Songwriting Habit - The Blues

Writing a blues song is a great way to learn basic songwriting. The lyrics follow a particular pattern. Each verse is made of three lines. The first two lines are the same, whilst the third line resolves the sentence with different words and melody.

For example:   Tracy Chapman's Give Me One Reason - Verse 1

Give me one reason to stay here, and I'll turn right back around

Give me one reason to stay here, and I'll turn right back around

Said I don't want to leave you lonely, you got to change my mind.

Now it's your turn, I've provided a 12 -bar blues backing track for you. (Learning the 12 bar blues is for another lesson) The chords have already been recorded so all you have to worry about is the melody and words. You can simply sing - a long your version over the track.

Step 1. Pick a topic - usually it's something sad, depressing...for eg. "I'm out of coffee, what am I going to do?"....

Step 2. Write your first line and melody stating how sad you are feeling. Sing this to fit over this part of the track. 

Step 3. Repeat this line and melody. You will notice that the chords sound higher but that doesn't matter.

Step 4: Resolve the first sentence with a different line and melody.  the melody will probably sound higher.

Step 5: Now put it all together with this backing track for verse one of your own cool blues song.

I would love for you to share your blues song or lyrics with us. Even if you're not feeling sad it's really easy and lots of fun!