This guide breaks down the songwriting process into 5 simple steps! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, these tips will help you write a song.
This guide breaks down the songwriting process into five easy steps, helping both beginners and experienced musicians create structured, memorable songs.
1️⃣ Start with Chords
- Choose a key that fits your vocal range.
- Use common four-chord progressions to build a solid foundation:
- I–V–vi–IV (e.g., Let It Be – The Beatles)
- I–vi–IV–V (e.g., Zombie – The Cranberries)
- IV–I–V–vi (e.g., With or Without You – U2)
2️⃣ Write Your Lyrics
- Find a central theme and stick to it.
- Techniques to enhance lyrics:
- Direct Address (Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s)
- Present Tense Writing (I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston)
- Establish the Conflict Early (Somebody That I Used to Know – Gotye)
- Brainstorming and freewriting can help develop strong lyrics.
3️⃣ Craft a Memorable Melody
- Stay within the key and scale of your chords.
- Keep melodies simple and singable.
- Use proven techniques:
- Call and Response (Respect – Aretha Franklin)
- Repetition (Shake It Off – Taylor Swift)
- Melody-Lyric Matching (Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen)
4️⃣ Write a Catchy Chorus
- The chorus should stand out from the verse by:
- Changing the chord order (Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi)
- Hitting the highest note in the song (Chandelier – Sia)
- Repeating key phrases (We Will Rock You – Queen)
5️⃣ Add a Bridge
- The bridge introduces contrast and keeps the song dynamic.
- Ways to make a great bridge:
- Use a new chord not heard in the verse/chorus (Billie Jean – Michael Jackson)
- Avoid the tonic (I) chord to create tension (Clocks – Coldplay)
- Change the rhythmic pattern (Hotel California – Eagles)
Conclusion
By following these five steps, songwriters can develop a clear structure for their music while maintaining creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your skills, these techniques help transform ideas into complete, engaging songs.
Source: How to Write a Song – 5 Simple Steps – How To Write Songs
