JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Why are there so many lyric-only folks?

Thanks Tom, my cousin was in the Air Force Band. He is a civilian now and has a regular gig in Branson. Not sure where he plays.

I don't want to make this post about me, but only share my experience. I grew up learning to play instruments since 9 years old, Violin, Clarinet, Sax, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo. I know music theory somewhat from the early days. I can look at a manuscript and tell what time it's in, sharps, flats etc. I can get the idea and feel of the melody,(by reading those funny words like adagio..) but can't sight read. I mainly play the Guitar now, but can't read Guitar music. I read Tabulator and hate it.

I've only been writing my own songs for 7 years. When I write a song I write the lyrics and melody at the same time to establish a meter, then go back and change things later. Like McCartney's "Scrambled Eggs".

I'm venturing into writing melodies for others lyrics now and not finding it as easy as I thought. The melody is what catches the ear when first heard. Dylan and Donovan can do both, words and melody. It's like learning a new instrument to provide a great melody for pre written lyrics. I first try the original meter and lyric to get an idea of what the lyricist had intended, and if that doesn't work, I'll ask to make some changes.

As a musician, it would be nice to sit down with a co-writer and work a song out. That can't be done most of the time with the Internet, but I believe that the prospects are even greater with the Internet because you can meet co-writers that you will never find in your home town.

Yeah, it's hard to learn to play the guitar, you have to learn all those chords (7 basic) and change from G to C real fast. And don't forget that it makes your finger tips hurt.

Remember to tune your Guitar. Thanks, Ben