How to write a song - 12 songwriting tips

Songs are a powerful tool for expressing emotions, telling stories, and finding a deep connection with others. If you have ever hummed a melody or frantically searched for a scrap of paper to write down those amazing lyrics that have just popped into your head, you may well be ready to start your songwriting journey!

Whilst writing a song can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It can also be very daunting if you have never written a song before. Well please do not worry anymore as these helpful songwriting tips will tell you all you need to know!

1. Get inspired

The first task is to think about what inspires you. It could be a childhood memory, extreme emotions or a subject close to your heart. You can be inspired at any time, any place, so always be aware of your surroundings, experiences and feelings. If you cannot get the idea out of your mind, or it touches your emotions in some way, then you are definitely on the right track.

2. Convey a message

What is the message you want to send? As a songwriter you are in the privileged position to be able to convey a personal message through your song. This could be how to keep strong in adversity, the love for your children or reliving a traumatic memory and the emotions drawn from it. Your story will almost certainly resonate with listeners if it is honest and heartfelt. A well defined message will help greatly when you write your melody and lyrics.

3. Pick a Song Structure

Songs are almost always structured. They usually consist of verses, choruses, and bridges. Here are examples of the most commonly used structures;

Verse-chorus-verse-chorus

The most used song structure. It is advisable to know this format well before adding additional elements to your song structure.

• Sugar by Maroon 5
• Hey Ya by Outkast
• All You Need Is Love by The Beatles

Verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus

Adding a bridge can be a surprise to the listener. It can even take your song in a new direction.

• Every Breath You Take by The Police
• Happy by Pharrell
• Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver

Verse-Pre-chorus-chorus-Verse-Pre-chorus-chorus

Including a shorter section of the song structure, called Pre-chorus adds tension or drama to your song.

• Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
• Don't Look Back in Anger by Oasis
• Firework by Katy Perry

Your song may naturally lend itself to a certain structure, whereas you may feel others need the addition of a Pre-Chorus to emphasise the dramatic build up to the closing of the song. It is always good to experiment with different structures to find what suits your song best.

4. Hum that melody

Relax and experiment with notes or chords on an instrument, or simply just hum, both will help create a melody. Do not be scared to try something new, try out different combinations of keys, speed up the tempo or slow it down, experiment and see which works the best. Let the melody reflect the mood and emotions of your song.

5. Let the lyrics speak for themselves

Another key element of songwriting is the lyrics. To relay your chosen inspired message or story, your lyrics must also align. Use expressive language to make your lyrics engaging and relatable. Keep in mind whether your song will be sung or spoken when deciding on the rhythm and speed of your lyrics.

6. Now for the catchy chorus

The chorus is the heart and soul of your song and will almost certainly convey your main message. It needs to be catchy, identifiable and easy to sing along with. Repetition is the key, repeat it a number of times to really embed the chorus into the memory of the listener. A great chorus can ensure your song stands out from the crowd and also remains in the heads of many singers and listeners alike.

7. Verses, it's all in the detail

Verses are also crucial, as they guide the listener through the song by giving context and detail. They offer the listener an insight into the emotions being created by the development of the story being told. Try out different rhyming structures to maintain interest and intrigue.

8. Add a bridge

In songwriting, a bridge is a section which is in contrast to the rest of the song. It can be added to offer an alternative view point, introduce a dramatic change, or increase emotions. It can also be used to split up repetition or add another dimension to your song.

9. Instrumentals have the wow factor

Instrumentals can take the lead in a song by gaining the listeners full attention. Experiment with different instruments and arrangements to find the perfect fit. Ensure that the instrumentals add to the overall feel of the song. Original instrumentals can be added at the beginning of the song to set the scene or throughout the song to highlight key moments. If you are a talented musician or know of one, you can even have a specific section dedicated to showcasing a phenomenal and unique instrumental. This often brings with it widespread instant identification and recognition of a song.

Here are a few examples of great instrumental moments:

• Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
• Jungleland by Bruce Springsteen ft. Clarence Clemons on Saxophone
• All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix

10. Check it twice

There are multiple elements which are needed to complement and enhance the overall sound and feel of the song. Through the perfect cohesion of these elements, a truly remarkable musical creation can be made. Take the time to review and tweak your work. Ensure you have the right rhythm and pace to your song. Ask yourself, whether it fulfils your vision of what your inspired song would become, or is it even better than you imagined!

11. It's demo time

No need for a professional recording studio, you can use any standard recording devices or even an app on your phone to record your demo. By playing the demo back, it will be easier for you to notice sections of your song which you are not completely happy with or feel need improving.

12. Welcome feedback

It's always difficult to release your musical creation for critique, but this is what you must do in order to gain constructive feedback. It is crucial to know what the listener will like or dislike about your song. Send your song to friends, family and other songwriters or musicians you know. Their feedback might be the key that makes your song stand out and get recognised, so listen carefully, be open minded and do not take offence. Welcome all feedback good or bad and learn from it.

A final note

As with most things worth doing, they may not come easily at first, but as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. That said, make sure do not loose sight of your inner creativity. Experiment, learn and most of all enjoy the songwriting experience.

Collaborations with other talented artists

Do not panic if your musical talents lie in writing the most inspiring lyrics, but you cannot find the perfect melody to enhance the emotion created through your story. Or, your singing voice does not have the power needed, to bring out the passionate emotions your lyrics convey! Music collaboration is huge now, everyone is doing it! When you find your perfect collaborator the magic happens and the final piece of your musical jigsaw is complete.

Who knows what opportunities lie ahead when you join forces with other talented artists. Collaborations can boost your musical profile and more often than not, allow your talents to be noticed. Producers often join songwriting collaborations platforms in the search for songs or artists, they can also collaborate with. The result, a professionally sounding song ready for release!