Category: Music Theory for Songwriters
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Here’s 2 Simple Ways to Erase Music Theory Confusion Forever
Here’s 2 Simple Ways to Erase Music Theory Confusion Forever If you’ve ever found music theory overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many songwriters feel frustrated —bogged down by dense terminology and […]
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10 Essential Chord Progressions for Songwriters
10 Essential Chord Progressions for Songwriters If you’re a songwriter looking for inspiration then look no further! In this article, we take a look at 10 essential chord progressions and […]
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Chord Tips to Learn from “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
Chord Tips to Learn from “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is one of the Beatles most popular and well-known songs. Buried within this […]
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Learn to Turn Basic Chords Beautiful
Learn to Turn Basic Chords Beautiful There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using basic chords. After all, they’re safe, reliable and well-known. However, to truly make the most out of your […]
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Chord Tricks to Learn from “Something” by The Beatles
Chord Tricks to Learn from “Something” by The Beatles George Harrison’s song ‘Something’ (on The Beatles’ iconic 1969 album Abbey Road) contains 4 exquisite chord moves – once you know […]
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Song Analysis – ‘You Oughta Know’ by Alanis Morissette
Song Analysis – ‘You Oughta Know’ by Alanis Morissette Alanis Morissette’s 90’s smash hit ‘You Oughta Know’ has three weird and wonderful musical moves that make it totally unique. This […]
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How to use simple chords to write great songs
If you want to learn how to write a song, understanding how chords work is essential and in this video we look at how you can create interesting and impactful […]
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14-Day Songwriting Challenge: DAY 2
#2. Starting in motion. Write a verse (with lyrics and melody). Instead of I V vi IV (the most used 4-chord progression in pop music of the last 40 years), […]
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What I’m listening to and why.
I got a phone call from my friend Benny the other night (Benny, who I make videos with on all things songwriting). He was very excited: “Kep! You have got […]
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Music Theory Fundamentals–Major, Minor, and Diminished Chords
Ready to take your songwriting further?
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How to Write Great Bridges
Three chord strategies for creating satisfying contrast and variation in the bridge section of your songs. We first start by defining what a bridge is – then look at 3 […]
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Major 7 Vs. Dominant 7
In this video, we examine the differences between Major 7 vs Dominant 7 chords – specifically focusing on how they are constructed, how they are labelled, how they differ in […]
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The Best Songwriting Books, Websites, and Channels
I’m compiling here a list of my favourite books, websites, blogs, and other resources for those pursuing study, growth, upskilling, and knowledge in songwriting. This list might change over time, […]
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Creating the Perfect Pre-Chorus – Part 1
The pre-chorus is NOT just the bit before the chorus – it is the bit before the chorus that creates TENSION! Building up and releasing this tension is one of […]
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How to Use Chromatics to Write Killer Chord Progressions
Break out of predictable patterns and inject some colour into your craft with this chromatic approach to writing killer riffs and memorable melodies! In Part 1 of the CHROMATIC MAGIC […]
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Picking the Perfect Chords
As songwriters we often start with a chord progression, using it as a framework to add lyrics, melodies, textures and embellishments. But one question that continually pops up is ‘what […]
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6 Songs That Taught Us How to Write Songs
One of the best ways to learn how to write great songs is to learn from great songs and songwriters. In this video, songwriter Ben Romalis and I take 6 […]
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Understanding Musical Genre for Songwriters
Professional songwriters often need or want to write in specific genres. This video explains 5 different ways to understand and emulate musical genre. This video was made for a Songwriting […]
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The Most Beautiful Chords in Songwriting
Hi friends, I’ve recently made a short series of quick videos that cover two of the most beautiful modes in songwriting: the Mixolydian mode, and Dorian mode, as well as […]
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Modes Made Easy for Songwriters
I made a quick video on my YouTube channel about the Mixolydian mode. In less than 10 minutes, you will: Understand modes Learn the most usable 3-chord progression to start […]