-How to discover what aspects of music stand out and appeal to you.
-How to apply those aspects to what you create by using both sides of your brain.
-How to trust and feel your way into creating.
-Gain an understanding of the inner workings of music through music theory in a simplified, easy to comprehend method.
-How to apply theory to know where your options or tools are in order to create or learn a song.
-How to play the guitar.
-Learn the layout of what goes into a song.
-Suggestions on gear
-How to prepare for a performance.
-How to be confident in what you create and choose to express.
(Grab a piece of paper and a pencil, it's good to physically write this stuff down)
1. What is your goal with music?
2. What kind of music do you like?
-genre: pop, rock, jazz, metal, reggae, country, electronic, punk…
-tempo: fast or slow BPM= beats per minute
-message: what are the lyrics saying, story
-feeling: happy, sad, uplifting, peaceful, aggressive, loving
3. What is your experience and relationship with music?
-how does music play a role in your life?
-when and where do you listen?
-do you sing or play an instrument?
-how do you feel when listening to or playing music?
4. What instrument would you like to play?
5. What do you feel you need to work on?
6. What would you like help with?
I'll tell you right now practice is the only way this will work. Perseverance will pay off. You also have to find ways to make it fun, because otherwise you will prioritize other things first and music will fall into the background. In my opinion, it's faster and easier to learn to write and perform your own song than it is to learn to surf."
*Analyzing Songs And Taking Notes
-Have a listen to some of your favorite songs and have a notebook and pen handy. Listen closely and start to take notes on what you hear.
-What stands out?
-Pay attention to the melody, instruments, tempo, energy of the song
-Do this with several songs and compare your notes. Look for patterns of overlapping themes. This will help bring to the surface the building blocks that make "good music" (in your opinion, because that's the one that truly matters in this process)
*Elements Of A Song
-Chorus: main idea/message, repeats, sing along, catchy, more energy
-Verse: telling the story, usually one section/topic at a time, can repeat or be different each time, same melody with different lyrics
-Bridge: contrast to the verse and chorus in feel and or lyrics, could be an instrumental or a solo, tempo change or breakdown
-Hook: a catchy melody or lyric repeated throughout the song
-Intro: At the beginning of a song, leads into the first verse or first chorus
-Outro: At the end of a song, can be a fadeout, abrupt stop, a resolution
It is up to you to place the elements of the song in the order that makes sense to you. It depends on how much you have to say, how much you want to repeat, or how many different places you want to take the listener. It's also good to think about how long you are making your song. Most songs on the radio are between 3 and 4 minutes. Some Elvis songs were about 2 minutes long. Jam bands can play a song for 20 minutes or more. Just be mindful of the listener and think about saying what you need to say in an amount of time that feels complete. Sometimes short is sweet.
There are many ways of doing it, but here are a couple examples:
Intro
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Verse
Chorus
Outro
Intro
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Chorus fadeout
When we look at a guitar or piano we can break them down into:
*12 notes (sounds)= 12 frets (guitar) or 12 keys (piano) then they repeat.
*7 of those 12 notes can make a scale (major scale)
*5 of those 7 notes can make a pentatonic scale (notes 1,2,3,5,6 of the major scale)
~
For now we will focus on the major scale and the pentatonic scale
The Major Scale Pattern:
WWHWWWH
or
1W2W3H4W5W6W7H1
(This version is showing notes and the movements between)
W= Whole step
H= Half step
*Each note, fret or key is considered 1 Half step from the next.
2 Half steps = 1 Whole step.
-These are the notes the strings are tuned to and what you hear when playing them open (no fret pressed down). Even though they start at different places the pattern of notes remains the same.
Moving from left to right on the the frets, the notes go in this order:
...A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G#...
or
...A Bb B C Db D Eb E F Gb G Ab A Bb B C Db D Eb E F Gb G Ab...
*Both lists of note order are the same, just worded differently.
Note that there are not sharps or flats for every letter of the alphabet. On a piano these are the black keys known as sharps (#) or flats (b). The symbol for a flat looks similar to a lower case b but I don't have access to that right now so I am going to use the closest thing. In general I prefer to speak about music using sharps (#). Please note that an A# is the same as a Bb. Refer to the piano diagram above to confirm. I have heard that people use the terms flat or sharp depending on which direction they are moving on the instrument. Moving to the right, using sharps. Moving to the left using flats.
You decide what works for you, just remember that this is what the terms mean:
(#) sharp (high)
or
(b) flat (low)
1. Pick a starting note (any note) and call it the 1st note or root note of the scale.
Now it's time to move!
When mapping out a scale we move left to right (low to high in pitch)
2. From the 1st note you move a Whole step (two frets to the right) to get to the 2nd note of the scale
3. From the 2nd note of the scale you move a Whole step (two frets to the right) to get to the 3rd note.
4. From the 3rd note you move a Half step (one fret to the right) to the 4th note
5. From the 4th note you move a Whole step to the 5th note
6. From the 5th note you move a Whole step to the 6th note
7. From the 6th note you move a Whole step to the 7th note.
8. From the 7th note you move a Half step to the 1st note of the scale or the octave.
*The 1st note can also be called the octave because it is the 8th note in the scale in relation to the starting point.
The Major Scale Pattern:
WWHWWWH
or
1W2W3H4W5W6W7H1
Example:
Major Scale in the Key of C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
C D E F G A B C
What it looks and sounds like on the guitar
-You use the same pattern as the Major Scale and then subtract the 4th and 7th notes
(when mapping out the pentatonic scale it is still necessary to aknowledge where the 4th and 7th notes are located in order to keep the other notes in alignment, you can just subtract them once you've figured out all the notes.)
Pentatonic Scale = 1,2,3,5,6 notes of the Major Scale
Example
C Major Pentatonic Scale:
1 2 3 5 6
C D E G A
*There are many more scales that exist. I believe it is most important to start with the major scale and pentatonic scale to begin with as a solid foundation to build off of.
*You can locate the notes of the scale on the frets of the guitar and see their relationship to each other or the pattern that they follow.
*Using this pattern you can begin building your barre chords from these root notes. (See charts and video on barre chords)
*Once you learn the chords of a scale, you can begin arranging them in different orders. This is how you build chord progressions.
*The scale maps out which tools are in your toolbox and you get to decide which ones to use in what order. That's the fun part! You will discover that each note of the scale has a unique feel and plays a huge role in the overall feel and direction of a song.
Example for C Major Scale:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
C D E F G A B
Chords for C Major Scale:
1. C Major
2. D Minor
3. E Minor
4. F Major
5. G Major
6. A Minor
7. B Diminished
*According to the major scale, this is how you determine which chords are major, minor, or diminished...
1 Major
2 Minor
3 Minor
4 Major
5 Major
6 Minor
7 Diminished
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To begin making a chord, we need to look at the individual notes as "root notes" of their "own scales." This will allow us to determine the notes that will make up the chords. Kind of like worlds within worlds or scales within scales.
To state it again, we will find the scales for each note of the original scale. Each in their Major Scale pattern to begin with.
C Major
D Major
E Major
F Major
G Major
A Major
B Major
Once we find the notes that make up each of these scales, we can build our chords for each one. We will start with the Major scale then make adjustments to make the chords Minor or Diminished
*Major chords are made up of the 1,3,5 notes of the scale
*Minor chords are the same 1,3,5 except the 3rd is lowered a Half step.
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-For Diminished chords we start with the major scale and lower the 3rd, the 5th and the 7th by a Half step. So it becomes the 1st, 3rd lowered by a Half step, 5th lowered by a Half step, 7th lowered by a Half step.
Diminished chords are a bit more complex. They have their place, but for now we are not going to focus on them. I encourage you to look into that rabbit hole on your own if you feel called.
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For our 1st chord, C Major, we take the 1,3,5 notes of the C Major scale to make our Major chord.
C Major scale
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
C D E F G A B
1 3 5
C E G
C Major chord is made up of a combination of C, E and G notes
Now for our 2nd chord, D Minor, we need to map out the scale of D. It will start as D Major, then we lower our 3rd note of that scale to make the overall chord Minor.
Scale of D Major
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
D E F# G A B C#
1 3 5
D F# A
To make it minor, lower the 3rd note a Half step so it becomes...
1 3 5
D F A
Continue this process to discover the notes of your chords for the scale.
*Remember:
1,4,5 chords are Major
2,3,6 chords are Minor
7 is Diminished
The charts below give you a starting point to play open chords. These are the most commonly used shapes when starting out. Make sure you pay attention to where the finger placement is in relation to the nut at the top of the guitar (where the neck connects to the headstock) or in relation to the capo (if moving these chords shapes up or down the guitar). For each fret you move the capo, you are changing the chords by one note as well. For example: if you play a G Major open chord, and then place the capo on the first fret and play the same "G Major shape" in relation to the capo, the note becomes G# Major.
Below I provide 4 examples of barre chords. using the information from mapping out the scales, you can place your barre chords in the proper place and be able to make them major or minor. Barre chords can be straining on the hand and wrist muscles at first, but with time and practice they become easier and allow more freedom to move about the guitar neck.
Yes there are more chords, many more and I encourage you to explore once you have mastered these chords and basic concepts. It will all make sense if you first build a solid foundation of understanding.
.
How to use a capo when playing open chords
1st chord is major, 2nd chord is minor
1st chord is major, 4th chord is major
1st chord is major, 4th chord is major, 5th chord is major
1st chord is major, 2nd chord is minor, 3rd chord is minor
1st chord is major, 6th chord is minor, 2nd chord is minor, 5th chord is major
1st chord is major, 6th chord is minor, 2nd chord is minor, 5th chord is major
6th chord is minor, 2nd chord is minor, 5th chord is major, 1st chord is major
6th chord is minor, 2nd chord is minor, 3rd chord is minor
*Now we will dive into the words.
-A lot of songs are like musical poetry and a lot of poems can turn into music
-So in writing lyrics, it is good to be familiar with poetry
-The easiest way for me to explain poetry is this:
Taking an idea or a story and expressing it using only the most potent words, creating a flow and artistically shaping the phrases to spark the imagination.
*Things to consider: rhyme, syllables, patterns, potent words
-There are different rhyming patterns, here are a few:
ABAB (every other line rhymes)
I went for a walk
Down the street to the forest
On my way I had a talk
With a woman who was a florist
ABCB (only the 2nd and 4th lines rhyme)
Today I saw a bird
Perched high up in a tree
Whistling a tune
He was as happy as can be
-Syllables are another thing to consider. Syllables are the sections of individual sounds that make up words. The right amount of syllables depends on how fast or slow you are speaking. For lines of lyrics to flow together they do not need the same amount of words or syllables, they just need to be placed in the proper place. Listen to some hip hop and observe how they are wizards with their words.
1. You can start by writing out lines of what you want to say.
I am writing a song
It is about expressing myself in a beautiful way
Sometimes words can't explain everything
So the melody will help me and the guitar as well
I will take the listener on a journey
Singing from my heart, the listener will become present in their own heart
My message of love is like a ripple in the sea of life
The ripples move across the waters and express themselves along the coast
These expressions show themselves as perfect waves
These waves are free for anyone to ride
So ride the wave of life and love and pass it on
2. Now pick out the most potent words or phrases
I am WRITING a SONG
It is about EXPRESSING MYSELF in a BEAUTIFUL WAY
Sometimes WORDS CAN'T EXPLAIN everything
So the MELODY will HELP me and the GUITAR as well
I will TAKE THE LISTENER ON A JOURNEY
SINGING FROM MY HEART, the listener will BECOME PRESENT IN THEIR OWN HEART
My MESSAGE OF LOVE is like a RIPPLE IN THE SEA OF LIFE
The RIPPLES move across the waters and EXPRESS THEMSELVES along the coast
These EXPRESSIONS show themselves as PERFECT WAVES
These waves are FREE FOR ANYONE TO RIDE
So RIDE THE WAVE OF LIFE AND PASS IT ON
3. Now rewrite the phrases so they flow together like a poem. You can use rhyming or not. Focus on the flow and number of syllables. Read the lines out loud as you write them. Group two or four lines together as you create the flow and rhyming. You may need to add, subtract, or rearrange the lines in order for them to make sense and flow together. Think of it as a story unfolding.
A song is emerging
Of beautiful expression
But my words have reached their limit
This is my confession
So I will bring out my tools
Of melody and strings
To take you on a journey
Into the heart of all things
I drop my pebble of love
Into the sea of life
The ripples flow outward
As waves that we ride
Ride the waves of life
Ride the waves of love
Ride the waves of life
Ride the waves of love
4. Just looking at the lyrics above, I can see that the main idea or Chorus will be "Ride the waves of life, Ride the waves of love." The other sections will become the Verses because they go more in depth and tell the story of the main idea.
So when laying out our song structure we can put a Chorus between each Verse and maybe end of the Chorus. This will become more clear once we start adding chords and melody. Then once we start singing it, we can decide what feels right and if we need to change anything.
5. Now that we have the words organized in a way that flows, we can add melody and put them to music. It is helpful to have an idea of the feeling of the song when selecting the chords. This song is about a beautiful expression of love so I would probably chose major chords to work with. There is the part where the words have reached their limit so it may call for a minor chord there. You can get these ideas in your head and then pick up the guitar. As you play different chord combinations, you will find the pattern that sounds good and starts to click. Try adding the lyrics and see how they flow and connect to the guitar. That is your melody. You want everything moving in the same direction when it comes to chords and melody. This means playing and singing in the same key. The melody doesn't have to match the chords exactly as they change, it just has to relate to it. This makes it more interesting than just singing the same notes that you are playing.
One thing I like to do is play the chord progression over and over and sing different melodies with it. Sometimes singing gibberish, or sometimes using the lyrics I just wrote. The key here is to bring all the ideas out on the table and chose the best fit. This is where recording yourself can come in handy as well, so you can listen back on the ideas. This process can take time and I find it best to be in an environment by yourself without distractions where you can relax. It's important as you explore your voice and new ideas that you are not worried how it is sounding to other people. The time will come later when you decide to share what you've created and are happy with. Let yourself sing off notes and let your voice crack as you explore your vocal range and what feels right for the song. I also find it best to be free of any influence of other songs. Of course there will be some similarities that come through that remind you of other songs, but do you best to make your song and sound unique. That is what's going to make you stand out and find a nice avenue to work in.
-What is your message?
-How are you translating it? Thorough lyrics or sounds?
-Do you believe in what you are sharing?
-Who else shares this view or who could benefit from hearing it?
-Imagine yourself in the audience or hearing your song on the radio.
-Is it something you like?
-Would you listen to it and share it with your friends?
-Would your grandma enjoy the song?
-Is it appropriate for all ages?
-Do you want it to be?
-Or would you rather spread your potent message to only a select group?
-As a listener , think about what you like to feel and experience as you listen to music.
-Think about why other people go out and see life music or play the radio.
-Whatever the experience you are wanting to create, make sure you put that energy into your part.
-If you want people to dance and be happy, then dance into your instrument and sing about positive things with a smile on your face.
-You can do the opposite or anything in between.
-The point is that you feel the feeling and send it through the music so the audience can feel it too.
"There are many ways to write a song. Sometimes the music comes first, followed by the melody and the lyrics. Other times it's a phrase that inspires how the music and melody will turn out. However you decide to go about this process remember to be open and utilize both sides of your brain and most importantly your heart."
1. Chords and chord progression (includes: key of the song, tempo, rhythm, genre, feeling, instruments, tuning)
2. Layout: Chorus, Verse, Bridge, etc.
3. Adding melody and lyrics
4. Practice, perform and record
5. Listen or watch back and take notes
6. Make any revisions
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until you are happy.
8. Perform the song for someone else.
What happens next is anyone's guess. What's the most important thing to remember here is that you are happy with what you created. You checked in with yourself and gave yourself honest feedback and made any changes to improve the song. Songs can always evolve over time. The more you play them and who you play them with will allow new ideas to flow in and refine other parts. It is good to recognize where you are at in the moment with your skills and the song and be ok with just that. Be open to learning and improving as you move forward and you will.
*Learn to play and create simple songs
-They can alway get more complex later
-Find a rhythm and tempo that feels natural and matches the energy of the song
-Start with two chords and songs with only two parts, practice transitions
-Practice instrument first, then add vocals
*Preparation
-gear, what is the minimum equipment you need to perform a song?
-Guitar, voice, 1 or 2 microphones, mic cables, instrument cable, mic stands, P.A. and or speaker (sometimes it's all in one)
-build confidence
-believe in what you are doing
-conquer your fears
-It's ok to be uncomfortable
-Keep going even if you mess up
-Memorize your lyrics and chords
-Feel it
*Performance
-Apply everything you've learned and trust
-Play at an open mic, party, gathering
-Warm up singing beforehand
-Perform without the use of notes or phone/iPad
-Acknowledge the audience
Use to create melodies for lyrics or solos
How to find your own melody
Thoughts on lyrics, rhyming and more...
Breaking Down An Original Song
What you need to perform
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