Author: Tamas Bodzsar

In the previous post, I explained how you can find the best chords for your melody. In this post, I will explain how you can arrange a vocal melody in a way, so it becomes a 3-part, 4-part, or even a 5-part vocal melody.

I assume that you already have the chord progression for your melody, in fact, it is crucial to have the chords, so if you only have the melody, then go back to our previous post to find the right chords for the melody.

There are several techniques we can use when we write vocal harmonies, so let’s see what are these techniques.

I got another question from one of our readers: “how to harmonize a melody?“

To be honest, I’m not 100% sure what exactly he meant by this question, because it can mean two different things.

1. You have a melody and you want to find a matching chord progression. (This is the topic of songwriting.)

2. You have a melody AND you also have the chords, and you want to add more voices to create a 3 or 4-part melody, something like you create for a choir or an acapella group, maybe for backing vocals. (This is the topic of arranging.)

In this article, I will answer the first question, but there will be another post soon, which will answer the second question too!

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I just got an email from someone the other day, and he asked me “how do I write a happy song?”. I would like to answer this question here so everyone can learn from it.

I was looking for “happy” songs in order to find the answer to this question. Obviously, there are many songs that have a positive message, but I wanted to find the answer to the question “what makes a happy song happy?”. So I tried to choose songs that are mostly “happy” all the way.

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The absolutely best way to learn songwriting is by writing down songs for the purpose of analyzing them. In order to be able to do that, we need to recognize the chords just by listening to the music.

This could look very hard if you have never transcribed music before, but since I’m transcribing music for more than 20 years now, I can tell you exactly how you can learn to do it very fast.

There are millions of sheet music, chords, and guitar tabs out there, but unfortunately 80% of those are totally inaccurate, so we can’t rely on them. If you find the lyrics of a song with only chord symbols, you can be 99% sure that the chords are wrong.

So here is how you can identify the chords of a song by ear, either because you want to write it down, or maybe because you want to play the song.

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Building a recording studio at home can be a really useful thing for a songwriter (or any musician in fact), especially in this pandemic, since we want to minimize personal contacts. But how much does it cost to set up a home recording studio?

There are different kinds of setups for a home studio, and different price levels, so let’s start with the most essentials, and then I will continue with the higher budget setups.

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Can you write a song without knowing how to play an instrument?

Are you motivated to write songs, but you don’t know how to play an instrument? Don’t worry, because you can still write songs without using a musical instrument.

How is that even possible?

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Melody is one of the most important aspects of any music, regardless of the style or the genre. It is what makes a song memorable. Chord progression and rhythm is extremely important, but people usually recognize a song by its melody. Melody is what the average listener will sing along – if the melody is well crafted.

But how do songwriters come up with melodies? I will start with the very basics but don’t worry if you already know the basics, because we will get to more advanced stuff after that.

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Are you itching to learn the secrets of making killer songs that people can’t stop humming? Whether you’re a complete newbie or a music maestro, we’ve got the lowdown on making your songwriting skills seriously rock.

Songwriting is like the superpower of the music world. A well-crafted song has the magic to touch hearts, inspire folks, and create connections that cross borders and generations. It’s the language that everybody speaks.

In this post, we’re arming you with the essential tricks and tips you need to take your songwriting game to the next level. We’ll explore the basics of music theory, how to turn up your creativity by transcribing songs, why writing a song every day is like a musical gym workout, the art of listening to music with a keen ear, and how to create visual roadmaps for your compositions.

Whether you’re just picking up a pen or you’re a songwriting ninja looking to sharpen your skills, we’ve got you covered. Songwriting is for everyone, and this guide is your GPS to music greatness.

So, are you ready to embark on this awesome songwriting adventure? Let’s roll and uncover the keys to unleash your musical genius! Let’s dive in!

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The Essence of Song Structure

In the realm of music, structure is the invisible force that guides the listener on a transformative journey. It’s the roadmap, the compass, and the architect of musical narratives. Songwriters wield this power to lead their audiences, evoke emotions, and maintain unwavering interest. At the heart of this intricate web of structure lies the bridge, an often-underestimated but essential component of songwriting.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll embark on a voyage to unravel the mysteries of song structure, with a keen focus on the bridge—a versatile section that plays a pivotal role in crafting musical tales. The bridge is not merely a deviation from the norm; it’s a gateway to a new dimension in a song, offering a fresh perspective, a change in emotion, and a break from the monotonous repetition that can plague a musical piece.

Understanding the Bridge

A. Definition and Placement

Let’s begin our exploration by defining the bridge and its strategic placement within a song’s architecture. The bridge is a distinct section that typically graces us after the second chorus. It stands as a bridge between familiar territory and uncharted waters, introducing a new musical idea, a different perspective, or a change in tone. It’s the twist in the plot, the unexpected turn, and the catalyst for heightened emotional engagement.

B. Breaking the Monotony

In a world where predictability can diminish the magic of music, the bridge shines as a beacon of change. It’s a tool that helps songwriters combat the monotony that often creeps in with the repetitive structure of verse-chorus-verse-chorus. The bridge’s arrival breathes life into the composition, offering a sense of renewal and excitement that can reignite the listener’s enthusiasm.

C. The Evolution of Songwriting

The landscape of songwriting has evolved over time, influenced by ever-changing musical trends. The rise of genres like EDM and shifts in popular music have influenced the inclusion (or exclusion) of bridges in songs. We’ll delve into how songwriters adapt to these changes and why the bridge remains a fundamental element for those who appreciate traditional song forms.

In the forthcoming sections, we’ll journey deeper into the creation of the perfect bridge, exploring the techniques and tools that songwriters employ to craft this section. We’ll also address the significance of contrast, chord progressions, melody, and the specific timing of the bridge. As you progress, remember that the bridge is not just a musical interlude but a gateway to a new dimension within your song.

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