Songwriter Forum > The Writing Process
Writing songs without using the tonic?
Elian:
Hello Guys,
New guy here. ;D I want to learn songwriting, so I'm challenging myself to write a new, original song for every key I learn to play on the piano. What I've noticed is songs usually start on the tonic which is how many people determine the key by ear, and I was wondering if it's possible to write a song in a key but start and end the verses on notes other than the tonic, or start the song on a chord that doesn't involve the first degree of the scale?
Like, for example, if I were to write a song in C Major, can I start the melody on D, E, or on a note other than C and have the first chord be something like an E minor? Or is using the tonic key (no pun intended) for the song's cohesion?
Boydie:
Welcome to the forum
A song does not need to start or end on the tonic (note or chord) - it doesn’t even need to have it in the song at all
This is a good example of where knowing music theory can help with the creative process (rather than “hinder it” as many people think - ie following “rules” stifles creativity etc.)
Using the tonic is a great way to “resolve” a melody or chord sequence, ie bring it to a natural “end” that satisfies the listener
If we susbscribe to the notion that great songs have a sense of “tension and release” as a method of communicating emotion we can use the tonic for the “release” and conversely, avoiding the use of the tonic (especially at the end of a section) will enhance the tension
This podcast and post may help give you some options/ideas
http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=9447.0
Elian:
--- Quote from: Boydie on April 14, 2019, 11:23:00 AM ---Welcome to the forum
A song does not need to start or end on the tonic (note or chord) - it doesn’t even need to have it in the song at all
This is a good example of where knowing music theory can help with the creative process (rather than “hinder it” as many people think - ie following “rules” stifles creativity etc.)
Using the tonic is a great way to “resolve” a melody or chord sequence, ie bring it to a natural “end” that satisfies the listener
If we susbscribe to the notion that great songs have a sense of “tension and release” as a method of communicating emotion we can use the tonic for the “release” and conversely, avoiding the use of the tonic (especially at the end of a section) will enhance the tension
This podcast and post may help give you some options/ideas
http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=9447.0
--- End quote ---
Thank you for the explanation and for the link you provided! :D
Yes, I knew the role the tonic plays in a song (resolving tension and bringing everything back to home base), but I was unsure whether starting a song on anything else but the tonic affects it in some sort of way. Now I have the peace of mind I was looking for.
Will definitely check out the podcast you recommended, thanks again for that!
MartynRich:
First test of any song - does it sound good?
As for the rules, well they are there for a reason and it´s good to know the basics at the very least, and use them a lot. However, also make sure you listen to more off the wall stuff...music is for experimenting with...here is a great example from @tboswell in a comp we ran a few years back:
http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11517.msg108436#msg108436
Elian:
--- Quote from: MartynRich on April 14, 2019, 01:30:35 PM ---First test of any song - does it sound good?
--- End quote ---
;D That is exactly how I guide myself through music composition, being a novice to songwriting and having no one to hold my hand.
--- Quote from: MartynRich on April 14, 2019, 01:30:35 PM ---As for the rules, well they are there for a reason and it´s good to know the basics at the very least, and use them a lot. However, also make sure you listen to more off the wall stuff...music is for experimenting with...
--- End quote ---
Precisely, I was trying to stay clear of the realm of tonal music and aim for something more unconventional that does not use the tonic as a gravitational pull, but without necessarily imprinting too much tension or anticipation to the song. Just wanted to see if it's common practice or if I'd end up offending the music gods. ;D
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