Q&A for How to Write a Sad Song

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Is it okay to listen to music while songwriting?

Halle Payne
Singer/Songwriter
Halle Payne has been writing songs since the age of eight. She has written hundreds of songs for guitar and piano, some of which are recorded and available on her Soundcloud or Youtube channel. Most recently, Halle was a part of a 15-person collaboration in Stockholm, Sweden, called the Skål Sisters.

Halle Payne

Singer/Songwriter

Expert Answer

No. In general, I try not to listen to other music at least 2-3 hours before I sit down to compose. If I come into a session right after listening to another song, it can be difficult to get those melodies out of my head.

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Question

What would be a good combination for piano notes?

KATHRYN ROECK

Community Answer

For sad songs, most people use minor chords, which have accidentals (sharps and flats). Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is a perfect example of chords with a lot of sharps.

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Question

Would there be any difference with writing a sad song to use in Vocaloid?

Community Answer

You may write whatever you want - just make sure the music is suitable for the voicebank you want to use.

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Question

What types of words can make someone feel sad?

Linnie

Top Answerer

Using lyrics about sad experiences or situations are good bases for sad songs. Try making the song relatable or understandable without going into too much specific detail. No specific words make the listeners sad; instead, it's the story that the song tells.

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Question

What should I write about if I have never had any sad moments in my life?

Kameko Is Werid

Community Answer

You can write about something that happened to someone else that was sad or you can write a song about a problem in real life.

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