How to Write a Bass Line for Your Song
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.
Songwriting tips
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that include songwriting tips and advice from master songwriters and independent successes.
How to write a good song hook
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.
How to write a bridge for a song
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
Musical lessons: Six things I learned from Pentatonix
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.
How to harness the power of the Phrygian mode
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
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 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 is a power chord and what makes it 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.