Songwriting Instruments
Songwriting Instruments
What Instruments (other than Piano) would you guys suggest to give a new perspective on songwriting? I've experimented with Mandolins which helped steer me in a more "open" sounding direction, but what else could help?
- sloop_john_b
- Rick-a-holic
- Posts: 13837
- Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2005 6:00 am
I use an acoustic guitar to get the vibe then on occasion I switch to keyboards to assist me to sort out the arrangement. Invariably I also use a drum machine to assist with timing, otherwise it has been my experience you can get some surprises on some of the phrasing, especially when you start to arrange the song.
“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein
"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother" - Albert Einstein
"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother" - Albert Einstein
I would say that 60% of my songs are composed on the acoustic (my Tacoma Chief most often), 35% on electric guitar, and another 5% come from the piano, Irish bouzouki, or something else.
More often than not, if the Zeitgeist and Muses aren't being summoned, I switch instruments. Grab a twelve string, a Danelectro, or Tele maybe.
Sometimes I just need to switch pickups on my Ric.
More often than not, if the Zeitgeist and Muses aren't being summoned, I switch instruments. Grab a twelve string, a Danelectro, or Tele maybe.
Sometimes I just need to switch pickups on my Ric.
Shaking the floor of Heaven
- iamthebassman
- Veteran RRF member
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My main songwriting instrument is a Jerry Jones Longhorn BassVI, you can work out chords and a bass part all on one instrument. Plus it's short-scale and semi-hollow, so it's great for picking up while watching TV. Most of my tunes have a BassVI part anyway, either the Jones or my Gretsch BassVI.
"Top 10 Best Bass Players" Austin Music Poll 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
- melibreits
- Senior Member
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I've written nearly all of my songs on my Comstock, although before I got the Commie I wrote a couple on my very first Ric (my now-Purpleburst 330), and on my 1967 365.... Rickenbackers are just naturally inspiring instruments! I've discovered, with the help of my friend Billy D., that keyboards really add a lot of depth to the songs I've written.
"Once I've held and played the best, baby, I won't settle for less!"
- tony_carey
- Advanced Member
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- atomic_punk
- Senior Member
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I have an acoustic that was given to me as a gift by Earl Klugh. That's my songwriting guitar, and I'll never get rid of it, it still has a lot of songs in it.
Although sometimes I wish I could plug a cord into my head and send it to a recorder, because they come into my head like they are on the radio, and I try and catch up before it goes away.
Although sometimes I wish I could plug a cord into my head and send it to a recorder, because they come into my head like they are on the radio, and I try and catch up before it goes away.
"They make great f***'n basses". - Lemmy, NAMM 2009
I have the same problem with the bridge on my violin. The poor intonation makes my play like Jack Benny. At least that's my excuse and I am sticking with it.
“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein
"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother" - Albert Einstein
"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother" - Albert Einstein
I write everything on a Gibson SG plugged into a Marshall cranked to 11. However, I can never hear the lyrics.
Just kidding - I write on acoustic, but drum beats are always in my head. If you want to compose powerful pop or rock tunes, and you aren't in a band, I suggest you tune into the drums more. That's where it's at !!
Just kidding - I write on acoustic, but drum beats are always in my head. If you want to compose powerful pop or rock tunes, and you aren't in a band, I suggest you tune into the drums more. That's where it's at !!
"Say what you like about the tenets of national socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos." - Walter Sobchak.