So...I was set the task of composing a piece for my music class, which will go towards my final grade. Trouble is, I've never composed a song before. I've made some progress though, I've composed a piece which around 50% through, but I don't have any ideas as to what to do with it next. It kind of sounds "bleh"...

So, here's my piece in GP5 format. I really need some ideas and constructive criticisms....

Attached Files

AS MUSIC COMPOSITION - FINAL.gp5 (13.3 KB, 158 views)

My biggest problem with it, is the lack of progression through out the piece. You have the same main theme or rhythm.. Which isn't bad.. (kind of weird) but thats another story. But a song should progress more than just the... lead over the guitar. It was a good start at changing hte pace later in the song. But thats much too late (or so it seems).

Its not different really than a "Regular song" I.e.... A chorus a verse.. Kinda thing. That progresses a song.. it doesn't neccesarly have to be.. Verse chorus, verse chorus. Kinda thing. But it creates variation in the piece. Additional instruments. (maybe a percussion) would be good. For instance maybe if you kept time.. half way through with a... triangle or something, that would be cool.


Check this song out. This is one i made. It might give you some ideas.

Attached Files

Love grows like a flame.gp4 (10.1 KB, 139 views)

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Thanks tm. I guess the main problem I'm having is building upon my ideas, without the new ones sounding too similar to the previous ones. I'll definitely try and implement your advice.

You have come across something i see everyday haha. Especially when i work on new metal songs. I try not to use teh same riff structure, but its hard not to use what has worked... and the same riffs.

What exactly do you have to do with this project? Just make up a song? i mean what criteria does it have to have?

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Exactly what I was thinking.

What's the point of the class, what's the name of the class, and what's the exact criteria needed for the song i.e. ronda, concerto, sonata, fugue, binary, tertiary, yadda yadda yadda.,.....

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I suggest yo uget more chord structure for it,other than just E minor and D...the change in the end was nice theres a lot you can do with it

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The criteria and options are so broad that any kind of piece would do. I decided to put the piece I posted on ice, I can't seem to develop my ideas further.

I've composed another piece, just some ideas bundled together, and I'm not sure if it sounds very good. There's also one riff I think that might've been used by someone else, but I can't quite place my finger on it...

Anyway, here it is:

Attached Files

Intergalactic haze travel.gp5 (10.0 KB, 145 views)

Sometimes that happens. Thats the process of growth for sure. I still do that very often. Even when i completely finish a piece... because i don't like a certain part is.. i'll keep trying and tryign to fix it.. and eventually say fuck it.

Just listened to the song. To be honest i dont' really understand what i just heard... I liked the chords used in the song but completely didn't fit the song. Granted there really.. wasn't a flow... to it.. The intro riff was actually pretty good, but the follow up to it wasn't a good choice. And at the end of it you ended it with a power chord that didn't fit and just stopped the music in its tracks. The next riff's harmony didn't fit well with the intro riff. I'm actually about to compose something and take some of those chords you used cause they are great for like........ how would you say.. like rpg "beach" music.. If you will. Like.. paradiseish music.

But back on the subject. Here is a huge tip that i often give myself when composing. Look at what has been composed before. What does alot of it have in common? SIMPLE. Seriously i mean take a look at great songs. They keep it pretty simple. I.e. using the basics of harmony and rhythm. Thats something thats kinda hard to do when composing straight from say.. Guitar pro. Here is a tip for you to use. Try making.. say.. an acoustic guitar.. hit one of those chords.. Then run a small melody with say.. a piano or another guitar over it. Keeping it simple but still something that sounds good.

I'll compose a quick piece to give you some examples if you wish.

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Cool, yeah, examples would be nice.

Hahaha, RPG beach music...I get what you're saying. Like I said, it was just ideas jumbled together, trying to form a cohesive song.

Yeah, my one major problem is that I can develop good ideas, I just can't develop them into a song. I'll try and take heed of your advice though

Its not easy. I'm having some serious writers block myself. But.. i guess sometimes you can find some things that click. I think you're off to a good start though.

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Alright, I must say the first one you posted was really bad. The second one though is very enjoyable. And that thing you couldn't put your finger on is the riff from bar 20 - it's Atheist's Samba briza.