1) How to compose a song, the melody and chords
2) How to do a complete song arrangement from scratch
I’ve just received a nice lyric without any melody or chords to go with it yet. And I will show you step by step how I compose a song base on this lyric. On top of that, I will show you how I arrange the song, including basic structuring, assigning instrument parts, etc.
Let’s start off by composing and arranging an intro for this song.
Before writing this post, I’ve already a rough idea of how this song should sound. Thus giving me some quidelines and basic idea for my song intro:
1) Not too fast. Its a sentimental pop song, and its a sad song. So basically I wouldn’t want something too uptempo
2) Drums? To create some layer in the music, I want to leave the drum out way until the second verse.
3) Start the intro Soft. Start off with some light piano playing in the high register, to contrast the later part of the intro.
4) Build up intro in middle. Build up with a sudden change in key,piano playing lower register, increase note density, and strenghten with some strings in the background.
5) End intro “mystically”. End the intro with another change in key, a #11 chord to add that “mystic” feel, strings quiet down to just one long note in the high register, and chimes to help create that “dreamy” ending.
This is what I came up with.
Would be glad to hear your comments. Any questions would be very welcome too.
Stay tune for part 2. Have fun and Enjoy…… 
You might also want to check out these posts:
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How to complete full pop song music arrangement in 60 minutes
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Where is the next part of this or when do you make it?
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I really liked it ,great harmony. I have very solid foundations on it but not quite to your level yet. I took 9 years to study the basics on my own….too long. I am thinking to enroll in a music school….would you say that it’s a lot better than studying as self-taught?
Please keep your lessons coming….you can obviously make music! Thanks
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@Lou,
There are different paths a musician can choose.
If you are interested and passionate enough, you can be very skilful just learning by self-taught.
I learn a lot of theory from transcription and also actually making the music.
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That song just gave me a boner
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well done a real pro at the top of his game but where is part 2 ?
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Keep it coming sir. great piece of article and lovely playing.
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i dont know how to compose a sung
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