The Songwriter's Toolkit: Learning from the Masters

Adapt time-tested songwriting principles used by the masters to better craft your own original material. Learn how to add an outro, experiment with multiple bridges, and more.

Introduction

• Learn techniques from master songwriters
• What you should know before watching

1. Songwriting Techniques Learned from the Masters

• Use your bridge as an intro
• Add an outro to your song
• Create a completely different outro
• Write an outro and intro that are the same
• Re-harmonize the chorus as an outro
• Break up the verse and chorus with a pre-chorus
• Ditch the verse
• Experiment with multiple bridges
• Use the rondo song form
• Use modulation in a duet
• Modulate a verse, then return to the original key
• Continue to modulate
• Use the tonic chord in an unexpected place
• Never use the tonic chord
• Consistent melody in the verse and chorus

Conclusion

• Next steps