Dos and Don’ts of Songwriting

A self-employed physician, Gregory Tapson serves as a primary care doctor in California. In this capacity, he serves as the medical director of a local nursing facility, sees patients at a local retirement community, and provides concierge services to patients who want them. In his free time, Gregory Tapson enjoys writing and singing classic rock and blues-style songs.

Below are several dos and don’ts when it comes to writing songs:

Don’t ignore emotion
Regardless of how catchy and emotional a song’s hook is, writers must be sure that there is plenty of emotion in the rest of the song. The lyrics must be sincere and genuine, otherwise they won’t connect with the average listener.

Do know the genre
The genre of a song influences the lyrics that are used. For example, many pop songs rhyme, while other genres don’t. These standards play a huge role in how successful a song is. Songs written for the wrong genre are typically unpopular among most people.

Don’t rely on a chord progression
Melody and lyrics are the most important aspects of a successful song. As writers create music, it’s not enough to have just a great groove to their music. They also need compelling lyrics and melody to keep listeners around in the long-term.

Do keep writing
All writers experience writer’s block at some point, but this doesn't stop them. The same is true for songwriters. Anytime songwriters experience writer’s block or have a flop, they must keep writing regularly, even when they aren’t inspired.

Eric Clapton’s Early Kinship With 1930s Blues Legend Robert Johnson

A well-established Carmel, California, private physician, Gregory Tapson, MD, provides patient-centered primary care. Dr. Gregory Tapson is also passionate about writing and recording music and enjoys creating songs in the classic rock and blues genres.

Interviewed by NPR a decade ago, British rock stalwart Eric Clapton drew attention to the blues roots of his musical identity. With 1950s influences including Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Clapton delved into his fascination with 1930s bluesman Robert Johnson in his autobiography.

Having recently acquired his first electric guitar and lacking an amplifier, the teenage Clapton found in Johnson an intensity that “almost repelled me.” He was transfixed by the raw pain expressed in songs such as Hellhound on My Trail, as well as the “beauty and eloquence" of Kindhearted Woman.

Another area of connection was Johnson’s legendary shyness, such that he faced the corner of the room while auditioning songs at a San Antonio hotel room. Having experienced paralyzing shyness himself, Eric Clapton found this an area of kinship spanning generations. Clapton’s major issue with Johnson was that he found it impossible to simultaneously play middle string rhythm, treble string lead, and disjointed bass line.