Question

Note: This is NOT a question. This is a tutorial. P.S. MY TUTORIALS ARE NOT JUST APPLICABLE IN GUITARS. THESE ARE MUSIC THEORIES SO THEY CAN BE USED ON ANY INSTRUMENTS.

How to compose a simple song? See comment below to see how!

Answer 1

Using the table I have presented before, it is possible to create a simple, yet harmonious melody. If we recall, the table is somewhat like this:

I II III IV V VI VII
C D E F G A B
D E F# G A B C#
E F# G# A B C# D
F G A A# C D E
G A B C D E F#
A B C# D E F# G#
B C# D# E F# G# A#


How can we use this to write a song? In the previous tutorial, we learned that the I, III and V notes can be used to "derive" new chords. This time, we're gonna learn that the I, IV and V notes can help us make a song.

The I, IV and V notes are also known as the family chords. The II, III, VI and VII are known as the cousin chords. Being the family chords, the I, IV and V chords usually make up majority of a song. Sometimes, they're the only ones in the song. However, it is very rare to compose a song withouth these three chords as the name suggests "family chords" means that they are the most important chords in the key and make up the music harmonies. Sometimes, a relative minor is also thrown in. What is the relative minor? The relative minor is the VI minor chord. For example, in the key of C, the relative minor is A minor. In the key of D, it is B minor, and so on and so forth.

So, what are examples of great songs that only use the I, IV and V chords?

Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver
is a country classic in the key of G which is comprised by the G (I note), C (IV note) and the D (V note).

Brown-Eyed Girl by Van Morrison is in the key of G and also uses the G-C-D chords.

Love Story by Taylor Swift is in the key of C which makes use of the relative minor with its chords C-G-Am-F

Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton is another song in the key of G which uses G-C-D

Let It Be by The Beatles is in the key of C and uses the chord pattern C-G-Am-F (although it adds a Dm in the end, the song can be played with these four chords only)

Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan is a country classic in the key of D which uses the chords D-G-A


These are few of the greatest music pieces of music genres and they were played using such simple chords. So, what's stopping you from creating a musical masterpiece like these with these few chords as well?

Answer 2

Good job! Maybe not too long from now I'll actually know what you're talking about ;)

Answer 3

I absolutely love this. You helped a TREMENDOUS amount. THANK YOU! ^.^

Answer 4

hehe glad i helped :D

Answer 5

uhmm i just remembered to make a correction....Love Story by Taylor Swift is in the key of D following the chords D-G-A-Bm I forgot I use a capo when I play that lol =)))

on a different note though...i hope @Dyiliq can see this and make some comments/corrections

Answer 6

You like country music don't you?

Answer 7

What I usually play
1. Rock
2. Folk music
3. Country
4. Pop

country usually consists of the main chords that's why it was written there...it doesn't mean it's what i play haha...i usually play beatles...and beatles are also one of the few rock musicians who use those simple chords

Answer 8

oh okay

Answer 9

omg that is so helpful thanks :)

Answer 10

and thanks for correcting Love Story by Taylor Swift. I love that song :)

Answer 11

me too :D i like playing it because it's the only song i can play that people my age understands....they say my music is for granpas ;/ haha

Answer 12

hey can you fan me @lgbasallote cause i want to message you :)

Answer 13

hey what's the next tutorial going to be about @lgbasallote. I can't wait!!!!!

Answer 14

idk..probably would be a long time haha ive had some ideas but requires drawings and im too lazy and busy at the moment

Answer 15

Let's see a toot on Slides, Hammers, Bends, Barchords, and Pitch Harmonics...

Answer 16

Haha, that would be awesome! :)

Answer 17

haha maybe next week :p i put the "toots" on hold for now :DDD

Answer 18

lgba, way to go, tutorial in music too?

Answer 19

yup :D there are two here. the other one was something about what was it...i cant recall...something about the derivation of chords...

Answer 20

maybe my next one could be reading tablatures :p before i go on to those hammeron thingies haha

Answer 21

Okay! Anything you can come up with, really! Looking forward to it.

Answer 22

How'd you change the text of your Q without losing the thread?

Answer 23

Edit Question...link beside Report Abuse

Answer 24

Ah

Answer 25

lol I'm learning guitar this summer!

Answer 26

I have a band called Heartbeat

Answer 27

this would be helpful then :DD i mean when you make songs and such

Answer 28

Yeah it would

Answer 29

I'd like to hear your band @evergirl

Answer 30

You can one day, once we finish our album

Answer 31

Its not done yet, we'll be working on that over the summer

Answer 32

Brandy how could you D: You never told me.....I feel hurt. :'( I will now go drown in my tears of sorrow.

Answer 33

What's the matter becca?

Answer 34

I'm not famous or anything

Answer 35

That'd be cool though!

Answer 36

lol I knew you sang, but I didn't know you had a band haha Good luck! lmk how it turns outttttt :D

Answer 37

ok thanks!

Answer 38

No problem, girly :D