a key and find some chords.
Part 2 will be out soon!
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Song-Writing
Does Mario Djent?
Examining a spooky composition technique used in Super Mario World, how it relates to metal riffs and how to make your audience deeply, deeply unsettled.
Rewrite Your Song From Memory
Quick tip for songwriters and composers, especially ones wanting to create memorable, popular music. The idea is that trying to re-create your song using memory alone will highlight the elements that are most memorable and allow you to reconsider the use of any parts you didn’t remember.
The Legitimacy Of Repetition
If you repeat a “bad” musical idea enough, it begins to sound right. This can be a fun and unique music-making tool – you just have to believe it’ll sound OK!
How To Rip-Off Famous Tunes
Now, I’m not saying you should rip-off other’s music in this way, only that you could. I’m just going to assume you need this video because you innocently and accidentally copied someone else’s work – this is the internet, no judgements here.
Basic Song Structure
Simple guide for going about structuring a song. Below are the chord charts accompanying the video.
The video does refer to this video as “Tumblr”, which it isn’t. Try not to freak out…
Example 1
Our first example is the simplest kind of song – it’s one set of chords that repeats. Arguably, most 12-bar blues songs are like this, as is Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix.
The reason it’s not a common style of song is that a listener will want a catchy Chorus to sing-along with.
Example 2
This example introduces an extra pattern, in the same key. This will be our Chorus. We’re playing this 3 times over, and doubling-up the first Verse.
Example 3
Bridges add tension to a song as they’re usually used as a ‘free pass’ for songwriters to be a little more creative, implementing unusual chords or swapping the key entirely.
Example 4
A Pre-Chorus can appear before a Chorus and perform one of several roles. If your Chorus is in a different key to the Verse, or in a different style, a Pre-Ch can help ease the transition. They could also perform the simple task of adding a little more time before the Chorus, thus adding anticipation.
this example includes a Pre-Ch before the 1st and 2nd Choruses.
It may also be useful for you to check out some Standard Chord Progressions.
