Question about songwriting. Adding music.?

Question

I have written some songs. I understand the format of verse/ chorus, etc.  I strum the guitar so I just want to add chords to the words. How do I know what and where to add chords?

I understand about playing in a key and such, but when I add chords to my words, how do I know how often to change chords and at what point do they change?

Also, is there some logic to the progression? When do you use the relative minor, etc?

I would like to watch a video but I can't find anything about this on Youtube.

David · Accepted Answer

As someone with extensive formal training, I advise you not to overthink it.  There are no rules, really, to answer this question.  Of course music has countless rules, but as far as what you're asking, there are none.  This is something you can completely trust your intuition with.  If you think a chord sounds good in a place, put it there.  If you think silence is appropriate for a quarter note, put it there.  There is no rule for whereto put relative minor.

Just one word of advice: it sounds like you might have the vocals in your head already in some cases.  If that is true, whenever you sense a chord change, find the note you are singing on your guitar, and think of a chord that has that note in it.  Try a few till one sounds right.

Now you will want to generally stay in one key.  If you don't know how to do that, here are a couple of keys, and all the basic chords that fit in them.

Key of G (also E minor):

G Gmaj7 am am7 C D D7 em Fdim

Key of C (also a minor):

C Cmaj7 dm dm7 em F G G7 am am7 bdim

If you stick to one of those 2 keys I listed they will all fit together.  I hope this answers your question.  And feel free to browse my Q&A.  I know a LOT of theory, and you don't need it here.  You can trust your instincts on this one.

Anonymous · Answer

Well you have to remember that a song is a story I am a songwriter myself and I am not to into the "formal" way of writing a song. If you think the way the chords or lyrics transition sounds good then don't change it. if it makes sense to you it's fine. But the way most songs are written is that there is one or to verses that tell the details of the story. Then there is the chorus and remember the chorus is the part of the song that stays with you so make a message that you want leave in the listeners head. after the chorus you can really choose the lay out from there yourself some people do the bridge there or another verse or two it really is your choice. Now about where to change chords they usually change when you go from verse to chorus and from chorus or verse to bridge. I have actually never heard a song that didn't do that but it's your choice. Remember it is NEVER! a bad idea to be different. Now I am not saying to go strip and start swinging around on a wrecking ball but don't be afraid to reach into your soul and write from there what ever comes out don't put it down cause I'll bet you anything it's beautiful.

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Question about songwriting. Adding music.?

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