Songwriter Theory Podcast: Learn Songwriting And Write Meaningful Lyrics and Songs

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Check Out Our Pinterest!: https://www.pinterest.com/songwritertheory/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/Love the content and want to support Songwriter Theory? Feel free to buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/josephvadala My Mount Rushmore Of Everything YouTube Channel If You're Interested!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8XPpk2x7SJU22fA3wRABA? Joseph talks about how to write a more interesting melody utilizing the 4 main levers of melodic interest.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/Love the content and want to support Songwriter Theory? Feel free to buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/josephvadala Joseph talks about what he calls a "Tatoo Lyric" and explains what it is, why you need to use it, and how to write one. 

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/Love the content and want to support Songwriter Theory? Feel free to buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/josephvadala Joseph talks about the main 5 components of a story and how they fit into songwriting.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about 7 big reasons you may not be getting your creative on. It's easy to let things get in the way of creativity, until weeks, months, or even years slip by without actually doing the creating (songwriting) we profess to love. Let's figure out why we aren't being creative and turn things around!

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to get past being stuck on a song's lyrics. Maybe you don't know where the story needs to go. Maybe you can't figure out the lyrics for the verses or bridge. You might even be without a central theme. Whatever the situation, we're going to talk through how to get over being stuck on the lyrics.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to get past being stuck on a song's music. Maybe you don't know where the melody needs to go. Maybe you can't figure out the music for the verses or bridge. You might even be without a chorus melody. Whatever the situation, we're going to talk through how to get over being stuck on the music.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Songwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how songwriting is a funnel. With each decision you make, there are fewer options for the next. There are ways that is helpful and ways that should effect your songwriting, let's discuss!

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about the importance and awesome benefits of improvising with your instrument or instruments of choice.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about the benefits of NOT writing chord progressions, but writing with different methods.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about the benefits of writing a backstory to your song.

Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/Link to Paco's Song: http://pacoelmusico.com/Music/2019/Round2/T2.mp3?fbclid=IwAR1YHzgycosLvvv9yRZkidccCIUgPTiMnitQ9xUYa0fGiWafXzkCMumRvdQ Joseph gives a challenge to change it up and end your song on a chord other than a I chord.

Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/My new project! The Mount Rushmore of Everything, check it out on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8XPpk2x7SJU22fA3wRABASongwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about Add chords, what are they and why use them?

Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph rants and raves about why you're wrong about music theory, why music theory is incredibly practical and helpful both as a musician and songwriter, and how not learning the basics of theory is just plain laziness.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Songwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about the importance of knowing your "why" or your purpose. 

Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Songwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to start arranging your songs.

Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Songwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to start writing chords and chord progressions.

Songwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to start writing melody.

Songwriting Sessions Free Access: https://songwritertheory.com/songwritingsessions/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to start writing lyrics.

Music Theory Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph talks about how to get the absolute strongest melody/chord pairings.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph rants about how tempo changes in songs are terrible.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph explains how writing more precise lyrics can help you go from adequate to great lyrics.

Free Guide Link: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/ Joseph explains the dangers of editing your lyrics too soon

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/MUSIC THEORY FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Joseph talks about the 3 main things we as songwriters can learn from music composers. 

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ Joseph talks about ways to think through and pick your perfect song title.

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/NEW MUSIC THEORY FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Joseph talks about what the heck sus chords are, why you should care, and how to use them.

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/NEW MUSIC THEORY FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Joseph talks about song structures- including some less common song parts. 

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/NEW MUSIC THEORY FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Joseph talks about the most fundamental part of song structure: call and response.

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/NEW MUSIC THEORY FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Joseph talks about the relationship between lyrics and rhythm. 

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/NEW MUSIC THEORY FREE GUIDE LINK: http://songwritertheory.com/musictheoryguide/ Joseph talks about Chords, Triads, Root Triads and Chord Inversions.

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ Joseph talks about some recent discouragements and provides some insight on how to deal with discouragement. 

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ On this podcast, we cover 3 indispensable online songwriting tools! Tune in for more!

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ Does chord progression matter? Or is just sticking with any chords that fit the melody good enough? Listen for more!

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ Don’t just settle on the initial key you write your song in. You’ve come so far to write an entire song, don’t settle on a key now. Listen for more!

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ If you told me a few years ago that I could ensure that I never run out of song ideas, I would never have believed you. I knew the pain of staring at a blank page and thinking: “What do I have to say?” “What can I possibly say that will sound fresh and new?” “What can I say that’s different than the last 10 songs I’ve written?” But this can be done with something as simple as a song development system. What on earth is that? Well, it has a 3 basic parts.Idea Generation Idea Refinement Song Development

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ The easiest trap to fall into when practicing a skill is to practice what you already know. If you’re a pianist and sit in front of the piano, it’s easy to just play the 10 songs you love to play and then move on with your life. But playing is not practicing. If you’re a guitarist, it’s easy to go through the same motions. If you’re a songwriter, it’s easy to never mix up the process and to just keep writing exactly the same way.But when you do this, you may not be getting much better at your craft at all. If you just play the same 10 songs on the piano that you already know and play well, that’s not practicing, that’s playing.There’s a difference between playing and practicing. Playing is not practicing. Practice is intentionally working to get better.Listen for more!

Join the discussion in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/songwritertheorymastermind/FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ It’s the final day of our Week of Lyric Writing Tools. This time, we’re going to look at utilizing open endedness in lyrics.  Open EndednessWhat is the first thing you talked about when walking out of Inception?The ending.Masterful. This is why I strive for the Christopher Nolan principle of creativity.But, if your friend group is anything like mine, you spent a long while discussing whether or not that top was going to fall over. Was he still in a dream or was it reality?To this day, the masterful ending to a masterful movie comes up. And, to this day, discussion will ensue on whether we think it’s reality or dream. 

SHORT SURVEY LINK: https://forms.gle/hAv8GpXrKEvo9xZN9 help me help you better with the content you need by filling this out! FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ It’s day 5 of our Week of Lyric Writing Tools. This time, we’re going to look at utilizing multiple meanings in lyrics.  Multiple MeaningsSymbolism is one-directional. You have a symbol that represents something “real”. But you can also have multiple meanings, which is bi-directinal. Instead of a “fake” symbol representing the “real” thing you’re talking about, you have something literal you are utilizing to also symbolize something deeper.Multiple meanings doesn’t even need to have any symbolic one. And you aren’t even limited to 2 meanings.Listen for more!

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ It’s day 4 of our Week of Lyric Writing Tools. This time, we’re going to look at utilizing symbolism in lyrics.  SymbolismSymbolism is the ultimate way to open up a song to interpretation. It allows an open-endedness that will result in more people relating to it- because they will interpret the lyrics through the lens of their own life experiences.Maybe you meant to be doing commentary on the sorrow of losing your dog. But the open-ended symbols for your sorrow allows the person who just had their fiance break it off be able to relate. They may feel the song is specifically about their situation.If you talked about how good ol’ Rusty barked at his last squirrel, no one is thinking “Dang, it’s like he’s talking about my fiance leaving me!”. Symbolism is beautiful. 

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ It’s day 3 of our Week of Lyric Writing Tools. This time, we’re going to look at utilizing foreshadowing in lyrics.  No Capes! In the Incredibles, Syndrome’s fate is foreshadowed in the scene where Edna explains why she will not give Mr. Incredible a cape. Later in the movie, this. Kinda brutal for a kids movie. Foreshadowing gives that “aha” moment. It’s also a subtle way to make a future development make more sense. The cape being the undoing of Syndrome makes sense, because we already knew that capes had resulted in deaths and injuries to superheroes before him.It can give that real “Clever Girl” moment (which was also foreshadowed). We can utilize this same tool in our songs. A great example of foreshadowing in a song is The Cat’s In The Cradle. Be sure to tune in! 

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ It’s day 2 of our Week of Lyric Writing Tools. This time, we’re going to look at utilizing parallelism in lyrics.  ParallelismYou have to love some good parallelism. Star Wars has made plenty of use of parallels. Both Luke and Anakin lose their hands.Both (as well as Rey) come from small beginnings on a desolate desert planet.And both of them have their temptation scene with Darth Sidious seated in a metal chair with space behind him. In both, the young Jedi is tempted to kill the sith apprentice. Anakin makes the wrong choice and does, while Luke does the right thing and takes mercy. There are plenty of other examples, but take a look at those two clips and you will see the obvious parallel. We can do the same thing with our songs. A great example of parallelism in a song is Fast Car by Tracy Chapman.Listen to get the rest!

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ It’s always a good day when you can add tools to the toolbox. Weapons to the arsenal. So we’re going to go over 6 powerful lyrical tools for our Week of Lyric Writing Tools. First up, we’re going to look at the big reveal.  The first lyrical tool we will go over is the big reveal. You know, like the reveal at the end of the original Planet of the Apes film. The main character spends the entire film trying to figure out how to get back to earth. But, in the end, he sees the half-buried remains of the Statue of Liberty- he’s been home the whole time.While not at the end of the film, the reveal of “I am your father” from The Empire Strikes back is maybe the best example of a big reveal. It is truly shocking and also changes everything. We can use this same tool in our songwriting. The big reveal helps the end of the song really stick out and be memorable. Instead of a 3rd or 4rd repetition of the chorus, you can reveal one last piece of information that brings everything together. Or you can utilize a twist, so the last piece of information changes everything. Listen to learn more! 

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/If you want more visits from the muse or to increase your productivity, you need to find the places that are conducive to writing productivity The most essential tool to become better at songwriting. What is it?Habits.Habits are the foundation of greatness. And you formulate habits with discipline. You don’t get to be a prolific songwriter without having a habit of writing.You don’t get to be a great lead guitarist without having a habit of practicing every day.Motivation comes and goes, but habits stick with you.Whatever it is you want to become greater at, habits are where it should start. Songwriting is no different.Habits protect you from forgetting to do something for a couple days that then turns into a couple months.Because, if you have the habit of writing every day and then you don’t write for a day, you’ll notice. Something will seem off. All day you’ll be itching to get your daily writing in. If this happens, you’ll be sure to make time to get back to writing the next day.If you don’t have the habit to write every day, Netflix and Hulu can slowly keep cutting into your writing time until you’ve somehow gone over a month without a single writing session.The Office and Stranger Things can wait. Recently, I decided I was sick of just being a rhythm guitarist. I want to become a true lead guitarist. I don’t want to need a really good guitarist for my band, because he’ll have to carry the lead guitar load.I want to be able to do it myself. So, over the past month or so, I’ve gotten in the habit of being intentional about practicing every day. I’m practicing my scales over and over and over.I’m practicing some lead guitar over some jam tracks available on youtube. I’m playing with songs I know and love. I do scales and melodies with the scales while watching a judgeworthy amount of Denver Broncos training camp videos and press conferences.Anytime I’m not quite sure what to do next, I pick up the guitar. Anytime I find myself watching Seinfeld or something else on Hulu, I’ll pick up the guitar and get in some scale time while I watch.And, guess what? There’s already been a certifiable ton of improvement. I want to at least be a low-end lead by the end of the year, and I think I’ll get there.Without the habit, I wouldn’t even have a chance. But this habit has made my new default be about 1 hour of guitar practice every day. Specifically working on scales, and soloing over different songs.You don’t become great at something from not doing it.Sound obvious? It is, and yet so many people just wait around, play more video games and just sort of expect to get better over time- practice or not. Nothing is handed to us. We have to work for it. So write every day. At least 15 minutes. If you really don’t have time to do more than 15 minutes that day, that’s fine. But maybe the next day your 15 minutes turns into an hour. Either way, be sure to form the habit. Do you have the habit of writing every day? If not, what is getting in your way? Let me know @ [email protected]

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/If you want more visits from the muse or to increase your productivity, you need to find the places that are conducive to writing productivity Choosing a song title is easily overlooked. But choosing a title is important. It can add one last layer of meaning to your song, and it is how it is referred to when people talk about it. In my mind, there are 3 main factors to choosing a song title.Association FactorMemorable FactorTheme Factor Give a listen to find out what those are!

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/If you want more visits from the muse or to increase your productivity, you need to find the places that are conducive to writing productivity Often want a place away from distractionsDon’t do it in front of the TVIf people in a coffee shop distract you, don’t do it thereIf people in your house distract you, find a place away from everyoneDistractions can be in the form of context - sometimes trying to write at the same computer you play video games could be a distractionWant a place that is conducive to creativityTry to find the right time conducive to creativity

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Find Range:Start in comfort zone, go down until you hit bottomStart in comfort zone, go up until you hit top- belting Consistent {Comfort RangeLower RangeUpper RangeHead Voice Range}Deviant Lower RangeDeviant Upper Range 

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/Iteration is defined as the act or process of repeating. For example, iteration can include repetition of a sequence of operations in order to get ever closer to a desired result. To-do List app:Start with basic to-do’sNext iteration, add priority levels 1-3Priority levels don’t work right, so fix them for next iteration, and add levels 4 and 5Find out users don’t want priority levels, but due dates, so replace priority with due dateThe datepicker for due date is garbage, because it takes too long to select a date one year from now, so make that quicker and easier Making Yard Nicer:Mow grass one dayNext day do weed whacking - grass looking goodNext day water grass + trim bushesNext day put new mulch downNext day do some gardening- cut back some plants, plant new ones Section level - Verses, ChorusesLine level - linesWord level I know the pain of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songAnd I hear your melodyYou think you don’t belong I know the pain of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songI know how hard it isTo always stay so strong I know the pain of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songLiving in a silent worldWhere burdens don’t last long I know the pain of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songLiving in a busy worldWhere burdens don’t last long I know the pain of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songLiving in an absent worldWhere burdens don’t last long I know the pain of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songLiving in a restless worldWhere burdens don’t last long I know the ache/grief of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songLiving in a restless worldWhere burdens don’t last long I know the ache of a lonely heartThat cheers itself with songClinging to a restless worldWhere burdens don’t last long 

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/You have to deliver at every part of your song. The intro needs to deliver. So does the first lyric you sing. The first chorus can’t disappoint. And no one likes an anticlimactic bridge or finale.You have to deliver at every part of your song.Deliver LyricallyYou need to deliver lyrically at every part of the song. Areas to concentrate on are certainly the first and last lines of the song as well as the entire chorus, but you need to nail it everywhere.You can’t just have a clever lyric here and there. It needs to all be good. Better yet, great.You always want at least one “tattoo lyric” per song. But why stop at one?The most common offender of thrown together lyrics is the second verse. The second verse is often more like the “second string verse” behind the “starter” that is the first verse.We don’t want that. The second verse shouldn’t be clearly worse than the first. It shouldn’t feel like it’s the “second best verse”.You need to deliver at every part of your song. That includes verse 2.The best way to slowly, incrementally get your lyrics where they need to be is to level them up iteratively.The basic idea here is to be satisfied with slowly but surely increasing the quality of the song. Maybe just looking for some synonyms and “upgrading” a single word you use. Or maybe a part of a line. Even just upgrading one line in a mini writing session can be a huge win.Don’t pressure yourself to get it right the first time. And don’t pressure yourself to restart the whole section or line if it isn’t quite right. Try to keep making each word, line, and section better piece by piece.Hey, at least your first line is probably better than this one. Seriously though. What is on Joey’s head?Deliver MelodicallyYou want a good verse melody. But the chorus can’t be a disappointment.You don’t want the response to your song to take a negative turn once you get to the chorus.A song can survive and even thrive with only a good chorus. Not many songs can survive without a great chorus- no matter how great the rest of the song is.That being said, we don’t want to just deliver for that first chorus.The transition to the second verse can’t be disappointing. The listener can’t roll their eyes with “again?” for the second chorus.And, please, don’t cop out on the bridge. The bridge is not an obligation you need to get through. It is an opportunity to make a good song a great one. Don’t make me think “Just get back to the chorus already” during the bridge.So how do you deliver melodically at every part of your song?First, simply have a good melody in each part of your song. What does that mean? It means the melody should be memorable or catchy and it should emote what the lyrics are saying. It should match the song and be something people either want to sing along with or be silent to enjoy.Second, find ways to change it up. Often, the chorus utilizes a higher vocal range. This is partly because this is one of the easiest and best ways to add excitement and to sound “bigger”.Changing how long notes are held is another common way to add interest to different melodies throughout the song. Normally, verses have shorter-held notes and more lyrics, while the chorus lyrics are simpler with longer-held notes.A great way to really make a chorus stand out is to have large leaps in the notes of the melody or have the most catchy vocal hooks be in the chorus.Find a way to make sure the melodies stay interesting.Continue Reading here...

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ I can always use some tips to get out of my creative box. So I’m going to bet you can use some tips on how to get out of your creative box too. I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll share some tips here, and you can give me some tips you have in the comments.I’m glad you agreed to this deal. May it be ever fruitful in a long-lasting, mutual-benefit relationship.Change Starter InstrumentSometimes I sit at the piano and nothing comes. Then I sit at the guitar and I finally get some inspiration. Or at least come up with something I won’t throw out.Sometimes the opposite happens.Other times it can be helpful to start with something totally different.If you play different instruments, try writing with all of them, not just the one you’re most comfortable with. Often, different instruments will inspire you differently. Acoustic guitar usually inspires me more rhythmically, while piano is a more consistent melody starter.Maybe for you it’s piano and flute. Or violin and bass. Whatever instruments you play, try to change it up. Don’t just stay dedicated to whatever instrument you’re best at.Don’t be afraid to pick up an instrument you can’t really play well either. Even if you aren’t a pianist in any sense, no harm can come from sitting at a piano and plugging away at notes. It still plays very differently than your violin, and you may write something a little outside your ordinary.Use Different Instrument SoundsYou don’t even need to change physical instruments to get out of your creative box. Many instruments can be used to generate some different sounds.This will be most true of the piano and the guitar, but you can certainly find ways to alter the sound of any instrument, whether digitally or physically.Just switching from acoustic to electric or the other way around can make a huge difference. Then tack on guitar pedals and other effects, and the sounds are nearly endless. You’ll tend to play and write some very different styles when you have some heavy distortion vs when you have the guitar clean with some heavy delays.I’m a piano purist. I will never understand those monsters who see a perfectly good, in tune piano and are like “yeah, I’ll just use the keyboard”. That being said, I have one of those great $350ish Yamaha keyboards that are super portable, with 88 weighted keys.Not exactly meant to be a synth of any kind.But, between the capabilities to plug into my computer via midi and use it like a synth, and even the 3 alternate sounds I can choose on the keyboard, it gives me nearly unlimited sound options.Sometimes I need to get away from that “Singer-songwriter writing a song at the piano” thing. A way I can do that? Change it to that crappy honky tonk setting on my keyboard. Or maybe the strings. I love to plug it into my computer via a midi cable and try some different synths too.And, when I have a deep, heavy synth sound from playing the keyboard vs the sound of a piano, I just tend to write a bit differently.Start With A Drum BeatThis one is actually new to me. And it blew my mind how simple and obvious it is. And, as to not take the credit, I learned this from the immensely talented Felix Weber.I tried it about as soon as I got home from meeting with him. Mind blown.This is especially helpful to write in different styles than you normally would. Say you like a jazz vibe, but never really think in jazz. Bring up a jazz-style drum loop on your computer and problem solved.Maybe you’re more of a singer-songwriter/rock person like me. But, also like me, have some interest to dabble in some electronic or EDM stuff. A drum beat will definitely help you along the path.It amazed me how quickly I could shift into very different feels and genres that I had never written in -or even ever really played- by utilizing this trick.Try out some different sites like here and here for some drum loops....Read more on our blog: songwritertheory.com

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ Stop thinking some knowledge or skill you have is “good enough”. Be open to learning. How can you strive for success, while also telling yourself that you’re “good enough” at what you do? Don’t seek validation for where you are. Sure, it feels good for someone to validate you. But what you really want is insight into how to improve. You aren’t so arrogant as to believe you can’t improve, right? By nature, we all can improve on literally everything. There isn’t really a peak to reach where we can’t go one step further. I play piano. I play piano more than well enough to do the music I write. I can play piano and sing at the same time. But you know what? I can and should absolutely get better. Maybe I can do even cooler piano stuff. Maybe I can play some advanced composition during live shows to mix it up. Maybe I can just get better because I’m a musician, so why not? Don’t seek validation for where you are. Be open to learning. Seek mentorship on how to get to the next step. What is your weakness? Lyric writing? Melodies? Chord progressions? Music theory in general?Whatever it is, go try to get better! Don’t just tell yourself (and others) how “you don’t need music theory to write great songs!” You also can cut your grass without a lawn mower. You can be a professional athlete without eating healthy. Finally, you can live past 100 years old having smoked for 90 years. But you’ll cut the grass a lot better and faster with a nice ride-on lawn mower. You would probably be an even BETTER athlete who gets closer to the peak of what they were capable of if you put down the skittles. And your chances of not getting lung cancer is quite a bit higher if you don’t smoke. So stop pretending that “some great songs were written by people who knew nothing about theory!” even remotely implies that music theory would not significantly improve your songwriting toolbox. Be open to learning. Stop seeking validation for your current state. Stop telling yourself that you don’t need to improve. We all need to improve. Do you think the greatest guitarist on earth got to be the greatest and then was like “eh, I’m the best now, no more practicing for me!” Let me answer that for you. No. The answer is no. I’m learning every day. I want to learn at a faster rate every day. I hope you’re doing the same.

FREE GUIDE LINK: https://songwritertheory.com/freeguide/ Music arrangement theory is so important, and yet it’s hardly discussed. Even when talking about songwriting or music theory, the theory of arrangement is something that is often left out. This is odd because basically every song ever recorded had an arrangement. Do you hear more than one instrument? Ok, then the song was arranged. I’m going to break down how I look at an arrangement. This will guide you to understand what parts you have already and what parts you need. It will also give some insight into the purpose or job of each part. It’s my music arrangement theory.Body, Main, Leads, Filler, Atmospheres