Some songwriters get really hooked up over the musical theory of their songs while others write purely by feel (and in doing so they sometimes don't know what they are doing). The funny thing to me is that the songs that come out at the end of it all are as good as each other.

Let me digress and tell you a little story.

From between the ages of 12 to 16, I studied music through high school (and initially learnt clarinet in the process). It gave me a great opportunity to immerse myself in musical theory. I found the subject facinating even though I was probably the only person in my class that felt that way.

In that time I had dreams of composing contemporary music and going to the conservatorium to expand on my musical knowledge.

Thank God I discovered the guitar........

When (at the age of 15) I decided to change my musical direction and get into playing in bands and writing songs I had an interesting dilemma. I had to unlearn my knowledge so I could play with 'feel'. That was an interesting thing to do.

It was in that unlearning process that I discovered that musical theory knowledge is not necessary to write a good song.

In its simplest form a song is made up of two parts. The first part is the song lyrics and the second part is the melody.

Musical theory only deals with the arrangement of the song (the chords, harmony, dynamics etc) which is determined by the melody and the rhythm of the lyrical content anyway.

Even though I believe that music theory in songwriting is not necessary I have found my own knowledge useful for the following reasons:

1. I use it for the purpose of 'musical detective work'.

2. If I am stuck I call on my knowledge to lead me in a direction that I wouldn't have thought of.

3. I can communicate more effectively my song ideas to others

4. I have a more intimate knowledge as to the "why" things work with each other.

I believe that it's not the musical theory knowledge that's important but the attitude that you have towards it. To someone that doesn't feel this way having the theoretical knowledge can be a real hinderence. Reasons why include:

1. You might feel that you are better than someone who doesnt have the same knowledge (elitism)

2. You look at your songwriting world through a finite and restrictive set of 'rules'

3. You might try to show off your knowledge by overcomplicating your songs making them un-listenable.

4. You'll forget that simplicity is often the best.

Songwriting is about learning, un-learning, constructing and doing whatever you can to make your songwriting idea a reality. Having the theory knowledge is a bonus but not essential in writing a good song.

To be a good songwriter you must have the desire to be one. That's it!!

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician
www.coreystewartonline.com
www.soultradermusic.com
www.theliarsbench.com

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