I was surprised to realize how frequently the question “How do you write a song from the heart?” is asked in songwriting forums. Music expresses emotions. And when people talk of the heart, they are referring to emotions. How can a song NOT come from the heart unless you purposely try not to express your …
The dynamic accent, despite being the most common, is only one of four types of accents used in music. In this lesson, we’ll define accents in music before delving into the four main types of musical accents. Definition of accents in music In music, an accent is when a note (or a chord) is given more emphasis or stress than the notes around it. We create emphasis in the written word by using bold, italics, commas, and other symbols to indicate …
The 4 Types of Accents In Music (with melodic examples) Read More »
In this lesson, I walk you through the steps of writing a song. This is not the only method that can be used, and songwriters can begin writing their songs in a variety of ways. In today’s lesson, we’ll look at five different ways you can start writing songs. We won’t go through the entire …
Do you want to write songs but are afraid your lack of creativity will prevent you from ever writing a hit? Do you believe that creative songwriters are born with the creative gene and that you are not one of them? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have good news. Creativity is already within you, and it can be strengthened through practice, just like a physical muscle. You already use creativity when you solve a problem, tell a lie, play a sport, plan your day, take an exam or drive a car, among many other things. You’re not a creative songwriter because you haven’t yet put in the time to train your creative muscle to make music. In this article, I’ll show you the four things you need …
This lesson contains ten acoustic guitar riffs that begin simple and progress in melodic, rhythmic, and technical complexity. Each of these riffs is accompanied by a brief explanation of the musical elements being used. These should give you an idea of some of the skills and techniques you’ll need to practice in order to learn …
A guitar practice routine should differ from one student to another based on a variety of factors such as goals, time spent practicing, musical level, ability to concentrate, and many other variables. That said, while the more a student advances, the more specific his guitar practice routine needs to become, guitar practice routines for beginners …
Sample Electric Guitar Practice Routine For Beginners Read More »
In this lesson I explain the theory behind the modes of the major scale, and in this lesson I show you the 3 note per string patterns that allow you to play in the Phrygian mode across the whole guitar fretboard. In today’s lesson, we are going to concentrate less on the theory behind the …
If you’re making this mistake, your guitar riffs will improve by simply undoing it. When I started getting a grip on fast legato playing, my bandmates began complaining that my guitar riffs were getting progressively worse. I was binge practicing at the time, and while I felt that my technique and overall guitar skills were …
How to Improve Your Guitar Riffs By Shifting Your Focus Read More »
Is it true that some riffs are forbidden in guitar stores? Does playing the intro to Stairway to Heaven or Smoke on The Water result in people getting kicked out of guitar stores? These riffs are typically performed by beginner guitarists, and while the store owner may grow tired of hearing them over and over …
Forbidden Guitar Riffs: What not to play in a guitar store Read More »
The Mixolydian guitar mode is popular among jazz and blues players, but it can also be found in other genres such as rock, folk, classical, country, and pop. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd and LA Woman by the Doors are two songs that use the Mixolydian mode. This lesson will teach you how to …
The Mixolydian Mode Across The Fretboard (with guitar lick examples) Read More »
