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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Songwriting
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jun 16 2011, 02:42 PM
How do you guys usually start writing your songs?
For me, it's usually some interesting riff or lead melody, then I build around it. The lead melody is most important tho, if it isn't catchy it's hard to make a strong song. Riff could carry a song, but not as lead melody.
Posted by: transmission Jun 16 2011, 02:56 PM
I completely agree with the lead melody being the most important part because a catchy lead melody sticks in people's head more than the riff on its own. I always get the music down first and then the lyrics come after 
Some people I know do it the other way around and have success doing so
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 16 2011, 02:57 PM
Most of the times I start with a melody over a chord progression and if its a song, I usually start with the chorus.. if I get a chorus that I like, I continue composing the other sections of the song. This is the most common way for me. However I also use other ways... like starting with a riff, or jamming over a drum loop. I don't know why but it's too much easier for me to start composing a song with the acoustic guitar and singing melodies than with the electric guitar in front of the daw... I discovered this some time ago so that's my formula... I go to a strange part of the house and start jamming and singing with the acoustic until I get a melody that I like. Then I go to the studio and record the idea.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 16 2011, 03:16 PM
I usually hear something in my head out of nowhere and I record it with my voice - regardless of my location, using my phone. Then, back at home, I transpose it on the guitar and if it still sounds good, I make up a riff or develop a melodic line.
From that point, I usually (85% of the cases I guess) have a chorus and I can start searching around for other parts then
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jun 16 2011, 05:55 PM
From that point, I usually (85% of the cases I guess) have a chorus and I can start searching around for other parts then
That's a good approach, I've been doing that recording voice as well, it's a nice way to record something catchy that starts circling around in the head
Posted by: transmission Jun 17 2011, 12:10 AM
From that point, I usually (85% of the cases I guess) have a chorus and I can start searching around for other parts then
I thought I was the only one that did this. I also sometimes out of nowhere get a melody or a tune in my head that I like and I record it on my phone by voice although when your in a public place and people are staring at you it can be quite awkward Posted by: The Uncreator Jun 17 2011, 12:35 AM
Hit record and play. I have like 20 minute recordings of me just playing, no backing track or anything - just messing around. I go back and have a listen, catch a few cool ideas I hear, work em out, and somehow songs come out of them.
I just play, when writing the structure though, I usually try to get a solid set of riffs going, ideas for different parts for vocals and such, and then arrange them around and see what sounds most interesting.
Posted by: moleman Jun 17 2011, 01:36 AM
This is very interesting.
Do you guys all hear the music in your heads first? I think I hear drums in my head. Is that weird?
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