The pedal point: A quick study
A pedal point can make a standard progression more interesting or ground a complex progression in something familiar. 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.
What all musicians can learn from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The symphonic metal mashup of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” holds lessons that can elevate music of any genre. Read the post
Can you write a song with just two chords?
These songs from decades past show us that you can do a lot with just a little. Let’s explore the magic of the bVII-I progression and how two chords can make a song. Read the post
Alternate guitar tuning can inspire your songwriting
Let’s explore some common — and some of the more obscure — alternate guitar tunings to inspire you to write your next musical masterpiece. Read the post
Using suspended chords in your songs
Suspended chords work as substitution chords, can smooth out chord progressions, and add tension to your music. Here are some great examples of how to use suspended chords in your songs. Read the post
Eleventh and thirteenth chords: How to play them on guitar
For some extended guitar chords — like a fully voiced thirteenth — there are more notes in the chord than there are strings. That’s where slash chords come in … with a little help from your bassist. Read the post
How Nashville tuning can transform your arrangements
While Nashville tuning uses the same notes as a standard guitar tuning, used by itself and in layers with other guitars, this tuning can bring an articulate presence to a recording. Read the post.
Turning popular songs into instrumental covers
Interpreting pop songs as instrumental covers can be a challenge. Here are tips to take your musical transformations in exciting directions. Read the post.
Writing conversational lyrics: Say it like you say it
Song lyrics are not poems put to music. Lyrics can be poetic and should be interesting, but there’s power in conversational lyrics that sound like something the character in your song would actually say. Read the post.
Liven things up with eleventh chords
Eleventh chords can provide lush texture to your songs, but they can be confusing. We’ve got charts and real-world examples to help you better understand these extended chords. Read the post.
Add drama with a flat-six chord
The flat-six chord can add drama to your music, and with some exceptions, is best used sparingly in your songwriting. Read the post.
Ninth chords add ambiance to your compositions
There are many kinds of ninth chords, and they can be used in different ways. This post explores different kinds of ninth chords and how you can use them, with plenty of examples of their use in popular music. Read the post.
Use substitution chords to spice up your songs
Jazz musicians know and integrate substitution chords on a regular basis, but musicians who play other genres of music can also employ this concept to great effect. Read the post.
Writing pop songs that stand out
Bobby Borg talks with Anika Paris — an award-winning singer/songwriter, classically trained pianist, and published poet and author — about ways to write unique pop songs. Read the post.
Ben Folds’ “2020” — A case study for indie artists
From songwriting ideas to recording technique, there’s a lot you can learn from the songwriter’s tragi-comic recording-in-quarantine project. Read the post.