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Musical Composition, Theory and Songwriting/Questions Answered by Expert Daniel Johnson
| Subject | Date Asked |
| musician's path | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: Hey Dan, Hehe, for a minute I thought you might be the other songwriter Daniel Johnson, but his kind ... A: Sean, Here's my answer and it's only my personal opinion. I suspect every songwriter you ask will ... | |
| song composition | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm a musician and songwriter. I write songs but I'm better at poetry. I know songs are like poems ... A: Jen, What to do when the lyrics just won't come. And also, What to do when the melody just won't ... | |
| how do i get my songs out there | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: hey Daniel my name is Beth i have been playing the guitar since i was 5 and i am now 13 i also write ... A: Beth, Thanks for your question. These days most artists and record companies will not accept ... | |
| chord construction | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: i am Prashant from India. I've just begun song writing, though i've been singing for the last 5 ... A: Prashant, The purpose of chords. I don't know if I can tell you the purpose of chords. I think in ... | |
| Best way to making a song | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: I am not an amateur musician who tries for fun to get something done in my free time. I do have ... A: John, Let me try this, check out the post dated today November 17, 2008 at my songwriter's blog: ... | |
| Developing an R&B bridge. | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: I've been trying my hand at R&B songwriting and I feel that I've been pretty successful at ... A: Kamal, I only wish I could write R&B. I aspire to it. About bridges, somebody has probably ... | |
| writers block | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: I'm having a lot of trouble getting new ideas in sonwriting. What sort of things can I try to get ... A: Liz, I don't know if it's lyrics or musical ideas that you're talking about, so I'll try to address ... | |
| Song styles | 7/27/2008 |
| Q: What are the kind of songs that go like: INTRO VERSE #1 VERSE #2 CHORUS VERSE #3 VERSE #4 CHORUS ... A: Ava, I don't think there's a name for the song structure you list, but it's very common. Here's ... | |
| the right hands | 6/28/2008 |
| Q: I'm sure this is a frequent question. If I have songs I've written (lyrics and music), where do I go ... A: Keith, Thanks for your question. These days most artists and record companies will not accept ... | |
| Inspiration | 5/4/2008 |
| Q: I asked you a question about a month ago about writing a song about a girl I liked. Sorry i didnt ... A: Mike, This is a good question. You can rest assured that you are not the only one facing this ... | |
| need to ask | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: I have some feeling related to music need from you some interpretation you know that music even if ... A: When you said you were too old to learn music, I thought of someone who said the same thing to me ... | |
| analysis of pop song | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: I have been trying to find, using the internet google search, some articles relating to the song: ... A: Are you looking for a music theory analysis? I don't have an answer for you, other than ... | |
| Lyrics | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: Okay this is 2 questions really. I want to know if the lyrics I wrote are any good and if you can ... A: Logan, I don't critique music at this site, so, on to your second question. I've heard this ... | |
| my composition | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: Hey there, I'm composing a show song for GCSE and I wondered how long my verses should be. Would 1 ... A: Catherine, I don't know what GCSE is. Can you explain? If it feels right to you as an 8 line ... | |
| Help Writing a Love Song | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: Ive been playing for about 6 years now. I love rock (metal,shred) but I also love blues, flamenco, ... A: Mike, If I'm understanding you, it's the lyrics that you need help on. Am I right? I often get ... | |
| studying in NY | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: hope this question can be answered or re-directed by you: i am a songwriter from Spain, got a BFA in ... A: Rosalia, I wish I was more informed about schools and opportunities in New York. All I can say is ... | |
| studying in NY | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: hope this question can be answered or re-directed by you: i am a songwriter from Spain, got a BFA in ... A: Rosalia, I'm listening to your songs on myspace as I type this: so beautiful, so soothing. My ... | |
| Presentation | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: What's the best way to present a song idea to an artist or vocalist for a songwriter who isn't very ... A: Marvin, Thanks for your feedback. Demo singers can be found in lots of places, but the best and ... | |
| Presentation | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: What's the best way to present a song idea to an artist or vocalist for a songwriter who isn't very ... A: Marvin, I think I understand your question. Correct me if I'm wrong. You're talking about a ... | |
| i don't know which college to go to | 12/15/2007 |
| Q: I am 14 years. old and go to Long prairie Grey Eagle school, I'm in harmonia and women choir. I was ... A: This is such an individual question. Finding the right college for you is a process you'll have to ... | |
| where?? & how?? | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: What are the best colleges to look at if you want to be a song-writer?? Also, what are the best ways ... A: Courtney, I can't answer definitively for you because the best songwriting college for me might not ... | |
| How to complete a song from an idea | 11/16/2007 |
| Q: Im new to songwriting and sometimes i come up with a good verse but then cannot come up with a ... A: Gordon, There really is no formula and no rules to songwriting, unless perhaps you want to write ... | |
| music composition | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: I have never written a melody line with lyrics what is the best way to take this direction and ... A: Can you give me some background on yourself? You say you haven't written a melody line with lyrics, ... | |
| writing/singing | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: what is the easiest way to come up with different melodies A: Jermaine, What's easy for one person might be difficult for another. Personally, I find writing ... | |
| question for expert | 9/7/2007 |
| Q: Johnson, If you could help me with the following, I would really appreciate it. Are there common ... A: Matt, There are no rules in songwriting, only guidelines. But they differ depending on who you're ... | |
| Creative melodies | 8/28/2007 |
| Q: I just have a question about composing melodies based on lyrics. After I have the words, I have ... A: Lavi, I always thought it was amazing that any one person could write both good lyrics AND good ... | |
| Keys | 6/24/2007 |
| Q: First of all, thanks for the help you offer to all those who need it! Much appreciate it! My ... A: Seneca, I just got back from a week at an intensive songwriting camp and my brain is full, in a ... | |
| Lyrics selling | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: Daniel, I am a lyricist who would like to break into the music business by selling words to songs I ... A: Lucas, A lot of people ask this question or the similarCan you make money as a lyricist and if so, ... | |
| Piano Sheet Music | 1/31/2007 |
| Q: Perhaps you've experienced this same thing. You hear a great piano track and you desperately want to ... A: I know many people who have the ability to do it. Start by asking any piano teachers in your area ... | |
| famous songwriters | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: Do songwriters just write the words, or do they usually write the music too?Hi. I was just curious ... A: Many songwriters write alone, doing both music and lyrics. Many others work in teams of 2 or more, ... | |
| famous songwriters | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: I was just curious as to how famous songwriters like Diane Warren and Denise Rich got started? Do ... A: Danielle, Let me answer your second question first. Songwriters do not need to sing the songs they ... | |
| Confused... | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: Hey, my name is Beth and I wrote a song the other day. Usually I have my friend write the tunes, but ... A: Beth, I'll answer this as two separate questions - 1. How do you put chords to a melody and 2. ... | |
| how to pull emotions from chords | 9/23/2006 |
| Q: answered where you stated "if you are writing chords and melodies to existing lyrics (your own or ... A: Good question. I'm not saying a Bm (for example) is happy or angry chord. So you're right, it does ... | |
| whats the diffrence ? | 8/12/2006 |
| Q: whats the diffrence from a hook and a chorus? A: Different people have different definitions, so don't take mine as the gospel truth. For example, ... | |
| Original Melody | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: How is it possible to create/compose an interesting melody without hitting a few similar notes from ... A: That's an interesting question. It may be literally impossible to create an interesting melody (or ... | |
| Green Day's Melodies | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: I have been listening to Green Day for quite a while now. They are one of my most favorite modren ... A: I like Green Day too, although I've only started listening to them recently. I'm not sure I ... | |
| Too long? | 3/23/2006 |
| Q: from the UK! I have been writing for a number of years now.. and although I'm happy with the end ... A: John, Breaking into the biz as a songwriter is a relatively complex accomplishment, unless of ... | |
| Key of C or Am | 3/5/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to understand the difference between writing in C and Am. We know the chords in C; but ... A: Ray, First of all, if you want an answer from a music theory expert, I'm going to have to refer you ... | |
| writer's block,creative sparkin' | 1/30/2006 |
| Q: What do you do to get really inspired? this may be a wide variety of approaches,and if you are the ... A: Zam, I hope I am the Daniel Johnson you think I am, and if I am, thank you so much for your ... | |
| metronome | 1/5/2006 |
| Q: My metronome has latin-based names such as "adagio", "largo", etc, then the beats per minute under ... A: Mary, You're mixing apples and oranges. Beats per minute is a very exact way of measuring speed: ... | |
| Melody writing | 12/17/2005 |
| Q: Johnson I've got a question about melody writing. I play the piano and am trying to write my own ... A: Martin, Like you, I often write the chords first. I like chords and I like to experiment with ... | |
| melody writing | 12/1/2005 |
| Q: I've been playing the gitar for nearly 1,5 years now, and for the last 6 months, I've been writing ... A: Mahir, OK. I can think of a few things that might help you. 1. Figure out the chords last, ... | |
| So Many Things To Learn | 10/5/2005 |
| Q: I so baffled about writing music!!!! I love to write lyrics but when it comes to breaking my words ... A: Emani, I don't have the time to write everything I know about song construction regarding verse, ... | |
| Singing and song writing | 9/9/2005 |
| Q: I am 21 yrs old and I have been singing since I was 10, and I also used to write a lot of ... A: Brittney, I can't answer your question about singing. If you heard me sing, you wouldn't want any ... | |
| Plainsong | 8/4/2005 |
| Q: Well, I'm curious about a few things. I'm a 21 year old songwriter and I'm interested in how ... A: Jim, I would go even one step further. Whenever you are writing melody, don't have any instruments ... | |
| Stuck in the middle... | 8/2/2005 |
| Q: I home-pruduce ambient/idm electronic music and I find it very hard to focus my inspiration on an ... A: Boris, I think you answered your own question. And I agree with you. It's all about creative ... | |
| i was needing some advice.. | 7/15/2005 |
| Q: i have a strange problem. i write lyrics and music, for piano and there hasnt been any problems. but ... A: Katherine, Here's a story that I hope will help you. A famous songwriter was helping a younger ... | |
| Melody Writing & Chord Progression | 5/6/2005 |
| Q: How would one go upon writting a melody. And, how would i come up with a chord progression. I know ... A: Anthony, You ask a valid question. I bet if you asked this question to 100 different songwriters, ... | |
| Melody Writing & Chord Progression | 5/2/2005 |
| Q: How would one go upon writting a melody. And, how would i come up with a chord progression. I know ... A: Anthony, This is a very broad question. Books have been written on it. Is there any specific ... | |
| Musicals | 4/6/2005 |
| Q: I am trying to write a musical (with some success), but I'm having difficulty with full ... A: Nikki, I write music and record it, but I never create more than a lead sheet (chords and melody). ... | |
| Getting the Juices flowing | 4/4/2005 |
| Q: I am a producer/rapper. I need to get my creative juices flowing again. I would like some ... A: ChapterElevN, I know what you mean. Fortunately, I was able to turn those wasted commuting hours ... | |
| Need help with putting classical melodies into good form | 3/31/2005 |
| Q: Johnson: I read of your service and would like to know where I can get some help in scoring ... A: Craig, I know a lot of songwriters. I've met them at song circles, songwriting workshops and ... | |
| Writer's block | 3/28/2005 |
| Q: I'm a pianist/ songwriter in a piano-rock band and I've been having a bit of writer's block and ... A: Tanner, I have lots of ideas on how to overcome writer's block, including some tricks that I use ... | |
| Vocal rhythm and melody | 2/13/2005 |
| Q: I'm having trouble writing vocal melodies and rhythms, I have got the Bass, Guitar and drums but ... A: Jacques, Thanks for asking this. I think it is a question all songwriters struggle with from time ... | |
| Coming up with original melodies. | 1/28/2005 |
| Q: I just wanted to ask you how I can come up with more original melodies? Some melodies come out ... A: Jairo, Thanks for asking this. I think it is a question all songwriters struggle with from time to ... | |
| Hi, I have been writing poetry... | 1/12/2005 |
| Q: I have been writing poetry for a fair while now and I am interested in trying some song writing. The ... A: Jenna, You do not need to write the music first. Many songwriters write lyrics first. Many write ... | |
| Songwriting | 1/11/2005 |
| Q: I have some lyrics out the top of my head, but when i think of a song, it comes out in a "pop-y" ... A: Paola, I hope I can help you with this question. I'll start with a question for you: do you listen ... | |
| About music | 1/6/2005 |
| Q: I would like to know how you come up with how you would like your songs to sound? My thing is that I ... A: Karen, I have lots of ideas on how to overcome writer's block, some tricks that I use and some that ... | |
| What factors are to be taken into account when composing a song? | 1/4/2005 |
| Q: I tried composing ballad songs for the last 4 years. I'm still uncertain if I did them right. Sir, I ... A: Ruch, First, I commend you on composing for the last four years. Many people never make it that ... | |
| lyric composition in general | 12/24/2004 |
| Q: Johnson. I'm a guitarist who is very advanced at playing the guitar, but I cannot write songs that ... A: Nick, First I want to apologize for the delay in my answer. I've been out of town for the ... | |
| please help me | 12/23/2004 |
| Q: i/m santosh from hyderabad,INDIA. i'm learning keyboard in western music ina institute tell me that ... A: Santosh, First, I apologize for the delay. I have been out of town for the holidays. As far as ... | |
| Writer's Block | 11/2/2004 |
| Q: I have been a songwriter for about 6 years. I play guitar and bass and have a home recording ... A: Ryan, I have the same problem. My fingers are accustomed to certain movements, familiar chord ... | |
| writers block! | 10/28/2004 |
| Q: I'm starting to write my own small operetta, and I was wondering, what if I get writer's block? Any ... A: Meghan, I think about writer's block all the time. I don't know if anyone can teach creativity, ... | |
| Melody writing and writer's block | 10/16/2004 |
| Q: I have found it hard trying to compose melodies. The ones I've tried are a bit boring. Can you ... A: Chris, I just want to comment briefly on your statement about boring melodies. I'm not sure what ... | |
| melody writing | 9/15/2004 |
| Q: Mr johnson, i would be glad if you answer my questions and i would thank you for ever if you do so. ... A: Miguel, I don't think there is a step by step process to writing a melody. There are no rules, but ... | |
| Lyric Writing | 9/14/2004 |
| Q: I'm interested in your views on how to 'unblock' the second verse in a song. I always seem to have ... A: John, You ask a very good question. I think this is an issue for lots of songwriters and ... | |
| Songwriting- Where to start. | 8/31/2004 |
| Q: I am new to songwriting, and I find I am having difficulty forming a structured song. When I sit at ... A: Kris, It's interesting you should ask me this. Many people write melody first, others write lyrics ... | |
| To write or not to write -ever- | 8/23/2004 |
| Q: Hey My name is Eli,I'm a songwriter/singer/musician (guitar, bass, piano, harmonica) & "home ... A: Eli, This is my opinion. Take it with a grain of salt. Write daily, even if for only 30 minutes. ... | |
| Songwriting! | 7/26/2004 |
| Q: I'm in a young all-girl rock/indie/grunge (we're not 100% sure what we are!) band. For our first 2 ... A: Emma, This is a common problem for many songwriters, not just beginners. There are several ... | |
| I want to have sucessful lyric tips for my band... | 6/17/2004 |
| Q: I been writing lyrics but they were too simple and they don't flow like my favorite metal bands. I ... A: Bobby, First of all, I can tell you what works for me and it may not be helpful at all to you. ... | |
| writng a song | 6/16/2004 |
| Q: I am in the process of write a song (lyrics/music) and could do with some advice about how to ... A: Chris, I think you are on the right track when you say you are apprehensive about adding more ... | |
| over the rainbow | 6/9/2004 |
| Q: can you please tell me, who made the song "over the rainbow"? because every body sing this song, and ... A: I can tell you who wrote the song, if that's what you mean. But you can't find out the same way I ... | |
| Melody Writing | 6/5/2004 |
| Q: How would you suggest ways to write a good melody. I play guitar and know chords but not music ... A: Don, Melody is a very key component. Melody is the one element of music you can feel without ... | |
| Composing a Piano Song | 5/6/2004 |
| Q: My name is Emily, and I have been playing the piano for 5 years. I am in the seventh grade, and the ... A: Emily, Here's a radical thought: I think everyone 'writes' music. Young children often do these ... | |
| Suggest | 4/27/2004 |
| Q: Hey THANKS for the advice!!! Makes a lot of sense and I'll try it out. I had another question, if ... A: Bill, This is out of my domain, but I'll take a stab. If you are serious and you prepare in ... | |
| Suggest | 4/26/2004 |
| Q: I can come up with "parts" of songs that I dig a lot, but have trouble making them a song. Also, how ... A: Bill, The easy/cop-out answer would be to say, 'do what the Beatles did, which is to combine 2 ... | |
| composing a song for a musical | 4/14/2004 |
| Q: I'm really stuck with the song lyrics, i need some ideas as to how to make good song lyrics without ... A: Haylee, I use a brainstorming technique where I write down (or record) all ideas, no matter how ... | |
| Chord Progressions | 3/30/2004 |
| Q: I have been songwriting as a hobby since my university years. However, I now find it hard to break ... A: Lisa, Falling back on the same old chord progressions is one of my pet peeves. I love to try new ... | |
| different beats? | 3/28/2004 |
| Q: i am ready to become famous, but i need songs, i have the talents and i know i have what it takes. ... A: Stephanie, I'm a little unclear what you mean when you say you are 'ready to become famous.' You ... | |
| Best way to write lyrics? | 3/17/2004 |
| Q: Is it to brainstorm ideas, or what. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, Oliver. A: Oliver, You must know that I'm not going to tell you there is one 'best' way to write lyrics. It's ... | |
| writers block | 3/15/2004 |
| Q: my song are only good when im in the mood, its pointless me even trying when im not. Do you have any ... A: Daniel, I'll tell you what helps get me in the mood and what I hear helps others. It's such an ... | |
| Making new melodies | 3/10/2004 |
| Q: I know plenty of chords but my problem is I have another question this is more on the lines of ... A: Lamar, I like finding new ways to spark my creativity. I'll try anything once and sometimes I get ... | |
| Making new melodies | 3/1/2004 |
| Q: I know plenty of chords but my problem is 1)When I try to compose a song it always reminds me of a ... A: Lamar, Don't worry about your melody sounding like another song on the radio (unless you feel you ... | |
| Arrangment... Structure... Writer Block | 2/20/2004 |
| Q: Basically I need tips in everything you hit on in your expertise field. I do have music background ... A: Brian, First of all, I can tell you what works for me and it may not be helpful at all to you. ... | |
| songwriting | 2/18/2004 |
| Q: I'm interested in creating digital pop/experimental music. I don't really play any instrument ... A: Marie, I'm not an expert at this particular question, so take my answer with a grain of salt. I ... | |
| composition and understanding rythm | 2/4/2004 |
| Q: Im a fledgling freelance student of music,self taught in guitar. My biggest dream in life is to be a ... A: Steven, I'll try to tackle as many of your questions as I can. First of all, I can tell you what ... | |
| inspiration? | 1/30/2004 |
| Q: I would love to know your suggestions on how to overcomee writers block and to spark a creative ... A: Felix, I'll answer the 2nd question first. Here are some software tools I like. For writing ... | |
Musical Composition, Theory and Songwriting
Answers by Expert:
Daniel Johnson
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer questions on verse and chorus construction. I can answer questions on lyric and melody writing. I can suggest ways to overcome writers block and to spark a creative flow. I can`t answer advanced questions about notation or music theory. I can`t answer questions about composing classical music or eastern music.
Experience
I am an active songwriter and have been writing off and on for over 35 years. I have written and performed in a wide variety of styles, including folk, rock, pop, bluegrass, country, old school R&B and soul. Over the years I've performed my original songs in a variety of bands, duos and solo in the USA, Canada, Europe and Central America.
Publications
I co-author a songwriting newsletter, the Songwriter's Tip Jar and I started an online songwriter forum also called Songwriter's Tip Jar.
Education/Credentials
I studied classical music at Penn State University as well as guitar, jazz and theory with several excellent private teachers.
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