A simple, powerful way to create more distinctive chord progressions.

A great practice to adopt if you want to write—whether prose or poetry or songs, fiction or nonfiction.

A look at common song forms used in rock, country, folk, and pop, and how their components function and fit together.

A toast to the failures and disappointments of 2019.

There’s no formula for constructing a bridge, but taking a close look inside some classic songs can help you get started.

Joni Mitchell reflects on her instrumental influences and state of mind during the writing of the album Blue.

Every songwriter needs a nudge sometimes to keep writing.

Inspiration may be impossible to define or control or predict, but that doesn’t mean that we have to just sit around idly waiting for it.

How to add a bluesy edge to your chord progressions.

The skeleton key for countless songs in folk, country, rock, blues, and beyond.

Swapping out a chord or two can really liven up a progression and also help you discover new melodic ideas to sing on top.

A songwriter’s guide, continued. (See the lesson on major keys.)

A songwriter’s guide.