146 Answered Questions for the topic songwriting

Songwriting

06/29/19

is there a name in music when the melody changes the chord name or function?
I notice in some chords the melody actually starts on a note that is not in the chord itself. For example, a song in C major, the song might start on the C chord but the melody on the D (9th). Is... more
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Songwriting Piano Composition

06/27/19

Piano Concertos: Why is Brahms 2 considered more mature than Rachmaninoff 3?
**I'm not completely satisfied with the answers so far, so more answers please! There's a nice bounty to be had!** These two titanic concertos are two of the most difficult often played concertos... more
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Songwriting Composition Theory Modes

06/27/19

What exactly is the difference between C Ionian and D Dorian?
Both modes have the same notes. But why do they sound different. How to approach while composing a song in a particular mode as opposed to a key. Is it the harmony or the pivoting root? I read few... more
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06/27/19

Parallel Fifth in a Symphony Orchestral?
when writing for an orchestra can we use parallel fifth (Power Chord)? for example in game of thrones symphony for some part of string or another song for brass section because it is so powerful... more
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Songwriting Composition Theory

06/27/19

Does a cadence cover all "punctuation marks" in a musical phrase?
If we compare it to English, then a cadence acts like a period. But what about other punctuation marks like commas, exclamation marks, questions marks, etc. Are they also called cadences?
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Songwriting Composition Performing

06/27/19

Ritardando, Rallentando, and Allargando?
Three common musical markings for gradual slowing down are ritardando, rallentando, and allargando. How do these differ from each other in interpretation and execution? For example, I was taught... more
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06/26/19

What is the difference between harmony and consonance in music?
I am new to music theory and I was wondering what the difference is between harmony and consonance/dissonance. What are the reasons behind these terms and how can you apply it in practice if, for... more
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Songwriting Piano Composition March

06/24/19

What makes a Turkish March a Turkish March?
I can only find 2 pieces called Turkish March. There is the 5th movement of The Ruins of Athens by Beethoven. Then there is the infamous Rondo Alla Turka by Mozart. And when I search Turkish March... more
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06/24/19

Is there a simple way to transpose a song from one key to another? What is the methodology?
What is a simple way to accomplish transposing a song from one key to another key? In other words if I am looking at a song written in the key of C and can't sing it in that key and I want to... more
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06/19/19

In a TTTTBBBB arrangement, what do you call each group of singers?
I can assume the BBBB can be divided into Baritone I & II and Bass 1 & II, but what about tenors (assuming they’re all tenors and not countertenors)? Is there another name or does it go... more
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Songwriting Piano Composition Chords

06/19/19

Accompanying a RH melody (improv/comp)?
Are there any interesting rhythms/patterns for accompanying the melody (because I can play those by ear), such as breaking chords or etc. For doing piano covers of pop music, I am able to play the... more
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Songwriting Composition Theory Chords

06/19/19

Is a chromatic mediant considered a modulation?
Say I go from a C major chord to an E major chord. I understand that this is a chromatic mediant. Does this change my key from C to E though? said differently, does non-functional harmony change... more
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Songwriting Theory Pop Music

06/19/19

What are the methods used while writing pop music that make it so recognizably pop?
I used to think that it's the four chord structure. But in reality many genres have four chord songs (e.g. Rock and Country) and pop isn't always limited to four chords (e.g. 2U). I used to think... more
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06/19/19

Why aren't songs with 11 beats 13 beats, common?
I wonder why haven't I heard songs that have 13 beats or 11 beats (or may be 17 beats or other complex number) per measure. Are there any songs like that and why don't people and music directors... more
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05/24/19

Is writing important for electronic composition?
I am an electronic producer, and I was wondering if electronic music producers even write down their music on scores? Is that important enough to do for this category of music genres? Or should I... more
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05/24/19

Layering multiple instruments?
I am very new to the song writing process. In a section like the chorus, how do you get the layering of many instrument to get that full and rich impression? For my first composition, I just had... more
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05/24/19

What are some effective ways to use a key change during a song?
In my own songwriting, I might change keys to reinforce a change in the direction of the lyrics. For example if the first two verses are first person but the last verse is 3rd person, I might... more
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Songwriting Composition

05/14/19

Musical cryptogram?
Shostakovich uses his monogram in his symphony no.10.... DSCH. This equates to the notes D Eflat C and Bnatural. The H I understand as Bach used B natural to spell his name, but how does S turn in... more
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05/14/19

Audiation, Mental hearing, Composing/Reading scores without sound reference?
Many composers in the past (as well as the present) were known to do that. So, are there any ways in order to achieve this? Any exercises and so on?
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Songwriting Composition

05/12/19

Expanding chord progression repertoire when composing?
I'm working on writing some sad sounding songs. Every time I'm jamming by myself on the guitar, I can play a few chords and sing or whistle what the leads could be. Leads come to me easily, and I... more
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Songwriting Composition

05/12/19

Compose with pencil and paper?
I see many composers argue that one of the best ways to compose is with pencil and paper, without using an instrument. What is the process for composing this way? Does one have to imagine a fairly... more
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05/10/19

How can you get a Country and Western sound with just a guitar and vocal?
A glimmer of a song idea I have feels like it might fit a C&W style. But I have no idea how that would be achieved and I'm not really a big C&W fan. Is it a musical thing with the... more
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05/10/19

Why use the key of C#?
I was reading about Brahms, and it was mentioned that he had composed a piece in C# Major. AFAIK, we generally don't use C# Major in jazz or rock music because the key signature has 7 sharps, so... more
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05/09/19

Can any melody / motif be turned into a good sounding melody? (Theoretical and practical question.)?
I've read and experienced and I noticed that rhythm, rest placing and even very minor (no pun inteded) changes to the melody, for example some flat or sharp can change it drastically. My question... more
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05/08/19

Freestyle Advice for Beatboxing?
So I have been beatboxing for a couple of months now, got inspired by GBBB battles. I can do the basic sounds (kick drum, hi hats, (inward and outward) K snares, pf Snare, throat bass, lip... more
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