Frustration boiling over - got some (if I do say do myself) decent choruses. Catchy and good to play over until fade.
But totally stuck as to how to transition into a verse.
I know a bit of theory...i.e. can work out what scale I am in.
If I pick chords from the same scale/mode for the verse it sounds one dimensional.
If I go to chords outside the scale it sounds forced and artificial, a wilful smart arse prog vibe.
Needs to sounds natural/organic but still interesting.
Any tricks and tips for breaking through this block?
I can see the shape of the damned thing in my mind but can't articulate.
Have the progression on a loop but the temptation is to solo over it.
Ideas appreciated...happy to indulge in some theory.
Cheers
Comments
- Same chords in a different order. Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sweet Child of Mine.
- Same chords, but swap one of them to the relative major or minor.
- Same chords, but with (or without) distortion. Song 2, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
- Similar chords up or down by a few semitones. Valerie goes up 4.
Really appreciated- and the examples for reference. Perfect.
I'll put aside an hour or two this afternoon, try those ideas and also just see what happens.
My problem is taking it all too seriously (well it is important to me, but...no good getting frustrated) - treating as an exercise will help.
Thank you
Some of the all-time great songs have very few chords or changes in them.
If by "transition", you mean a bridge, check out the changes in Like A Rolling Stone. It creates tension that is released when the the song reaches the chorus section. (If you dislike Dylan, listen to the Hendrix version instead.)
or modulate to the relative major (eg from A minor to a section in C major). Like Delilah or comf numb
Send us the verse, maybe we can provide some ideas.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
Still getting there but I feel less trapped now and enjoying the process.
Too self conscious so send the verse just yet- maybe will post a demo if and when I get the thing done.
Cheers
The parts you have will have a groove. That basic groove is likely to flow through your verses too. Maybe the rhythm is simplified for your verses. For me once I have the groove I find it easier to slot the harmony/melody into
I've found, in my limited experience, that whilst there are "template tricks" you can use, many of which are detailed above, at the end of the day you just go with what works for that song. Some songs end up being driven by the words/melody, others by the rhythm, others by the chord structures or riffs - go for feel over technical correctness (which isn't just an excuse for being sloppy AF on my part ).