A agency grasp of music principle is likely one of the strongest belongings you possibly can have as a songwriter. Music principle offers you a broad understanding of the music you hear and helps you apply what you observe to your music. It additionally locations an array of musical choices proper at your fingertips. However, what if this isn’t at all times a superb factor? This shouldn’t be an argument towards studying the ins and outs of music principle and making use of that information to your music. Instead, it’s a reminder that music principle alone can’t substitute your artistic instinct as a songwriter. You can create unbelievable music with solely your creativity, however not in the event you’re purely counting on music principle.
How overthinking music principle hurts your writing course of
Music principle units the muse for studying about core points comparable to chords, scales, or how chord progressions perform. It doesn’t take note of the artistic means of writing a tune. Trust your ears in figuring out what and the way you create earlier than the rest. You could miss out on modern concepts in the event you get boxed in by the dos and don’ts of music principle. For instance, shifting from a G Major chord to an F# Dominant is probably not a traditional observe. However, don’t be afraid to deviate from the foundations if it sounds good and is sensible to you!
It’s additionally essential to keep in mind that music principle explains and defines the core points of music, however shouldn’t be supposed as a blueprint for creation. Not all points of your artistic course of should be seen by way of a music principle lens. There are numerous examples in well-liked music the place artists have strayed from typical music principle parameters. As a outcome, they’ve managed to create a novel and compelling sound that resonates with their listeners. Music principle can clarify composition decisions that sound bizarre or odd, so it’s not useful to consider issues in black and white. If it sounds good, write it.
How music principle can assist your songwriting course of
Music principle is a large assist when utilized in tandem along with your creativity. With music principle, you possibly can achieve a deeper understanding of how technical components match into your tune. It may additionally open up completely different artistic instructions to discover along with your music. It’s wonderful for supplying you with a broader perspective of the music you hear day by day and permitting you to include what you want into your songs. As lengthy as your artistic instinct comes first and principle follows, it may be a massively highly effective device to depend on in your songwriting.
November 23, 2022
How Overthinking Music Theory May Hinder Your Creativity