HOW JC-RECORDS MAKES A CATCHY JINGLE (You Can Do It Too)

A jingle is a short musical piece written to promote a specific product or service. Writing a jingle isn't difficult; the key to writing an effective jingle is developing a concept and a simple, memorable melody listeners will associate with the lyrics to the jingle, and as a result, the product or service itself. Write down what you know about the product you're writing a jingle about. Since the purpose of a jingle is to introduce listeners to a product and to tell them why they should use it, the more you know about the product, the better your ability to come up with the words that will accomplish this. Use your notes to brainstorm ideas. Make a list of words that you feel best describe the product and its purpose. Let the product suggest your ideas. By starting with a solid knowledge of the product you're writing about, you will gather enough information to begin sparking ideas you can work your way through. The lyrics should be clearly related to the product or service you're writing the jingle about. Determine the tone you want for the music you will write. The music to the jingle should be appropriate to the product. You won't write upbeat music for a jingle about auto accident insurance, but you would write something upbeat for a child's toy. Whether you are humming your jingle, singing it or writing with an instrument, choose a musical tone that complements your product appropriately. Write the chords for your jingle over the lyrics. Use a guitar or keyboard and strum variations on rhythm and chord progressions until you find the right tempo and tone for your jingle. Sing along as you try these variations. Listen for something catchy. This is the foundation of a good jingle. Record your jingle. Listen to it and have others listen to it. Determine any changes that might need to be made to the tune to make it easier to hum or to remember the words. Ask yourself if the tune is simple enough. A jingle should not require a lot of thought by listeners. A tune that sticks in your audience's head and they find themselves singing or humming is your goal.