Tips For Writing Songs

Writing Songs: Tips

1: Do you have a songwriter/musician friend whose work you hold in high regard? Let him or her listen to your song. Their input can help change an ordinary song into a hit. Their advice can inspire you and lead you to completely turn a song around for the better.

2: It has been said that when you help others you help yourself. Helping others improve on their lyrics can help you become a better songwriter. Take time to help an aspiring songwriter today.

The importance of “peer review” can’t be stressed enough. We learn so much from both receiving constructive feedback and from sharing our reactions to others’ songs.

3: Stop trying so hard to write a HIT song. Just write. History has shown that many hit songs are just songs which came from the heart. Their song writers never expected them to become hits. When they did, it came as a surprise.

4: Don’t criticize yourself or judge your lyrics too much when writing songs. Don’t stop the flow. Open up and receive the lyrics which are being channeled through you. Later on you can edit as necessary.

5: When a sudden burst of songwriting inspiration comes your way, do not take it for granted. Take full advantage of it and write as many songs as you can. You never know how long it will last.

6: One of the biggest mistakes a songwriter can make when writing songs is to abandon their unique, natural style and attempt to copy the style of others.

7: Sometimes we can’t write good songs because we try too hard. Sometimes the songwriting ideas do not flow because we are fighting too much. Simply let go. Let go and let God or inspiration. When you’re at peace with yourself and the divine, the songs will flow more readily. Empty your mind of the blocks that keep you behind and be at one with the source from which all great lyrics flow.

8: You need to be clear about what you want to achieve as a song writer. You need to decide how far you want to reach. Are you writing just for fun? Do you want to land a major record deal? Do you want your music to be featured in a film? Do you want your song to be sang by a famous/popular artiste? Do you want major hits? Have a clear vision of where you want to be. It is not enough to have a vague idea of what you want. You need to know where you’re going. You wouldn’t get in your car and start driving without knowing where you’re headed.

How To Write A Song In Ten Steps – Robin Frederick

More Tips For Writing Songs

Here are some things you can focus on. (These are simply guidelines that you can follow. Once again, permit me to say that there are no rules.)

#1: How unique should your songs be?

Practise writing songs which sound familiar to people. You cannot be too different. You should probably attempt to pattern your songs after the hottest songs on the radio. If you want to impress a record label, your music should be original, but your songs shouldn’t sound completely different to anything they have ever heard before. You should be able to strike a balance.

#2: The importance of repetitive and simple melodies.

Never underestimate the power of repetitive and simple melodies. Bands like Lenny Kravitz and Creed are typical examples of this. They just keep producing songs with repetitive, simple, catchy and very clever melodies. Don’t forget the important role that hooks play.

#3: Your message should be clear.

Avoid the mistake of not focusing on a single idea or emotion. Your song should not be going in too many directions. You should ask yourself what the point of your song really is. Your lines shouldn’t be fighting with each other. Ensure that your song has a specific theme.

#4: Writing when you wake up in the morning.

One exercise which can really help you develop, and become more proficient as a songwriter, is to write something as soon as you wake up in the morning.

I have found that when I wake up in the morning, my mind is full of ideas. How about you? Capitalize on this and you’ll not only be writing songs on a regular basis, but your songs will reflect a great degree of what I call “morning brilliance”.

#5: Writing regularly.

Practise writing songs on a regular basis. It has often been said that songwriting is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. You may or may not agree. However, don’t just sit there and wait for songs to come to you. Put some effort and reap the results. Procrastination will take you no where.

#6: Using “tools” to facilitate the process.

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, the rhymes just don’t seem to fit, the chord progressions just don’t come to mind or songwriting appears to be a hassle, you should probably try to grab hold of whatever “tools” that can help facilitate the process.

You may want to consider using “tools” such as rhyming dictionaries and songwriting software when writing.

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Song Writing Articles & Suggestions.