Ep.014: How Instruments Shape Songwriting

Ever wonder if you really need a guitar or piano in your hands to call yourself a songwriter? In this episode, we share how playing an instrument can unlock creative freedom, spark fresh ideas, and strengthen collaboration—plus when it’s totally fine not to play one at all. We’ll guide you on choosing the right instrument for your style and show you why some chords might deserve a shake-up!

TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00] Episode Intro & Why Learn an Instrument
  Opening thoughts on instrument skills, focusing on lyrics and melody.
• [02:13] Demonstrations, Control & Encouragement
  Musical examples, creative control benefits, and motivation for all writers.
• [03:32] Resources for Non-Instrumentalists
  Helpful tools for those without traditional instrument skills.
• [06:42] Getting Started on Piano
  Why piano is ideal for beginners and basic theory insights.
• [09:03] Visualizing Music Theory
  How piano’s layout clarifies chord structure and theory.
• [09:46] Genre Choices & Team Collaboration
  Selecting instruments by style and leveraging skilled collaborators.
• [12:08] Unique Qualities of Guitar & Piano
  Differences in sound, technique, and creative approaches.
• [14:56] Technology & Other Instruments
  Using virtual sounds and exploring multiple instruments.
• [16:18] Weighing Instrument Skills
  Implications of not learning versus having basic proficiency.
• [17:41] Collaboration & Flexibility
  Balancing roles when one writer lacks instrument skills, and melody-chord interplay.
• [20:14] Music Theory & Tension/Release
  Key theory concepts and creating musical anticipation.
• [21:18] Creative Freedom in Collaboration
  How diverse skills spark fresh ideas in co-writing.
• [22:23] More on Learning Instruments
  Consistent practice expands songwriting capabilities.
• [24:01] Genre-Specific Instrumentation
  How instruments and keys shape a song’s feel.
• [25:03] Time Commitment
  Realistic time investment for building proficiency.
• [26:36] Co-Writing & Working Humbly
  Contributing musically, choosing chords, and staying open in collaboration.

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Project Songbird provides full song production, mixing and mastering services, a place for songwriters to experience community, and educational resources. Our podcast aims to provide insightful conversations hosted by industry professionals, David and KMO, that help enrich the songwriter's experience.

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