Introduction

The song analysis videos are not for beginners. The videos highlight many techniques used in song composition. I analyse songs in terms of intervals and chords, modes and key signatures. I investigate techniques composers use to help you improve your compositions and song performances.  Chapter 12 of my book will reflect the song analysis lessons however in the book I will highlight important information you might have missed in the video and also other information I might not have included in the video. Once your initial purchase of my book, all future revisions are free. 

Prerequisites

The song analysis videos do require good interval knowledge. The Akousunesis lessons videos will cover a lot of the information, my book covers the rest. You need to know all your major scales and able to visualise each scale with your eyes closed.  Start from Lesson 1 onwards 

• Lesson 1

• Lesson 2

• Lesson 3

• Lesson  12

• Lesson 17

• Lesson 18

• Lesson 19

Instructions 

With each song analysis video, there is no timing information, note direction or rest information, this is done for a reason. You want to develop your ear to hear the melody of the song, you want to reduce the crutches as much as possible. Use chord and interval information as a loose crutch , your ear will take over eventually.  In time, with the more songs you practice, you'll no longer need the interval information, they just become a backup,  you'll be able to hear melodies, your right hand will find the melody.

Your right hand will play the melody and your left hand will do a basic 1 5 1 pattern to start, don't play the thirds with your left hand as you want more clarity when training the ear to hear the melody. 

Step 1: Learn to play the scale for the songs key signature. It's a good idea to practice improvising over the default diatonic chords to familiarise yourself with the key signature.

Step 2: Click the Chordify link for each song and listen to the song a few time.

Step 3: Using Chordify, play along with the song to get familiar with the chords.  Don't try to play the melody, just try and keep up with the chord changes. 

Step 4: Try to identify the lead skeleton interval at every chord change, listen for a few seconds then stop the music before you try and find the interval on the piano. Play the chord with your left hand while searching for the lead melody note with you right hand. Don't worry about the rest of the melody, just find the single note on the chord change or just after the chord change.

Step 5: Verify with the supplied song skeleton if you have the correct interval.

Step 6: Using the Chords, lyrics and intervals pull down group, try to discover the rest of the melody with your right hand. You can use the pull down to hide the music and try to identify the melody by ear first, then double check if you have identified the correct intervals.

Listen for melody pitch changes

Listen for the relative pitch movement of song. Once your fingers find the root of the melodic phrase, relative pitch will take over and your fingers will move without you thinking about it.

Timing

A comma after an interval indicates a pause in the  melodic rhythm, it will help you with the melodic flow. The chords, when lined up with the lyrics, means you sing and play together, if you see the chord not lining up with the lyrics, it means the chords is either played first and lyrics after or visa-versa. Listen to the original song and focus your ears to hear these subtle ques.

Suggest a song 

I accept song suggestions, if you have any particular song you want me to have a look at, I will consider investigating and adding to the list.

SongbookPro Sets 

Song Analysis SongbookPro sets are available at the Akousunesis bookshop.  $5 AUD for a minimum of ten songs, grouped by genre. You'll be able to edit any of the songs to suit your personal taste and style. 

SongbookPro Pop Set 1