GuyWithGuitar

How to Get Out of Your Own Way as a Songwriter

As songwriters, we all hit that wall. You know the one—I’m talking about staring at the page (or screen), guitar in hand, brain swirling with half-baked melodies and lyrics that don’t quite land. We want to write something meaningful, something real… but instead, we feel stuck. Paralyzed. Like we’re getting in our own way. Sound […]

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How Deconstructing Songs Can Make You a Better Songwriter

Every great songwriter begins as a listener. Long before pen ever hits paper, the seeds of creativity are often planted by hearing a song that strikes a chord—lyrically, melodically, or emotionally. Aspiring songwriters might find themselves wondering, “How did they do that?” or “Why does this chorus hit so hard?” The answer lies in something […]

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10 Ways To Find Your Own Voice As A Songwriter

Every songwriter wants to find their voice—that unmistakable fingerprint in their music that says, “This is me.” But here’s the thing: your voice isn’t something you invent out of thin air. It’s something you uncover, shape, and refine over time. Like discovering a new part of yourself, developing your songwriting voice takes curiosity, practice, and […]

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How Songwriters Can Find Inspiration in Quotes

Songwriting inspiration can come from just about anywhere—a conversation, a memory, a sound. But one of the most underrated sources of creative fuel lies in something deceptively simple: quotes. Yes, those short, punchy lines we scroll past on social media or scribble into our notebooks. They carry the weight of distilled wisdom, emotion, and human […]

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Analysis Paralysis in Songwriting: What It Is and How to Overcome It

If you’ve ever stared at a half-finished song, questioning every line, melody, or chord progression until you’ve talked yourself out of continuing altogether, you’re not alone. This frustrating creative blockade has a name—analysis paralysis—and for many songwriters, it can be the silent killer of great ideas. It disguises itself as dedication to craft, but in […]

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Why Setting Limitations Is Good for Songwriting (And Why It Might Just Save Your Creativity)

When we think about creativity, we often imagine wide-open spaces. Limitless possibilities. The freedom to go anywhere, try anything, write whatever we feel. But here’s the catch—too much freedom can paralyze you. In the world of songwriting, that blank page can feel like a vast desert. And without some kind of signpost or path to […]

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How to Write 10 Song Titles in 10 Minutes (And Why You Should)

Stop waiting for inspiration. Use this simple 3-step method to generate 10 powerful song titles in 10 minutes—and keep your songwriting flowing. Generating compelling song titles quickly is a valuable skill for songwriters seeking to enhance their creative efficiency. The article “10 Ways to Come Up With Song Titles Fast” from Speed Songwriting offers practical […]

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Is It True That “The Best Songs Aren’t Written, They’re Rewritten?”

The statement, “In songwriting, the best songs aren’t written, they’re rewritten,” is more than a clever catchphrase, it’s an essential truth rooted deeply in the creative process. Let’s unpack this idea further and explore what makes rewriting such a powerful tool in crafting memorable songs. 1. The Myth of Inspiration Many people believe songwriting is […]

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10 Ways That Songwriting Can Be Used As Therapy

Writing songs as therapy—often called “therapeutic songwriting”—can be a powerful tool for emotional healing, personal growth, and self-expression. Here are 10 ways songwriting can function therapeutically: 1. Expressing Deep Emotions Writing songs provides a safe space to express intense or complex emotions—sadness, anger, grief, anxiety—that might be difficult to articulate otherwise. It allows you to […]

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8 Ways That The 80/20 Rule Can Transform Your Songwriting Process

The 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of efforts or inputs. Applying this to songwriting can offer clarity, boost creativity, and significantly enhance productivity. Here’s how the 80/20 principle can transform your songwriting process: 1. Focus on Your Core Strengths (20% Effort = 80% […]