Guitar Nine Columns: Songwriting Composition Theory

Displaying 1 - 42 of 96

Enjoy over 25 years of staff columns, guest columns, interviews and more!

Tommaso Zillio

Rachmaninoff composed one of his best melodies by lifting a theme from Paganini.

Tommaso Zillio

Many things to be learned from Stevie's prodigious songwriting abilities.

Tommaso Zillio

The basics: notes, scales, and chords and how they work together.

Tommaso Zillio

How the key change works, and how we can do the same in our songs.

December-January 2020
Tommaso Zillio

We're positive you should be exposed to negative harmony.

December-January 2019
Vlad De Briansky

Learn the essence of blues, in the key of G.

October-November 2019
Tommaso Zillio

Answering yes to this question may be a little deceiving.

August-September 2019
Simon Dupree

Some rare studio gems which can be found for under $500.

June-July 2019
Tommaso Zillio

If you know scales and chords, then you are ready to start learning music theory.

June-July 2019
Just Rijna

How ear training helps you develop skills that are at the core of your musicianship.

June-July 2019
Tommaso Zillio

Is it possible to get by as a musician without learning to read music?

April-May 2019
Tommaso Zillio

Think outside the box when it feels like you've already played everything of which you feel capable.

April-May 2019
Tommaso Zillio

This article is a great place to start if you are ready to learn music theory in a more useful and effective way.

February-March 2019
Vlad De Briansky

Remember: your unique intuition is the most important asset you possess.

February-March 2019
Tommaso Zillio

Which instrument should you be using, and is it possible to get away with not using one at all?

December-January 2018
Tommaso Zillio

Tips on how to continue your understanding of music theory with the right foot forward.

October-November 2018
Tommaso Zillio

It's a misconception that inspiration is something that just appears out of thin air.

October-November 2018
Tommaso Zillio

Get memorable - immerse yourself into the world of repetition.

August-September 2018
Tommaso Zillio

Write an inspirational song that people actually want to listen to by incorporating different keys.

August-September 2018
Tommaso Zillio

If your songs are pleasant to listen to, but not the most captivating, check out these tips.

August-September 2018
Tommaso Zillio

Write an inspirational song that people actually want to listen to by incorporating different keys.

April-May 2018
Tommaso Zillio

a simple and fun trick that many professionals often use in their songs.

April-May 2018
Just Rijna

Exploding the myths surrounding talent, inspiration and writer's block.

February-March 2018
Tommaso Zillio

Tips on how to ready yourself for your next burst of songwriting inspiration.

December-January 2017
Tommaso Zillio

There's a chance you have too many unfinished songs sitting on your computer, or maybe even on your bookshelf - let's finish them.

December-January 2017
James Rosocha

Melodies are what stick in the listeners mind and convey passion and emotion: creating coherence in your solos.

August-September 1996
Arnold Schulman

Arnold Schulman discusses lyric writing for the beginner.

August-September 1996
Guitar Haus

How to use the song structure method to jump-start compositions.

October-November 1998
Gerry Magee

Gerry Magee begins his multi-part series on expanding your mind, as well as your fretboard, with the benefits of thinking like a composer.

October-November 1999
Will Landrum

G9er Will Landrum is here to help when you seem to be fresh out of ideas.

August-September 2001
Sergio Zurawski

Brazilian guitarist teaches by example in his first Guitar Nine column.

October-November 2001
Francesco Fareri

An in-depth look at Fareri`s neo-classical shred debut from the guitarist himself.

October-November 2001
Beurks

Composition angles from the man known as Beurks.

December-January 2003
Randy Ellefson

How do you write something fast, expressive and musical? Randy Ellefson is here with some tips.

February-March 2004
Tom Hess Opus 2

Tom Hess discusses how creativity can be enhanced and stimulated to improve songwriting and improvisation.

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