Song writing tutorial. Learn how to write a song.

Step by step song writing guide.

Want to learn how to write a song? If you’re just a beginner, here’s a simple guide that you can follow.

The Title

When writing songs, you can simply start by thinking of a good title. The title is normally the main hook in the chorus so it should be catchy and compelling. Personally, I have found that once I have a good title, a great part of my work is already done.

The Chorus

The chorus is arguably the most important part of your song. Spend time on getting it right. It is what your listener remembers. Most of the time it’s the chorus that your listener sings along with.

The titles of songs are usually part of the chorus. The title can be the same as the hook. Make sure you have a good hook if you’re writing with the intention of getting radio airplay. Radio stations are hook-driven since they need to keep listeners from changing channels.

Be sure to use repetition in your song. This is very important if you want people to remember your song.

The Verses

Your verses should now support the ‘argument’ that you made in your chorus. Ensure that your song writing shows consistency in thought. Your thoughts shouldn’t be scattered all over the place.

Here are two simple songwriting patterns that you can follow.

Let’s say: (1) verse-chorus, verse-chorus-bridge, or
(2) verse-verse-bridge-verse.

Write a Simple Song

As far as I’m concerned, you should say what you have to say and call it quits. Don’t worry too much about facts. Work every bit of emotion into your song and your song writing. You’re writing songs to impact on people’s feelings. Use conversational lyrics.

To excel at the songwriting craft you must practice, practice, practice. The more you write, the better you will get. Be sure to study various works on the craft as well.

Music and Melody

Now that your lyrics are laid out you can now concentrate on melody and music. Use a guitar or piano as accompaniment and begin singing melodies and playing chords simultaneously. If it’s your lucky day ideas will begin to flow. But be forewarned that sometimes ideas don’t come right away and you may have to come back some other time. But think positive. Free your mind and let the muse take control.

A Musical Marriage

Your melody, lyrics and music should tie up together nicely. Let your music reflect the mood of the song. Use contrast. You may want to use brighter chords (major chords) for your chorus and use sadder, (minor chords) in your verses. By doing this you’re making your chorus stand out.

Time for some tweaking

You should always do some tweaking and rewriting. Ensure that the lyrics fit with the rhythm of the song. Trash any words which do not fit. Every word should be there for a reason. Polish, polish, polish. This may take minutes, days or weeks, depending on the song.

Record Your Song

Avoid the pain of forgetting your melody or music. Write them down. Record them. Make a copy on whatever you have at your disposal. Whether it’s a tape recorder, cell phone, or MD player.

Different Methods

You should never limit yourself to the same regurgitated song writing formulas. Try different methods. There are many different ways to write songs and no rules in songwriting. Sometimes lyrics come before melody, and vice versa. Sometimes they come simultaneously. It depends on the writer, and every situation can be different. As for me, I usually write lyrics and melody together.

Read: Learn How To Write A Song – Songwriting For Beginners – Tips

Song Writing – Further Reading:

Tips and articles.