Add some sizzle with secondary dominant chords
In our continuing exploration of music theory and songwriting, we dive deep into secondary dominant chords, with examples from popular hits. Read the post.
Songwriting tips
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that include songwriting tips and advice from master songwriters and independent successes.
Songwriting and writer’s block: 11 tips to help the songwriter get unstuck
What do you do when you hit a wall when you’re writing a song? Here are tips from experienced songwriters to help you overcome writer’s block. Read the post.
Anatomy of a cover song: Four takes on “Big Yellow Taxi”
So you picked a cover song, now what? Rather than copying the original version note-for-note, the best covers typically take the essence of the original and reshape it, so that the performing artist makes the song their own while adding something special and recognizable to their repertoire. Read more.
Use borrowed chords to add drama, depth, and variety to your music
Looking to spice up your chord progressions? Why not borrow a chord or two from a different mode or scale? Borrowed chords are a tried-and-true way to add an unexpected touch to songs. Read the post.
Add zest with diminished chords
While major and minor chords get all the attention, don’t neglect music’s lovely diminished chords. They can spice up your boring chord progressions and add drama to your songs. Read the post.
How to start writing songs: tips for beginners
Have you got the music in you and want to start writing songs? Here’s a no-nonsense primer to getting your songwriting career started. Read the post.
Songwriting tips: Insights and advice on the craft of writing a song
We’ve posted songwriting tips that cover music theory, the use of interesting chords, lyric writing advice, and ways to channel creativity. Read and enjoy.
What makes power chords so powerful?
Power chords might not be chords, but they’re powerful intervals — especially when mixed with distortion. Read the post.
When the bassline makes the song
There are lots of examples where the bassline is the prominent part of the song. This driving blues track from Gov’t Mule rages atop a super-dense bassline that propels the song. Read the post.
After the Beatles: Paul McCartney’s basslines
The genius of Paul McCartney’s basslines never wavered, but his choices as a bass player post-Beatles show his focus was ever more on the song and serving the vocal melody. Read the post.
Things every lyricist should know
If you are a lyricist, or if you also write melody but you think your strength is more lyric, this is for you. This is more mindset stuff, so this will be helpful no matter what your thing is. Read the post.
The major mediant chord can add an unexpected surprise
While the mediant (iii chord) isn’t as structurally integral as the tonic, dominant, or subdominant, employing its major variation can provide an unexpected surprise that will make listeners’ ears perk up every time. Read the post.
Can you write a song with just one chord?
While it might be difficult to keep a song interesting if you limit it to one chord, it can help create tension, highlight your lyrics, or drive a hypnotic groove. Read the post.
The beginner music producer’s checklist
Are you a songwriter ready to record your songs but not exactly sure how to go from song idea to music producer? These ideas will get you started. Read the post.
Finding inspiration for your songs
Songs can be about anything, so why not look in unconventional places to find the creative spark your next song needs. Read the post.