The worst thing music can be is boring. Too many verses, dull lyrics, the same note, chord, key or rhythm repeated too often (say hello Bob Dylan), all can ruin a song.

Unfortunately, all are easy sins to commit.  I wrote countless dull songs when I first began composing. In particular, I often fell into the  trap of writing too many verses, 4 or 5 when two would do.

 So how do you relieve monotony in a song?

•  Go out of key – one ‘wrong’ note or chord can create a world of difference. A whole key change is often necessary
• Copy the Nirvana dynamics – very quiet verse, very loud chorus, rinse and repeat.
• Change tempo – speed changes are relatively uncommon but they ca be effective
• Change instruments – can the guitar take a solo? Do you need the drums playing during the bridge?

 That’s just a few tiny ideas, there are hundreds more you could try. The important principle is that there must be contrast in a song or the lisener will get bored and stop being a listener.

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