Songwriting for Dummies

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ricklh
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I bought it at a Half Price Book Store and gave it a read (I probably own at least 50 books on songwriting, theory, etc.) - I practically live at Half Price Books and buy everything I find on those subjects)

I thought it was OK at a fairly basic level - and could be used by someone with no real songwriting knowledge. It does provide some interesting historic data on various musical genres and examples of songs as a point of reference.

It did little for me, however given that I've been writing for about 30 years and have read all the Shiela Davis books, and dozens more I suspect I would have been surprised if a "Dummies book" would have provided some profound new discoveries.

That being said, it was well written and provided some entertainment. It is a light read that doesn't get too technical (some very basic theory), designed for a novice (as most "for Dummies" books are designed to do).
 
Personally I got more out of Tunesmith (by Jimmy Webb).

I don't know if it's because I pick up all similar books, however they all start to sound the same.. ie song structure, rythm/rhyme etc... The Dummies book is good for the basics, I'll say that.

I actually picked up a book a couple of days ago.. I think it was called "The Craft and Business of Songwriting".

I'm looking more at books now for ideas and inspiration to write as opposed to the basics.

I'd check out Tunesmith does seem to ramble and dummies is more to the point.. personally I preferred Tunesmith...

Porter
 
I personally would never buy any of the "Dummies" books. I don't consider myself a dummy, so apparently they're not written for me anyway. I'd rather get a "Book for Smart People Learning Something New".

My two all time favorites are Six Steps to Songwriting Succes by Jason Blume, and Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison.

A
 
I agree with Aaron..but I'm more stupid than dummy :D..Like Mikeh says.. The Davis books are good..The Craft of Lyric Writing by S. Davis is a good start..Good luck :)
 
If you want some straight theory, grab Harmony by Walter Piston. It covers everything you need to know (and then a LOT), but is aimed more towards classical analysis and composition. If you want a more contemporary, song-focused text, Dummies will probably get the job done.
 
Dummies can't write good songs.

But they can have fun trying.
 
LMAO! so you think you can write good songs? you must think you everything.
if you go true with a ego like that you wont get far :D



and you say i cant write because i read them? Think again boy :rolleyes:
 
Aaron Cheney said:
My two all time favorites are Six Steps to Songwriting Succes by Jason Blume,

A
Click to expand...

first one i read on the subject and it opened up a lot of ideas for me ....very informative....a must read
 
Lighten up!
If you are writing good songs then you're not a dummy are you!

Dummies can't write good songs.

Dummies read the book, then write good songs because of what they learn, and are no longer dummies, right?

I'm sure the book can be very useful.

Sorry if i caused offence!
 
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