BBC Home


Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage
BBC Music

Sold on Song. Classic songs, covers, songwriting and more.

Listen Live.

 Full Schedule
-

Radio 2
Sold on Song
What's On
Search For A Songwriter
Songs A-Z
Artists A-Z
Songwriting Guides
Genres
Glossary
Newsletter


Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!
 



Songwriting Guides > Writing a song > Harmony Songwriting Guides
Writing a song

Print this page Print Version Harmony

A chord is made up of three or more notes sounded simultaneously. The classification of chords and their relation to each other forms part of the study of harmony . In song writing, the most important use of chords is when writing a chord sequence. This succession of different chords underpins the harmony of the whole song. The melody and chord sequence in a song complement each other, often using the same notes to create a harmonious and musically pleasing effect. This sequence is usually repeated several times; sometimes a different sequence is used within the chorus and even another for the middle 8 .

Try two different chords per bar in your chorus for a change of pace.
Steve Hillier

Here is one very famous chord sequence:
G D
Welcome to the Hotel California

F# Bminor
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place) such a lovely face

G D
Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Em F#
Any time of year (any time of year), you can find it here

Hotel California (Felder/Henley/Frey)
You could easily hum this melody with only a guitar strumming these chords as an accompaniment and your listeners would instantly know which song you're playing.

Jeff Lynne Jeff Lynne
Was particularly pleased with a tricky harmonic progression in ELO's 'Living Thing'. "There's one chord change that makes the whole song."
Listen to the interview
Audio help But what about your own harmony and chord sequences? Here are some ideas to get you going:



Back to top 

Back to top Send us your views or read other peoples' Send us your comments on: Lyrics








Stephen Muldoon, Manchester
hi, this is really useful stuff. I'm very much a beginner in this kind of thing. Would be great if you could give a pointer about the exact connection between the melody and the accomponiment(chord sequence). Is there a defined connection (should the chords match the notes of the melody at the point when they are played) or should the chord sequence be an almost original 'tune' that just sounds good when played with the melody (like wonderwall seems to be)? think i've got the beginings of some good songs (catchy melodies and good lyrics) - just struggling with the harmony aspect.Cheers, Stephen

keeley and meg.....kent
thanks for the advice...we are making a band so this will help!

Dammi holbourne
I have already written a few songs. I would like to share my experience and also would like to know your comments before being commercial.Your web page is very useful. I only found about you very recently although I have been writing songs since sometime.

Timothy P. Irvin Idledale, Colorado USA
LIVING IN HARMONY What a treasure! All six episodes were absolutely tremendous. I've been a professional singer for 42 years. (I'm the lead vocalist for the well known classic-rock band, FLASH CADILLAC) I've always loved harmony and harmonizing. This series was like striking gold. Great job Russell Davies. PS I'm a huge fan of THE DELTA RHYTHM BOYS. No mention of them? Fred Warring ripped-off THE RHYTHM BOYS wonderful version of "Dry Bones" I have lots of DELTA RHYTHM BOYS recordings. I'd gladly share them with you. I also have a huge collection of Jack Benny Radio Shows. Every week THE SPORTSMEN QUARTET would take a popular song and convert the song into a LUCKY STRIKE CIGARETTE commercial. (Great stuff!) Would you like some of those? If you do another series, you should mention THE GATLIN BROTHERS and THE STATLER BROTHERS. (C&W family groups) DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER are the kings of Bluegrass/Gospel(check 'em out) How 'bout THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS? Timothy P. Irvin

Kunio Fukuoka , from Osaka, Japan
Last week I happened to find out this programme at the top information of the another programme. I have just enjoyed the second part of it through Internet BBC. I am extremely pleased with the VOICES. Once upon a time, nearly 45 years ago, I was a condutor of the glee club at the university. Since then I am a lover of VOICES from Glegorian chants to Negro Spirituals by Golden Gate Quartet. When I visited your churches such as Salisbury Cathedral, I seeked for CDs of Chant. I want to enjoy MUSIC with a short explanation. It is a good idea for you to offer us a good lesson, but please let VOICES sing VOICES. Thank you very much, waiting for next week programme. Kunio Fukuoka Osaka, Japan

Back to top 

Back to top
Songwriting Guides Writing a Song Genre Structure Verse Chorus Melody Tempo / Rhythm Harmony Lyrics Beginnings Endings Ideas Rhyme Middle 8 Hooks Performing Working with Other Writers In the Studio Publishers Record Companies Management Staying on Track

  The Songwriting Game

Songwriting Game

Pick a chord
Play with chords and find out what kind of songwriter you are with the Songwriting Game.

  Newsletter sign-up

Sign up for updates on new songs, documentaries and live events

  DON'T MISS

Doves

Doves
Special guests on Dermot's show this week
About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy
 

Explore the BBC Just to let you know, we're no longer updating this site. More information here

Change Text Only Settings

Graphic version of this page