The best song writing tips are the ones that can be used by all writers
in every style of writing and music. Many times, a suggestion will only
be helpful for a certain situation or type of song. This might be great
for that specific example, but what about your songs? What happens
if they don’t fit into the requirements for that particular tip? You could
easily find yourself wasting time trying something that does not end
up working for you.
The following tips are universal and will work for every writer and
every style of music. They are some of the most effective things you
can do to improve your writing and enjoy it more in the process.
1) Do not write if you are not inspired. Creativity thrives on inspiration
and when something motivates you to write, go with it. It is much
more exciting and fun, and your songs will be better as well because
it will be more honest. If you try to write when you are not inspired, it
can be more difficult, especially if you are forcing yourself to write. Let
it be more natural and follow the spark that lights your creativity.
2) Focus on the quality of chords, not quantity. Too many writers are
worried about having a lot of different chords in their songs instead of
concentrating on what really matters- having the right chords. Your
songs make have five or ten chords, or only two or three chords in
them, but that’s okay. There are plenty of Number 1 Hits with the
same amount or less, so take the pressure off and stop counting!
3) Be receptive to new ideas. Where do you get the new ideas you
get for the songs you write? They might come from your own life, or a
situation of someone that you know. Or, some of them may even be
fictional. You can get a lot more ideas if you have your “antenna” up.
Everything from conversations to television shows are all fair game.
When you are thinking creatively, you would be surprised how many
things can trigger the idea for a new song.
4) Never compare yourself to others. This one applies to many other
things as well. Everyone has different abilities and we all reach
different levels in our own time. It’s important that you are not trying to
compete with anyone in an unhealthy way. Be patient and build up
your skills gradually. Before you know it, you will be impressing
yourself, and that’s the most important thing.
5) Listen and learn. Going back to the main theme of this site,
listening to other songs and being aware of your influences will help
you understand your unique style of writing. This will give you a
tremendous advantage because you will know the reasons behind
your music and lyrics. Also, learning the techniques that work in the
songs that you enjoy will help you adapt those them into your own
songs in an original way.
For more information on listening and how you can enjoy song writing
more by listening, check out the Songwriting Guide to Listening
section and/or sign up for the free mini-course on the right hand side
of the page!
Get your free email 10-Day
Mini-Course on how to enjoy
writing the best songs...
Just enter your name and
email address in the form
below, and you'll receive your
first lesson immediately in
your email inbox.
Privacy Assurance:
Your email address will never be
shared with anyone.
*Double check your email to ensure
that you receive your mini course.