Theory & Songwriting
Write better songs. Approachable music theory and songwriting craft, covering chords, scales, melody, structure and the ideas that make tracks connect.Start here: The Circle of Fifths Explained for Songwriters · Music Intervals Explained for Beginners · Seventh Chords Explained: Maj7, Min7, and Dominant 7 · Song Structure Explained: Verse, Chorus, Bridge and More.
-
What Is a Diminished Chord?
What is a diminished chord? Learn how diminished triads and diminished 7th chords are built, how they sound tense, and…
-
What Is a Countermelody?
Wondering what is a countermelody? It’s a second melody that plays against the main tune. Learn how countermelodies work, why…
-
What Is a Cadence in Music?
What is a cadence in music? A clear, plain-English guide to authentic, plagal, half, and deceptive cadences, with real chords…
-
What Is Harmony in Music?
What is harmony in music? It’s two or more notes sounding together to create chords, tension, and colour. Learn intervals,…
-
What Is a Melody?
What is a melody? It’s the line of single notes you hum from a song. Learn how pitch, rhythm, contour,…
-
What Is Groove in Music?
What is groove in music? Learn how rhythm, timing, swing, and the pocket create the feel that makes you move…
-
What Is a Producer Tag?
What is a producer tag? A plain-English guide to the vocal drops producers stamp on their beats, why they exist,…
-
What Is a Bridge in a Song?
What is a bridge in a song? A clear, practical guide to the contrast section that lifts your track —…
-
What Is a Hook in a Song?
Wondering what is a hook in music? It is the catchy, repeated part of a song you cannot stop humming.…
-
Common Song Structures Explained
Common song structures explained for songwriters and producers, from verse-chorus and AABA to the 12-bar blues, with clear sections and…