Band songwriting, who writes your songs. . .

[Radiohead0709]

At the current moment I play guitar in a heavy rock band. The band consists of the singer, two guitarists, and a bass player. We had a drummer for a couple of sessions, but I'm pretty sure we scared him off with our heavier tunes.

Most of the song's are written by me, not because I'm an ego maniac or anything. It just turns out that I'm the who's able to piece together songs from riffs and I've got a little more music theory knowledge than other guys, so I usually end up being the one who spends the time in my garage piecing together songs, and I have much fun doing it.

I've been friends with the singer for quite a few years, but we didn't actually start playing together until about six months ago.

I've lent my bass to the singer a few times so he could have something to "write songs with." Before I say anything else, our singer's enthusiasm is infectious. The other guitar player agrees with me on this, and we both benefit from the singers enthusiasm for playing music. And here's where a problem is now developing. . .

Our singer is not necessarily a musician, he does not know notes or scales, however he will sit down with the bass and play until he finds something that sounds cool to him. Sometimes the verse and chorus will be in completely different keys, be he is unaware of this because like I said before, he's just trying to jam out and have a good time. When we all get together he will bring his ideas to the rest of the band, and we basically spend rehearsal time trying to "fix" the song he wrote so it sounds good. No matter how much time we spend on one of his songs though, it still doesn't reach the quality of the music that I write with the other guitarist. I guess, in short, how do you deal with a singer (and a good friend) who not only is writing the words and singing, but also trying to write the music for the songs even though he has very little knowledge of music theory?

[wilko]

Originally Posted by Radiohead0709

At the current moment I play guitar in a heavy rock band. The band consists of the singer, two guitarists, and a bass player. We had a drummer for a couple of sessions, but I'm pretty sure we scared him off with our heavier tunes.

Most of the song's are written by me, not because I'm an ego maniac or anything. It just turns out that I'm the who's able to piece together songs from riffs and I've got a little more music theory knowledge than other guys, so I usually end up being the one who spends the time in my garage piecing together songs, and I have much fun doing it.

I've been friends with the singer for quite a few years, but we didn't actually start playing together until about six months ago.

I've lent my bass to the singer a few times so he could have something to "write songs with." Before I say anything else, our singer's enthusiasm is infectious. The other guitar player agrees with me on this, and we both benefit from the singers enthusiasm for playing music. And here's where a problem is now developing. . .

Our singer is not necessarily a musician, he does not know notes or scales, however he will sit down with the bass and play until he finds something that sounds cool to him. Sometimes the verse and chorus will be in completely different keys, be he is unaware of this because like I said before, he's just trying to jam out and have a good time. When we all get together he will bring his ideas to the rest of the band, and we basically spend rehearsal time trying to "fix" the song he wrote so it sounds good. No matter how much time we spend on one of his songs though, it still doesn't reach the quality of the music that I write with the other guitarist. I guess, in short, how do you deal with a singer (and a good friend) who not only is writing the words and singing, but also trying to write the music for the songs even though he has very little knowledge of music theory?

Not easy but it is a problem you have to deal with soon.

[azraelswings]

1. Try to teach him theory.

2. Support his enthusiasm, give him guidance.

3. BE HONEST WITH HIM.

4. Remember that writers develop too, his skills will develop in time.

and last

5. BE HONEST WITH HIM.

:-D

[ethos]

ive been in similar situations, you just have to be honest.
the longer you wait, the harder it will be.