Songwriting For Beginners: Write Your First Song

When you're starting out as a songwriter, writing the first fully finished song can feel like an impossible task! I can definitely relate.

I initially had doubts, too, until I finally wrote my first song. With the right guidance, it's possible to overcome this hurdle and be immensely rewarding. 

Whether you're a complete novice or you have some musical background, there’s a songwriter inside you waiting to create. 

By following a structured approach, you can transform your musical ideas into a complete song.

Songwriting For Beginners

Personally, I always start with melody and chord progression ideas, and lyrics come later. But there are just as many writers who prefer starting with lyrics.

My advice is to go with whatever feels more natural to you. If you don't have a preference, try out a few different ideas of each and go with whatever feels like the right place to start.

First Step: Find Inspiration

Before even thinking about ideas, the first thing you need is inspiration. Having a clear idea will guide your creativity, whether it’s an emotion, a story, or a message.

Blank Page: Writing Lyrics

If you prefer starting with lyrics, then begin with a few lines that capture your idea. Don’t worry about perfection; let the words flow naturally.

Basic Method: Structure and Chord Progression

Starting with the structure and chord progression can be helpful so you can get some focus for your ideas immediately. A basic method for structuring a song includes verses, a chorus, and a bridge. 

Establishing a chord progression that matches the emotion and vibe of your original idea can help get the creativity flowing. If you don't have a clear chord progression idea in mind immediately, I recommend starting from something familiar, like using C—G—Am—F.

What Instrument Should You Write on?

If you play guitar, having the basics of guitar down is definitely a big advantage. But keep in mind, you don't have to be the next Joe Satriani or Steve Vai in order to write amazing songs!

Familiarize yourself with common guitar chords like C, G, D, and Am. Knowing more than that is a bonus but not a requirement as you can use a capo to change the key and still use the same chord shapes.

Keyboards and piano are also great for songwriting, and the same rules apply here as on the guitar; the basics are enough. You can look up keyboard diagrams of the basic chords, too. 

Developing Songwriting Skills

Practice is key. Keep writing and experimenting with different chord progressions and structures to improve your songwriting skills. 

Be always ready to record what you play, even if it’s just on your phone so you capture the ideas. Writing down the chords can also help track your progress.

Read more: 15 Awesome Songwriting Prompts For Your First Song

Developing Your Lyric Writing Skills

Writing lyrics involves blending creativity with structure to create memorable songs. 

Always listen to stories you hear around you. Pay especially careful attention to unique lines people use in conversation; you never know when you might find another fresh way to express a familiar feeling or situation that will help craft unforgettable phrases that elevate your work.

Finding Inspiration from Personal Experiences

Drawing from your own experiences will make your lyrics more genuine and relatable. Reflect on significant moments in your life, whether joyous or sorrowful. 

Think about events that evoke strong emotions—these moments often inspire powerful song lyrics.

Consider keeping a journal to capture thoughts and feelings as they arise. Portraying vivid pictures through descriptive language helps listeners connect with your message. 

The authenticity of personal experiences adds depth, making your songs resonate more emotionally.

Understanding Rhyme Schemes and Structures

Rhyme schemes and structures give your lyrics a rhythmic flow, making them catchy and easy to remember. Common rhyme schemes include AABB, ABAB, and ABCB. These patterns provide a framework that can guide you in creating balanced verses.

Experiment with different structures, such as verses, choruses, and bridges, to see what works best. Aim for a central idea that runs through your song, linking each part together seamlessly. Nursery rhyme patterns can also serve as simple yet effective guides for beginners to grasp basic rhyme schemes.

The best songs use rhyming in a creative but not too obvious way. Combined with catchy melodies and an interesting chord progression, you're now on your way to something unique and memorable.

Crafting Memorable Lyrics

Memorable lyrics often feature a catchy hook and clear, concise wording. To craft these, focus on your song's central theme or story. Avoid overloading verses with too many ideas. Instead, aim for clarity and precision.

Use figurative language to paint vivid pictures in the listener's mind. Create a catchy melody that complements your words, enhancing the song's overall impact. Pay attention to the song title, as it often encapsulates the essence of your lyrics.

As you tell the story through the song, keep in mind that only you have the full story; the listener will know nothing except the lines you give them in the song. So when you're writing songs, analyze your lyrics for details that might need clarification or are from a part of the full story that's not even featured in the lyrics. 

This is a very common mistake when writing lyrics. I regularly catch myself doing it and have to correct the storyline until it all makes sense, even for a listener hearing the story for the first time.

Composing Music

Composing music involves blending chords, melodies, and rhythms to create a cohesive and engaging song. Understanding how these components work together to form the foundation of your music is essential.

Working with Chords and Progressions

Start by selecting a familiar key for your song so you can use chords you know well. You can always adjust the key later if needed; this might happen once you start getting a melody together. Don't worry about the key too much for now; just focus on getting the right chords in place at this point.

I definitely recommend you familiarize yourself with basic music theory so you understand the relationships between chords.

Experiment with different chord progressions to find what sounds best and matches your song idea. A simple I-IV-V progression is a staple in many genres and often a good place to start. 

To add variety, try incorporating minor chords or a ii-V-I progression for a jazz feel. How far can you push it in this direction? That mostly comes down to what genre you're targeting and how adventurous you want to get with the song.

Chord inversions are great for adding texture. An inversion changes the order of the notes in a chord, making the chord sound more interesting. 

Don’t forget to pay attention to the song’s structure as well. Different sections (verse, chorus, bridge) might benefit from unique progressions.

Exploring Melodies and Rhythms

A strong melody is crucial for a good song. There's always debate on whether the melody or lyrics are the most important thing in a song; I think a great lyric, no matter how creative and unique, can't fix a bad melody. 

So, my focus is always on the melody first. However, it doesn't mean that's the approach you have to take. Follow your intuition, and you'll know what to do.

Start by identifying a musical motif or idea. Play around with this idea on your instrument. Record yourself to capture spontaneous melodic ideas.

Balance repetition and variation in your melody to keep it engaging. A catchy hook often involves a memorable and repeatable melodic phrase. Ensure your rhythm complements the melody—experiment with syncopation, rests, and varying note lengths.

Using different rhythms in various parts of your song can create dynamic changes. A lively rhythm in the chorus and a more reserved one in the verse can give your song a more varied feel. It helps maintain listener interest throughout the entire song.

Refining Your Songs

Editing and Rearranging

Editing is all about paying attention to small details. Start by listening to your rough draft multiple times to identify areas for improvement. 

Consider if verse melodies need more variation or if the chorus lacks punch.

Rearranging involves experimenting with the structure. Instead of a traditional verse-chorus-verse, maybe a second chorus might add impact.

Top songwriters often mix up ideas from verses, bridges, and other components to find the best flow, and they keep adjusting until the song feels just right. Don't hesitate to cut parts that feel repetitive or out of place.

Revising the lyrics or melody to better highlight the song's theme can bring new ideas and a fresh perspective. Keep iterating until every part serves the song's essence.

Collaboration and Feedback

Collaboration can open up directions you might not have considered. 

You can get started on co-writing by looking in your trusted circle of friends and fellow musicians who understand your music style.

Share your song with them and be open to their constructive criticism. Often, feedback from collaborators can help refine a final chorus or suggest different ways to approach a section.

Feedback isn't just about criticism but also about support and sharing fresh ideas that improve your song. Sometimes, input from someone with experience in the music industry can be invaluable for reaching a wider audience.

Use this collective wisdom to polish your song to perfection.

Once you become more comfortable with this process, you can keep refining it. Eventually, you'll be able to do it all on the spot, just like in a professional songwriting session.

Navigating the Music Industry

Understanding Publishing and Copyright

This area is enough to write a whole series of articles on it! But we'll cover some of the basics.

Your Rights As a Songwriter

Understanding your rights as a songwriter and how to monetize your creations is important. Music publishing ensures you earn royalties whenever your songs are played or performed. It’s vital to understand the types of royalties you can receive, such as performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties.

What Is Copyright In Music?

Copyrights protect your intellectual property, granting you exclusive rights to your music. Registering your songs with copyright offices is crucial. 

This legal protection prevents unauthorized use and ensures you can take legal action if needed. You should also join a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the U.S. so they can collect royalties generated by your published songs.

What About Contracts?

Contracts with publishers, record labels and managers can help you reach a wider audience, but be cautious of the terms. To avoid disadvantaging agreements, you should always seek advice from industry professionals or attorneys. 

Understanding how to navigate these elements is essential for anyone looking to thrive in the music business.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Analyzing and Learning from Great Songs

One great tip I have for new songwriters is to study your favorite songs carefully. Pay attention to their song structure, lyrics, melodies, and harmonies. Listen multiple times and take notes on what stands out to you.

Create a songwriting journal where you can jot down these observations. Try to identify patterns and techniques used by successful songwriters. Experiment with implementing these elements in your own work to see what resonates with you.

Listening to music from various genres can also expand your creative horizons. Analyze different styles of music to understand how diverse elements come together to create memorable songs. With an open mind, you can learn a lot from music that might be outside your usual preferences.

The more you analyze and study, the more you'll start noticing; eventually, this will help develop your style.

Finding Your Unique Voice and Style

Finding your unique voice and style takes time and experimentation. Start by writing regularly and expressing your true emotions and experiences. 

Authenticity is key to connecting with your audience. I can't stress this enough! Songs connect with us on such a personal level that the connection will only happen when the writing is honest.

Conclusion

Writing your first song is a big and important milestone for a beginner songwriter. Don't set any expectations; just dive in and enjoy the process.

Finding inspiration and using effective songwriting tips can help you overcome initial hurdles. Experiment with different genres and musical styles to discover what resonates with you and develop your unique voice.

There's no one way to write a song. Try different approaches, whether starting with a single word, a chord progression, or a life experience. Consistent practice and openness to new ideas will help you grow. 

I covered how I personally often work, but that's just my approach. Something completely different might work for you. 

Be open-minded and use your unique perspectives and life experiences, making you a better songwriter.

About the author

Tero Potila is a professional music composer and producer. His career combining knowledge and experience from music, TV, film, ad, and game industries gives him a unique perspective that he shares through posts on teropotila.com.