Four Chord Song

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Four Chord Song Composition Checklist

To compose a successful four chord song, it is recommended that you include the following features:

Key

1. Use your knowledge of keys and key signatures to choose a key for your four chord song. A key with 0, 1, 2 or 3 sharps or flats would be ideal.

2. Make sure that you know which notes represent chord I, II, III, IV, V and VI in this key.

Chords

1. Your song is composed using 4 different chords. You may use chords I, II, III, IV, V and VI. You avoid chord VII.

2. Each chord lasts for one bar (4 beats). (Alternatively, you may choose chords which last for two beats each).

3. The root (the lowest note of each chord) is written on the bass stave of the piano. E.g. in a CEG chord, this is the note C.

4. The three notes of each chord are written on the treble stave of the piano. E.g. in a CEG chord, we hear all of these notes.

5. Throughout each bar, you repeat the notes of the chord in an interesting, repeating rhythm. This pattern continues for 4 or 8 bars.

6. After 4 or 8 bars, continue to use the same four chords, but now use a new rhythmic pattern, perhaps more complex than the last.

7. Use the same four chords in a new rhythmic pattern every 4 or 8 bars.

Melody

1. You begin by underlining the strong syllables of your chose lyrics.

2. You label these strong syllables with beats 1 and 3. You write the other beats (2 and 4) in between.

3. You compose a rhythm in 4/4 with one note per syllable. To begin with, use only one pitch.

4. The strong syllables must line up with beats 1 and 3 of each bar. The weaker syllables must fit in between.

5. You click on the notes which fall on the strong beats 1 and 3. Using the arrow keys, you move them up or down to a note from the piano chord (heard at the same time).

6. You click on the notes in between the strong beats. Using the arrow keys, you move them up or down so that the melody moves mainly by step.

7. Try to use repeating melodic patterns. For example, the same melodic patterns for each verse. Distinctive, repeating melodic patterns are typical of rock and pop music. They are known as ‘hooks’.

Drum Kit (Optional)

1. You use a repeating rhythmic pattern played by the drum kit.

2. You follow a pattern similar to most rock drum patterns:

(a) Repeating quavers played by the hi-hat or ride cymbal

(b) The bass drum on beats 1 and 3 of each bar (emphasising the strong beats)

(c) The snare drum on beats 2 and 4 of each bar

3. You use occasional ‘fills’: alternative rhythms which decorate the main rhythm. These might use the toms and crash cymbal.

Extension

1. You may choose to use different chord progressions for your verses and choruses

2. You may choose to use different melodic patterns (hooks) for your verses and choruses.