Theory & Songwriting

Music theory and songwriting craft — chords, scales, song structure, melody and lyrics.

What Is a Motif in Music and How to Use One

What is a motif in music? It is a short, memorable musical idea you can repeat and develop. Learn how…
How to Write a Pre-Chorus That Builds Tension

Learn how to write a pre-chorus that builds tension and lifts into the chorus, using melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyric…
What Is Counterpoint in Music?

What is counterpoint? It is the art of combining independent melodies that sound good together. Learn the basics, types, and…
How to Read Guitar Chord Charts

Learn how to read chord charts for guitar: the grid, dots, finger numbers, X and O symbols, barre lines, and…
Extended Chords Explained: 9th, 11th, and 13th Chords

Extended chords add the 9th, 11th, or 13th on top of a seventh chord for richer harmony. Learn how they…
How to Co-Write a Song With Other Musicians

Learn how to co-write a song with other musicians: prep, roles, sharing ideas, handling feedback, finishing, and splitting credit fairly.
How to Write a Song From Scratch

Learn how to write a song from scratch with a repeatable 7-step process covering the seed idea, chords, melody, lyrics,…
What Is a Pedal Point in Music?

A pedal point is a single sustained note held while the chords above it change. Learn how pedal points create…
The 12-Bar Blues Progression Explained

The 12 bar blues is a 12-measure chord pattern built on the I, IV, and V chords. Learn the form,…
What Is a Cadence in Music?

A cadence in music is a chord move that signals a pause or ending. Learn the four main cadences with…