The 10-step System To Write A Song – Part 1/5
If you’ve ever wanted to start learning how to write songs, now is the perfect opportunity! Just hop in and follow this miniseries to get started with developing your own songwriting skills.
Do you need some prior knowledge of songwriting? No.
Do you need to have some basic skills in playing an instrument? Well, yes – but I’ll guide you through the first steps.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
As you might anticipate, I’ll start with the obvious question: Do we start with music theory? No, we don’t.
While the theory is indeed needed along the way (not as much you’d probably think) you don’t need to be the next Mozart to write a great tune.
We’ll start with the basics, and I try to give you the best possible practices to lean on when writing so we are not baffled too much with the theory.
1. The song title
Start by giving your new song a name that describes your song idea. The name doesn’t have to be final, though it might be, and it is just used to give your writing process a good start.
The beginning is crucial – a clear title helps you to stay focused on the idea you’re working on. So keep your mind open and start working on a phrase that sums up your idea. Create a phrase of one to maybe six or seven words, that sums your song idea.
The title might be an interesting phrase that caught your attention just the other day.
Or it could be for something that tickles you and gives a feeling.
It might also suggest a situation or be a saying, like “It always rains on Mondays”, “Don’t look back” or “If I’d ever see you again”.
Write your idea on a piece of paper.
2. Explore your song idea with questions
When the idea has fleshed out, continue exploring your song idea with questions.
Make a list of questions just below your song title:
– What it is you want to say with your song?
– What do you think the listener would like to know?
– Does the song give a new aspect of something to the listener?
– What does the title mean and how do you feel about the title?
– Has something happened to cause this or make you feel this way?
– What do you think or hope will happen next?
– How is this song unique compared to other songs with maybe similar ideas?
Avoid criticism.
Remember – almost every time you’ll be writing music that has already been written. We can’t avoid repeating something that has already said. While you just can’t have a completely unique idea, you can completely try to make your song stand out with your personal sound or point of view.
Answer these seven questions thoroughly before moving on to the third step, which is covered in part 2.