What is tempo? What is an ensemble? What is pitch? These questions are all answered in this LTGuitarist Beginner's Dictionary for Musicians. Not understading commonly-used terms is one of the biggest barriers to progessing in music, especially as a beginner. There's loads of great music tutorials online, but not many of them take the time … Continue reading Beginner’s Music Composition Dictionary
Song-Writing
Month of Chords
Througout April I challenged myself to write a new set of chords every day, posting them up on Twitter. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Liam, you're a musician. Surely you're writing music all the time?" Yeah, sure, but I don't usually have the time to actively improve on my craft. Working on something will … Continue reading Month of Chords
Line Cliché [Composition Toolbelt]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9N3dF96UyQ What is a Line Cliché and how can you use them in your compositions? Video includes guitar tab, chords and notation.
The Picardy Third
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLXk1xcvQck What is a Picardy Third and how can you use them in your compositions? RE the thumbnail: Yes. I know. That's the joke.
Retrograde
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuy3-YvcoLI A new compisition technique for your toolbelt - used in minimalism and more abstract styles, Retrograde can be a fun way to manipulate a phrase or leitmotif.
Addition & Subtraction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRg3lro2Fik A new composition technique for you. Addition & Subtraction are commonly found in minimalism but has uses in contemporary cinematic music or even pop and rock.
How To Write A Christmas Song
Want to write your own Christmas Single? This is the post for you!
Does Mario Djent?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_esR2cfCmsg Examining a spooky composition technique used in Super Mario World, how it relates to metal riffs and how to make your audience deeply, deeply unsettled.
Rewrite Your Song From Memory
Quick tip for songwriters and composers, especially ones wanting to create memorable, popular music. The idea is that trying to re-create your song using memory alone will highlight the elements that are most memorable and allow you to reconsider the use of any parts you didn't remember.
The Legitimacy Of Repetition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id8-v2sBetI If you repeat a "bad" musical idea enough, it begins to sound right. This can be a fun and unique music-making tool - you just have to believe it'll sound OK!
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