Write Songs Like the Pros Using Powerful & Proven Techniques Part 1

by Ron Balagot

Another great guest author brought to you by How to Make a Cigar Box Guitar


For many years, professional/top writers have been using a powerful and proven technique that separates them from beginners.
And now, I'd like to share this secret technique with you.
If you consistently apply the following 3 steps, you'll notice a big improvement in your songwriting:

1. Gather as much information about your song idea as possible.
Once you've come up with an idea for your song, write down all related information.

Example:

* Song Type (love song, inspirational song, up-tempo, etc.)

* Song's Title

* Objective (what you wish to accomplish with the song)

* Message you are trying to bring across to your listeners

* Emotion you are trying to evoke in your listeners, and so on

* Great information for all aspiring cigar box guitar makers!

2. Command your "subconscious mind" to help you with your objective.

With the information you have in front of you, give your subconscious mind a direct command.

Example:

If you're a lyricist, before you start reading what's in front of you, say something like:

"Subconscious mind, create powerful lyrics with the information I'm about to read. Work on it 24 hours a day even as I sleep."
(If you're given a melody to write lyrics to, say the following just before listening to the melody: "Subconscious mind, create powerful lyrics for the melody I'm about to listen to. Work on it 24 hours a day even as I sleep.")

If you're a lyricist/composer, just before you start reading what's before you, say something like:

"Subconscious mind, create a powerful song with the information I'm about to read. Work on it 24 hours a day even as I sleep."
(With that last command, you're basically instructing your subconscious mind to come up with both the lyrics and melody the "perfect marriage" of both.)

If you want to know how to make a cigar box guitar and write your own songs read on.

If you happen to be a composer, you could also benefit from this technique. Just place the finished lyrics in front of you and say something like:
"Subconscious mind, create a powerful melody for the lyrics I'm about to read. Work on it 24 hours a day even as I sleep."

(If you simply want to create a beautiful melody from scratch, apply Steps 1 - 3. In Step 1, some of the information mentioned...ex. song's title or message you are trying to bring across is not completely necessary. As a rule the more information you have the better. What's important is that your subconscious mind has enough information to work with. It knows exactly what you are trying to accomplish.)

(Note: You're free to create your own version of the above commands. Also, you can give the commands either aloud or silently in your head.)

It's even a good idea to apply this step before going to sleep, whenever possible.

Learning how to make your own cigar box guitar is an amazing thing. Now you can make your own powerful songs to go along with your own cigar box guitar!

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Easy Method to Play Guitar and Sing at the Same Time Part 2

Many Cigar Box Guitar builders and players will find this article interesting. It fits well with How to Make a Cigar Box Guitar. This is Part 2

Once you have selected your song to give your attention to (and
it's best to only deal with ONE at a time!), spend as much time
as you need and practice until you can play the guitar part
back-to-front, up-and-down. Don't just think about your fretting
hand, either. Pay attention to your right hand: the rhythm
patterns and your strumming technique. Practice, then practice
some more without singing until you have learned how to play the
guitar part and built up a kind of "muscle memory," meaning you
can play the song without looking at every chord change or
slowing down.

Learn How to Sing Your Chosen Song

Next is to move on to learning how to sing it. Your first step
here is to commit the lyrics to memory. Do NOT try to play
guitar and sing at the same time just yet! Simply study the
lyrics and listen to how the singer hits certain notes, holds
other notes (and the length), and communicates the emotion of
the piece.

When you've got "the vibe" of the song and you have memorized
the lyrics, you may have to record yourself singing with the
music. Sure, the idea of that probably sends shivers down your
spine, however the fact is you might want to know how your voice
sounds and where you could do with some further focus and help
if you're ever planning to play guitar and sing at an event.


How to Put It All Together! Singing and Playing on Your Cigar Box Guitar!

Okay, now you are ready to sort out combining the two halves,
playing and singing. Be aware of the bizarre thing that may
happen: You'll start making mistakes within the chord changes,
you will forget the lyrics, you will trip on easy sections of
the song... All of the parts that you had completely under
control just before, they're going to now be tough again. Weird.
It's going to seem hard at first (and, it's not a simple thing
to do), as if your hands and your mouth just will not work
together!

Take a breath. This is just a small adjustment and by slowing
down and practicing in a very deliberate and careful way, you
will begin to get it fairly quickly. The risky thing here is
that you might get frustrated and bored. Do NOT quit at this
point and begin learning to play a different song. Stick to the
plan and pretty soon you'll find that you can play guitar and
sing at the same time!