How You Can Create Original Music | A Practical Approach

A pro footballer can put the ball inside the goal in different ways. Many players are known for their distinct free kicks (think David Beckham), or corner kicks. The 'distinct' is what makes it original.

How did they achieve it? Simple: they practised so much that they knew what would happen if they did something in a certain way. Then they developed a style that reflected their way.

Originality does come with practice. In my previous article, I've talked about the duality of originality (please refer to it here). The philosophy behind it is done. Now it all boils down to practice.

Here are a few things to focus on while you practice, to develop originality --

1. Playing style. Everyone has a distinct style of playing. It will not be apparent at first, but it soon comes to light once you've practiced enough.

However, the 'practice' shouldn't focus on transcriptions. It should be on what you play for yourself. Just ramble on, play anything; first, you'll go towards covers, but slowly upon perseverance you'll realise that you have a way of handling those notes that comes intuitively to you. That's when you get your playing style.

You can test whether the playing style is actually yours or not, by simply singing what you've played. Or playing that in another instrument. Put it in a backing track, and see how does it sound. Unique? Then it's definitely yours.

2. Note imagination. This is something the great guitarist Guthrie Govan talks about. Before you hit a note, just imagine it (this applies to instruments only). If the note doesn't sync with the note in your head, find it. In this way, you won't just play repeated patterns, but something out of yourself. You'll also feel much more involved in your playing.

Another strategy is to sing your imagined note before you hit it. You'll get what sort of notes you prefer. After all, you have to love what you hear.

3. Technique Mastery. To be original, you must be willing to experiment. Try out different techniques, and check which one gives you the 'chills in your back'. Then apply the earlier two tips into the technique, put some rhythm, and you're on!

Likewise, there might be some technique you don't like; however, learn it first, then decide. I've never heard Dimebag Darrell use tapping, but it doesn't mean he didn't learn it (just hear the solo of one part of 'Walk' to check).

Master the techniques that you're fond of. That will prove very useful while making music focused on originality.

You must also be willing to improvise. To get tips on improvisation by the guitarist Guthrie Govan, click here.

What is your experience while making songs? Have you ever made songs that sound totally unique and like 'you'? What was your experience? Do let me know in the comments.