Diatonic Chords by Numbers in the key of C major
Diatonic Chords by Numbers in the key of C major
Embedded Files
1 chord (major)
2 chord (minor)
3 chord (minor)
4 chord (major)
5 chord (major)
6 chord (minor)
7 chord (diminished)
1 chord (major)
Backing beats
Backing beats
Music Elements
Music Elements
Music elements:
PINK: Tempo/Feel/Style - examples: Fast/Club/Dance, Up-tempo/Rock, Mid Tempo/Shuffle, Mid Tempo/Swing, Slow/Ballad
GREEN: Meter - 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, etc
BLUE: Chord Changes - use the number system. Identify only the repeated pattern(s) used throughout the main portions of the song.
ORANGE: Form - the arrangement of choruses, verses, bridge, etc.
YELLOW: Presence of a Musical Hook - Describe it or write it.
Word elements:
PINK: Topic - the word or short phrase that describes the subject matter and focuses the conversation
GREEN: Theme - the moral lesson or idea being conveyed in a discussion that makes it relevant or impactful
BLUE: Tone - the way language is crafted to convey specific emotion, ex. sarcastic, cheery, cerebral, dark, cryptic, sad
ORANGE: Rhyme Scheme/meter - Is there a clear, consistent pattern to the rhyming of lines? To stressed and unstressed syllables?
YELLOW: Specific Techniques: Internal Rhyme, Alliteration, Assonance, Slang, Imagery, Irony, etc.
Chord Changes - the pattern of harmonies.
Chord Changes - the pattern of harmonies.
Choose this right away and keep it simple. Everyone else will need to fit the chords. You don't necessarily have to change it from verse to chorus. Many songs have the same chord changes all the way through.
The bridge can also be a break, with no chord changes at all. The bridge is a great place though to change the chord pattern.
Bass Line - how the instrument playing the lowest note relates to the chord.
Bass Line - how the instrument playing the lowest note relates to the chord.
Choose the chord changes first before creating the bass line.
After you have the chord changes though, don't be afraid to create pedal tones in places, or have the bass play the 3rd or 5th of the chord.
A good technique in some styles is to have the bass play steady root notes as quarter or eighth notes under one section and then to play a more syncopated comping pattern at the adjacent section.
Instrumental Hooks - Melodic motifs played repetitively by an instrument
Instrumental Hooks - Melodic motifs played repetitively by an instrument
Is there an instrumental line, horn line, guitar lick, keyboard motif or digital sample that keeps coming back?
This can make a song SO memorable.
Word Elements
Word Elements
Topic - The subject matter of the song
Topic - The subject matter of the song
Theme - The specific way that the exploration of the topic impacts human relationships and values.
Theme - The specific way that the exploration of the topic impacts human relationships and values.
You will decide on this before the clock starts, and I don't recommend revisiting it once the clock is ticking unless it's absolutely necessary.
Tone - The specific way that language is used to explore the theme.
Tone - The specific way that language is used to explore the theme.
festive * cryptic * comedic * conversational * vengeful * inspiring * melancholy
Rhyme Scheme/Meter/Syllable Count - The pattern of phrase-ending rhymes / stressed and unstressed syllables, and how many syllables are placed in a line of music.
Rhyme Scheme/Meter/Syllable Count - The pattern of phrase-ending rhymes / stressed and unstressed syllables, and how many syllables are placed in a line of music.
Match the phrases to the measures. What is the order of the rhyming (or near rhyming) phrases?
Express each phrase as A - B - C or D. Phrases that rhyme get the same letter.
example:
Roses are red
violets are blue
You love me and
I love you
would be expressed A - B - A - B ,
the meter is stressed, unstressed, stressed
there are about 4 syllables per line
Timing: - The number of syllables in a phrase.
Timing: - The number of syllables in a phrase.
Count the syllables in a phrase. It won't always be the same but it will usually be close.
Express this as a number, but combine it with the Rhyme scheme on the same post it note.
example:
Roses are red (4)
violets are blue (4)
You love me and (4)
I love you (3)
Express both the Rhyme Scheme and Syllable Count together on one post-it note. A(4) - B(4) - A(4) - B(3)
Language: Techniques - Literary devices employed in the lyrics.
Language: Techniques - Literary devices employed in the lyrics.
Some of these can go into your brainstorming process, but try to get the sentiment that you are communicating out and onto paper first. Alliteration and assonance and some imagery can be substituted in at the end.
Express this as commentary. Pick from the list or add your own if it's not here:
Alliteration: starting multiple words with the same letter
Assonance: using the same vowel sound often
Imagery: using words to paint a vivid picture in the listeners mind
Anthropomorphism: giving non-living items or events human characteristics
Irony: when an occurence is an absurd contrast to what was expected
Hyperbole: extreme exaggeration
Simile/Metaphor: Comparing two things
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