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Song writing - The Art of Writing a Good Song
By
Kathy Unruh
Did you know that good song writing is often the key to establishing a successful
music career? But more than that, it can be fun! When you write a song you are able
to express yourself in new and creative ways. Whether you're sad, happy, angry, or
in love... with words, you can fly!
Freedom of expression is one of the greatest privileges we have, but with it comes some
responsibility. Words are very powerful and have been used successfully by many for better
, or worse. When writing a song, consider how your words are going to impact your listener
. Do you wish to alienate them, or draw them into your perspective on things?
A good song will create an emotional reaction in people, and that's exactly what you're
trying to achieve! You want to get your listener to feel with you. You want to move them
emotionally. You want them to like your song and be willing to listen to it again and
again. If you can get your audience to identify with you on some level, you will be on
the road to creating a good song.
As you are stirring up your creative juices you may discover that finding just the RIGHT
word is sometimes a bit frustrating. But with the RIGHT song writing tips and resources
it becomes a lot easier! Here are three of the most important song writing tools you
should have:
1. DICTIONARY - A dictionary is essential when writing. Besides giving you the correct
meaning of a word, it will also help you to express yourself more clearly. You will
discover new words while expanding your vocabulary too!
3. RHYMING DICTIONARY - As the name implies, a rhyming dictionary organizes words that
rhyme in alphabetical order using the vowel sounds A E I O U. For example, if you were
looking for a word that rhymes with Abel you would look under A sounds. Words rhyming
with Abel would be listed in alphabetical order.
There isn't really a secret formula for writing a good song because determining what
is "good" is subjective and a matter of personal opinion (some great songs have broken
all the so called "rules"). However, many successful songwriters have used the following
format to write a "Hit" song:
INTRO: Approximately 4-8 measures of instrumental music that contains part or “the
entire hook" (a part of the melody that is easy to remember).
VERSE: Each verse should be written in such a way as to "set up" the chorus. Try to
keep the meter of your song even by matching the syllables of your words. Be consistent
with the sentences that rhyme. Verses should create an anticipation of fulfillfment.
CHORUS: This is where you make your statement. Stress the most important part of your
song and make it tasty. Think of your chorus or "hook" as being like the icing on a cake.
You want your words to be worth remembering.
VERSE: Continue to follow the idea of your song all the way through, don't get
sidetracked!
CHORUS: This is where you have the opportunity to repeat your "hook" which should
continue to emphasize your songs main theme.
BRIDGE: This is where you can create some interest and tension by changing your
melody line, modulating to a different key, or adding an instrumental guitar part,
etc. Don't make it too long, approximately 8 measures or so. It should build or
crescendo to the final chorus.
FADE CHORUS: This is generally the same as your first chorus, but you will end by
repeating it over and over, and then gradually fade out to end your song. Use your
"hook" generously, but don't over-kill!
Be flexible and use your imagination! Don't just copy or mimic what is currently popular.
Remember that some of the biggest names in the music business made it to the top because
they were not afraid to be ORIGINAL or have a different sound. So, experiment, be yourself
, and most of all- have fun!
FREE Reprint Rights - You may publish this article in your e-zone or on your web site
as long as you include the following information:
Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar. She has been
writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for over 20 years.
For free guitar lessons, plus tips and resources on song writing, recording and creating
a music career, please visit:
http://www.abclearnguitar.com
Article Source:http://www.EzineArticles.com
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