Is Knowing Music Theory Really Necessary For Songwriting?

I hear a lot of beginning songwriters bemoan the fact that they have little or no musical theory knowledge and therefore will not be able to write ‘good’ songs.

For me, songs come from the heart and mind not from some mathematical formula. However, if you want to learn music theory, do it because you want to, not because you feel that you have to.

Some songwriters I know really get worked up over the musical theory of their songs while others write songs purely by feel. The funny thing is, that what comes out at the end of it all are just as good as each other.

Let me digress and tell you a little story.

From between the ages of 11 through to 16, I studied music through school and learnt to play the clarinet in the process. It gave me a great opportunity to immerse myself in musical theory. I found music theory facinating although, I was probably the only person in my class that felt that way.

In that time I had dreams of composing contemporary music and going to university to expand on my musical knowledge.

Thank God I discovered the guitar!

When, at the age of 15 I decided to change my musical direction and get into playing in bands and writing songs I had an interesting dilemma. I had to unlearn my knowledge so I could play with ‘feel’. That was an interesting thing to do.

It was in that unlearning process that I discovered that knowing music theory is not necessary to write a song.

A song is made up of two parts. The first part is the song lyrics and the second part is the melody. Musical theory generally deals with the arrangement of the song (the chords, harmony, dynamics etc) which is determined by the melody and the rhythm of the lyrics anyway.

Even though I believe that music theory in songwriting is not necessary I have found my own knowledge useful for the following reasons:

1. I use it for the purpose of ‘musical detective work’.

2. I call on my knowledge to lead me in directions I would never have thought of.

3. I can communicate my song ideas to other musicians more effectively.

4. I have a more intimate knowledge as to the “why” things work with each other.

I believe that it’s not the musical theory knowledge that’s important but the attitude that you have towards it. To someone that doesn’t feel this way having the theoretical knowledge can be a real hinderence. Reasons why include:

1. You might feel that you are better than someone who don’t have the same knowledge (elitism)

2. You look at your songwriting through a finite and restrictive set of ‘rules’

3. You might try to show off your knowledge by overcomplicating your songs.

4. You forget that simplicity is often the best.

To me, songwriting is about learning, un-learning, constructing and doing whatever you can to make your songwriting idea a reality. Having the theory knowledge is a bonus but not essential in writing a good song.

To be a good songwriter you must have the desire to be one. That’s it!

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

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