tried and true

[blackmusic]

does any one have another tried and true method to song writing besides the traditional,

verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge/solo, chorus (or whatever) approach?

~thanks

 

[jonobacon]

Sure, it depends on your style though - I am a metaller for example and here is an example of one of our arrangements:

Melodic Intro
Intro Riff
Intro Verse
Half Time Start

--- x2 ------
Half Time Intro
Verse Start
Verse Riff and Lyrics Begin
Verse Start Riff
Verse Riff and Lyrics
Chorus
Post Chorus Riff
---------------

Pre-solo
Solo and backing (me)
Solo and backing (other guitarist)

Outro riff x 2
Outro riff (dampened) x 2

Final Outro

To be honest it is not about the number of riffs or arrangments in a song, but how the song flows - I would suggest checking out some of Children Of Bodom, Nevermore, King Diamong, Helloween, Bling Guardian (particularly) for examples of good arrangements. You may not like the music but the arrangements are incredible.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

How about something like:

Verse
Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus

Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus

Solo/Instrumental

(Bridge- to break things up a bit or build intensity)
Pre-Chorus
Chorus

I use that sometimes when my choruses have slightly different words. Then I have the pre-chorus stay the same (if I can) to give the song an anchor. I also use the pre-chorus approach when there is a significant energy shift between the verse and the chorus- something needs to make that transition make sense.

Another favorite thing of mine is to end the song with the chorus music but a different melody and vocal pattern. It fits in with the rest of the song but moves it in a different direction. I'll amp the bass or play it more punchy with an instrument or two to give it emphasis, but its essentially the same riff.

Take care,
Chris

 

[jonobacon]

Some great comments Chris - just out of curiosity, what style of music do you play?

On a connected note, I often like to built up intensity using the repetetive melody over changing backing technique to built up some steam - then when both guitars meet together it can bring in a verse or chorus.

I am also rather fond of pre-choruses and purely instrumental verses and bridges.

This is one of the great things I love about music - I can go where I want with no restrictions.