10 Most Common Mistakes Made by Beginning Songwriters
Today, we will be looking at the most common mistakes made by newbie songwriters. While songwriting can vary widely in style and content there are some aspects of songwriter that are problematic for the beginning songwriter. By examining some of the barriers faced in the process of writing a song we can focus on any difficulties and offer some positive solutions.
1. Incomplete song. One of the most common mistakes is also the most obvious which is failing to complete all aspects of your song. Songs typically require an intro, completed verses, an effective chorus, a bridge section and a proper ending or fade out. Just having a few melodies and a scattered lyric need won't work and need to be developed into a complete song. Be thorough, in your compositions.
2. Lyrics are over written. Keeping it simple is key to writing effective songs. Create lyrics that avoid clutter and are overly descriptive. Remember, your music brings a quality words can"t always express and a simple phrase is usually more credible.
3. Melody is too repetitive. Most pop, rock and country styles rely on an interesting melodic line to avoid boredom. Look to a more active melody to create excitement in your songs.
4. Weak Hook. The hook is the most important part of your song and is the reason people will be drawn to you song. A good hook can make your songs memorable. While there is no specific formula you can follow to create good song hooks, it helps to build your song around your best lines in words and melody to this part of your song.
5. Too many chord changes. Avoid over harmonizing you melody. Your chords are there to support your melody and not to overwhelmed it. Changing a major chord to minor, adding a 6th or using a diminished or augmented chord can be more effective than a too busy harmony.
6. Rhythm Is sloppy. Keep your songs tight in terms of rhythm. Don"t allow the tempo to become erratic. Keep good time and your songs will be better for it.
7. Awkward lyric. If a certain line in your lyric seems awkward change it to something that adds to your song rather than something that does not
8. Lack of emotion. Songs need to exciting, happy, sad or even visionary. In other words give your audience a reason to listen by amping up the emotional quality to your songs. Boredom will end a song's success quicker than anything.
9. Lack of editing. Is your song too short, too long, too busy? Find the best version of your song by editing out unnecessary lyrics and melodies to increase their power and effectiveness.
10. No faith. If you don' put believe in your own songs chances are no one else will as well. Have confidence in your songs and within your songs as well. Tell a story, create an image, follow what goes down the road to find something people can relate with and are drawn to.
7 Myths About Songwriting
In today's article we'll look at popular myths surrounding the process of song creation. In the examination of of these misconceptions we will attempt to unravel some of the song writing process as a whole and the self imposed barriers beginning songwriters place upon themselves. In essence, debunking falsehoods and finding a more reasonable and clearer path to writing songs.
Myth 1 - Worlds Greatest Songwriter.
A common label used to describe successful songwriters. Unfortunately, this can put the novice songwriter's mindset at an imposed disadvantage. Songwriting should be at best an expression of individualistic ideas and to compare to others who are successful is a unwelcome burden and hindrance.
Myth 2 - I Don' Have a Good Singing Voice.
Many beginning songwriters claim this barrier. But the truth is if you can develop a reasonable relative pitch quality you will be able to use your voice to sing the songs you've written. The voice quality of the songwriter need only be a functional part in song creation. Performance can always be carried out by others if need be.
Myth 3 - I Have No idea How to Start.
Another common barrier. Songs are so common in a musician's experience the understanding of the song as a whole already exists. Only the desire to break down the components or mechanics of a song into a simpler format is needed.
Myth 4 - Writers Block
Probably the biggest myth of all. An extension of the aforementioned myth. There are so many avenues to resolving the problem of writing a song it would seem to be an unlikely postulate. Simplifying the process and looking toward the resources in writing would be an eventual cure.
Myth 5 - I'm Waiting for Just the Right Inspiration.
Admittedly a really good excuse. It makes you sound artistic while allowing procrastination for a higher cause. Most of an individuals "inspiration" is the result of coalescing songwriting ideas through time and effort trial and error until they form in your mind as inspiration.
Myth 6 - I Don' t Have A Good Understanding Of Music Theory.
While a knowledge of music in terms of theoretical aspect is important is not a prerequisite to writing songs. Finding your own path may in fact be more of help than theory can provide. Besides, as It is usually taught, theory follows composition and for the sake of creativity does not need to be a prerequisite.
Myth 7 - I Don't Think My Songs Are Any Good.
Novice songwriters do suffer from a lack of experience. Rarely is an artist's first attempt at songwriting his or hers best effort. Time and the desire to compose will solve your inexperience and will lead to better compositions. It is important to be critical of your song only in so far as finding a more interesting solution to a poor lyric, a lackluster melody or awkward passage. Moreover, continue to compose and let others decide how satisfying your songs are
In conclusion, we have looked at some of the blockades and myths to songwriting and providing at least a beginning to overcome those barriers real or self imposed. In understanding myths they must give way allowing knowledge to eventually rise above such confusion. Good composing.
10 Tips On How to Improve Your Song Lyrics
Are your lyrics awkward or uninteresting or do your song lyrics lack any emotion? If this is the case then consider our suggestions on improving your lyrics and get your creativity going.
1. Organize. Be consistent with the meter and flow of your lyrics. Most songs are written in the form of verses, chorus and bridges sections. Be aware of the length of each line and how well each verse supports the flow of the song building to the chorus.
2. Write Song Titles. A good place to start is develop your own resource of song titles and phrases you have created as reference.
3. Tell a Story. Create a simple storyline and your may find writing lyrics much easier as the words follow the logic of the song.
4. Use Imagery. Creating an atmosphere in your song can be very effective. Draw on describing visual information to your listener will make your songs much more compelling.
5. Be Aware of the Characteristics of your Music. For example, country songs tend to be simple an straightforward. Pop songs tend to be positive and upbeat. Create lyrics that fit into the particular style of music that you are writing for.
5. Use repetition. Using repetition at key points in your song can create emphasis on an important part or passage. An example of this is to have the last line of your song repeated to the fade out or ending.
6. Decide on the Mood. Is your song happy or sad, hyper or slow? Be aware of the mood of your song and keep your ideas and themes consistent.
7. Surrealism. Words can often paint images by being offbeat or even nonsensical. Don't be afraid to experiment with uncommon lines to add interest to your songs.
8. Simple is Best. Generally, simple songs with a straightforward message or even a singular idea are more successful. Finding a supporting melody and harmonies is usually easier with simple lines than with complex lyrics.
9. Collaborate. Some of the best songs ever written have benefited from the collaboration between two songwriters. Personalities tend to create different ideas within a song that can be very powerful.
10. Research. If your stuck and having trouble look to any credible resources available to you for ideas.
In conclusion, I hope you'll find the tips and ideas presented here will enhance your song lyrics and will be a source of encouragement and inspiration for creating better songs overall.
While songwriting is a difficult endeavor with a few tips and suggestions and with a little effort this article can help you overcome some of the obstacles in creating your first song.
1. Lyrics. It is a good idea to keep a notebook and jot down your ideas for song titles, verses and choruses Inspiration can come from everyday experiences. Try to complete your song lyrics before adding any melodies or chords.
2. Chords. Harmonic ideas can also be worked on by writing your favorite chord progressions down and using them as the basis for song at a later time. Reference a good piano or guitar book on chords if needed.
3. Melodies. Melodies are the most illusive in the process of creating your song. improvising a vocal lead melody over chord progressions at a keyboard or guitar is good way to start the process. Use any lyrics and chords you have written ahead of time can go a long way to ease the process.
4. In traditional songwriting it is a good idea to avoid repetition of the same notes. Constant repetition of the same note (there are exceptions such as in rap or hip hop) in most styles of music does tend to lead to boredom. Don't be afraid to add notes from other relative minor or nearby major keys (accidentals) which can help to create better interest in your melody. Also, if possible have a single high point (tone) in your melody.
5. The Hook. The song hook is usually the most memorable part of the song. Save your most inspired melodies and harmonies for this part of the song.
6. Keep it simple. Focus on creating your song and don't worry about any musical arrangement of bass, drums or other instruments for your song while in the process of writing. While a good arrangement is essential it can be postponed till after the song is completed.l
7. Experiment with musical form. You don't always have to begin your song with an intro and verse, starting with a chorus at the beginning of song can work just as well.
8. Collaborate. Not everyone Is great at writing lyrics or writing terrific melodies. If you have someone to collaborate with take advantage of your individual strengths.
9. Looped based music. The approach for creating looped based music such as hip-hop or rap is somewhat different than creating traditional rock or pop songs. You may find it might be more to your style of writing. Look to investing in DAW computer software to create your tunes.
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