How to Write a Song in the Style of The Smiths

Musician Desmond Doom, who reimagines popular rock songs in other styles, showed how to write a song in the style of The Smiths, using their distinctive use of guitar riffs, chords, reverb, modes, lyrics, and keys.

Start with a nice, jangly guitar riff, add a cool bassline under it…use the same three notes and sing about being English and work and love.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.