[Serotonin]

MY TRACK - https://soundcloud.com/serotonin-17/beginnings-of-a-song

Okay so, the above track is something I've written which is unintentionally similar, very similar to a song I absolutely love, you can find it by following the link:

Now, mine is only 40 seconds long and the one in the video is a complete song so there are many ways I can take this, but I would like to know, are the central guitar melodies too similar? Anything I can do to mix it up a bit?

[Yodasdad]

I would say it is rather similar but as you've pointed out, it really depends where you go with the rest of the song.

In terms of changing it, I would probably start with the rhythmic groove.

The BBBC version emphasises 1 2 3+4+ with the finger picking.

You could try to avoid this- maybe 1+2 3 4 or something.

You could place it in a key that is far away from the BBBC version which will make the similarity less obvious and will help you come up with original ideas.

What about substituting the second chord for something different or alternating between
the first chord - what you have already - first chord - new chord

Using the same chord sequence as BBBC is not a problem but if the groove, picking pattern, melody, structure etc all begin to show similarities then I'd say you are bordering on dangerous ground in terms of plagiarism.

Just my thoughts

Yodasdad.

[Annoying Twit]

At the moment there are some similarities, but basic fingerpicking patterns and normal chord sequences can be reused. I'd say, do something very different with the vocal melody and you'll be fine.

If you're swapping chords, one thing that you can do is choose overlapping chords (not sure if that is the right term). E.g. D minor is D, F, A, and F major is F, A, B. Substituting one for the other will give a different, but similar, sound.

[Serotonin]

At the moment there are some similarities, but basic fingerpicking patterns and normal chord sequences can be reused. I'd say, do something very different with the vocal melody and you'll be fine.

If you're swapping chords, one thing that you can do is choose overlapping chords (not sure if that is the right term). E.g. D minor is D, F, A, and F major is F, A, B. Substituting one for the other will give a different, but similar, sound.

Well, I don't actually know what the chords in either are. Like I said, this happened entirely by accident. I could show you a tab or something because I personally can't identify the chords I'm using at this stage.

[Serotonin]

Not sure if this is better or worse but:
https://soundcloud.com/serotonin-17/idek-what-this-is-but

[Boydie]

If / when you work the chords out this thread may give you some good ideas on how to take the song forward:

http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/the-writing-process/songwriterselect-episode-4-chord-theory/