Learning to compose rock music.

HeartAgain · 08-11-2009, 06:01 PM

I'm trying to learn to compose music and write lyrics, but I'm unable to even find out where to start with the whole endeavor, because I missed out completely on music in school. I want to learn to sing and write lyrics.

So, I need some really basic information on music. I don't know how to read it or how to write notes or how to play music at all. All I know how to do is sing and write poetry. And I'm not even very good at those things yet.

If you have any suggestions on where and how to start out learning music as an adult, please make them.

I kept this post short, but you can ask me anything you need to know or anything you'd like to know and I'll answer today.

mr dave · 08-11-2009, 07:05 PM

go to your local music store (the kind that sells instruments not albums). ask one of the clerks where they send the new people for lessons. contact that place and get enrolled in basic lessons.

if you want to supplement the information you'll get from a teacher then you can check through the 'music' section of any major bookstore for basic theory books. they'll have dozens of books along the lines of '100 and 1 ways to write a love song' and 'music theory for dummies' etc. pick up a copy of whatever book strikes your fancy the most and go from there.

although, ultimately, there's no real 'correct' way of composing rock music. seriously, take a peak through the songwriting forum on this site. it's not a matter of being good at it, it's a matter of just doing it. there's no substitute for practice and experience, there's no magical piece of knowledge that someone can type here that will somehow elevate your abilities beyond what you've established for yourself.

HeartAgain · 08-11-2009, 07:51 PM

Thank you for the outstanding advice. I will be going to a book store on the 1st of next month and I should be able to pick up some good books then. We don't have any music lessons in this town really. But I can still check around I guess.

Antonio · 08-12-2009, 12:19 AM

you could also go the online route starting out if you can't afford lessons right away or in your case, aren't near anyone who could help at the moment. that's how i started, and while i did get some lessons later on, learning a bit on my own helped in progressing faster cause i already knew the most basic things. so yeah, i'd say along with books, see if you can't look up any online lessons as well.

~~The Unfan~~ · 08-12-2009, 01:26 AM

Smash fifth chords really hard and have the drum go badump badump badump badump and you're set.

Rickenbacker · 08-12-2009, 08:31 AM

Get one of these ****ers and **** around.

But seriously, learn how to play any augmented chord and just walk. Did wonders for me.

Antonio · 08-12-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickenbacker

Get one of these ****ers and **** around.

But seriously, learn how to play any augmented chord and just walk. Did wonders for me.

ah, Metheny's Pikasso guitar. half striking beauty, and half the look of a disfigured child.

good stuff

chanpyn · 03-03-2011, 03:35 AM

Don't forget to analyze the lyrical and musical phrasing of your favorite artists, there is no substitute for letting your ears do the walking. Have fun..

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 03-03-2011, 06:50 AM

You don't compose rock music, that's why it's rock music. Just get some friends together with like instruments, and jam. If you don't have friends, craiglist. It's insanely easy to find people who want to play good ol' fashioned rock n' roll.

Howard the Duck · 03-03-2011, 08:02 AM

all you need is three chords and the truth - Bono

08-11-2009, 06:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
HeartAgain Groupie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 2	Learning to compose rock music. I'm trying to learn to compose music and write lyrics, but I'm unable to even find out where to start with the whole endeavor, because I missed out completely on music in school. I want to learn to sing and write lyrics. So, I need some really basic information on music. I don't know how to read it or how to write notes or how to play music at all. All I know how to do is sing and write poetry. And I'm not even very good at those things yet. If you have any suggestions on where and how to start out learning music as an adult, please make them. I kept this post short, but you can ask me anything you need to know or anything you'd like to know and I'll answer today.

08-12-2009, 08:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rickenbacker / Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Conn Posts: 1,338	Get one of these **ers and around. But seriously, learn how to play any augmented chord and just walk. Did wonders for me. __________________ last.fm rym Talk About the Passion - R.E.M.'s Discography Reviewed**

08-11-2009, 07:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
HeartAgain Groupie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 2	Thank you for the outstanding advice. I will be going to a book store on the 1st of next month and I should be able to pick up some good books then. We don't have any music lessons in this town really. But I can still check around I guess.

08-12-2009, 01:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
~~The Unfan~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Methville Posts: 2,116	Smash fifth chords really hard and have the drum go badump badump badump badump and you're set.

03-03-2011, 03:35 AM	#8 (permalink)
chanpyn Groupie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 19	Don't forget to analyze the lyrical and musical phrasing of your favorite artists, there is no substitute for letting your ears do the walking. Have fun..

03-03-2011, 08:02 AM	#10 (permalink)
Howard the Duck Live by the Sword Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 9,075	all you need is three chords and the truth - Bono