Six Steps to Songwriting Success: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs

by Jason Blume

This book provides novices an easy-to-understand, step-by-step approach to mastering those elements consistently found in hit songs. Incorporating inspiring anecdotes; 30 effective exercises for practicing, honing, and expanding one's songwriting skills; and helpful checklists for assessing strengths and weaknesses, it offers a concise analysis of the six steps essential for songwriting success. This second edition has been updated, substantially revised, and expanded, including developments such as the advent of MP3s, the increase in music sampling, and more. Features a completely updated appendix with the most comprehensive and up-to-date listing of songwriter resources available.

Genres: Music, Writing, Nonfiction

282 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[MarkZer0]

The first 3 "steps" are great.
Very good tips and great inside information on the "art of songwriting" but steps 4 through 6 are worthless unless you live in Nashville so...

[Jimal Shepard]

This book receives a 4/5 not because it is not worthy of a 5 but because it was written in 2004 and many of the practical things of putting one's music out there in the "ether" have changed; nevertheless, it is still highly practical, is filled with many pages that can be copied and manipulated by the developing songwriter. The book is filled with inspirational words from successful songwriters (including the author), ideas for making contact with record labels, artists looking for songs, writing organizations, and it is chock full of other music business "musts". So many times the musician/songwriter just wants to write songs and without realizing that music is also a business. The Six Steps is a great initial book to read on anyone's journey to not only writing music but wanting to have their music heard by the right people.

[James Traxler]

6 steps... well, not really, because each step encompasses so much (giant steps for songwriter kinds).

However, there is a lot of really useful advice, especially generally around songwriting (as opposed to the later recording and music business-oriented stuff, some of which needs updating).

I liked this line that Blume retells of how an exec in Nashville said to him, "Y'all have enough words in this verse for a whole album".

Overall, this book has a wealth of important information. Personally, I could have stopped after the songwriting part, but for that part alone, I give this book four stars.

[Aaron Bolin]

Blume provides some very useful and relevant advice.

In terms of criticism, some of the content feels a little bit dated.
Blume also kind of makes it seem like the 'struggle' for him was not that significant. At the same time, he sort of makes it seem like his talent level is low.

So, either he's not being genuine about his talent level or not being genuine about his level of hustle. I guess a third possibility would be that just dumb luck. But who wants to read a book about dumb luck?

[Olly Wade]

If you are looking for a excellent book, for writing a melody, or lyrics, this book is a must read. There is also an expanded version, that is what I am currently reading. It contains great tips for writing songs and lyrics in 3 steps. Out of the 3 books on this subject I bought this is by far the best. I can highley reccomend this book.;

[Casey Kuhlemeier]

Fantastic way to look at songwriting as more of a craft of writing a story. I took a class in college that required this book, and even though there are many pieces of information that are outdated, there are some brilliant tools to help songwriters conquer the craft of writing lyrics, and composing music.

[Scott]

Good techniques and thoughts about Songwriting. The Author really know what he is talking about.

[Peter]

Tips and helpful ideas about how to formulate a plan for songwriting and also how to market/network/etc...

[Roger Lopes]

clichê

[Scott Miles]

The guy knows what he's talking about.

[Jeff Bonilla]

Best book out there on songwriting.