How Songwriters REALLY Think About Chords (*spoiler – it’s not about theory) – How To Write Songs

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOoYQryhPqs

Summary

### Summary

This text discusses the importance of chord choices in establishing a song’s mood and tonal center. By using major or minor chords, musicians can create different feelings within their compositions. The speaker suggests experimenting with unexpected chord changes to add surprise elements and maintain interest in the piece. Overall, this method allows for greater creative freedom when composing music, as musicians are encouraged to explore various chord options and paths for their songs.

Highlights

• Chords establish moods that influence how a song feels
• Understanding the sound and mood of chords is crucial for songwriters
• Dominant chord offers anticipation or suspenseful feeling
• Four questions to ask when working with chords: shape/inversion, triads/extensions, rhythm, activation

Key Takeaways

• Songwriting can be enhanced by focusing on mood and experimenting with chord choices
• The concept of mood is essential for creating contrast and engaging the audience throughout a song
• Asking four questions about chords can help create different sounds and atmospheres in songs