Songwriting is a beautiful art form that allows individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through the power of music. Whether you dream of becoming a professional songwriter or want to explore your creative side, it can be tricky to know how to begin. So today, we have compiled seven tips and techniques to help you get started on becoming a skilled songwriter.
1. Find Inspiration
Inspiration can come from anywhere — personal experiences, current events, books, movies, or everyday conversations. Keep a journal handy to note down ideas, phrases, or emotions that resonate with you. Great songs often emerge from a single powerful idea. Also, listen to successful popular songs and try to see what makes them stand out.
2. Music is the Heart and Soul of Your Song
Good music can turn a mediocre composition into something truly remarkable. Crafting a memorable melody that weaves its way into the listener’s soul is no small feat. Experiment with different notes, rhythms, and patterns to find a tune that enchants and captivates.
A captivating rhythm can be the heartbeat of a memorable song. Listen to Believer by Imagine Dragons or Shape of You by Ed Sheeran. These songs can make heads bob, feet tap, and bodies sway involuntarily. Experiment with different tempos, drum patterns, and percussion elements to find a rhythm that grooves effortlessly.
If you want more in-depth tricks on how to make your music more enjoyable, we have another guide just for you. Spice up your music with these tips! And get ready to unlock the full potential of your artistic expression.
3. Experiment With Song Structure
The main parts of a song consist of the following:
- Intro: Think of it as the first impression. Around 29% of people skip a song within the first 10 seconds. Your opening should set a vibe and stand out from the get-go.
- Verse: This establishes an idea of what the song is about.
- Pre-chorus: This is where the music builds or drops dead, creating anticipation for the chorus. Use a pre-chorus if your verse is too short or the last note of the verse is too far away from the chorus’s first note.
- Chorus: This is the main idea of your song. It usually repeats multiple times and should be the best part of your song.
- Bridge: The bridge is a rogue verse with a different melody or chords. It breaks repetitiveness and throws in an element of surprise. Alec Benjamin’s If I Killed Someone For You is an excellent example of how to write a bridge in a song. It completely changes the song’s main idea and adds a new element of sadness.
- Outro: This is the end of the song.
The most popular song structures are:
- ABABCB (Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus)
- ABCABC (Verse – Pre-chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-chorus – Chorus)
- AABA (Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse)
Try and divide your song into these parts and then craft compelling music and lyrics that mesh well and fit the criteria above. But don’t be afraid to break the rules. Some of the best songs in history follow no musical structure. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen has no chorus, just one killer story told through a song.
4. Craft Engaging Lyrics
Lyrics play a vital role in connecting with your audience. And authenticity is critical. Your voice is what sets you apart from other songwriters. Embrace your uniqueness and let your personality shine through your music. Write from your perspective and be true to yourself. Don’t create another cliché universal love song. We don’t want to make Bo Burnham mad, do we?
Read poetry to learn how to tell a story and convey emotions using words. When you can write meaningful words that incite emotions without music, you unlock a new level of lyrical prowess. Develop your ability to paint with words, master the art of metaphor and symbolism, and cultivate a deep understanding of rhythm and meter.
Research has also found that using first-person pronouns is an excellent way to make songs more engaging. “I” and “you” are the most intimate pronouns and can help listeners relate to the song more deeply. For more inspiration, check out this list of some of the most beautiful song lyrics ever written.
5. Use Apps to Your Advantage
With only a few swipes and taps, you can unlock a world of possibilities, from capturing ideas on the go to exploring new sounds and collaborating with musicians across the globe. Below are some of the best apps for songwriters:
- Apple’s GarageBand
- Songspace
- Word Palette
- BandLab
- Rhymer’s Block
- Autochords
- Chordify
6. Collaborate
Songwriting is often seen as a solitary endeavor. But there’s immense value in embracing collaboration and bringing fresh perspectives into the creative process. Collaborating can allow you to explore the song from multiple perspectives, adding a whole new layer of depth. Charlie Puth’s We Don’t Talk Anymore, and Taylor Swift’s Exile are perfect examples of how exploring a song from different perspectives can lift a song to new heights.
Collaborating also allows you to leverage the strengths of each team member. One person may excel at melody creation, while another may have a talent for crafting compelling lyrics. By pooling your strengths, you can create a synergy that enhances every aspect of the song, resulting in a more well-rounded and cohesive piece of music.
7. Record, Reflect, Rewrite
Once you have the first draft of your song ready, record and listen to it. Whether it’s the subtleties of your vocal delivery, the intricacies of your guitar playing, or the dynamics of your song arrangement, listening back helps you identify areas where you excel and areas that may need refinement.
Listening to your recordings also allows you to evaluate the structure and flow of your compositions. You can assess the effectiveness of your intros, verses, choruses, bridges, and outros, ensuring that each section serves its purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of the song. You may discover opportunities to add or remove parts, adjust transitions, or experiment with different arrangements.
Because that’s the truth of songwriting, you’ll have to do it again. And again. And again. This is what we call drafting, what we call rewriting. What we call “HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO REWRITE THE SECOND VERSE BEFORE IT WORKS?” Please don’t get frustrated, and keep at it. Creativity is a process of refinement and iteration. Each draft, each rewrite, brings you closer to uncovering the true essence of your creation.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to crafting a compelling song lies in the alchemical fusion of melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. Let your imagination run wild, explore uncharted territories, and never settle for “good enough.” With the tips above, you can transform any mediocre song into a masterpiece that resonates with the world.