TuneSmith 5.5

Overview

TuneSmith is cross-platform software package that can help budding songwriters produce better lyrics for compositions. The software is available for both Windows and Mac OS X (we look at the Windows version here).

The software will let the songwriter produce lyrics in different text styles. There is a Rhyme Genie that can help to come up with suitable lyrics to suit the style of songwriting being used. Lyric changes and revisions over time can be tracked to see how the lyrics looks initially. The writer can revert back to previous ideas around their lyrics and reword old and new ideas back into a piece of songwriting. There is also a useful clipboard history for times when words can been copied and pasted inside Tunesmith.

Classic tunes can be re-worked with the correct licensing and copyright information attached to the track so that there is no confusion that the piece is a re-work or homage rather than a copy without giving proper credit.

Manage information about writers, co-writers, copyright registrations on new works, and potential cover artists for inclusion on a piece of songwriting. Look through different music demos and alternative cuts of albums. Interesting melodies can also be captured from the desktop using the audio recorder that comes with TuneSmith.

Use an extensive chord dictionary which includes 4,850 guitar chord charts. Create new chord voicings and alter the bass notes. Transform chord sheets to the Nashville Number System with one click rather than having real trouble running such a conversion.

Installation

The installation process goes off without a hitch. There is no additional software added to the package, so there is zero concern with malware or spyware.

TuneSmith requires Windows XP SP3, Vista, 7 or 8.

Interface

The interface includes many options on the page which could be overwhelming initially, however experienced songwriters probably will find it easy to get to grips with.

Guitar chords and a visual guitar are shown in the left side bar. The center section is reserved for Song Info, Lyrics Editor or Chord Sheet depending on the selection made. The right side bar can include different information including Guitar Chord Charts where new charts can be created by the songwriter.

Pros

• Tunesmith present an ideal, digital environment for budding songwriters
• Work with music chords, instruments (to some degree) and songwriting
• Chord sheets can be transferred to the Nashville Number System
• Rhyme Genie can help with writing lyrics that rhyme in appropriate places
• Revision history and clipboard history help to revert back to prevent lyric versions
• Available for Windows and Mac

Cons

• A good level of music knowledge is required to get the most out of this software

Conclusion

TuneSmith is ideal for songwriters, some of whom may be singer/songwriters, who wish to work with lyrics and sometimes experiment with guitar chords as well.