The 14 Best Songwriting Books To Read in 2023

The 14 Best Songwriting Books To Read in 2023

1. How to Write One Song By Jeff Tweedy

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Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song is an incredibly insightful and inspiring read, offering a unique and detailed look into the creative process of songwriting.

Tweedy, a highly accomplished musician and songwriter, provide you with a step-by-step approach to songwriting, offering advice on topics such as routines, processes, and finding inspiration. He also shares stories from his career, which help illustrate his points and make the book more personal.

Key Features:

• Open to all
  The book’s central premise is that anyone can write a song, regardless of their experience level. Tweedy encourages you to carve out time for creativity and open yourself up to songwriting possibilities.
• Practical exercises
  He offers a variety of writing exercises, such as the “Have a Conversation” word game and the “Timer” idea, which are designed to help writers get started and overcome writer’s block. These ideas help you with interesting ways to write new music and become a better songwriter.
• Comprehensive content
  The book starts with the most important question, “Why?” which helps you introspect your journey and process. Further, it has chapters like “Obstacles,” “Make songwriting a habit,” and more. The author has divided the book into four sections, all of which are well-structured, concise, and useful.
• Great advice
  The text consists of seven exercises, including “Word Ladder,” “Stealing words from a book,” and more. The author also gives you four important recommendations about setting a timer while writing, stealing, losing your judgment, and learning from others’ songs.
• Well-acknowledged and approved
  The book has received positive feedback and reviews from publications like Rough Trade, Independent, Pitchfork, Financial Times, Esquire, GQ, Vulture, and more. It also has a five-star rating on Amazon, with 1700+ users/customers.

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2. Songwriting Without Boundaries By Pat Pattison

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Key Features:

• Lyrics and Melody
  Lyrics and melody are the basic building blocks of the songwriting process. The book provides detailed information on how to write effective lyrics, including word choice, imagery, and storytelling tips. In addition, Pattison also covers the basics of melody writing, including the use of intervals, phrasing, and rhythm.
• Form and Structure
  In songwriting, form and structure refer to how a song is arranged and put together. The form and structure of a song can greatly affect the song’s overall feel and impact and can help create a sense of unity and coherence. The book covers the different forms and structures of songs, such as verse-chorus, AABA, and more.
• Inspiration and Creativity
  Inspiration is an essential part of the songwriting process, as it helps to generate ideas and provide a source of motivation for the songwriter. However, many creative professionals face issues like writer’s block, fatigue, lack of focus, etc. The book helps songwriters overcome creative blocks and find inspiration for their songs.
• Unique writing style
  Pattison’s teaching style is considered by many as practical, friendly, and easy to understand, which made the book a popular choice among songwriters of all levels. He also includes a variety of exercises and examples to help you improve your songwriting skills.
• Experienced Author
  Pattison is a songwriting instructor at Berklee College of Music and has worked with many well-known songwriters and artists, including John Mayer, Lucinda Williams, and Gillian Welch. He has also been a consultant for several major record labels, including Warner Bros, Sony, and Atlantic Records.

Good For:

“Songwriting Without Boundaries” by Pat Pattison is intended for songwriters of all levels, from aspiring songwriters to experienced professionals. The book covers various topics and techniques, making it suitable for anyone looking to improve their songwriting skills or overcome creative blocks.

The book is particularly well-suited for those who are interested in learning about the technical aspects of songwriting, such as lyrics, melody, form, and structure. The exercises and examples included in the book can help you develop your songwriting skills and better understand the craft.

3. Six Steps to Songwriting Success, Revised Edition By Jason Blume

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Six Steps to Songwriting Success by Jason Blume is an incredibly helpful and informative book that provides a comprehensive guide to songwriting.

Written from the perspective of a professional songwriter and music producer, the book is a must-have for aspiring songwriters looking to hone their craft and advance their music careers. The book starts by discussing the basics of songwriting, such as developing a song structure and various tips for the writing process. It then moves on the more advanced topics such as melody, lyrics, and chords. It also provides an in-depth look into the business side of music, such as copyrighting and publishing.

Key Features:

• Interesting read
  The book is easy to read and understand, making it suitable for all levels of songwriters. Throughout the book, Blume provides helpful advice and insights into the world of music and its associated business. In addition, it is filled with anecdotes and examples from his experiences as a professional songwriter and producer, making it more enjoyable and relatable.
• Identifying successful song structures
  The book breaks down song structures that have worked in the past with the masses and explain all the sections. It also gives a few templates with variations and exercises for writing and using these templates.
• Writing effective Lyrics
  The book delves deep into the lyric writing process. It discusses some techniques and principles like forming an original title, making the singer look good, outlining the story, and writing the actual lines of the lyrics.
• Songwriting tools
  The author discusses topics like expressing a single idea and emotion, maintaining a consistent tone, incorporating details and imagery in lyrics, keeping it conversational, creating a lyric palette, rhyme schemes, and types, visualizing a hit, and more.
• Focuses on niche
  The book discusses writing for a particular market, like children’s songs, Christian songs, Christmas songs, etc. That is helpful, especially in today’s time when there are so many niche markets in music, including various subgenres born on the internet, regional music, etc. This discussion is also helpful for jingle writers and film composers who have to write for various products, characters, and emotions.
• Melody writing
  The book focuses greatly on having an effective and memorable melody and provides techniques for writing melodies that get stuck in listeners’ heads. Melodies are an essential part of every song; hence, the section is useful for every songwriter.

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4. The Philosophy of Modern Song By Bob Dylan

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Dylan’s The Philosophy of Modern Song is a must-read for songwriters, fans of Bob Dylan, or anyone interested in deep diving into the Folk-Rock legend’s inner workings.

In this book, Dylan explores the themes of modernity and nostalgia, drawing on his own experiences to illustrate the impact of the two on one’s life. The book starts with an introduction from Bob, who explains the concept of modernity and how it affects today’s music.

Dylan explains how modernity is an ever-changing concept and how you can use nostalgia to reflect on the past. He also provides several examples of how modernity and nostalgia can be used in music today, emphasizing the importance of keeping up with the changing times.

Key Features:

• Structured writing
  The chapters of The Philosophy of Modern Song are broken down into four parts, each dealing with different topics. The first part explores the themes of modernity and nostalgia in popular music, while the second looks at modern music’s political and cultural implications.
• Covers everything from traditional to modern compositions
  The third part looks at how you can adapt traditional music to fit the modern world, while the fourth part focuses on the increasing importance of technology in modern music.
• Highlights Dylan’s experience
  Throughout the book, Dylan provides a variety of examples to illustrate his points. He draws on his experiences as a folk singer and other artists to show how you can use modernity and nostalgia to create something new. He also examines the impact of technology on the music industry and how it can open up new opportunities for musicians.
• Captivating Visuals
  The book is filled with vivid, evocative visuals that bring you into the heart of Dylan’s creative process. The visuals in the book are stunning, with bold, colorful images that capture the creativity and energy of Dylan’s work. He vividly recreates the atmosphere of studios and live shows with intricate drawings of musical instruments, landscapes, and the people who contribute to the musical experience. The illustrations are lively and captivating, drawing you in and creating an emotional connection.

Good For:

The Philosophy of Modern Song is an informative and entertaining read. It can be of great interest to musicians, fans of Bob Dylan, and songwriters interested in applying the impact of modernity and nostalgia to their music. As Dylan is one of the great songwriters in the history of music, there’s a lot you can learn from him and the book.

5. Songwriters On Songwriting Paul Zollo

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“Songwriters on Songwriting” by Paul Zollo is a book that features interviews with some of the most renowned songwriters of the 20th century, including Bob Dylan.

The book is a collection of in-depth interviews that cover the creative process, inspiration, and the craft of songwriting. The book provides an insight into the minds of some of the most influential songwriters of the modern era, including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, and many others. It is considered a classic in songwriting and music industry literature.

Key Features:

• Interviews with renowned songwriters
  The book features interviews with a wide range of songwriters, including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys, Leonard Cohen, etc. These interviews provide insight into the creative process, motivations, and inspiration behind some of the most iconic songs of the modern era.
• Focus on the craft of songwriting
  The book provides a detailed examination of the craft of songwriting, including the techniques and methods used by songwriters to create their music. The interviewees discuss their songwriting process, their influences, and the techniques they use to create their songs.
• A comprehensive and chronological history of songwriting
  The book covers a wide range of songwriters and songs, spanning multiple decades and genres, providing a comprehensive and chronological history of songwriting. That provides you with a great context to write timeless music.
• A valuable resource for songwriters and music lovers
  The book is considered a valuable resource for songwriters, musicians, and music lovers, providing an in-depth look into the craft of songwriting and the inspiration and motivations behind some of the most iconic songs of the modern era.

Good For:

“Songwriters on Songwriting” by Paul Zollo provides an in-depth look into the creative process, inspiration, and craft of some of the most renowned songwriters of the 20th century. It offers valuable insights and tips for aspiring and professional songwriters and a unique perspective on the creative process of some of the most iconic songwriters of the modern era.

6. Great Songwriting Techniques By Jack Perricone

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The book Great Songwriting Techniques by Jack Perricone is for aspiring songwriters.

The book covers various topics, from the fundamentals of song construction to advanced harmonization and arrangement skills. This guide also provides a comprehensive look into the craft of songwriting, from the basics of song structure to the nuances of lyric writing.

Key Features:

• Structured and concise content
  The book starts with an introduction that gives you a brief overview of the basics of songwriting, including the different songwriting styles and approaches. From there, it dives deeper into the songwriting process, discussing everything from creating melodies and chord progressions to crafting lyrics and structuring a song.
• Make your songs stand out.
  The book also covers topics such as how to create hooks, the importance of flow and rhythm, song structure, and the elements that make up a song. You can use these techniques to write songs that hook people and keep them engaged.
• Easy to read
  Perricone does an excellent job of breaking down the complexities of songwriting into easy-to-digest sections. He provides you with clear examples and illustrations to reinforce his points. He also includes helpful tips and advice to make the process smoother.
• Comprehensive chapters
  The book consists of chapters like Beginning a song, introduction to melody, rhythm, rhyme, tone tendencies (scales/intervals), different settings of songwriting (writing lyrics to music and music to lyrics), and genre-based writings on Blues, Rock, R&B, and other Modal environments.
• Technical and advanced writing
  Although the book is easy to read, it discusses songwriting from a technical point of view while discussing various scales, including exotic scales or modes like Lydian, Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian, etc., and development techniques. The further you get in the text, the more technical it gets.

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7. Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter By Mike Errico

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Mike Errico’s Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter is a great resource for any songwriter looking to hone their craft and take their music to the next level.

Errico’s book is the perfect combination of education and inspiration, filled with valuable tips and techniques for songwriters of all levels and captivating stories from the author’s own experiences as a musician. The author has broken down the book into three sections; “Lyrics,” “Music,” and “Life,” each of which contains useful tips, exercises, and stories to help you on your journey.

Key Features:

• Lyrics
  The “Lyrics” section includes tips on writing better lyrics, the importance of storytelling, and an in-depth review of the different methods of rhyme and meter.
• Music
  The “Music” section of the book covers the structure and components of music, from basic beat and rhythm to melody and harmony to complex musical forms. It explains the elements of music theory, such as scales and chords, and how to use them in creating effective harmonic progressions. It also covers the application of these concepts in different contemporary music styles.
• Lyrics
  Within this section, Errico provides an in-depth look at the psychological and emotional elements needed to survive and thrive in a challenging career. He covers topics such as handling success, failure, and the constant scrutiny of the industry and the public.
• Psychological approach
  Errico also delves into the behavioral, mental, and emotional approaches to songwriting that will help writers craft emotionally resonant songs. He offers advice on how to build a songwriting team and how to work with other artists, as well as how to navigate the business side of the industry.
• Practical Advice
  Errico also provides real-life guidance on listening to different genres of music to form a broad spectrum of influences and how to incorporate these elements into your music. He also gives recommendations on which software and tools to use to create and record your songs.

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8. Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure By Pat Pattison

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Key Features:

• In-depth coverage of form and structure
  The book covers various forms of songwriting, such as verse-chorus form and ABAB rhyme schemes, and explains how you can use these forms to create effective lyrics. In addition, the author uses clear and concise language throughout the book, making it easy for you to understand the concepts presented.
• Focus on language
  The book analyzes hit songs to illustrate how successful songwriters have used form and structure to create effective lyrics. Secondly, the book contains tips and tricks to help songwriters improve their craft, such as brainstorming techniques and ways to overcome writer’s block.
• Analysis of hit songs
  The book provides an analysis of hit songs to illustrate how successful songwriters have used form and structure to create effective lyrics. Secondly, the book is full of tips and tricks that can help songwriters improve their craft, such as brainstorming techniques, and ways to overcome writer’s block.
• Rhyme and meter
  The book covers rhyme and meter in songwriting, including the different rhyme schemes and how to use them to create a sense of balance and flow in lyrics.
• Exercises and examples
  Throughout the book, the author provides exercises and examples to help writers develop their skills and understand the concepts covered in the book. These exercises are designed to help writers experiment with different forms and structures and to develop their unique style as a songwriter.

Good For:

“Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure” by Pat Pattison is primarily written for experienced and aspiring songwriters. The book covers a wide range of topics essential for anyone interested in songwriting, including form and structure, language and imagery, rhyme and meter, and analyzing hit songs.

Additionally, it could be useful to anyone interested in the music industry, such as music producers, music teachers, and even fans of music, who want to gain a deeper understanding of the art of songwriting, and how successful songs are crafted.

9. Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting: 126 Proven Techniques for Writing Songs That Sell By Robin A Frederick

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Key Features:

• Proven techniques
  The book offers 126 techniques for writing songs that sell, based on the author’s years of experience as a professional songwriter. These techniques are designed to help songwriters create strong melodies, lyrics, chord progressions, and structures that will resonate with audiences and make their songs more likely to be successful.
• Variety of strategies
  The book provides a wide range of tips and strategies for creating hit songs, including how to develop a unique style, create hooks that will grab listeners’ attention, and build a sense of emotional connection with audiences.
• Industry insights
  The book also includes information on the music industry and how to get your songs heard by the right people. This includes advice on networking, promoting your music, and getting your songs placed in films, TV shows, and commercials.
• Written by a professional
  The author, Robin A Frederick, is a professional songwriter with years of experience in the music industry. Her knowledge and experience make the book a valuable resource for songwriters and musicians.
• Structure
  The book covers how to create song structures that are effective and engaging. It covers the basics of verse-chorus-bridge structure and provides examples of other structures that have been used in hit songs.
• Other features
  The book also provides examples of hit songs, to show how the techniques and strategies discussed in the book have been used by successful songwriters. Additionally, it also includes exercises, prompts, and checklists to help songwriters put the techniques into practice and improve their skills.

Good For:

The book is designed to be accessible to songwriters and musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals. It can be used as a reference for those starting out in the industry or as a source of inspiration for more experienced songwriters. Additionally, the book also provides information on the music industry and how to get your songs heard by the right people.

10. Songwriting For Dummies By Jim Peterik

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Key Features:

• Comprehensive guide to the craft of songwriting
  The book covers all the essential elements of songwriting, including finding inspiration, writing lyrics, developing melodies, and more. The book also covers the industry’s business side, including how to pitch songs to publishers and get them recorded by recording artists.
• Tips and techniques from a Grammy-winning songwriter
  The author, Jim Peterik, is a highly successful songwriter and musician, and he shares his personal experience and insights throughout the book. He is best known as the lead singer and keyboardist of the band Survivor, which had several hit songs in the 1980s, including “Eye of the Tiger,” the theme song for the movie Rocky III.
• Written for both aspiring and experienced songwriters
  The book is designed to be accessible to songwriters at all experience levels, from beginners to established professionals. It includes examples of successful songs and exercises to help you practice and apply the concepts covered in the book. It provides advice on how to collaborate and co-write with other songwriters.
• Complementary CD
  The book also includes a CD with audio examples of the exercises and songs discussed in the book so that you can hear the concepts in action.

Good For:

“Songwriting for Dummies” by Jim Peterik is designed to be accessible to readers of all levels, from beginners who are just starting to learn about songwriting to established professionals looking to improve their skills and knowledge.

The book is meant to provide a comprehensive guide to the craft of songwriting, as well as the business side of the industry. It is suitable for anyone interested in learning how to write songs, whether a musician, a singer or simply someone who loves music and wants to learn more about the creative process.

11. Writing Better Lyrics By Pat Pattison

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Key Features:

• Techniques for creating powerful imagery
  The book provides detailed instructions on using the imagery in lyrics to create vivid and evocative pictures in the listener’s mind. To help writers apply the concepts discussed in the book, it includes exercises and examples of lyrics written by established and emerging songwriters.
• Metaphor, Symbolism, and Storytelling
  The book explains how to use metaphor and symbolism effectively in lyrics to add depth and meaning to the words. It also teaches songwriters how to use storytelling techniques to create compelling and engaging lyrics that grab listeners’ attention and keep them interested.
• Song structure
  The book delves into the mechanics of song structure, including verses, choruses, and bridges, and how to use them effectively to create a cohesive and satisfying song.
• Other features
  The book also covers the aspects of songwriting like the importance of understanding the listener, the audience, the market, and the current trend. It is written in a simple and easy-to-understand language and is considered a great reference book for both beginning and experienced songwriters.

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12. The Addiction Formula By Friedemann Findeisen

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The Addiction Formula: A Holistic Approach to Writing Captivating, Memorable Hit Songs is a book that provides songwriters with strategies and techniques for writing successful and memorable songs.

The book covers a wide range of topics related to songwriting, including song structure, melody, lyrics, and production. The book takes a holistic approach to songwriting, emphasizing the importance of considering all aspects of a song, including structure, melody, lyrics, and production, to create a captivating and memorable hit song.

Key Features:

• 317 Proven commercial techniques
  The book includes 317 techniques used by successful songwriters to create hit songs. These techniques cover various aspects of songwriting such as structure, melody, lyrics, and production.
• 331 Examples
  The book includes 331 examples of hit songs that demonstrate the techniques discussed in the book. These examples provide a practical understanding of applying these techniques to create successful songs.
• Emphasis on Emotion and Storytelling
  The book emphasizes the importance of emotions and storytelling in songwriting. It offers guidance on how to create lyrics that connect with listeners emotionally and how to use storytelling techniques to create a sense of narrative in a song.
• A focus on craftsmanship
  The book also provides guidance on refining songwriting skills and developing songwriting craftsmanship by studying and analyzing hit songs.
• Discussion on the current trends and market
  The book includes the current trends in the music industry and how to adapt to the market and make a hit song that can stand out in the current market.

Good For:

The book is intended for songwriters, composers, and producers looking to improve their songwriting skills and create captivating and memorable hit songs. It provides a wide range of techniques and strategies for songwriting, and it covers various aspects of the songwriting process.

The book may also be useful for anyone interested in the music industry, such as music students, music teachers, and fans of music.

13. Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting By Ralph J. Murphy

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Key Features:

• Song Structure
  The book provides detailed information on the structure of a song, including the verse-chorus-bridge format, pre-choruses, hooks, and the use of repetition in songwriting.
• Lyrics
  Lyrics are the main story of the song and are something that listeners connect with the most. The book covers the art of lyric writing, including metaphor and imagery, rhyme schemes, and the importance of storytelling in songwriting.
• Melody
  Melody is the book’s soul and is usually the first thing anyone notices about the song. The book provides information on how to create memorable melodies, including hooks and repeating motifs, as well as the use of rhythm and phrasing in melody creation.
• Music Business
  The book also covers the business aspects of songwriting, including copyright law, publishing, and the process of pitching songs to record labels and music publishers. This knowledge will help you create business and commerce out of the music you make.
• Examples and Exercises
  The book includes examples from hit songs and exercises for writers to practice their skills and develop their songwriting abilities. It also covers the importance of understanding the audience and the market, and how to tailor the lyrics and melody to fit the target audience.

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14. The Art of Songwriting By Ed Bell

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The Art of Songwriting by Ed Bell is a comprehensive guide to composing songs.

Bell covers every aspect of songwriting, from crafting melodies and lyrics to the more subtle elements of producing and recording. He provides helpful and practical tips, encouraging you to experiment and explore new musical avenues. The book also includes case studies and interviews with other songwriters to provide further insight.

Key Features:

• Great writing
  Bell’s clear and concise writing style makes the book easy to read and understand. He provides extensive examples to demonstrate his points, making it easy to apply the lessons to your music.
• Focus on collaboration
  Bell emphasizes the importance of having a team of collaborators to contribute ideas and to help refine ideas. He also covers the business side of songwriting, discussing topics such as copyrights and contracts. In addition, he provides advice on how to get the most out of collaborations and how to effectively market your songs.
• Experienced Author
  Ed Bell is a singer, songwriter, and producer with decades of experience in the music industry. He has written and performed on multiple successful records and continues to work with some of the most influential artists in the world.
• Other features
  The book contains helpful examples, practice exercises, tip-tricks, recommendations, and inspiration, making The Art of Songwriting a great resource for songwriters of all levels.

Good For:

The Art of Songwriting offers something for songwriters of all levels. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward explanations of key concepts, while more experienced songwriters will benefit from Bell’s deep dive into the creative process of writing music.

Bonus:

1. The Craft of Lyric Writing By Sheila Davis

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Key Features:

• Emphasis on the structure of the lyrics
  Davis explains the importance of having a clear and consistent structure in a song and provides techniques for creating effective verse-chorus-bridge formats. She also discusses using pre-choruses and post-choruses and other structures, such as the AABA form, to help writers create dynamic and engaging lyrics.
• Focus on imagery
  Davis stresses the importance of using vivid and descriptive language to create a strong emotional connection with the listener. She provides techniques for using mental images and symbolism to convey a specific mood or message and offers examples of how you can use imagery to create a powerful impact on the listener.
• How to create effective hooks
  Davis explains how you can use hooks to grab the listener’s attention and make the song memorable. She provides techniques for creating catchy and memorable hooks and offers examples of how you can use the hooks to enhance the song’s overall impact.
• Variety of exercises and examples to help you develop your skills
  The exercises are designed to help writers practice the techniques discussed in the book and to develop their unique style. The examples provided are from a wide range of well-known songs, which allows writers to see how the techniques have been used in real-world situations.

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2. Melody in Songwriting By Jack Perricone

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Melody in Songwriting by Jack Perricone is an insightful guide for anyone interested in writing music. 

Melody is a sequence of sounds arranged in a way that is pleasing and memorable to the listener. It is the most crucial element of any song and is the main factor that helps to identify the genre and mood of the piece.

This book takes you through the basics of writing a song, including how to create melodies, the components of a song, and how to arrange a song. The book also provides various techniques to help improve your songwriting skills and advice on finding inspiration and ideas.

Key Features:

• Engaging writing
  Perricone takes an interactive approach to teach you, encouraging them to work through exercises and practice regularly. He also offers tips on developing one’s unique songwriting style.
• Scientific information
  The book also dives deep into the science behind the melody, exploring its various components and how they interact with other aspects of a song. This section contains helpful information for experienced and novice songwriters alike.
• Structured content
  The book is divided into two parts, such that the first part discusses Melody and its components, and the second part discusses the relationship between melody and harmony. The first part discusses pitch, rhythm, tone tendencies, symmetry/asymmetry, and more. On the other hand, the second part discusses melody/bass relationships, minor harmonies, and related content.
• Renowned author
  Jack Perricone is a professor of music and the author of Melody in Songwriting. He is an established educator and researcher in music and songwriting, having published several books on the subject. He holds degrees in music from the University of Arizona and the Hartt School of Music and has spent the last two decades teaching, researching, and writing about music. His research focuses on the relationship between music and emotion and how you can use this relationship to craft compelling and emotionally engaging pieces.

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3. Mastering Melody Writing: A Songwriter’s Guide By Clay Mills

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Clay Mills’ Mastering Melody Writing: A Songwriter’s Guide is a great book for aspiring songwriters.

The book is an indispensable guide to honing the craft of writing melodies and poems. It’s detailed and well-structured, focusing on the fundamentals of songwriting. The main strength of Mastering Melody Writing: A Songwriter’s Guide is its comprehensive approach to writing melodies.

Mills covers all songwriting steps, from creating a concept to creating the melody and lyrics. He also shares tips on how to make your melodies stand out.

Key Features:

• Well-structured
  Mills breaks down the topic into easy-to-understand sections, including an introduction to melody writing, creating a song structure, understanding rhythm, and finding inspiration. However, the book is primarily divided into two parts: Creating Compelling and Memorable Songs and Fine-tuning your Melodic Sense.
• Interactive writing
  The book includes helpful advice about writing for different genres and different instruments. In addition, the author has filled it with examples and exercises that help to illustrate the concepts engagingly.
• Melody-genius: Clay Mills
  Clay Mills is an author, songwriter, and composer from Nashville, Tennessee. He has written songs for some of the most prominent artists in the music industry, including Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Kenny Chesney. He has also written for television shows such as “American Idol” and the “X Factor.” He has been a part of the Nashville music scene for over 20 years, and his knowledge and expertise make him the perfect author for this inspiring and useful guide.
• Useful Content
  The book starts with chapters about Patterns, Repetition, ARC, and Developing Melodic Flexibility. Further, it gets into creating hooks and ear candies, Clay’s Essential tools, and more. In just 128 pages, the author gives inspiration, tools, and templates to write amazing songs!

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4. Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting By Jimmy Webb

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Jimmy Webb’s Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting is an inspiring and highly informative book for aspiring songwriters and those who simply want to understand the creative process of writing songs.

Webb dives deep into the creative process of writing songs, from the lyrical inspiration to the technicalities of composition. He explains songwriting’s creative concepts and techniques and the research, analysis, and revision that go into a great song. He also provides personal insight from his experience as a successful songwriter.

Key Features:

• Practical tips and real-life examples
  Webb provides practical advice throughout the book, explaining how to apply the concepts and techniques to writing songs with the highest potential for success. He also shares the stories of some of his most successful songs, exploring their relevance in the music industry and their journey to becoming a hit.
• Interactive writing
  The book has a compelling hook with its titles and chapters, along with a gripping narrative and style of informing. For example, it consists of chapters titled “It can’t get no Verse,” “In search of a lost chord,” and “give us a tune then, Jim.” The writing will keep you engaged, informed, and entertained simultaneously.
• Renowned Author
  Jimmy Webb is a Grammy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated American songwriter, composer, and singer. He is well-known for writing classics such as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman,” “MacArthur Park,” and “Up, Up and Away.” Webb has been hailed as one of the greatest songwriters in the history of contemporary music and has earned numerous accolades throughout his career.
• Intuitive approach
  The book doesn’t get as technical as other books available for songwriting but gives an intuitive and inspiring approach to songwriting. It teaches you how to channel your mind into creating new and interesting ideas and encourages you to find your technique rather than following someone else’s.
• Lengthy Read
  The book is 500 pages long and provides a detailed breakdown of each concept and idea the author discusses. Along with tips, tricks, examples, and exercises, the author also discusses his journey and career in the music industry. He conveys each idea with compelling stories that make it memorable and interesting.
• Insightful BTS stories
  Webb offers a masterful exploration of the creative process behind songwriting. He covers inspiration, composition, and production topics and shares his personal stories of working with legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Glen Campbell. Webb also offers insight into his techniques to compose some of his most iconic songs, giving you a unique look into the world of professional songwriting.

Good For:

Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the art of songwriting, including its creative processes, techniques, and principles. Webb explores the creative and intellectual challenges of writing hit songs while providing advice on making your music.

He also intersperses anecdotes and observations from his career and those of other celebrated songwriters. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the craft of songwriting.

Conclusion

We have covered various books, all teaching skills like songwriting, melody writing, lyric writing, structuring, and composing music. Each writer and reader has specialized methods, techniques, and processes that work for them. However, I recommend you find your way by combining some of these tools and practicing the process.

Suppose you are looking for a book to help you with lyric writing. In that case, Six Steps to Songwriting Success by Jason Blume and Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison are some great options, as they dive deep into lyric writing and discuss poetic devices and other factors that contribute to better songs.

Secondly, for better melody writing, you can consider Melody in Songwriting by Jack Perricone and Clay Mills’ Mastering Melody Writing, as the main focus of these books is to help you write better intervals by studying examples, breaking down intervals, and going into the psychology of why some intervals sound better than others.

Further, Songwriters on Songwriting and Bob Dylan’s The Philosophy of Modern Song document the works and processes of some of the most renowned authors. So these books are suitable for you if you learn by example. Next, Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song, Songwriting Without Boundaries by Pat Pattison, and Great Songwriting Techniques by Jack Perricone are great books for generalists who want to cover all end-to-end processes in a single book. These comprehensive and detailed books give great insights, tips, tricks, and examples.

Lastly, suppose you are a beginner looking for a book to start becoming a songwriter. In that case, Songwriting for Dummies is a good read to consider, as this book is written in an easy-to-understand, concise and straightforward way. I hope the article was of help. Thank you for reading.