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Songwriting tips

A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that include songwriting tips and advice from master songwriters and independent successes.

musician playing upright bass

How to Write a Bass Line for Your Song

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023 Philip Kinsher

From rhythm to mood, bass lines serve many purposes. Learn how to write a bass line to perfectly pair with and serve your song. Read the post.

couple singing along to a hook in a song

How to write a good song hook

May 22, 2023June 29, 2023 Scott McCormick

A good hook catches the ear of listeners. Find out how you can make a hook that will skyrocket your songs to success. Read the post.

guitarist in front of a bridge at sunset

How to write a bridge for a song

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 Scott McCormick

Should bridges have lyrics or be instrumental to make an impact? We’ve got tips for how to write a bridge for a song that matches your vision. Read the post

Pentatonix promo photo

Musical lessons: Six things I learned from Pentatonix

May 2, 2023June 7, 2023 Michael Gallant

Pentatonix — the groundbreaking, five-person a cappella group — enjoys widespread success due to their soul, skill, and creativity. Their music contains valuable lessons for indie artists of any genre. Read the post.

woman playing piano using the Phrygian mode

How to harness the power of the Phrygian mode

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 Scott McCormick

If you’re writing a dark and brooding song, or you simply want to add something a little different, consider dipping into the Phrygian mode. Read the post.

Add some sizzle with secondary dominant chords

February 21, 2023February 22, 2023 Scott McCormick

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 and writers block

Songwriting and writer’s block: 11 tips to help the songwriter get unstuck

February 4, 2023July 30, 2023 Michael Gallant

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.

four takes on big yellow taxi

Anatomy of a cover song: Four takes on “Big Yellow Taxi”

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 Keith Hatschek

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.

teacher telling student about borrowed chords

Use borrowed chords to add drama, depth, and variety to your music

January 13, 2023January 13, 2023 Scott McCormick

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.

guitarist playing diminished chords

Add zest with diminished chords

December 6, 2022January 13, 2023 Scott McCormick

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.

a new songwriter trying her hand to start writing songs

How to start writing songs: tips for beginners

November 14, 2022March 31, 2023 Scott McCormick

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 and advice

Songwriting tips: Insights and advice on the craft of writing a song

September 15, 2022October 14, 2022 Disc Makers

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.

man playing a power chord

What is a power chord and what makes it so powerful?

August 5, 2022July 31, 2023 Scott McCormick

Power chords might not be chords, but they’re powerful intervals — especially when mixed with distortion. Read the post.

Allen Woody with Gov't Mule

When the bassline makes the song

July 20, 2022July 25, 2022 Michael Gallant

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.

Paul McCartney onstage

After the Beatles: Paul McCartney’s basslines

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 Keith Hatschek and Robert Bassett

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.

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