Paul McCartney’s basslines are an integral part of the Beatles’ evolution from world-beating pop band to musical pioneers. We identify just what McCartney did to make his parts stand out from what other bassists were doing at the time. Read the post.
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.
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.
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.
Songs can be about anything, so why not look in unconventional places to find the creative spark your next song needs. Read the post.
A pedal point can make a standard progression more interesting or ground a complex progression in something familiar. Read the post.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The ability to see written music for the first time and play it on the spot is a superpower that will open creative and career possibilities. Here are some tips to expand your skills at sight-reading music. Read the post.
Interpreting pop songs as instrumental covers can be a challenge. Here are tips to take your musical transformations in exciting directions. Read the post.
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.