Get Started In Songwriting

by Sam Inglis

An essential companion for any aspiring songwriter, and is ideal for those with no formal musical education. Covering every genre of popular contemporary music, from rock and pop to musical theatre and country/western, Get Started in Songwriting covers everything from harnessing your creative potential to finding a hook to selling, performing, and promoting your songs.

235 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jay Goemmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed when I needed it. The basic techniques are simple and straightforward, but powerful at the same time. The author explains how to start with a simple verbal hook, set it to a melody, find a pleasing chord progression that goes underneath, and build the rest of a song outward from there.

While none of the songs I began creating while reading this book sound anything like the three songs on the enclosed CD, I'm happy to report they all sound exactly like me. Inglis explains you need to be able to play at least one of three basic instruments – guitar, piano, or computer – to begin building songs using these techniques. Inglis includes some audio loops on the CD as a starting point for computer-based experimenters.

Inglis also includes hints for taking your songwriting skills outside of the studio, but I'm happy to use his information strictly at home for now. :D

27 July 2015