Songwriting, ep 1: How to Turn Your Ideas Into Songs

I'm gonna do more of these. More than anything, I am the world's biggest creativity cheerleader - DO COOL STUFF!
If you know key chord functions and understand time signatures you can manipulate all your ideas into songs. Some cool progression that you came up with 4 years ago actually works well with tonight's random riff! You just gotta line them up into the same key and feel.
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[@nikodelrey]

I heard someone say that if a song comes to you when you are sleeping, you have to get up and write it down. Otherwise it goes to Bob Dylan.

[@pascalauzias5636]

Sometimes I hear a good song when I'm sleeping, but when I wake up it's not so good... 😁

[@ziyadbagharib7803]

HAHAHAH love it

[@alphanumeric1529]

That's part of his deal with you know who, right?

[@fujifurqan5316]

Yeah it really does.

[@darwinsaye]

When I was in my highly creative 20s, I always kept a notebook and pen on my nightstand an arms length away while I slept. I’d wake up several times through the night to jot down things or sometimes even right complete pieces. One other benefit of this, in my experience, is that you have more unhindered creativity when you are half asleep.

[@OriginalReact]

Don't doubt your ideas either. So much of art and especially music is not just making something. But being willing to take what you've created and expanding on it, or sharing it. Alot of greatness can be lost to thoughts of "It's just not cool or unique enough"

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

100 percent!

[@InceyWincey]

This is why people think that alcohol and other mind bending substances are good for creativity. They aren’t. They are good for lowering your inhibitions so that you actually make something without doubting yourself. By the time you sober up it’s too late, you’ve written a song. You could almost certainly have written something better sober, but you wouldn’t because you doubted yourself too much.

[@iambencollins]

John Mayer talks about this! He has said, its way cooler and less cowardly to say "that didn't work" rather than "that won't work".

[@brookemcquiggan6781]

I doubt myself too much ..ugh my downfall .

[@ineedstuff8286]

spending years overcoming that one🥶

[@agonyauntai]

In a world of hyperactive fake KZbinrs it is so freshing to see you calmly and effectively dropping absolute knowledge bombs, thankyou

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I have no illusions of grandeur! I'm just a guitar teacher with some cameras that got lucky with the algorithm!

[@agonyauntai]

@@EricHaugenGuitar lucky with the algoithm maybe but you are selling yourself short a fair bit there my friend, you are an excellent teacher with a fantastic style .

[@samwisegrangee]

That last idea-"All your ideas that you came up with with probably work because they all came from you" (paraphrased) means a lot to me. I have so many voice memos and fragments of ideas and I've been struggling to figure out how they can all be fleshed out. But it helps to remember that they came out of my flesh and my life, so they were already fleshed out. If I was able to live a life that gave rise to the various ideas, there's evidence that there's a way to hold them closer together. Thanks, Eric.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! If we tweak the keys and groove a bit any idea can work with any other idea!

[@juliabryan8083]

"But it helps to remember that they came out of my flesh and my life, so they were already fleshed out." 🤔🥹beautifully said my friend.

[@sporkfindus4777]

Thank you. This is verging on a Bob Ross level of comfortable, welcoming teaching. I have come up with masses of gorgeous, sparkling nuggets of ideas that I've either forgotten, committed to memory or recorded on my phone. I do a lot of planning how to write music when I'm in the shower, but haven't just applied myself to get down to it. I'm sure your video will help me ease my fragments together. Jumping straight into the substantive content rather than starting with some long-winded (like this comment) introduction was spot-on!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oh yeah that's the NJ in me! I play a little bit of something nice so viewers can trust that I am knowledgeable, and then I get right to the point!

[@thetanman2233]

@@EricHaugenGuitar NJ here too, earns you my sub lol

[@ok.sinesm]

king comment

[@jpalberthoward9]

I was doing the same exact thing you're doing and the stray bits and pieces were fitting together fairly well, but there was one spot where I was stuck, trying to find a little connecting riff between two sections. There was a big Grackle up in the tree outside, and he was giving his morning concert like he does every day. (He stops by for water, and I give him fruit and nuts, and he's my buddy). I noticed after a minute or two, that he was singing in the key of A, same as my song. I stayed quiet for a minute, and he sang this weird little whole tone scale. I copied it on the guitar, and it was a perfect transition between the sections that I was trying to fit together. Now I feel a moral obligation to give this bird co-writing credits and compensate him with some extra goodies like maybe some cashews. If you have any of these Grackles where you live, stop and listen to them for a minute or two.They often sound like Ornette Coleman or John Coltrane or sometimes Devo. Moral of the story: Inspiration can come from places you'd never expect, like pots and pans hitting the floor, or the wheel falling off of a truck, or a Grackle in the tree.

[@Jamie-js3qw]

which was also said by BB King funnily enough

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@Jamie-js3qw I live for this kind of weird stuff. It's what makes life interesting, and provides material for great stories.

[@kochaos6129]

right on sometimes i'll end up with random street sounds in my demo tapes that fit so well i can't imagine the songs without them..

[@juliabryan8083]

Listening to you talk about songwriting and messing around with different sounds is similar to watching Bob Ross paint a masterpiece. I'm completely relaxed and inspired, and the world seems a bit brighter.

[@creedwooden9728]

Never be afraid to let your song jump between time signatures.

[@oggabob]

Indeed, I actually quite liked the change in his chorus when it went from 6/8 to 4/4

[@edunogues23]

Yes man! So many people are afraid of changing time signatures and tempos for some reason!

[@samiirai]

@@edunogues23 It's because the first time you try it will fuck up your whole project. Now I know how to avoid this, but the trauma still real.

[@joriankell1983]

​@@samiiraidrama queen

[@samiirai]

@@joriankell1983 king*

[@StayHomeEatGreat]

Great video. As a musician for over 30 years, songwriting is so intriguing. I love hearing how other people get the wheels turning.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! SONGS are where it’s at!

[@lukeswain1752]

The hardest part is when you hit record, my fingers turn into spaghetti noodles and my brain turns into a meat ball! Playing consistently and cleanly is near impossible! This is a great video! Very straight forward!

[@reneebear3641]

Watching this on my break during a bad day at work n feeling musical. Thanks so much. ❤️

[@MatthewCastro]

Songwriting is definitely a magical process. When all the things flow just right, wow

[@oliviermahe4493]

Perfect timing: I just finished my work week and a new Eric video lands at this very moment. There's no better way to start the weekend. As usual, great lesson !

[@vdub1959]

Eric's Friday at noon EDT videos are always the highlight of my week! And I'm retired!! :-)

[@Lennyroddy2332]

Eric has both educated me on music theory with my upmost attention, as well as helped lul me to sleep with his soothing voice and playing in the background. Love it as always.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Kyle - I always keep it chill here!

[@manuelhenkel7886]

You are not only good but very authentic, thats rare these days, keep it up ❤ Much love from germany

[@jrpipik]

You've got your phone with you every living moment of the day. When you come up with an interesting lick or progression or melody or phrase, make a quick video. Sort 'em out later. But be sure to sort 'em out -- don't let them die on your phone!

[@Winterfell1066]

Such a Perfect Day. I'm glad I spent it with you. It's such a perfect day, you keep me hanging on.

[@jreubens1]

This is a good video. You're getting right to the point. good music and good lighting right off the bat. no annoying preamble.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Jesse! I run no ads, and always try to get right to the point!

[@callancutcliffe8494]

Perfect day IS a perfect composition - Thank you Eric for always making theory more tangible & digestible - I've always loved the simplicity of the song, , but some times it can be tempting to pedestal compositions you love - thank you for succinctly demonstrating how it is possible to tastefully assimilate or ingrain cherished compositions through a blend of strong foundational theory as well as creativity.

[@rishpanjeet7479]

You are a most chill man you chill I like

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Rish!

[@New32]

I especially love this one, Eric. You're so good at covering this topic, I'd love to hear more from you on creativity and writing!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks C! Yeah I will be discussing more: forms, cadences, balance, contrast, I dunno I’m no expert but I have observations!

[@cadeklo3851]

L​@@EricHaugenGuitar

[@PoetryFilms]

Love the relaxed, no-nonsense style. But that guitar tone: wow! Subscribed

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Pat!

[@AdityaSharma-hi3zm]

im so glad i found your channel. im always trying to improve my songwriting and im going to binge your songwriting and music theory playlists

[@Productboi]

Ah man, your general demeanour is so comforting, really enjoyed this video, you're like the human version of lo-fi hip-hop.

[@djw8133]

I think I've learned more in the last few minutes than I have the last 30 years of guitar playing!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yay! That's what I love to hear!

[@blackfeather7686]

Excellent lesson Eric. Discussing songwriting and using ideas like this rarely gets shown so you've hit gold there. cheers.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks! This is a subject near and dear to me - songs and ideas. That's the coolest stuff!

[@rossthemusicandguitarteacher]

The very first tip itself is perfect.

[@samcartermusic]

9:15. For a different transition with the same progressions you could treat the B, A, E as I, bVII, IV in B (mixolydian) and shift it down a tone to A mix: A, G, D. Gsus back to A minor works nicely too. I enjoy your videos Eric, keep up the great work!

[@natearchuleta2003]

You are one of my all time favorite guitar figures. Up there with Lee, Pete, Marty, and others.

[@thebruckners]

Really enjoy the trem bouncing back and forth between my L and R headphones.

[@shameisthename1]

You are getting better and better

[@jonathancohen2029]

There are some really good teachers online. I think you are def super high up there near the peak. Such good lessons. Thank you!

[@zingleraster9124]

The more I see it the more I love that ‘66 Mustang. Beautiful guitar. I’d love a lefty version!!!

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

Basic stuff presented very well … good video

[@LiveToPlayGuitar]

All I can say is “May I have another Good Sir!”…love your work and all you do to help make us better musicians…now about writing that bridge… 🎸🔊🎶🤘✌️♥️🤟

[@gshep42]

I love how you point out things that I am aware of (like, just swap the key) but, somehow someone saying "its okay, just do that" more or less... is encouraging! I agree with the Bob Ross style, very cool. Thank you for your videos, Eric!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! There’s no ONE WAY to do art - the ends justify the means!

[@mudflapking]

You're such a nerd and i mean that in the best way possible!!! Dig everything you do man!

[@SG13232]

I still think you’re the best guitar channel on KZbin. Thanks for all the great info man

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks my duders - next in this series: "How long are you staying on chords?" Such a simple and important thing!

[@luke_Citino]

Bro after seeing this video, I've been coming up with musical ideas like a mad man, this video is what I've been needing. Thanks Eric

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yay! That's what i love to hear!

[@capitaldharma]

I think I need to learn more songs so I have more ideas when I'm trying to write something. I look forward to more videos about how to write songs.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yes! That’s that whole analysis/creativity thing - we learn songs, think about them, and then blammo we make new stuff

[@mattburnett7153]

Dudes the Bob Ross of teaching guitar. I could meditate to this. That's not a bad idea.

[@CynicalNuggit]

sir, I really appreciate you. I think this may have been something I needed to see. Thank you for the inspiration. one of my good friends told me to record every time i practice.. and you basically said the same thing.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! Any little idea that intrigues us - grab it before it gets away!

[@andreastolpe]

Thanks for all your do, Eric. It's great to see your process for building a song. I have learned so much from your content here, and your guitar instruction and approach to creating. Many good vibes sent your way!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

You're the expert not me! I wish I had the opportunity to study with you at Berklee - I love your teachings!

[@cheribarkman1784]

I like your thinking out loud style of teaching.

[@terrorbirds9835]

Sister golden hair is a surprisingly gripping song. ⭐️

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oh hell yeah I could defend it's melody and structure all day it's excellent!

[@terrorbirds9835]

@@EricHaugenGuitar hey don’t be afraid to defend the words, man! 🤣 It’s got an offhand delivery about a heavy and interesting situation. I feel drawn in as much by the story as the music - both have much to recommend them.

[@samuelabela7685]

Needed this, and will need this again whenever i'm manic. Sometimes i'm a riff idea machine, but i can't really ever form them to complete songs, let alone, chasing my dream to write an epic. The takeaway i got is, use arithmetic to join time signatures together, and use some harmonic theory to modulate or adapt the ideas in question.

[@orderknot1875]

I know I'm late to the party, but thank you so much for this video, it made some things click in my mind for writing that other videos couldn't, I love your chill vibe, keep up the great work man!

[@trioguitar]

You ended up writing a good song! I always think: start with absolutely anything, i.e. steal, and if you plonk enough changes, say, key change, time signature, tempo, add and subtract a few notes - you've written your own song, be it good, bad or indifferent. You are absolutely spot on that our brain fights that E to E progression in the changeover. Mulling it over in my mind, a one bar transition working it's way up to that high G#, as in: dum dum dum DUM DUM DUM (new part) would work a treat. Bingo - it's your song!

[@cmenacez8748]

Very useful stuff, I’ve had “great” ideas my whole life and they always end up just a piece of a song that I can’t turn into a full piece of music. Been working on changing that lately and this is a huge help!

[@frankzelazko]

I needed this sort of advice. Cheers

[@jordon7999]

So stoked to have found your channel. Can't wait to check out more. Thanks, man!

[@ar3308]

That is some damn soothing splicing, relaxing music theory... You're onto a winner!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks my duders - next in this series: "How long are you staying on chords?" Such a simple and important thing!

[@ronnieolivermusic]

Going from 6/8 to 4/4 is kinda a cool vibe tho. Love these videos! :)

[@rebeccapeltzer1222]

I'm so happy that I discoverded your channel !!

[@MSavageEsq]

You are a legend. Love your work.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Dude thanks so much for your donation - it is much appreciated!

[@valentim.mp4]

half way through the video and i am thinkin "what an amazing looking and sounding guitar ...

[@jamiemacdonald7870]

Brilliant. Found a riff on my new to me Fender mandocaster last night, and thought that I was the only person who wrote by “faffing and noodling” (and that’s not intended to be a term of derision)

[@gwlee7]

Love the Mike Naismith look even though it's 8 thousand degrees outside. You already know that I like using your video lessons re: theory as a template for my songwriting practice. This is just icing on the cake.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah - this is how we do it! All those little rifflets and chord loops - they can work together to become complete!

[@collisw8302]

You're a great teacher, I come back to these videos for inspo all the time. Thank you!

[@alloalla-music]

ok, this was far more useful than those odd songwriting classes where they talk of nothing but being brave and embracing your creativity or other vague stuff

[@scottallen9556]

Really fantastic and valuable advice here as usual Eric. You definitely just enabled my mind to connect some otherwise disconnected ideas. You are a treasure my man. 🎶🍕❤️

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah - it’s a big lightbulb moment when you realize ANYTHING you’ve created can help finish anything else you’ve created!

[@musicproductionvideos5019]

I love simple chords (songs) that have maybe one twist or chord/movement that makes it stand out but it's harder find new ways. The Beatles seemed to have this mastered. One of the most used would be throwing in a b7 chord for a moment... or a minor iv..... right before the chorus. How about a video showing some other cool ways to embellish things? Thanks for the great videos!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Ep22 of my music theory series talks about that technique - surprise chords! And yeah, it always goes back to the Beatles!

[@firebird4726]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge/expertise. But i definitely just liked this video because of how funny, down to earth and humble you were regarding your social media sites. 😆 love it

[@johnlind5819]

Fantastic video Eric. As an acoustic guitarist, I find myself skipping videos with electric guitars just due to time availability. I am so glad I stopped at your video today! I also love your self description as a creativity cheerleader. The worlds needs more cheerleaders right now! I'm inspired to do something creative tonight. Thanks, John Gig Harbor, WA

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks John! You'd be surprised - I actually play way more acoustic than electric, it's just easier to record with electric guitars :-)

[@XRoads1000]

A little heady for me to understand completely but your insight on capturing inspiration is spot on. It is there for the taking... if you are receptive to it. Thanks again for the quality content Eric!

[@reliablebow]

Always a pleasure Eric….merci🎶✨💫

[@anejo333]

Love anything to do with songwriting. Thank you so much for the help

[@RobinMacGregor]

Thanks for this. I'm a songwriter in the Scottish Highlands. Really interesting to watch. 👏

[@kalvino67]

I just discovered your channel. Great lessons! I like the hues in your house as well. Very soothing!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks man!

[@SimonBrileyMusic]

this is some interesting advice and funny how creativity does flow and out

[@eggyboi1217]

This video has been incredibly helpful to me, thank you!

[@GitShiddy]

That upon hearing the "E to E that's a bit of a problem" I immediately thought "Add a bar and walk up the scale so it's not so jarring" so now I'm thinking Songwriting Episode 2: Structural Cliches And Where to Use Them.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Next up is gonna be "Repetition and Harmonic Rhythm: How Long Do We Stay On Chords?"

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Thank you, Eric! 🙏 Be good to you ✌🍕

[@lethaldose2000]

Awesome. YOu definitely need to do a lesson series on this. I have never seen the music writing process dissected in that way. Amazing and mind-opening for sure.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks man! There’s definitely more to talk about: forms, cadences, balance, structure, contrast

[@lethaldose2000]

@@EricHaugenGuitar awesome. I have about 30 of your pdfs, your spotify and your true fire series. I always but what you put out.

[@ericagner6420]

I spend a lot of my time trying to write songs, so hope this series goes on for a bit.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oh yeah I’ve got thoughts! Cadences, contrast, forms, balance, etc

[@bowater1967]

Excellent. Glad i found you!

[@thebigfootking]

I'm one minute 10 seconds into your video, and I already just love your vibe. Just dropping a comment to say so!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks George! I try to keep it real. Aaaand chill.

[@TH-pq3ly]

Cool to see a Silvertone 1484 in the wild. I love the way this amp sounds.

[@barrieglenn8353]

Some great ideas there. Brilliant

[@Peterphilips-v7x]

Thanks, that was extremely helpful!

[@broncoxy]

Not only was this a very interesting approach that made me think and will probably help me later on (as I'm in the exact position, tons of ideas, but no full songs), it also was really relaxing and entertaining to watch; your way of explaining things, doing things, I just really, really enjoyed it and will have a look at your other videos. Great job and thanks a lot!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yay! That's what I love to hear!

[@frankvaleron]

Great ideas here Eric as always. I'm thinking perhaps my mashup progression of Taylor Swift and Bohemian Rhapsody should be dusted off and given a 6/8 feel

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Do it!

[@zonkz6947]

Lmao

[@macsarcule]

Thank you, Eric!

[@maciekomis]

i enjoyed the vibe of this video

[@matheusfcolombelli]

Thank you!

[@_nstone5317]

Great Stuff, I would love to see more about songwriting approaches, Thanks Eric, that inspired me…. to do more music 🎸

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yay - that's what I love to hear!

[@InsolentMusicalPeasant]

I would love more of these. Always wanted to write a song.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Do it! Store all those ideas away and then see how to connect them!

[@justinTime077]

jfc dude.. I never wanted a mustang until I saw that one you're playing. holy SHIT that is gorgeous. That may be the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen. That speaks to me.

[@outthewell]

I'm not a Fender fan, but that is a beautiful guitar. Great taste. Also, awesome video.

[@nickdrey1200]

Man, what a wild thing to say ! You aren't a fan of the OG? The dankest of axes. No guitar can match the fuckin raunchy Quackin of a strat, or the twangity jangle of a Tele.

[@beanburrito2775]

I’m starting to get it!

[@joshuajaimes121]

Awesome tutorial man! Thank you!

[@boundlessspirit121]

This video was amazing! Thanks for giving me more ideas to add to my creative process! Love this :)

[@JohnathanAbel]

My first video of yours - the vibes are excellent. Looking forward to seeing more of your content :)

[@fedea5777]

That's exactly what I was expecting from Eric's knowledge database. Yeah!

[@tiagoinaba2450]

Great video as always! Would love more on songwriting, Eric.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Will do! Next up: Structure and Repetition - very important to make your music palatable for the public!

[@briandixon2700]

Another amazing video. Thanks for all of your work.

[@Gernansky]

You are awesome. What I've been looking for. Have so many cool riffs saved. Written a few good songs - but really have no idea what I'm doing. Feel like it's all by ear and luck. Guitar player for decades. But want to know how to move forward with ideas more efficiently. TY !

[@metalfuryskulls]

Great topic Eric, you've inspired me to try this approach!! Thanks 🙂

[@saddestchord7622]

I started using a Helix for playing at home, and I think what I need to do is include a looper on every preset I make, just automatically. I'll start fooling around with that thing and come up with a sound that inspires me, then maybe I come up with something cool, but then I don't have a looper pedal anymore (it was getting crowded down there) to record it and I end up forgetting it. A good thing about collaboration is that sometimes your bandmates might hear some connection that you missed. You'll all be messing around, and somebody will say "right after this part, play that thing you were playing the other day" and there ya go. I'd like to see some more videos on songwriting. Thanks and I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I gotta bring on some of my collaborators and talk about how we put stuff together! It’s like you said, we can hear potential in our friends songs that they don’t!

[@brooklynboy1000]

Always carry a phone and record melody directly to your digital recorder app. Then transfer that later into garage band logic or whatever daw you prefer. Then find tempo. Etc. And start fleshing out your arrangement copying and pasteing sections adding or repeating what you need. Use a keyboard so I you need to transpose the chords it’s easy.