SONG COMPOSITION TECHNIQUES. grunge Type bands (Nirvana, etc.) generate compatible chords by modulating between Major and Minor.

WHAT?

What greater and what less?

Well, it’s not obvious.

I transcribed over 30,000 tracks to get here.

Allows you to manipulate the modes using a formula.

a common grunge formula modulates between G Major and G Natural Minor (Mode VI of Bb Major)

or any major key of a natural minor mode of the same name

let’s take the 3 major chords of G Major (GC&D)

and the 3 major chords of G Natural Minor (Bb Major) (Bb Eb & F)

here’s the science

You should use gas the first chord. IT’S OKAY. Then use the other major chords (CD Bb Eb or F)in any order.The result is instantaneous.You become grunge king! ||G / C / | F / Bb / || take a look at me instant nirvana page. It has a progression builder for this formula.

OK It’s not big enough for a song. sure! Let’s add modify it. Continue using those major chords, until you want a change. The next chord you use other than GCD Bb Eb or F, is your new beginning. Let’s say you choose E. We’ll take the three major chords of E Major (EA & B) and mix them in any order, after playing E, with the three major chords of E Natural Minor (G Major) (GC & D ) we get this : ||E/C/| G/AB ||

These ideas seem to spawn all grunge-type songs.

• randomly choose each key

• randomly choose the time spent on each key (how many bars)

• use the same formula from major to natural minor mode based on the first new chord

There are more songwriting techniques to explore on my site.