How to Write Songs Nashville Style Song Structure

Nashville Songwriting Although this article is about song form (verses, choruses and bridges), I’m going to start out by talking about sometyou forget about the most important person in your song, you lose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   The most important thing - I want to introduce you to the 7:00 A.M. rule. This rule says that when writing a song,

2. 

   The expected - When people listen to music, especially Pop, rock or Country songs, they really like symmetry, the repetition of rhyme. Predictable melody and form satisfies their need. The degree of predictability is reassuring and comfortable to a listener.

3. 

   Choices - You are the songwriter. You are able to make conscious choices about the form of your song and be in control of your art.

4. 

   Verses - The verse is the vehicle for conveying the story that is the song. Its part of the songwriting craft is to lyrically and musically, "set up" (or lead to) the chorus, the bridge, another ve

5. 

   The chorus contains the “nut” of the song, the central meaning, the essence of the story. Choruses like "I Can Love You Like That," "Old Time Rock and Roll" or "The Wind Beneath My Wings" are memora

6. 

   The bridge relieves the "boredom factor." It is usually placed about 2/3 of the way into the song. (After the second chorus in a verse/chorus form) That’s normally when people may begin to tire of

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a list of song forms with you as you write until you have them memorized
• Listen to top songs and write down their form
• Practice writing sample songs in each form
• Co write with others in your songwriting community
• Never stop working on your song development
• Spend time learning about the songwriting business as well as it's craft

Resources

• How To Write A Song
• Different Forms of Lyrics
• Song Structure
• Nashville Songwriting
• The Nashville Number System
• Learn Guitar From A Pro - Free
• Learn Guitar From A Pro - For Southpaws

[tundranut]

on 4/14/2009 How to Write Songs Nashville Style Songs Structure almost breaks my heart. Really it's the story of self discipline within art and how to be an artist and satisfy the masses, which you must do if you want to earn any money and eat. Great instructions though. Loved it. 5*

[Gardengates]

on 4/6/2009 Excellent article on how to write songs Nashville Style. Actually, these are solid guides for any good song writing and have been so for years -- even back when I was in the music business (never mind how long ago!)!