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The Process Of Writing A Song
A song writing process is used to enhance the quality of your work and the speed that each work is created. This article provides tips on creating and using a song writing process, plus observations and suggestions about writing key aspects of a song.

This article is ideal for songwriters who either don't use a formal song writing process, or the song writing process that they are using is not quite working for them. By Songstuff
A Guide To Song Forms - Song Form Overview
Song forms are generally made up of a number of sections that may or may not be repeated within the same song. Popular music is generally based on the use of traditional sectional song forms, or structures that are derived from those traditional song forms.

This article gives an overview of the different fundamental song forms, and it provides a basic understanding of common modern song forms. By Songstuff
A Guide To Song Forms - Extended Common Song Forms And More
Add some new tools to your song writing toolbox by learning about common song forms. This article describes how common song forms can be extended, and looks at some of the less common song forms, such as through composed songs.

This article builds upon the AAA, AABA, AB, ABC and AAB song forms, and upon compound song forms, explained in our other articles in this series. By Songstuff
A Guide To Song Forms - Compound Song Forms
Have you ever used a compound song form? As a songwriter, I bet you have. Compound song forms are far more common than you might at first think.

Building upon the AAA, AABA, AB, ABC and AAB song form articles from our series on song forms, this article explains common compound popular song forms that you can add to your song writing toolbox. By Songstuff
Keeping A Song Interesting
Keeping a song interesting is not as easy as it might at first seem. For example, how do you stop listeners getting bored and switching off? What can you do to help hold the attention of listeners until the very end of a song? Will varying song structure help? Would changing song arrangement and instrumentation be enough? What effect can be introduced during song performance? Will the song lyrics make a difference? This article helps to explain the variety of things that you can do, during song writing, song arrangement, song performance, song recording, song production and song mastering, to help you too keep your song interesting. By Songstuff

Glossary Navigation

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I

IC
Acronym for Integrated Circuit.

Impedance
This is the total opposition to the current flow of an Alternating Current (AC) within a measured system. Impedance is measured in Ohms.

Impedance Balancing (Load Balancing)
This is a technique applied to unbalanced signal outputs to minimise the effects of interference and hum by maximising the power contained in the signal.

Inductor
Electronics component that is chracterised by producing an increasing impedance with frequency.

Insert Point
This is a break point in the signal path that allows external devices to be connected in-line. Commonly these connections are used for connecting signal processors.

Instrumental
Unlike a song, an instrumental is a piece of music without any accompanying lyrics or vocal part. In popular music, an instrumental may include vocal sounds, but not lyrics.

Insulator
A term used to describe any material that does not conduct electricity.

Interlude
An interlude is a short sequence that often re-uses themes and feel from another section of the song. Literally an interlude provides, when needed, breathing space between sections of the song. Interlude sections are almost always instrumental as they literally provide space for a singer to breathe.

Intermodulation Distortion
A type of distortion that results in the addition of frequencies, not present in the original signal. These are normally derived from the sum and difference products of the original signal frequencies.

Intonation
Intonation is basically the alignment of the notes in relation to the position of the frets on the guitar neck. Adjusting the length of guitar strings affects the alignment of the notes in relation to the position of the frets so that they can be aligned. This is best done on a per string basis, with individual bridge positions for each string.

Introduction (Song)
Common features of an Introduction section:

  1. It sets the initial scene of the song and gives the listener their first idea of what is to come.
  2. It establishes rhythm, tempo, instrumentation, dynamics, beat, key and atmosphere.
  3. Major chords give the song an up-beat feel
  4. Minor chords will portray a sad feel or feeling of loss.
  5. Often the introduction is an instrumental, usually featuring a variation of the main theme.
  6. Drums and percussion parts are sometimes used on their own to strongly establish the rhythm or groove.
  7. It can build a sense of suspense and anticipation, creating a feeling of release when the song steps down into the verse.


Arrangement wise, it isn't uncommon to have the lead singer sing the main hook of the song at a slower tempo, or a variation on the main hook may be sung by backup singers. This seeds the main melody in the mind of the listener. This can evoke a stronger reaction to the melody proper, when it appears.

In terms of chord progressions, introductions often:

  1. use one or more bars of the tonic chord
  2. Use a standard "turn around" progression for songs with a jazz or blues influence
  3. Use chord progressions from the verse, chorus, pre-chorus, bridge

IPS
Used to describe tape speed, this is an acronym for Inches Per Second.

Isolation
As the word implies, in recording it is best to keep all of the recordings pure, insulating the rooms to eliminate bleed.



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