Nikki Sixx songwriting

[Ryan81]

So would it be fair to say that Nikki knows all the notes (obviously) and has a basic understanding of something like the Circle of Fifths and how to write chord progressions (ie I - bVII - IV -I or even a basic I - IV - V ) ? In other words a very basic understanding of theory. I remember reading in a 1989 Guitar For The Practicing Musician that Mick said he was uncomfortable playing in E and A which makes very little sense because most of their songs are based around those keys (albeit a whole step down).

I mean, almost EVERYTHING is in A. At least the early songs. I wouldnt be surprised if he just had an innate sense of what sounded good. And repurposed Sweet, Slade and Priest chords into his own stuff. Once they got popular, prolly can get help from uncredited songwriters if needed

See, that is what I sometimes wonder. Obviously when you're in a famous band you can have a lot of musician friends if you choose to. Guys who know they're never going to make it, but they have come up with some cool riffs over the years and if Mr. Famous musician gives them a lump of sum of money for a few that have potential they agree to not ever want credit for them. I'd imagine stuff like that has had to have happened from time to time.

I have a huge amount of respect for bands like Judas Priest who have put out so many kick-ass songs. Sure they have had some duds (but very few real bad ones), but in my opinion they have created and released at least 20 fucking killer songs and probably at least another 20 cool to really cool songs. I think that is truly amazing and that bands that can do that deserve more respect than they get. I think it is criminal that they aren't addressed as Sir Rob Halford or Sir Glenn Tipton and Sir K.K. They have easily earned that right as far as I'm concerned. They should have more power than our elected politicians. Coming out with Screaming For Vengeance and Defenders Of The Faith within a two year period? That is an accomplishment not even most of the men we are taught about in school have achieved. I suppose the Manhattan Project was pretty impressive although not necessarily a good thing overall. But compared to that run of Stained Class through even Turbo I'd say is about equal in terms of impressive accomplishments.

I've played guitar since I was 11 (I'm 48 now) and I have yet to even write a single cool riff that a song could be built around. So when I see what guys like Jimmy Page or Roger Waters have been able to do I almost see them as having superhuman abilities. They certainly have my utmost respect.