How do YOU write songs?

N

Nevemind

New member
Me and my band are getting REALLY serious and I am finding it extremely hard to write stuff. We are going for a punk-rock sound and most prefferabely Blink 182 style. I know alot of people don't like Blink's style b/c it is simple. And I understand. Just wanted to know if anyone has any tips on how to get this sound (not like as far as equipment, just playing tips) and how you guys right songs who play punk style music. Thanks guys! These forums are helping me learn alot about music in general. :)
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

practise your palm mutes lol.

punk is simple, but try and keep fast palm muting for a whole set and you'll get wrist cramp if your not relaxed

for punk, since a lot of the bands only seem to use power chords try and get a hook, which will distinguish your songs from others in that genre.

it can be a lyrical hook or guitar hook, just something that makes your song memorable/catchy
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

get a guy who can do leads/fills over palm mutes. It'll add flavor to any song, regardless of how many chords are used. Even if it's a "3 chord wonder" song, someone who can play a few scales in certain parts will add spice to the mix and make any punk band memorable, considering not many punk bands have consistant leads in their songs. (i know it's kind of a stereotype, and im not knocking punk. I listen to most types of punk... its just an observation of mine.)
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

yeah i agree with joelap

the key thing to any kind of music if you want it to sell is to make it memorable.
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Hey Nuntius, I listened to Standing In Motion and I really like it. What were you using to play it? And can I see the tabs please, I just wanted to really see like 5 secs of the intro so I can get an idea of how you got that sound.
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Im ok with punk, not my favourite, but i can live with it.
But for any kind of music, everybody has their own way of writing songs. I think the only way you can discover your way has to be through practice and experience.
Personally, i start with the guitar (chord pattern usually) or a solid riff, and then write lyrics or another melody to it. Others write the lyrics first, then the chords. It really varies with the person. Remember, the simple/catchy melodies are the ones people will be humming. (most of the time :) )
Keep writing stuff, if you get a tune or even a good chord in your head, WRITE IT DOWN!!! nothing is more annoying than forgetting something that sounded fantastic in your head.
Hope that helps a little, good luck with it!
just_me
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

And Joelap, it's funny you should say that because lately (the past 2 days) I have been study scales but I don't get scales. What's the point of them? (I'm not bashing them, I just seriously know what they are used for) and whats the difference between penatonic, minor, major scales? And what are octaves?
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

I've said this before, and I'll say it again:

Steven Speilberg gave the greatest advice on this subject that anyone ever has . . . and he didn't even realize it at the time . . . he said . . .

"I make the kind of movies, that I want to see . . . "

Make the kind of music that you want to hear . . . your "fans" will follow naturally.

And . . . no one can ever accuse you of being "fake". ;)
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Lol. True, and I do indeed use that philosophy and I get songs done and then ditch them b/c I don't like them later on. I was hoping to get a demo done this summer, but have had no luck. :(
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

I have been study scales but I don't get scales. What's the point of them? (I'm not bashing them, I just seriously know what they are used for) and whats the difference between penatonic, minor, major scales? And what are octaves?
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

OMG! I am laughing my a$$ off over here......that's the site I was using to study scales but I did't understand a thing. Am I dull or just confused?
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

this isn't the perfect use or nething like that, but scals i find are used for riffs and solo's, u find the key of the stuff ur playing and then u can write solos/melodies for them the scales cna also help you find "where to go" while making riffs, this is just basic use of the scales, but thats how i used them
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

When I write stuff, I usually start out with either a main riff that leads to a solo or a simple rhythm guitar part.

The latest song I posted was VERY simple, but I think it has it's own sort of unique sound to it. Maybe this is the kind of thing you're going for? I don't know anything about punk though, so can't help you there. Sorry :smack:
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Riff-Chords-Melody-Lyrics is how i write, id say for playing tips for punk, loads of downstrokes, heavy palm muting and don't bother getting too worried about sloppyness, one of the best things i like about seeing punk bands is the little mistakes they make (as long as they aint massive ones) , it makes the show unpredictable and full of energy. Oh and if its punk, keep the guitar low....realllllllll low. Make it catchy, make sure the songs have some true meaning (whether its about girls or politics, its gotta mean something) and if in doubt chuck a whole load of 'Oi's in there for the fans to sing a long and jump up and down to.
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Forbes said:
Riff-Chords-Melody-Lyrics is how i write, id say for playing tips for punk, loads of downstrokes, heavy palm muting and don't bother getting too worried about sloppyness, one of the best things i like about seeing punk bands is the little mistakes they make (as long as they aint massive ones) , it makes the show unpredictable and full of energy. Oh and if its punk, keep the guitar low....realllllllll low. Make it catchy, make sure the songs have some true meaning (whether its about girls or politics, its gotta mean something) and if in doubt chuck a whole load of 'Oi's in there for the fans to sing a long and jump up and down to.
Click to expand...

Yeah, people love the oi's. My suggestion is just really listen to punk music. Instead of listening to just the guitars or the lyrics or bass or whatever the hell, listen to how the melody of the lyrics is coordinated with riffs and whatnot. Basically, u train your ear to memorize a melodic structure. It'll take time and patience though.
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Nevemind said:
And Joelap, it's funny you should say that because lately (the past 2 days) I have been study scales but I don't get scales. What's the point of them? (I'm not bashing them, I just seriously know what they are used for) and whats the difference between penatonic, minor, major scales? And what are octaves?
Click to expand...
Scales help you know which notes you can trasition to while in a certain key. It helps to know all the notes on the fretboard too.
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Listen to some songs from your favorite bands. Then break them down into
the elements or ingrediants that made you like there song. was is a strong
melody? Timely hooks? killer grove? Basiclly your taking the song apart to
see what makes it tick. Once you understand this You can get a Idea of
the sound you want. Take these Idea's along with your own creativeness
and Idea's and mix em' all together . Maybe you'll come up with something
original or Unique??? :)
 
Re: How do YOU write songs?

Writing is definitely different for each individual but there are a few things that are basics that can help out.

As said above take a few songs you really like and break them down, look at the structure (intro, verse, chorus, verse chorus, solo chorus 2x etc) and then take a few ideas you have and plug them into the stuctures you've found you like. Once you do that a few times you'll start to get a bit of a feel for where things go. Don't try and break new ground at first, just try and get a feel for the flow of it. Once you get a grasp on it can expand from there.

A big help is keeping a notebook around for writing down the little ideas that become songs later on. I learned far too late to write things down, I am still a lazy songwriter that way but the more you have to draw from the better off you are. I use a PC a lot to keep track of things now but nothing compares to the focus of writing it down by hand for me, too much going on otherwise.

Be brave and don't critique anything until it is finished. Too many times you'll stop and think something is silly so you let it go. Push through, sometimes the really bad things turn into some great revelations about what you are doing. Write a lot, the more you do it the better you'll get.
 
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