What I’ve Learnt About Songwriting By Playing Covers

I love playing covers as much as playing my own music. The main reason for this is that by learning to play covers that have been hit songs themselves, I’ll learn how to write my own songs better.

Here are some ways that learning covers has helped my songwriting process:

• I learn different song formats, song structures and chord patterns.
• I expose myself to singing different melodies, and lyrical ideas.
• I spice up my guitar practice regimen.
• I maintain my musical theory knowledge by learning a song by ear.
• I get to know my favourite songwriters more by learning their songs.
• For every song I learn other ideas come up for my own material later on.

The trick with playing covers is that you don’t do them like the original.

I readily admit I don’t like hearing a cover done in exactly the same way however, if I hear someone do a cover in their own way, in their own style, I get hooked everytime.

Some performing songwriters I know feel that playing covers is selling out to your art. I don’t agree. I mean who is going to say that Jeff Buckley’s version of ‘Halleujah’ by Leonard Cohen was a sell out on his part?

I think it’s one of the most beautiful performances of any song I have ever heard.

Of course, your goal as a performing songwriter is to play your own songs as much as you can. I mean, there is nothing more satisfying than people actually being touched, moved and inspired by what you are saying.

However, an amazing thing happens when you add the occasional cover song in your repertoire. The audience becomes closer to you.

I cant tell you how many times a quiet gig becomes a great gig after I play a well chosen cover. Every other song I play afterwards sounds like music to their ears (pardon the pun).

“Selling out” is a term used by people who wish they were in the same position as the other musicians they are commenting on. Jealousy rears up its ugly head often in the music industry.

If you keep focused on writing your own music and learn a few covers (at least for research purposes) to break your songwriting process up a bit, you will have better gigs, become a more well rounded player and you will be a real hit around the odd campfire or two.

I believe playing covers only affects your ability to write songs if you allow it to.

Until next time, happy writing (and playing),

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Keywords: jeff buckley, leonard cohen, songwriting, songwriter, performing songwriter, songwriting tip, songwriting help, songwriting idea, corey stewart