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How to Write a Song
Once upon a time, there wasn’t a song.
Then, sometime later, there was.
“How the $&%! did that happen?” you might ask.
How to Write a Song (Even If You’ve Never Written One Before and You Think You Suck) is the definitive, no-nonsense and 100% beginner-proof guide to writing original songs.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced songwriter looking to improve your songwriting process, How to Write a Song... walks you through a powerful, stimulating but simple process you can use to create great songs, time after time.
It’s not a formula. It’s not a songwriting ‘method’. You’ll craft every single note and word of your song. You’ll write in any style you like. Meanwhile, you’ll learn not just what to do but why you’re doing it – so you can use those skills in every other song you create.
You’ll be guided step-by-step through how to find a great song idea, how to choose an effective title, how to craft a solid lyric, how to write catchy melodies and grooves, and how to combine all of those parts effectively into a complete song.
And best of all, literally all you need get started is some basic experience on piano or guitar, or with a Digital Audio Workstation like Logic, Ableton or GarageBand. Everything else is inside.
Then, sometime later, there was.
“How the $&%! did that happen?” you might ask.
How to Write a Song (Even If You’ve Never Written One Before and You Think You Suck) is the definitive, no-nonsense and 100% beginner-proof guide to writing original songs.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced songwriter looking to improve your songwriting process, How to Write a Song... walks you through a powerful, stimulating but simple process you can use to create great songs, time after time.
It’s not a formula. It’s not a songwriting ‘method’. You’ll craft every single note and word of your song. You’ll write in any style you like. Meanwhile, you’ll learn not just what to do but why you’re doing it – so you can use those skills in every other song you create.
You’ll be guided step-by-step through how to find a great song idea, how to choose an effective title, how to craft a solid lyric, how to write catchy melodies and grooves, and how to combine all of those parts effectively into a complete song.
And best of all, literally all you need get started is some basic experience on piano or guitar, or with a Digital Audio Workstation like Logic, Ableton or GarageBand. Everything else is inside.
- GenresMusic
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2020
32 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 22, 2020
ed bell teaches a process of writing a great hit song. that doesn't follow a formula or method. it is a creative process with human emotion involved. something you will learn and get better at by doing over and over, and trusting your own instincts to keep writing and not give up. yes you need to know and understand some music theory and technical information. you will learn to write the verse, chorus, lyrics, intro's, outro's, hook's and bridges, ect. the music examples with the on-line audio help tremendously to learn, feel and understand exactly how they should sound. rhythm is taught how important it is and how to use it in your melody's, lyric's, and chord progression's. prosody is also taught which is another concept to consider when writing a song. voice leading your chord changes will make your chords flow smoothly this is also taught. the appendix chart's and cheat sheet's in the back of the book are excellent.
October 14, 2020
Outstanding resource for the frustrated songwriter! I was under the impression that, because I can write effectively for business, creative or simple communicative purposes, that I'd naturally be great at songwriting. After all, lyrics are the most important part (said my writer-brain). Nope.
After a year of filling notebooks with clever prose that was ultimately nowhere close to fitting any musical composition, I was ready to give up. And I would have, had I not been gifted this book. It starts off with a suggested course of progression through the lessons and the exercises, while assuring you it's not a formulaic method to crank out cookie-cutter songs. I had to laugh at one section's name: YOU DON'T SUCK, I PROMISE. Comical as that is, the author knows that of which he speaks. You not only learn what he teaches, you learn why you'll need it or find it helpful to know. For me personally, I rarely retain any new knowledge or skill without the "why".
The lessons are written and presented with the assumption that you are a complete beginner. This was also tremendously helpful, because all formal music training that I've ever had came before I graduated high school. (Without going into detail, this era was sometime Ice Age and the Reagan administration; I was basically starting fresh.) Back then, "grooves" were not even a musical concept yet.
The chapters cover building-block components such as melodies, hooks, chords, and mining for song ideas (included is a worksheet to refine those ideas once you have them). It also covers reading music, how to understand time signatures, intros & outros, and of course, tying it all together. Exercises along the way encourage creative thinking.
This book is packed with so much information, I bought the ebook last night so it can go with me when I need to travel lightly. (No better place than the road to mine for song ideas, right?)
If you're on the fence about which book will help you be most helpful to you as a budding musician and/or lyricist, I highly recommend this one.
After a year of filling notebooks with clever prose that was ultimately nowhere close to fitting any musical composition, I was ready to give up. And I would have, had I not been gifted this book. It starts off with a suggested course of progression through the lessons and the exercises, while assuring you it's not a formulaic method to crank out cookie-cutter songs. I had to laugh at one section's name: YOU DON'T SUCK, I PROMISE. Comical as that is, the author knows that of which he speaks. You not only learn what he teaches, you learn why you'll need it or find it helpful to know. For me personally, I rarely retain any new knowledge or skill without the "why".
The lessons are written and presented with the assumption that you are a complete beginner. This was also tremendously helpful, because all formal music training that I've ever had came before I graduated high school. (Without going into detail, this era was sometime Ice Age and the Reagan administration; I was basically starting fresh.) Back then, "grooves" were not even a musical concept yet.
The chapters cover building-block components such as melodies, hooks, chords, and mining for song ideas (included is a worksheet to refine those ideas once you have them). It also covers reading music, how to understand time signatures, intros & outros, and of course, tying it all together. Exercises along the way encourage creative thinking.
This book is packed with so much information, I bought the ebook last night so it can go with me when I need to travel lightly. (No better place than the road to mine for song ideas, right?)
If you're on the fence about which book will help you be most helpful to you as a budding musician and/or lyricist, I highly recommend this one.
October 12, 2020
Have you ever wondered if there was a magic formula to writing songs. Not a magic formula but a series of steps for all songwriting skill levels, this book will take you from the initial simple idea to your very own fully fledged song.
The information here is invaluable and will have you on your way to getting those song ideas out in to the world.
Laid out in an easy to digest format it covers all aspects of songwriting, both beginners and those already on the songwriting path will gain skills and knowledge from this book.
I have been dabbling for a while with songwriting but this book is the first one that draws all the ideas in to one place.
Grab a copy while you can.
The information here is invaluable and will have you on your way to getting those song ideas out in to the world.
Laid out in an easy to digest format it covers all aspects of songwriting, both beginners and those already on the songwriting path will gain skills and knowledge from this book.
I have been dabbling for a while with songwriting but this book is the first one that draws all the ideas in to one place.
Grab a copy while you can.
October 18, 2020
I loved this book! Ed Bell does an exceptional job of making the song writing process fun and interactive (as much as you can in a book). He gives you the tools you need to start writing if you’ve never written anything before and so many tips and tricks for more experienced songwriters. When reading this book section by section, it clearly lays out the exact steps to follow to write a song, almost as if he was there coaching you through the process.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews