Composition

Once you've learnt about the circle of fifths, you can use the information to create your own chord progression to use in your own song.

Step 1: Choose your key (and you can always change it later using the technique outlined here) - my example is D major

Step 2: Write down all the chords that are related to your key - For D major I could use D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm.

Step 3: Work out your chord progression - use the chord progression help chart as a guide.

Chord progression help

If my key is D major - the chords are D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm. - notice I have them written in the music alphabet order (go back to A after G) - I start on the letter of the key.

You don't have to use the chart below, but it's very helpful if you get stuck!

Start with chord 1, and then go where ever you want. The third chord needs to follow the rule.

Here is a chord progression that I made up using the key of D major:

D (1) - I want to go to chord 3 next

F#m (3) - now I have to go to chord 6

Bm (6) - now I have to go to chord 2

Em (2) - nor I have to go to chord 5

A7 (5) - I added the 7. Now I go to chord 1

D (1)

This would make a good verse chord sequence

For my chorus I could do this:

D (1) - next I'll go to 4

G (4) - next I'll go to 5

A (5) - then I go to 1

D (1)

Some other common chords progressions you could try are:

D (1) Bm(6) A(5) G(4) or D(1) Bm(6) G(4), A(5) or D (1) Bm(6) Em(2) A(5) or D(1) A(5) Bm(6) F#m(3) or D(1) A(5) Bm(6) G(4)

Now decide on the style of music you want to create.

Different styles have different playing techniques - eg reggae - play the chords on the off beat. Rock - on the beat, and add distortion to the guitar. Pop - clean sound on the guitar, find an easy strum pattern.

The drums have a big effect on the style - so think about adding a drum beat to your progression.

Playing chords on the piano and holding them as long notes gives a nice background harmony.

Experiment with different styles and feels.

Happy - Sad - Angry - Fun - Upbeat - Relaxed - Fast - Slow - Serious Set the mood with the way you play and the chords you choose!

Now that you have a good foundation, you can experiment with adding lyrics or an instrumental melody line.

For more about what makes an interesting melody - go here

Lyrics

Decide on a theme or message - Brainstorm words and phrases

Chorus

Catchy - Short - A summary of your ideas

Verse

Tell your story

Take your song to the next level

Create contrast by:

Timbre - Changing instruments or playing style

Dynamics - Add volume changes – sudden or gradual

Texture - Experiment with layers - Add or remove instruments - Create variations in texture

Try some of these ideas:

Imitation—have the guitar (or any instrument) imitate or copy the vocal part

Rhythm— add interest with a tricky rhythm

Word Paint—sing the words or play the music in a way that reflects the meaning of the word

Use Bandlab to compose songs: Bandlab

Here is a tutorial that will walk you through a composition process:

Bandlab drum tutorial

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