A Primer on Tension and Release in Your Songwriting

Cliff Goldmacher
Aug 31, 2018 · 1 min read

Tension and release in songwriting uses the same mechanics as good joke telling. The way you let your story — in your song or joke — unfold is what sets the table for a satisfying hook/punchline. The difference is that songs not only have words to do this but also a melody. When lyric and melody work together, they can do a lot to lead the listener along and deliver them to the satisfying arrival of your song’s hook. Learning how to consciously create the tension and release necessary in both your lyric and melody is a part of the craft that all songwriters should actively consider. Below are a few ways to do that very thing.

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Songwriting

These posts are from veteran songwriter and music producer, Cliff Goldmacher about the craft of songwriting and charting a career as a songwriter.

Cliff Goldmacher

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Cliff Goldmacher is a professional songwriter, producer, author and educator with recording studios in Nashville, TN and Sonoma, CA. www.CliffGoldmacher.com

Songwriting

These posts are from veteran songwriter and music producer, Cliff Goldmacher about the craft of songwriting and charting a career as a songwriter.

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