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FranticToaster t1_iugoe64 wrote

I write the instrumental music first. But I emphasize rhythm and groove in the stuff I write.

Easier for me to write a vocal rhythm to fit into the band's rhythm and then write lyrics to put words to that vocal rhythm.

But I'll bet if the vocals are the melodic star of your show, it would make more sense to write lyrics and vocals first, then write band music to fit it.

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Tomatillo-Good t1_iugmor6 wrote

Whatever works best for you at the time! :)

What do you mean when you say they don’t flow with each other?

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Energite0 OP t1_iugobrt wrote

they both gotta sound good back to back

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FatherPyrlig t1_iugp593 wrote

Most songwriters write the music first and then either they, or a band mate comes up with the melody and lyrics.

There are exceptions like Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Elton is given lyrics and writes the music and melody around the lyrics.

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stay_fr0sty t1_iugnq5r wrote

Usually you’ll wrote the lyrics to fit chord changes.

If you can’t do that you might have the wrong key:

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BW_Echobreak t1_iugnutl wrote

When my band writes. We write the instrumentals first and our singer finds melodies to go along with the song. I hope they gives you some insight

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FreespaceJJ t1_iugs2c1 wrote

Both at the same time. Lyrics, melody and beat should all be written at the same time.

I start with lyrics if I don't have any instruments. You use what you have available.

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sorengray t1_iuh2ci1 wrote

Unless you're a one man band, it's kinda hard to write all three of those at the same time on your own.

Most less dextrose people usually start with one of those, then add the others on top.

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FreespaceJJ t1_iuh369q wrote

It should already be in your head. Your body. Once you get into music long enough the music just keeps coming. You eat, sleep, dream, ride, and die music.

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sorengray t1_iuh5lt2 wrote

There's no "should" in making music or the creative process in general. It comes to each of us differently. I've been writing, producing & performing music for over 30yrs. And there are many ways it comes to me, some more rare like in dreams, or as a sound I hear, or a poem I write,

But more than 90% of the time I mess around on the guitar or piano until something catches my ear, then I expand on it, then I find a melody on top, then I arrange it into a full song, then usually the lyrics are last.

This doesnt even mention what happens when I then produce the song, which can change it tremendously as I go and different flavors get added in.

If the whole song is already done and finished in your head before you've played a note or recorded a sound, then you might be missing a lot of potential exploration in the performative creative process.

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FreespaceJJ t1_iuh5xaz wrote

>If you can't play with notes in your head you are missing out on the creative process.

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sorengray t1_iuh6b0r wrote

I can. But it's not my most prolific process for making songs. My larger point is there are many ways to write music. If that works for you, great. But never assume it HAS to work that way for everyone else.

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FreespaceJJ t1_iuj3odb wrote

>Not at all that is why I said use what you have. My guitars kept getting stolen so eventually I just used what I had. Can't bring a guitar with you everywhere and I live to travel.

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sorengray t1_iujxq2q wrote

You never said "use what you have". Which is definitely better advice.

Sucks your guitars keep getting stolen (also weird that it keeps happening 🤔🤔).

They actually have fairly cheap and decent tiny travel guitars you can take with you anywhere to jam and pluck out ideas.

By the sound of it it seems you've been forced into making songs in your head, as opposed it's your preferred method. But at least they can never steal that from you, so good on you for making the best from a bad situation. 🤷‍♂️✌️

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FreespaceJJ t1_iuk0byl wrote

Yeah that is what I have now. A small oscar schmidt guitar. I'm not in love though. The action and fretboard width is all wrong.

Thank you.

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GooooseTeeeeth t1_iugt05n wrote

I write the music/instrumentals first. And then with a guitar I will play a melody in that key to visualize how the vocals will sound like in the song. Lyrics are last, if there are any lyrics.

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Birdapotamus t1_iugw1ba wrote

Different artist have different processes. Work on what you like more first and figure out how to fit them together. Or vice versa if you prefer. Just get something recorded then you can tweak it further. Record as much as you can even bits and pieces. You can work things together or expand on what you have later. Jimi Hendrix has more posthumous albums than when he was alive. He recorded almost every moment of studio time. Many of those outtakes were later fleshed out with studio musicians and released.

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kenlasalle t1_iugwfpd wrote

When I was writing songs with the bands I was in, I would pen the lyrics and have a general sense of the tune. The trick, then, was getting the band into it enough that they started adding their parts.

All the best.

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sorengray t1_iuh25li wrote

There's no right answer. For me the music comes first, the melodies, then lyrics.

But I have once or twice written the lyrics first or at least a verse or chorus. Do what feels comfortable to you.

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Rozzo_98 t1_iuhlyg1 wrote

I love writing, so it’s lyrics first for me. If I get inspired, I’ll spend time plonking around on my keyboard, and if I’m lucky I’ll start making chords for said song. Although, if I want to record something I go to the professionals and let them help me do the rest 😅 I wish I had the vision for how my songs would turn out, it comes and goes!

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