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The 10 most valuable songwriting tips
You want to write your own song and are still looking for the necessary inspiration? Then we have the right tips for you in this article to celebrate your first successes in songwriting. Right here on smusician you can also find musicians who can realise your song ideas together with you. But first, of course, you need a song - maybe our 10 tips will inspire you:
1) Divide the songwriting into many small steps
Very few songs are created within a few hours. They are based on different moods and experiences, which is why you should focus on quality rather than quantity. For example, on the first day of songwriting, you can focus exclusively on the title to develop a suitable basis for a new lyric. Or you can start with the melody and think about a mood, a key or the sequence of your song elements. The classic verse, chorus, bridge or something more experimental? This is how you slowly and thoughtfully approach your personal song.
2) Start with the hook as a basis
One of the central parts of every song is the hook. Hook can be taken literally in this case, because with this you ideally have your listeners hooked after only a few seconds. They want to hear your song again and again. Usually the hook is repeated regularly within a song and complements the many individually lyricised verses, chords and melodies. The hook can be a lyric phrase, part of the melody or both together.
3) Focus on a consistent theme
Many beginners in songwriting make the mistake of trying to turn many small ideas into a song. What sounds reasonable at first glance can quickly lead to chaos and seemingly arbitrary songs. A good song always focuses on a concrete theme and offers a common thread. This makes it much easier for your listeners to feel their way into the song. Really good songs stay in the ear because of their unified theme - both on a lyrical and musical level.
4) Express your personality
Even if very few artists admit it, many songs are written by others. In most cases, however, this has the disadvantage that the personality of the song falls by the wayside. With your own song, on the other hand, you always have control over the content of your lyrics and the design of all melodies. Especially for the further lyrics and content of your songs, this creates a recognition value that lets you become a functioning brand. So develop your personal style right from the start and find out what you want to say with your music.
5) You don't have to reinvent the songwriting wheel
In most cases, artists want to develop as creatively as possible and preferably do everything better and differently than the others. But to write good music, you don't always have to be innovative and special. Don't be afraid to use techniques and songwriting elements that already work. Catchy chord progressions, beautiful key changes or driving beats - as long as you let them become something new through your personal song, it's perfectly okay to use them. Because finding completely new chord progressions or melodies is hardly possible anyway with the abundance of music nowadays. Sampling is also a nice way to create something new out of something old.
6) Offer more than what listeners expect
Predictable songs are boring and meet with less and less genuine enthusiasm. It's not for nothing that the stringing together "4-chord songs" has become a trend on YouTube. For this reason, you should build in a certain element of surprise. Try unusual chord progressions, write a deep lyric or move away from familiar rhythms. In all of this, however, you should be careful not to lose yourself in a fit of experimentation and to stay true to your style.
7) Let your everyday life inspire your songwriting
Good ideas rarely come directly from the recording studio. So keep your eyes open in everyday life, observe situations and explore feelings. Many topics and contents are practically waiting on the street and can be the basis of a successful song. Other musicians can also be very inspiring, which is why you should not be afraid to team up with others for songwriting. On our portal, you are sure to find someone who is looking forward to writing the next hit with you.
8) Test which style suits you best
If you decide from the beginning what style you want to write in, you make yourself dependent on certain chord combinations and rhythms. So keep an open mind, test what suits you, where you feel comfortable as a songwriter and where you can be most creative. If you interpret your songs yourself, feedback from your listeners can also help you find out what suits you, your voice, your playing style or your band.
9) Capture spontaneous ideas immediately
Spontaneity plays a decisive role in songwriting. Many ideas and approaches for your new songs arise spontaneously and should be recorded as comprehensively as possible. It's best to write down your new ideas directly or make a quick recording of the melody with your smartphone. That way, when there is time, you can come back to the idea and develop it further. The spontaneous ideas are usually the most successful approaches and also reflect your personal experience.
10) Stress is the biggest enemy of a good song
Avoid any kind of stress. No one is forcing you to release your song next week. Especially for the first songs, don't put pressure on yourself so that the quality doesn't suffer from this attitude. A really well written and composed song can take you many months. If you get stuck, you can always seek help from other musicians. Feel free to check out mukken.com for that.
For new songs you write the rules yourself
Since you write your songs yourself, there are no concrete requirements or rules. Take advantage of this and let your creativity run free without being influenced by others. You can also decide for yourself what you want to reveal or tell, or how profound or superficial your song should be.
It can still help you to educate yourself in songwriting, to see what others are doing and what new techniques are out there. That way you can improve your own songwriting and keep taking your songs to the next level.
Songwriting in a team? We connect you!
If you are looking for another musician to help you with your song, mukken.com is your place to be! Here you can find musicians from your area who can write music together with you.
Originally published on January 24, 2021, updated on May 11, 2022
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