Satriani
Ok, this is THE most popular AND easy way to write a chord progression in a standard rock/pop kinda way.
I have to assume that anybody reading this will have read my previous lessons, otherwise it won't make much sense.
There are difficult and easy ways of explaining to other musicians what you are playing, and what you want them to play. We will of course look at the proper and easy way.
We use Roman numerals to explain which chord you go to from your original (root or Tonic) chord. Lets say you want to write a little tune in the key of C Major. The chord C Major will be known as the I chord (I = 1 roman numerals)
It is generally best to start and end any song with the I chord, as it gives a feeling of completion and resolve to the listener. The most popular chord progression is called a I IV V progression (1 4 5).
So if you're a lazy bugger, and have not learnt your Major Scales YET, I will show you how to cheat and find the 4 and 5 chords without having to know your Major scale. If you play a C on your Low E or A string, and you move your finger directly up to the next STRING (NOT FRET), you land on the 4 of whatever note you were pressing previously. Move up a Tone (2 frets) from your 4 and you get your 5. You should notice that the 1 and 5 produce a power chord, which I'm sure you all overuse extensively ?
Now you want to get what's called a song FORM. The song form is the order in which the chords go in the song, and the easiest and most common way to notate form is to use things like ABA. A would be your verses, and B would be your Chorus. If you see something like AABA you play the verse twice, then the chorus once and then return to the verse to finish off.
The beauty of learning some common chord progressions is that no matter what chord you play after the tonic (I chord), it will NEVER sound 'bad'. There are of course preferable chords to go to and from, and I'll type up a lesson on that in a few minutes.
For now, pick any Key, and play the chords in a I IV V format, but make sure you end on the I chord when you're done! PS - They must all be Major chords for now
likotzeseasalt
Hi there,
So far I just love what you are sharing with us, thanks again!
I am working hard on writing a song for the first time and so far so good, at least i understand what i am doing now thanks to you.
I would like to know though :-[ when you are posting MORE of SONG WRITING? I am def looking out for it!
I see that you also do Voice training. How much are the lessons, how does it work (what does it comprise of, etc.) for i am very interested even though i think i do quite ok, but then again i am no professional and would like to do my best! 8)
Satriani
Hi back to ya ?
I will be posting alot more (and there is ALOT more information on song writing) very soon. Just gotta find the time!
As for Vocal Training, I do take beginners - intermediate, but people who can already sing in pitch, and can understand how to identify where a melody is going, don't really need me. For that I can recommend a far better teacher. Let me know what category you fall into ?
likotzeseasalt
Hey 8)
I can do all of that, love singing! Want to do more recordings and think it would be a good idea to learn some more about my voice and sound.
Please do send me info on the other teacher\
Thanks a stack ?
