Skip to content
Disc Makers Blog
  • Music Business
    • Disc Manufacturing & Design
    • Free Guides
    • Music Business & Music Management
    • Music Industry News
  • Music Marketing & Promotion
    • Crowdfunding for Musicians
    • Social Media for Musicians
    • YouTube & Music Videos
  • Performance & Rehearsal
    • Booking Shows & Touring
    • Live Performance
    • Musical Equipment & Gear Reviews
    • Singing Tips
  • Recording & Mastering
    • Audio Recording
    • Film and Authoring
    • Home Studio
    • Audio Mastering
    • Studio Gear
  • Songwriting
    • Music Licensing, Copyrights & Publishing
    • Songwriting tips
  • DISCMAKERS.COM

song structures

a look at Paul McCartney’s basslines

The genius of Paul McCartney’s basslines

April 26, 2022April 26, 2022 Keith Hatschek and Robert Bassett

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.

guitarist playing a song with one chord

Can you write a song with just one chord?

March 9, 2022March 10, 2022 Scott McCormick

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.

beginner music producer at work in her home studio

The beginner music producer’s checklist

March 1, 2022March 2, 2022 Mark Bacino

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.

trans-siberian orchestra

What all musicians can learn from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Michael Gallant

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

two chords

Can you write a song with just two chords?

November 8, 2021February 3, 2022 Scott McCormick

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

Alternate guitar tuning can inspire your songwriting

October 4, 2021October 5, 2021 Scott McCormick

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

Using suspended chords in your songs

September 10, 2021December 14, 2021 Scott McCormick

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 chord

Eleventh and thirteenth chords: How to play them on guitar

August 27, 2021August 27, 2021 Scott McCormick

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

Nashville tuning

How Nashville tuning can transform your arrangements

July 30, 2021April 5, 2022 Scott McCormick

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.

instrumental covers

Turning popular songs into instrumental covers

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021 Michael Gallant

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 chord

Liven things up with eleventh chords

March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 Scott McCormick

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.

flat-six chord

Add drama with a flat-six chord

February 9, 2021February 23, 2021 Scott McCormick

The flat-six chord can add drama to your music, and with some exceptions, is best used sparingly in your songwriting. Read the post.

sixth chords

Sixth chords add moody complexity to your music

January 19, 2021July 26, 2021 Scott McCormick

Sixth chords have an inherent lack of identity and purpose that can be riveting — a sixth chord can provide ambiguity, set curiously dark moods, and add a layer of complexity to your music. Read the post.

ninth chords

Ninth chords add ambiance to your compositions

December 22, 2020March 9, 2021 Scott McCormick

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.

substitution chords

Use substitution chords to spice up your songs

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020 Scott McCormick

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.

  Older posts

Newsletter Signup

Recent Posts

  • packed crowd at a live music show

    How to make the most of your live music shows

  • pianist stretching her musical limits

    Find new ways to stretch your musical limits and develop a creative routine

  • songwriting duo, with lyricist in the forefront

    Things every lyricist should know

  • young trio at band rehearsal

    11 tips for better band rehearsals

  • headphones depicting music NFT

    NFTs are not ready for indie music

Disc Makers Resources

The Disc Makers Audio Catalog
Making a Great Master
The Home Studio Handbook
How To Make More Money With Music - The Complete Guide

Resources

Disc Packages & Vinyl
Services
Help
Pricing
Free Resources
1-800-468-9353

Connect on Social

  • Join us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Join us on YouTube
  • Follow us on Instagram
© Disc Makers Blog. All Rights Reserved.