to write or to play

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blackmusic

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Hi. When I write songs (hard rock with a touch of blues/jazz/metal) I usually start off with a little guitar riff, and expand from there adding melody, lyrics, and arranging all at the same time. In my opinion most of my music is unpredictable, which I really like. However the problem that I am having is that the flow of my lyrics are very similar. I read an article by the former guitarist from aerosmith (damn me for not knowing his name) and he said that many guitarists have that problem. What are some opinions on this issue? Has anyone ever had that problem before?

~thanks
 
Your lyrics always have the same feel? Is that what you mean?

Try composing the vocal melody with your guitar before you sing anything.

Tucci
 
I know what you mean guy....A lot of music of all kinds written by guitarists tend to have certain things in common. These are known as "guitarisms". Even classical music by GP's tends to have those in comon. Usually they are licks or phrases that fall easily under the hand( so to speak). The easy way 'round is to write without your guitar. The harder way is to learn another instrument. Either way will stimulate your creative side in a different way and give different results.
writeon...chazba
 
If your lyrics are as inspired as your riffs, that's fine. If you wanna write a lyrically coherent song, then find a theme and stick to it. Even if the riff moves along, your key changes and the tempo goes double time, stick with the THEME of the the song via the lyrics. You can fool all you want with timing, keys, pitch, tempo and mode. Don't fool with the theme of the "lyrics/story/word representaion" of the song. IMO, when you(for example) start out saying that you love your dog and end up making snide and ambiguous statements about nuclear war, you have lost all sence in a song. You might as well ask the listener to chemically interpet a feces sample.

Granted, this is not an absolute. However, as a light guidline, Say something and get out.

Did that make any sence at all? I really tried to say something and then leave.

Theron,
the helpless hypocrate.
 
I have found that writing on a different instrument really helps. I used to play keys but switched to guitar in the last year to shake things up.

Try banging out some tunes on a piano to see if it forces you out of your comfort zone.
 
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