You Can Teach Yourself Song Writing [Paperback]

Larry McCabe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1994

In this easy to understand, "how to" book for any aspiring songwriter, Larry McCabe addresses a variety of concepts including: how to get started, how to write in different song forms, how to approach titles, themes and lyrics, the creation of a melody, utilization of various chords and chord progressions, finding the right chords for the melody, handling various rhythmic elements, creating a lead sheet and copyrighting the tune. Special features include a glossary, essential supplies for novice songwriters, master chord diagrams for keyboard and guitar and an index of recorded music. Includes stereo CD.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Larry McCabe was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He studied music with a number of teachers including Eldon Shamblin, legendary swing guitarist and arranger for Bob Wills. Deciding on freelance teaching as a music career, Larry received his degree in education from the University of Arizona in 1979. Since graduating from college, Larry has taught over 30,000 private music lessons. An experienced blues guitarist, he played in the Gulf Coast Blues Band, wrote a Living Blues magazine column called "Blues Box," and is currently on the nominating committee for the annual W. C Handy awards. Larry's vast experience in private teaching has given him a unique understanding of the educational needs of the typical music student. Beginning with Blues, Boogie and Rock Guitar in 1984, he has written a number of Mel Bay books on various subjects including guitar, bass, and song writing techniques. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Pubns (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562225685
• ISBN-13: 978-1562225681
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,194,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Can Songwriting Really Be Taught? I Suppose To A Certain Extent It Can!, November 23, 2009

By 

Frederick Baptist (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Song Writing Book/CD set (Paperback)

I have to say that when I first got this years ago it was with more than a little bit of scepticism but I suppose while great songwriting owes a great deal to talent and inspiration I realised after reading this book that quite a fair bit of how to craft a song can be learnt. This book isn't necessarily going to make you the next John Lennon or Babyface but if you were inclined to want to get this book to begin with it suggests that you already have a leaning towards wanting to write music and so you'll probably be a lot closer to achieving your dreams than if you hadn't even given this book a chance. This book starts with the very basics using simple songs to start with dissecting them and explaining the role the various parts play in making a song "work" as well as tips on song arrangement. I personally found most of what I read to be at the very least informative and very encouraging and is certainly a good place to begin the journey of becoming an accomplished songwriter. I just wish the examples used were a bit more interesting and current using more modern songs instead of tracks like "Michael Row The Boat Ashore" for example.