If you’ve started to write your own songs, you’ve probably been faced with the same type of ‘blank page’ syndrome all writers face. You know how to play your instrument but whenever you try writing some songs of your own, you get stuck in a 3-chord or 4-chord progression with no way out.

Does this seem familiar? If your answer is yes, it might be time to try and branch out from those cliché chord progressions (effective and popular though they may be) such as I–IV–V and vi–IV–V–I.

Read on to discover a few songwriting tips that can help you spice up your original music!

Note: This article uses roman numeral notation and discusses chord progressions. If these topics aren’t familiar, try starting with this introduction to chord progressions or reading more articles about chords.

Click to read the rest…

Okay, so we use the term “news” pretty loosely around here! But it’s that time again: a collection of interesting aural skills bits and pieces from around the internet.

Jump to:

• Garageband Music Theory
• Jazz Improv Tips
• Music To Your Brain
• Ever wish your kid had an off switch?
• New Axis of Awesome video for “4 Chords”
• Dynamic Range Day
• The story of the ᗅᗺᗷᗅ sound

Garageband Music Theory

Have you bought the new iOS version of Apple’s Garageband music creation software? Check out this excellent intro by musician John Anealio on using the new iOS Garageband app to learn about tempo.

There are further tutorials, on whole notes, half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes.

If you’re just starting to get your head around music theory and have an iPhone, iPod or iPad, you should definitely check out these articles!

Click to read the rest…

Wish you could transcribe that crazy guitar lick?
Or spout out pages of music like a modern day Mozart?
Learn how to transcribe music and develop your mind’s ear through ear training and audiation.

Don’t know how? Easy Ear Training will get you started!

The Mind’s Ear

If you are like any musician or music lover, music plays in your head throughout the day, from your favorite pop tune to some annoying jingle reminding you to buy toothpaste. Sometimes you hear a crazy-awesome drum lick or bass riff and wish that you could transcribe the music – right now! You can learn how to transcribe music in minutes, but you first have to learn how to really listen to the music playing in your head.

Audiation

You can develop your mind’s ear through singing what you hear in your head, commonly called ‘audiation’.

Take a moment and Click to read the rest…