Year 9 Battle of the Bands

Year 9 Battle of the Bands Worksheet

If you are composing your own song:

Chords

Many songs are based on 4 chords. Here are 4 chords which are commonly used:

C     G     Am     F

(CEG) (GBD) (ACE) (FAC)

1. Try playing these chords in different orders, each chord lasting 4 beats. Play the chords with different rhythmic patterns. Start with the lowest note (the first note, the most important note of the chord) and build up from there.

Verse

2. Write the chord progression for your verse. Remember, each bar lasts for 4 beats, and is likely to include 1 or 2 chords. Alternatively, you may use the 12 bar blues.

3. Write the lyrics for your first verse. You may use an existing text, such as a poem. If you wish, you may use one of the poems above.

4. As you / your band play and repeat the chord pattern, at the same time speak your lyrics rhythmically. You can keep these spoken lyrics to create a rap.

5. Alternatively, turn these rhythmic lyrics into a song by repeating them on/near notes from each chord. Most pop/rock song melodies are simple, using repeated notes and moving by step.

6. Repeat this pattern for each verse. A good Year 9 song usually has two or three verses.

Chorus

7. Write the chord progression for your chorus. (It can be the same chord progression as your verse if your lyrics/melody are contrasting).  Remember, each bar lasts for 4 beats, and is likely to include 1 or 2 chords. Alternatively, you may use the 12 bar blues.

8. Write the lyrics for your chorus. You may use an existing text, such as a poem. (If you wish, you may use the poems above).

9. As you / your band play and repeat the chord pattern, at the same time speak your lyrics rhythmically. You can keep these spoken lyrics to create a rap.

10. Alternatively, turn these rhythmic lyrics into a song by repeating them on/near notes from each chord. Most pop/rock song melodies are simple, using repeated notes and moving by step.

11. After each verse, repeat your chorus. It should be the same each time.

12. Finish your song on a suitable chord: usually the tonic chord, chord I, often the first chord of your chord progression.