How to Write Songs - Picking the Perfect Chords

Learn to write simple yet powerful chord progressions for your next song!
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As songwriters we often start with a chord progression, using it as a framework to add lyrics, melodies, textures and embellishments. But one question continually pops up is ‘what chord do I choose next?’

In this video we look at the functions and relationships of chords in a diatonic system, to give you more control over the choices you make and more variety as the song develops. We break down a simple yet effective process for writing chord progressions that doesn’t feel random, doesn’t feel repetitive and gives you total control over the direction you'd like to take your composition. Finally, we look at some great substitutions to spice up your song and support your lyrical message.

SECTIONS
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Common Questions
01:28 - Diatonic Systems
03:53 - Functions of Chords
05:22 - Blues in G
06:41 - Chord Substitutions
12:23 - Let It Be
14:57 - Hallelujah
17:50 - Summary and Wrap-up

MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
'Let It Be' by Lennon-McCartney - EMI - 1970
'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen - Columbia - 1984

ABOUT BEN

Ben's passion for music and creativity stretches across multiple disciplines and art-forms. He is a founding member and songwriter / lap-slide guitarist for one of Australia's best and most bearded country-bluegrass-folk bands, THE GREEN MOHAIR SUITS. To date the Mohairs have released 4 full-length albums and tour both nationally and overseas.

Ben is also the Founder and Head Producer of SILAMOR STUDIOS, a boutique studio specialising in Composition for Film, TV and Interactive Media. He writes extensively across various instrumental and lyric-based genres and has been commissioned for major projects by Adobe, Cathay Pacific and Audible. He also currently releases original songs under the name SILAMOR.

Ben is passionate about education and has taught song and lyric writing as well as film composition for JMC Academy and the Australian Institute of Music. He also designs and regularly facilitates workshops on creative process and innovation.

Links to Ben's music are here:

The Green Mohair Suits
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7M3Zf...

SILAMOR
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HOpa...
http://www.silamor.com/music

WORK FLOW AUDIO:    / @workflowaudio-studymusic9916  


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