FROM A RIFF TO A SONG
There are many ways to write a song, it’s not just one format. Some artists like to write alone, while others collaborate. Sometimes it can start with a melody or a poem that you wrote. Today we are going to dive into writing a song that starts with a riff. If you are a musician this is a great way to write a song. You can build a song from just a riff.
What is a riff? It is a melodic line that is repeated throughout a song. Think of the song “Barracuda” by Heart. The opening guitar riff that continuous throughout the song…so good!
Let’s say you are a guitarist and you come up with an awesome riff. You will use that riff to set the mood, key and tempo of the song. The riff then feeds the song or inspires the rest of the song. You can riff off of a riff! Building the tension and drama through the chords, tempo and harmonies. You can simplify the riff, using a few of the notes to create the verses, bridge and chorus. Everything else works off of that riff. If you have a band this method is a great way to create a song.
Let’s look at different ways to add lyrics to the music. If you have a note book or journal to write poems, one-line hooks, thoughts or phrases, you can see what fits into the music you just wrote. When you hear the guitar riff from “Barracuda” the lyrics Ooh, Barracuda just go so well with that riff. Look at other songs and see what they have written and get ideas from their lyrics.
Write about what is important to you. Sometimes you can hear a phrase or words that work with the music. Be true to yourself and write from your heart. Sometimes the song tells you what it’s supposed to say. Keeping it a little vague so that many can relate. If you don’t get too specific more people can insert their own circumstances and story line. Remember any subject matter has many different perspectives on the issue.
Great song ideas and chord structures ideas can come from other great songs out there. Let them inspire you and create something different from the inspiration.
JOKE FOR THE DAY:
“If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.”
Johnny Carson
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