Songwriting collaborations can be magical. When two (or more) creative minds come together, the possibilities for musical alchemy are endless—but only if each person comes in prepared.
Whether you’re heading to your first co-writing session or your fiftieth, showing up with the right gear, mindset, and intention can elevate the process and tell your collaborator, “I’ve got my act together.” In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what to bring to a songwriting session so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
The Physical Gear: Tools That Set the Tone
1. Your Primary Instrument
Whether it’s a guitar, keyboard, or something more exotic, bring the instrument you’re most fluent with. This should be your songwriting voice—tuned, tested, and ready to go. If you’re bringing electric instruments, pack cables, tuners, capos, and (if needed) a small amp or audio interface.
Tip: Make sure it’s in good working condition. Nothing slows a session down like a broken string or dodgy cable.
2. A Lyric Notebook or Journal
A physical notebook with pre-jotted lyric ideas, hooks, and themes makes a great impression. It shows you’ve already been thinking creatively. Digital is fine too—but there’s something personal and deliberate about flipping open a worn, well-used journal.
What to include:
- Lyric fragments
- Possible song titles
- Phrases or lines that popped into your head recently
- Quotes or prompts for inspiration
3. Laptop or Tablet with DAW Access
Having access to your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) can help demo songs or sketch arrangements on the fly. Even a basic template can turn the session from “conceptual” to “actual” quickly.
Pro Tip: Have a loop library or sample pack on hand that matches the genre you’re aiming for.
4. A Voice Recorder or Voice Memo App
Ideas come fast in the room—and sometimes they leave just as quickly. Use your smartphone’s voice memo app or bring a handheld recorder to capture melodies, harmonies, and lyrical ideas in real time.
This is your musical safety net.
5. A Well-Organized Idea Bank
Having a digital document with categorized ideas can be a goldmine for creativity.
Consider organizing by:
- Hooks and lyrical motifs
- Thematic prompts (e.g., love, regret, empowerment)
- Rhyme banks and phrase lists
- Melodic snippets or chorus starters
You never know which “orphaned” idea might spark the whole session.
6. Reference Tracks or Inspiration Playlist
Bring a curated playlist of songs that match the vibe you’re aiming for. This gives your collaborator instant insight into your sonic vision and can help you both get on the same wavelength faster.
Apps like Spotify, YouTube, or even downloaded MP3s will do the trick.
7. Chord Charts or Cheat Sheets
Especially helpful when working with someone unfamiliar with your style or theory background. The Nashville Number System or basic chord progressions in a few common keys can be incredibly useful for collaboration on the fly.
8. Headphones and a Splitter
If you’re going to be listening to demos or recording rough ideas, bring good-quality headphones. A headphone splitter is a thoughtful addition that says, “I want us both to hear this clearly.”
9. Water, Snacks, and Good Vibes
The best collaborations happen when people feel relaxed and taken care of. Bring some water, light snacks, and an open-hearted attitude. These things may seem small, but they add to the atmosphere of the session.
10. (Optional but Smart): Split Sheets or Agreements
If you’re working in a professional capacity, it’s worth having a basic co-writing agreement or split sheet handy. You don’t have to break out the legalese, but noting down the split percentages and agreeing on rights can prevent headaches later.
What to Mentally Bring Into the Room
A great session isn’t just about gear—it’s about energy and intention. Here are the intangible tools you need:
- An open mind: Be willing to follow the muse—even if it’s not your idea.
- A thick skin: Not every idea will work, and that’s okay. Detach your ego from the outcome.
- A curious ear: Ask questions. Listen deeply to your collaborator’s ideas.
- A flexible mindset: Be prepared to pivot genres, rewrite sections, or throw out the chorus and start again.
Final Thoughts
Being a great songwriting collaborator is about showing up with respect—for the craft, for the process, and for the person you’re writing with. Bringing the right tools and mindset says “I’m here to create something amazing with you.”
When both writers come in prepared, that’s when the magic happens.
