Paul McCartneys Simple Chord Formula Every Songwriter Needs to Know! How To Write Songs 2025-03-25 | ⬇️ FREE PDF: how-to-write-songs.kit.com/0c9a625355In this video, we look at the Beatles classic BLACKBIRD and focus on the way it is constructed almost entirely from simple 2-note chords. 00:00 Introduction01:02 The 'Blackbird' Chords02:44 How We Learn Chords05:02 Introducing 10ths09:12 Using 10ths In Your Songwriting12:08 Picking Hand Patterns13:56 Writing In Different Keys15:25 Using Non-Diatonic Chords16:37 Using Open Strings19:01 Wrap Up🌏 Join the HTWS Songwriters Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with other songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletterWho Are We?HTWS is Keppie Coutts, and Benny Romalis, two professional songwriters, performing artists and teachers with over 40 years of collective experience in the music industry. We have studied and taught at some of the best contemporary music colleges in the world including Berklee College of Music, Sydney Conservatorium, the Australian College of the Arts, the Australian Institute of Music, the LA School of Songwriting and JMC Academy.Our goal is to help people write better songs! Our experience, having worked with thousands of songwriters (many going on to find careers and success in music), is that your songwriting, like all things, can get better with meaningful and deliberate practice. Our intention is to share the skills, knowledge and ideas that we've had the privilege of gathering with others who embrace the art and craft of songwriting.You can find more information at: www.howtowritesongs.org#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwriting#blackbird#guitarchords#paulmccartney#songwritingtips
Use UNEXPECTED CHORDS without sounding RANDOM - The Parallel Method How To Write Songs 2025-09-26 | FREE CHORD PDF - how-to-write-songs.kit.com/e4875d6f95The Parallel Method is a simple, 3-step process for developing beautiful, interesting and unique chord sequences. So if you're bored with your chords, this method is a game changer!For Weekly Feedback Sessions & Exclusive Content, JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY : howtowritesongs.org/community🤔 Who are Keppie and Benny? So glad you asked! howtowritesongs.org/about#songwritingtips #howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #chords #chordtips
There IS a Right Way to Start Every Song How To Write Songs 2025-09-17 | 📜 Download Chord Progressions here: how-to-write-songs.kit.com/f339ba118aEver wonder if there are better or worse ways to start a song? How does the way you start a song affect the outcomes? And are there ways that experienced songwriters do it differently? All will be revealed...!🌏 Join Us Inside the HTWS Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletter🤔 Who are Keppie and Benny? So glad you asked! howtowritesongs.org/about
Melody Secrets: Repetition, Steps & Leaps How To Write Songs 2025-09-13 | ✅ Join our Songwriter Community here: www.howtowritesongs.org/community📺 Full video now on YouTube here: youtu.be/SesfcHk_6yM✨ Why is "Golden" from K-Pop Demon Hunters dominating the Billboard Top 10? We break down the melody secrets that make this song a global hit and reveal songwriting tips you can use too.#Kpop #KpopDemonHunters #Golden #Billboard #SongwritingTips #MusicAnalysis #HitSong #Songwriting #Songwriters #KPopDemonHuntersNetflix
The Melody of GOLDEN is Crazier than you Think! How To Write Songs 2025-09-10 | The hit song 'GOLDEN' from 'KPop Demon Hunters' has become a global sensation, and it turns out that the melody behaves in a way that makes it truly unique. So if you're a songwriter looking to write bigger, bolder and catchier melodies... this video is for you.🌏 Join the HTWS Online Community - 14-Day Free Trial - Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletter#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwritingtips#golden#kpopdemonhunters
Melodic Rhythm 101: Feel the Difference How To Write Songs 2025-08-30 | ✅ Join our Songwriter Community here: www.howtowritesongs.org/community📺 Full video now on YouTube here: youtu.be/V46mIu1XOTs🎶 Rhythm + melody = melodic rhythm. One of the most powerful (and overlooked) elements in songwriting!A tiny shift in timing within your melody can completely transform the emotion, energy, and vibe of your song. Join us as we break down how melodic rhythm works — and how you can use it to level up your songwriting.#SongwritingTips #MelodicRhythm #SongwritingCommunity #IndieSongwriter #Songwriter #SongwritingProcess #MusicInspiration #Songwriting #SongwritersOfInstagram
The Biggest Melody Mistake Beginner Songwriters Make How To Write Songs 2025-08-25 | Ready to get the skills, knowledge, and people to help you level up? Join our Community now: howtowritesongs.org/community/?utm_source=melodymistakeSo many new songwriters make this mistake, and it has nothing to do with pitch! The great news: it is very easy to fix, but only if you know what it is...⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletter
Whats Your Songs Focus? Find Out with the Campfire Test! How To Write Songs 2025-08-25 | ✅ Join our Songwriter Community here: www.howtowritesongs.org/communityWhen that guitar comes out around the campfire, which songs really shine? That's the Campfire Test—stripping a song to its core to see what makes it great.#SongwritingTips #CreativeProcess #Songwriters #Songwriting #SongwritersOfInstagram #SongwritingProcess #Lyrics #LyricWriting
Why Every Songwriter Needs the CAMPFIRE TEST How To Write Songs 2025-07-28 | 🌏 Join the HTWS Online Community - 14-Day Free Trial - Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/communityImagine you’re on a camping trip - the sun is setting, you’re sitting around a nice warm fire with a group of friends, and one of them pulls out the guitar and passes it to you, the songwriter of the group. Now, as you mentally scroll through the index of songs you know how to play, you’re asking yourself, which songs would sound good with just guitar and voice - what happens if you remove all the production from this song and strip it back to its bare bones - and this is the campfire test. Now, if you’re in the process of writing a new song, the campfire test is an imaginary scenario we can run to analyse the structure of our song and really put the elements of song craft under the the spotlight. It allows us to really separate songwriting from production - looking at a stripped back version of the song asking ourselves, what are the essential elements of this song?⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletter#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwritingtips
Experiment with Chords: Tension & Release Secrets How To Write Songs 2025-07-09 | Learn how chord progressions rely on a constant balance of tension and release. We demonstrate how strategically using chords can build compelling musical resolutions. Special thanks to Hooktheory for creating Hookpad! Get 20% off now via the link here: hooktheory.com/howtowritesongs#ChordProgression #MusicTheory #Songwriting #MusicComposition #TensionAndRelease #MusicProduction #MusicalAnalysis #ChordChanges #MusicTips #CreativeProcess
Writing Catchy Melodies with Chord Progressions How To Write Songs 2025-06-29 | Breaking down your musical ideas into shorter phrases makes it much easier to develop lyric and melody ideas. Discover how to write catchy melodies using chord progressions in our recent video!#SongwritingTips #LyricWriting #MusicProduction #ChordProgressions #MelodyCreation #MusicTheory #SongwritingProcess #MusicTutorial #CreativeProcess #MusicInspiration
You CAN Write Songs without Playing an Instrument... Its EASY! How To Write Songs 2025-06-27 | How do you write songs without playing an instrument? In this video I'll show you.20%OFF HOOKPAD - hooktheory.com/howtowritesongsIf you're struggling to find the right chords on guitar or piano - or perhaps struggling to play them at all, this might be the solution. Hookpad is a tool that allows songwriters to map out their songs, build them one chord at a time and most importantly, listen back to the song as it's being constructed.🌏 JOIN US Inside the HTWS Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community00:00 Introduction00:59 Starting with Chords02:54 Experimenting with Chord Substitutions07:22 Extensions and Inversions08:37 Borrowed Chord Options13:06 Changing the Groove & Sound14:16 Improvising Melody & Lyrics17:12 Wrap Up & Offer#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwritingtips #hookpad#hooktheory#noinstrument
The Major Scale Unlocked: Tone-Tone-Semitone Explained How To Write Songs 2025-06-17 | Discover the power of the tone-tone-semitone formula! We break down how this formula defines the intervals in major scales, using C major and F major as examples. #MajorScale #MusicTheory #ToneSemitone #MusicEducation #GuitarLessons #PianoLessons #MusicTutorial #LearnMusic #ScalesAndChords #MusicalIntervals
Music Theory is Easy with these 2 SIMPLE FORMULAS! How To Write Songs 2025-06-15 | ⬇️ FREE PDF: how-to-write-songs.kit.com/ca6148a111Music theory can be simple and easily learnt if we first begin with 2 simple formulas. Not only will these formulas help you understand music theory, they will unlock a range of more complex concepts that will enhance your songwriting process.00:00 Introduction00:34 Formula 108:58 Formula 2🌏 Join Us Inside the HTWS Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletterHave you ever found yourself asking these questions?- “Where do I even start with music theory?”- “Do I really need music theory to write songs?”- “Why is music theory so confusing?”- “What’s the difference between a scale, a key, and a chord?”- “How do I know which chords go together?”- "What key is my song in — and why does it matter?”- “How do I write better chord progressions?”- “What is a ‘tonic’ or a ‘dominant’ and why should I care?”- "Why do some songs sound emotional or powerful, and how can I do that?”- “What’s the easiest way to learn theory without going to music school?”- “Can I break the rules if I don’t even know the rules?”- “Is it too late to learn music theory if I’ve already been writing songs?”- “How do I apply theory to guitar/piano and actually use it creatively?”- “What’s the shortcut to understanding chords and melody?”If so, these 2 formulas will help you get the answers you're looking for. Happy Songwrting!#howtowriteasong #howtowritesongs #songwritingtips #musictheory
Song Form Explained: Arrange Sections Like a Pro! How To Write Songs 2025-06-10 | We explore song form by explaining the role of each song section. By thinking of these sections as coloured blocks, we can arrange them in any order we wish.#songwritingtips #MusicTheory #SongForm #MusicProduction #CreativeArrangement #MusicalStructure #SongSections #MusicComposition #DIYMusic #MusicTips
The Songwriting Secret hidden inside this Hit Song How To Write Songs 2025-06-04 | 🌏 Join Us Inside the HTWS Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/communityI was recently listening to a playlist and the song ‘Do You Realize??’ by the Flaming Lips randomly started playing - and this is a song I’ve heard many times before, but for some reason, listening to it this time around I noticed something very unusual about the way this song is constructed - something that really surprised me and sparked a desire to investigate further. So in this video I’m going to take you a journey into this strange and beautiful song - and by deconstructing its form I’m going to reveal to you some incredibly valuable songwriting concepts and methods that I guarantee will spice up your songwriting.00:00 Introduction00:44 The First Section02:53 Home Chord and Title05:09 Song Form & Sections07:24 The Next Section - What is it?10:31 'Song Exploder' Interview11:52 Conclusions on the Form⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletterSong Section Descriptions (at 5:20)- The Chorus is there to deliver the central message- The Verse is there to give us some context or back story, perhaps develop some of the characters- If there is a Pre-Chorus, it’s role is to sit between the verse and chorus and create tension that can then be resolved by the chorus- Solos provide moments of improvised instrumental contrast- Post-Choruses extend and maintain the energy of the chorus, sometimes introducing additional hooks- Bridges offer us a change to create musical contrast, provide a different lyrical perspective or an opportunity to pivot the narrative- Interludes create buffers between sections- Intros set the mood and create a first impression- Outros leave the listeners with a final thought or feeling#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwritingtips #flaminglips
Songwriting Secrets: Hit Choruses & Memorable Titles How To Write Songs 2025-06-01 | Discover the key to a hit song! We examine "Reckless Driving" by Lizzy McAlpine to explore how the chorus delivers the central message and how the title captures the core emotion.#songwriting #musiccomposition #chorus #lyricwriting #musiclessons #songwritingtips #LizzyMcAlpine #RecklessDriving #musictheory #songanalysis
Songwriting Gold: Nail Your Title First! How To Write Songs 2025-05-24 | Want killer choruses? We reveal the secret: find your song title first! Many songwriters miss this simple trick.#songwritingtips #choruswriting #songwritingprocess #musicproduction #lyricwriting #songtitles #musiccomposition #singersongwriter #musiciansofinstagram #creativeprocess
Chorus Tips: Mastering the Magic of Tonic Chords How To Write Songs 2025-05-15 | Chords evoke feelings, like a film score. As songwriters, it's our job to pick the right moments to use our chords. Join us to learn why you should save the tonic for your chorus! #musictheory songwriting #musictheory #chords #tonicchord #musiceducation #songwritingtips #musicians #songcreation #musiclessons
Build Choruses Easily with The Mumbles How To Write Songs 2025-05-10 | Discover our easy songwriting technique for writing effective choruses! We'll teach you how to build a melody scaffold around your title. By doing this, we provide ourselves with the framework for our chorus, whilst ensuring that our title remains in the spotlight.#musictheory #songwritingtips #melodycreation #songwritingprocess #musiccomposition #lyricwriting #songwritingtechniques #musicproduction #creativeprocess #musiceducation #singersongwriter
How to Write Great Choruses: 3 Practical Tips That Work! How To Write Songs 2025-05-07 | 🌏 Join the HTWS Songwriters Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with other songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/communityIn this video, I want to show you 3 radically practical tips to help you shortcut to great chorus-writing, to hopefully open the creative gates so you don’t get derailed by a chorus that falls flat, or having no idea how to approach it.Want 20% Off 'Tape It' Pro? - Click here: https://tape.it/for/howtowritesongs00:00 Introduction00:47 Tip #1 - Find The Title05:46 Tip #2 - Build The Scaffold10:58 Tip #3 - Save The Tonic⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletter#1 - Find the TITLE FIRSTSounds obvious, but many choruses fall flat because we misunderstand what a chorus is in the first place. It’s not just the section that repeats. It’s the part that delivers the central message. And even within the chorus, the central message has a pointy end, in the title.Rather than writing a song and then trying to figure out the title when you get there - find the title first (or at your earliest possible convenience). Simply saying, “I want to write a song about yearning for the comfort, and safety, and simplicity of childhood, contrasting it to the complexity of life once you’ve left home. It will focus on the image of my childhood house”...good concept, but is made even stronger as a song idea if you can say, “and it will be called ‘Home is Where the Heart Lives’”.It gives the song a target, and makes the rest of the song so much easier to write. When all the pieces tie together, the chorus has so much more impact.A title that is inherently interesting will also stick in the memory of a listener.#2 - Build A ScaffoldWe don’t need all the words - and often the words will come out of the melody, if the melody is expressing the feeling or the musical journey we want to take. Use the very fancy technique called the mumbles.Gives you the scaffolding, to then fill in the detailsEspecially useful when you have a verse section written - so common to keep writing in the same way - same melodic shapes, pace, structure…we need to switch out of lyric mode to really enter the musical/emotional journey sometimes. It can also help us figure out where the title goes.#3 - Save the tonic chord for the chorusChords are like the film score for the melody. The average listener doesn’t know what chords you’re playing - only how they make them feel.As songwriters, it’s our job to know how chords and chord combination do make people feel - which film score to put behind our words and melody.##other chord vids/playlist - check this out to learn about chord relationships, how to create mood, story, emotion with chords. Here’s one ‘film score’ tip: in every key, whether it’s major or minor, or some kind of mode, or even mixed modes…there is always ONE chord that makes a listener feel a sense of profound resolution, and that is the tonic chord - the chord of the key.So many songwriters will miss out the opportunity to use this in the chorus, by having the tonic chord splashing about in the verse and pre-chorus - using chord loops is a great to way to prevent chords from having any storytelling potential or acting like the film score. Its the same film score the whole way. Avoid the tonic chord in the 4-8 bars before the Chorus, then bring it in, and watch it shine. __________________________________________Who Are We?HTWS is Keppie Coutts, and Benny Romalis, two professional songwriters, performing artists and teachers with over 40 years of collective experience in the music industry. We have studied and taught at some of the best contemporary music colleges in the world including Berklee College of Music, Sydney Conservatorium, the Australian College of the Arts, the Australian Institute of Music, the LA School of Songwriting and JMC Academy.Our goal is to help people write better songs! Our experience, having worked with thousands of songwriters (many going on to find careers and success in music), is that your songwriting, like all things, can get better with meaningful and deliberate practice. Our intention is to share the skills, knowledge and ideas that we've had the privilege of gathering with others who embrace the art and craft of songwriting.You can find more information at: www.howtowritesongs.org#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwriting#lyricwriting#songlyrics#songwritingtips
Forward Roll: Master Finger Picking Techniques How To Write Songs 2025-05-02 | Learn how to enhance your guitar rhythms using the forward roll technique. We explore a basic finger picking technique known as the Forward Roll, and how to create different tones by moving across string groups to add movement to static chords. Full video on YouTube // Link in bio #GuitarTutorial #ForwardRollTechnique #GuitarChords #StringTechnique #GuitarLesson #MusicTheory #GuitarTips #AcousticGuitar #GuitarPractice #GuitarSkills
How to Fingerpick Guitar - 12 PATTERNS Every Songwriter Should Know! How To Write Songs 2025-04-21 | DOWNLOAD FREE PDF: how-to-write-songs.kit.com/f903e2853dIn this video I demonstrate 12 of the most beautiful and useful fingerpicking patterns on guitar that songwriters of any level can incorporate immediately into their songwriting!00:00 Introduction00:44 #1 Forward Roll02:17 #2 Backward Roll04:13 #3 Forward / Backward Combos05:33 #4 Pinch & Roll07:06 #5 Quick Roll Slow Roll08:12 #6 Triplets09:55 #7 Strum + Picking Hybrid11:43 #8 Cluster Smack12:48 #9 Thumb & Cluster14:28 #10 Alternating Thumb & Fingers15:59 #11 Travis Picking17:33 #12 Pinching 10thsFor a deeper dive into 'Pinching 10ths', check out my video breaking down Paul McCartney's 'Blackbird': youtu.be/x5h98ZFYjow🌏 Join the HTWS Songwriters Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with other songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletterFor more Unlock the creative power of fingerpicking with these 12 essential patterns every songwriter should know. Whether you're feeling stuck, uninspired, or just tired of the same strumming rhythms, this video gives you practical fingerpicking tools to instantly breathe life into your songwriting and guitar playing. Designed specifically for guitarists and songwriters who want to level up their skills, these patterns help you create texture, movement, and emotional depth in your music—without needing complex theory. Perfect for beginners and experienced players alike, this is your step-by-step guide to writing better songs through the art of fingerpicking.Who Are We?HTWS is Keppie Coutts, and Benny Romalis, two professional songwriters, performing artists and teachers with over 40 years of collective experience in the music industry. We have studied and taught at some of the best contemporary music colleges in the world including Berklee College of Music, Sydney Conservatorium, the Australian College of the Arts, the Australian Institute of Music, the LA School of Songwriting and JMC Academy.Our goal is to help people write better songs! Our experience, having worked with thousands of songwriters (many going on to find careers and success in music), is that your songwriting, like all things, can get better with meaningful and deliberate practice. Our intention is to share the skills, knowledge and ideas that we've had the privilege of gathering with others who embrace the art and craft of songwriting.You can find more information at: www.howtowritesongs.org#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwriting#guitartips#fingerpicking#howtoplayguitar#guitarplaying#acousticguitar
Avoid This Common Songwriting Mistake Now! How To Write Songs 2025-04-21 | Many songwriters make the mistake of switching pronouns, complicating their narrative and confusing listeners. We delve into why maintaining consistent perspective is crucial for emotional connection in your lyrics. #SongwritingTips #PronounMistakes #MusicProduction #SongwritingCraft #EmotionalStorytelling #LyricWriting #SongwriterAdvice #MusicComposition #SongFeedback #CreativeWriting
These Questions Will Ensure Your Lyrics Have Direction How To Write Songs 2025-04-19 | Understanding the 'why' behind a song is crucial for clarity and focus. Join us as we explore practical questions that enhance your songwriting process and help you ensure your lyrics have meaning. #SongwritingTips #MusicInspiration #CreativeProcess #SongwritersJourney #LyricWriting #SongIntention #MusicComposition #SongwritingAdvice #EmotionalConnection #ArtisticExpression
Alter Lyrical Meaning by Changing Perspectives How To Write Songs 2025-04-17 | Dive into how perspective influences lyrical meaning by examining Tom Waits' song "What's He Building In There?" Discover how altering perspective in your lyrics can create different narratives for your song's story. #TomWaits #SongAnalysis #PerspectiveInMusic #LyricExploration#NarrativeVoice #MusicTheory #Songwriting #ArtistInsight #MusicalStorytelling #GossipInSong
Lyric Writing: How Viewpoints Create Connection How To Write Songs 2025-04-15 | Discover why perspective in songwriting is important. We explore different kinds of perspectives, and how the different approaches can shape a songwriter's connection with their listener. #SongwritingTips #MusicalExpression #CreativeProcess #PersonalInsight #SongwriterJourney #EmotionalMusic #MusicTheory #ArtistPerspective #IndieMusic #SongwritingAdvice
Creating Emotion in Lyrics with Perspective How To Write Songs 2025-04-13 | Explore the art of lyric writing through examining Leon Bridges' 'Texas Sun.' Discover how songwriters create powerful connections with their audience by ensuring that their lyrics have direction and perspective. #SongwritingSecrets #LeonBridges #TexasSun #MusicStorytelling #EmotionalConnection #LoveSongs #SongwriterTips #SongAnalysis #MusicCraft #LyricWriting
The Importance of Pronouns in Lyric Writing How To Write Songs 2025-04-11 | Discover how pronouns can transform lyrics, and deepen narrative connections. We explore the impact of pronouns in storytelling through examining their placement within lyrics. #CreativeWriting #PoeticImagery #Storytelling #NarrativeCrafting #CharacterDevelopment #WritingTips #LiteraryTechniques #Engagement #WritingCommunity #PerspectiveMatters
The W3 Formula: Perspective in Lyrics How To Write Songs 2025-04-09 | Discover the W3 formula for songwriting! We explore how establishing pronouns in a song can help enhance the emotional connection your listener feels. Learn to establish perspective quickly, and captivate your listeners with relatable lyrics. #SongwritingTips #MusicTheory #LyricWriting #SongwriterLife #EmotionalConnection #MusicCreativity #SongwritingProcess #W3Formula #MusicEducation #StorytellingInMusic
A Simple Formula that makes Lyric Writing So Much Easier! How To Write Songs 2025-04-07 | ⬇️ FREE PDF: https://how-to-write-songs.ck.page/9d9d154543In this video, we show you one of the simplest ways to consistently write clear and powerful lyrics - the W3 Formula!00:00 Introduction00:40 The W3 Formula - Who?03:50 The W3 Formula - To Whom?08:56 The W3 Formula - Why?12:21 A Common Mistake (and how to avoid it)Want 20% Off 'Tape It' Pro? - Click here: https://tape.it/for/howtowritesongs🌏 Join the HTWS Songwriters Community for Weekly Feedback Sessions, Live Workshops and Collaboration with other songwriters from around the world: howtowritesongs.org/community⚡ Want Free Weekly Songwriting Tips and Insights? Join our Newsletter: howtowritesongs.org/subscribe-to-the-newsletterWho Are We?HTWS is Keppie Coutts, and Benny Romalis, two professional songwriters, performing artists and teachers with over 40 years of collective experience in the music industry. We have studied and taught at some of the best contemporary music colleges in the world including Berklee College of Music, Sydney Conservatorium, the Australian College of the Arts, the Australian Institute of Music, the LA School of Songwriting and JMC Academy.Our goal is to help people write better songs! Our experience, having worked with thousands of songwriters (many going on to find careers and success in music), is that your songwriting, like all things, can get better with meaningful and deliberate practice. Our intention is to share the skills, knowledge and ideas that we've had the privilege of gathering with others who embrace the art and craft of songwriting.You can find more information at: www.howtowritesongs.org#howtowritesongs #howtowriteasong #songwriting#lyricwriting#songlyrics#songwritingtips
Discover How Paul McCartney Builds 2-Note Chords How To Write Songs 2025-04-07 | Explore the magic behind Paul McCartney's innovative 2-note chord voicings. Discover how you can turn triads into beautiful 2-note chords! #PaulMcCartney #GuitarLessons #ChordTheory #MusicTips #Songwriting #GuitarTechniques #TwoNoteVoicings #TriadChords #MusicEducation #GuitarPlaying
The Secret of Paul McCartneys Two Note Chords How To Write Songs 2025-04-05 | Improve your guitar skills by incorporating open strings like Paul McCartney in "Blackbird"! We demonstrate how you can use open strings to help create rich and beautiful chords on the guitar. #guitartechniques #PaulMcCartney #Blackbird #SongwritingTips #GuitarSkills #OpenStrings #MusicEducation #CreativeGuitar #MusicalInspiration #LearnGuitar
The Advantages of Paul McCartneys 2-Note Voicings How To Write Songs 2025-04-03 | Discover the genius behind Paul McCartney's use of small, intimate 2-note chord voicings. These simple yet effective choices enhance clarity and leave space for other musical elements, making songwriting more impactful. Learn how to incorporate this technique into your own music. #PaulMcCartney #MusicTheory #SongwritingTips #GuitarTechniques #2NoteVoicings #ClarityInMusic #MusicArrangement #Blackbird #SongwritingGenius #MusicalElements
The Pinch Technique: Alternating Chord Patterns How To Write Songs 2025-04-01 | Discover how the pinch technique can enhance your playing when you use simple thumb and finger alternations. This approach not only creates clarity but also adds depth to your chords. #GuitarTechniques #FingerstyleGuitar #ChordPatterns #MusicTips #GuitarPlaying #MusicalTechnique #PinchTechnique #GuitarPractice #AcousticGuitar #LearnGuitar
Mastering Intervals: Understanding Tenths in Chords How To Write Songs 2025-03-30 | Join us as we break down the concept of tenths in guitar chords. Learn how to identify and add tenths to your chords in order to add a new dimension of sound to your guitar playing. #MusicTheory #ChordProgressions #Intervals #MusicEducation #GuitarTips #PianoLessons #MusicSkills #CreativeMusician #LearnMusic #MusicalIntervals
Learn Right-Hand Techniques for Clear Guitar Chords How To Write Songs 2025-03-28 | Discover how to make your guitar chords sound clear. We explore the pinch method to create beautiful, simple sounds without muddying the notes. #GuitarTechniques #RightHandGuitar #ClearChords #GuitarTips #Songwriting #MusicianLife #PinchTechnique #GuitarSkills #MusicTheory #GuitarPlaying
Mastering Paul McCartneys Two Note Voicings How To Write Songs 2025-03-26 | Explore how Paul McCartney's two note voicings can help bring a touch of elegance to your songs. We dive into their simplicity, demonstrating how to use them to achieve a more polished sound. #Songwriting #PaulMcCartney #ChromaticChords #MusicTheory #2NoteVoicings #CreativeProcess #GuitarTips #SongwritingTechniques #MusicInnovation #ChordsExplained
Mastering Lyric Writing: Find Your Melodys Accents How To Write Songs 2025-03-24 | Discover the secret to effective lyric writing by honing in on the accentuated parts of your melody. We guide you through locating the accents in your melody, ensuring your lyrics shine at their strongest moments. #LyricWriting #SongwritingTips #MelodyMastery #CreativeProcess #MusicProduction #SongwritingAdvice #FindYourVoice #MusicalInspiration #LyricsThatResonate #MelodyFocus
Discover the Hidden Rhythm of Language! How To Write Songs 2025-03-22 | Explore the fascinating aspects of rhythm in language, and how shifting those rhythms can create unexpected effects. Join us as we uncover how changing the accents within a word change a listener's perception. #LanguageRhythm #Linguistics #CommunicationSkills #LanguagePatterns #SyllableStrongWeak #SpeechArtistry #SoundOfLanguage #ExploreLinguistics #LanguageStudy #CreativeSpeech
Steps in the Chord Selection Process How To Write Songs 2025-03-20 | Explore the chord selection process as we dive into shapes, extensions, and rhythms. In this quick session, we reveal the questions we would ask ourselves when selecting chords. #MinorChords #MusicTheory #GuitarTechniques #ChordProgressions #FingerstyleGuitar #StrummingPatterns #MusicalMood #GuitarLearning #CreativePlaying #MusicInspiration
Elevate Your Songs with Major Sevens How To Write Songs 2025-03-18 | Discover the power of major seventh chords in music. In this video, we explore how they introduce complexity and depth to your compositions. Learn how to use these chords to enhance your songwriting. #MusicTheory #MajorSevens #Chords #MusicalComposition #EmotionalMusic #CreativeMusic #SoundDesign #MusicProduction #ComplexityInMusic #SongwritingTips
Mastering Songwriting: Crafting Memorable Hooks How To Write Songs 2025-03-17 | We explore the art of writing hooks in songwriting, emphasizing how strategic use of space and melodic momentum can create memorable melodies. Discover techniques used by Joni Mitchell, and learn how to apply them to your own songs! #SongwritingTips #MusicTheory #HookWriting #JoniMitchellInspiration #MelodyCreation #SongStructure #CreativeProcess #MusicEducation #SongwriterCommunity #MemorableMusic
Break Free of Familiarity with Open Tuning How To Write Songs 2025-03-16 | Dive into the world of Joni Mitchell's song "Both Sides Now", as we explore her unique open tunings. Through this analysis, discover how open tunings can help enhance your songwriting process. #JoniMitchell #OpenTuning #CapoTechniques #MusicTheory #GuitarTips #Songwriting #AcousticGuitar #MusicEducation #GuitarTechniques #FolkMusic
Exploring Internal Rhyme through Both Sides Now How To Write Songs 2025-03-15 | We delve into Joni Mitchell's innovative songwriting techniques in her song "Both Sides Now", highlighting how usage of internal line rhymes creates a distinct experience for her listeners. #JoniMitchell #SongwritingAnalysis #MusicCreativity #VerseStructure #RhymingTechniques #MusicTheory #DeepListening #ArtisticExpression #LyricAnalysis #MusicalInnovation
Discovering Antithesis Through Both Sides Now How To Write Songs 2025-03-15 | We dive into the concept of antithesis in music, examining how opposites can help enhance a song's meaning. Discover how Joni Mitchell uses this technique to present contrasting experiences, creating depth in her lyrics. #AntithesisExplained #MusicAnalysis #LoveAndLife #SongMeaning #BennyInspiration #ContrastingThemes #LyricAnalysis #EmotionalDepth #SongwritingTechniques #MusicTheory
Exploring Antithesis in Songwriting How To Write Songs 2025-03-15 | Dive into the Joni Mitchell's song 'Both Sides Now.' We unravel its structure, examining how antithesis contributes to a song's overall emotional impact. #BothSidesNow #SongAnalysis #MusicTheory #Antithesis #LyricBreakdown #StorytellingInMusic #IconicSongs #MusicalJourney #ContrastInMusic #DeepDive
The Power of Space in Melody How To Write Songs 2025-03-14 | Explore the role of tension in songwriting as we dive into how Joni Mitchell creates memorable melodies through strategic pauses. Discover how a little space can make your music resonate more deeply, and leave a lasting impact. #MusicProduction #SongwritingTips #MelodyCreation #JoniMitchell #MusicTheory #CreativeProcess #SongwritingTechniques #MusicalTension #MelodicExpression #InspiringCreativity
Study the Rhyme Scheme in Joni Mitchells Both Sides Now 🎶✨ How To Write Songs 2025-03-13 | In this video, we explore how Joni Mitchell's chorus introduces a fresh rhyme scheme, creating contrast with the verses. By analyzing this shift, we learn how it enhances the song's overall impact, and helps listeners appreciate the distinct messages within each section. #JoniMitchell #MusicAnalysis #RhymeScheme #Songwriting #ChorusContrast #MusicalPatterns #CreativeExpression #ListenDifferently #MusicTheory #DiscoverMusic
Elevate Your Song: Variations to the Hook Line How To Write Songs 2025-03-13 | Discover how to make your song feel bigger and more impactful! We discuss techniques to enhance emotional weight by varying the hook line of your song, as shown in Joni MItchell's song, "Both Sides Now". #SongwritingTips #MusicProduction #EmotionalMusic #ChorusVariations #SongStructure #CreativeProcess #MusicTechniques #EmotionalImpact #MusicCraft #InspireYourMusic
