chords

DIM & AUG chords

Don’t diminish the use of diminished & augmented chords

December 4, 2018 in Songwriting Magazine Winter 2017, Tips & Techniques

Songwriting coach James Linderman advises on the best use of these lesser-known chords, and how they can ‘augment’ your song…
Guitar close up

Songwriting technique: Tension and release

October 22, 2015 in Features, Tips & Techniques

Guitar tutor Jack Jennings takes us through the definition, application and theory behind the unresolved element and its contrasting resolution…
Harmonic quality of chords

Songwriting technique: Harmonic quality of chords

March 17, 2014 in Features, Tips & Techniques

First of a two-part article, in which Berklee Music’s James Linderman looks at chord quality and the moods they create…

Ten tips for the guitar-playing songwriter

August 18, 2013 in Features, Tips & Techniques

Berkleemusic Ambassador James Linderman offers up some advice for those who do the bulk of their songwriting on the guitar…
Chord sequences

Chord sequences: What’s wrong with C, F and G?

June 17, 2013 in Features, Tips & Techniques

What have The Troggs and Green Day got in common? An appreciation for 12-bar blues chord progressions for one thing…
Songwriting workshop

Chord construction: What is a triad?

May 18, 2013 in Features, Tips & Techniques

Almost all chords in popular songwriting are constructed using triads. Jack Jennings explains what they are and how they work…