Songwriting tutorials

JohnnyGuitar

New member
Anyone knows of songwriting tutorials online or in books?

I want to expand my knowledge and ideas mainly in writing melodies (no reason not to professionalize in it).
 
Re: Songwriting tutorials

I really like Rikky Rooksbys books. Other than that I think a good way is to get the sheet music in the style you want to write and look at the chord progressions e.g. I IV V! III and the associated melody. Also take note of the singers tendency, like Thom Yorke for example shifting melodies in small steps and long held notes.
 
Re: Songwriting tutorials

I really like Rikky Rooksbys books. Other than that I think a good way is to get the sheet music in the style you want to write and look at the chord progressions e.g. I IV V! III and the associated melody. Also take note of the singers tendency, like Thom Yorke for example shifting melodies in small steps and long held notes.

I do it all of the time and I do get ideas but I want to get some method into the way I work because I fall into noodling and mess up good ideas too fast. Plus, sometimes I compose things that sound too "naive", in a bad way... and I like to isolate the problem and avoid it.
 
Re: Songwriting tutorials

I do it all of the time and I do get ideas but I want to get some method into the way I work because I fall into noodling and mess up good ideas too fast. Plus, sometimes I compose things that sound too "naive", in a bad way... and I like to isolate the problem and avoid it.

That might fall under experience. Listening is the best teacher - both to others and yourself. As far as your work habits go I say finish everything. I can't tell you how many times I have started on a song thinking "I'm not feelin this" to play a new part over what was there and then say "I like this." Push through the blocks and try many approaches.
 
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