101 Songwriting Prompts: Quick Ideas for Writing Hit Songs!
Let's face it: songwriting is HARD sometimes. So if you need some quick ideas to break out of a rut or find some songwriting inspiration, you're in luck! According to John Braheny in his incredible book The Craft and Business of Songwriting, there are 7 basic song...
How to Start Off a Song: 11 Song Intro Ideas to Hook Your Listeners!
Think of the most recognizable song intros of all time: Perhaps the boom-boom-clap beat in “We Will Rock You”... Or the plaintive acoustic guitar and recorder riffs in “Stairway to Heaven.” What about the resonant acoustic guitar chords of...
How to Write Songs With Power Chords: Quick, Easy, and LOUD!
Next to sideways baseball caps and pinky rings, there's just nothing cooler than the humble power chord. It's incredible what a blast of distortion from two notes can do to the human body – when you hear a few of these kick off a song, the headbanging is sure to...
Changing Keys in Music: 5 Brilliant Modulation Techniques for Songwriting
Changing keys in music is an amazing effect that adds energy, contrast, and interest into your songs. Come on, give it a try... all the cool kids are doing it! https://giphy.com/gifs/bootsy-collins-jTByV2aZDFvuU If you're interested in learning how to change keys in...
Here’s the Difference Between Hook and Chorus in a Song (With 5 Examples!)
Yes, there's a difference between hook and chorus in popular songs. (Just wanted to get that out of the way...) We all instinctively know what the chorus is: the section of a song that's usually the loudest, catchiest, and most memorable. It's the highlight of the...
![Why is Songwriting So Hard? [The 3 Top Reasons]](https://improvesongwriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Why-is-songwriting-so-hard-1080x675.jpg)
Why is Songwriting So Hard? [The 3 Top Reasons]
"Ugh! Why is songwriting so HARD?!" Sound familiar? If you're learning how to be a better songwriter, you may sometimes find yourself frustrated by a lack of progress or ability. That's understandable, but think about it this way: as a consumer, you’re constantly...
How Many Chords Do You Need to Know to Write a Song?
So you've been wondering: how many chords do you need to know to write a song? Well, I have good news! The topic of chords is huge, but the answer here is simple: by learning just four basic chords, you have everything you need to write great songs. In the major...
Can Two Different Songs Have the Same Name?
Years ago, I met with an intellectual property attorney to discuss trademark and copyright for a business I was starting. As I sat back in one of his fancy leather chairs, the lawyer told me that you can’t copyright or trademark ideas, just specific expressions of...
