How to Write a Song

This is the question asked by many aspiring musicians and singers: how do you write a song?

If you ask me, I can provide you with a basic structure:

Intro | Verse 1 | Chorus 1 | Verse 2 | Chorus 2 | Bridge | Chorus 3 | Outro

This sort of structure is pretty easy to follow and forms the basis for many songs particularly in the popular music genre. However, if I tell you what chord sequence to use, how to create catchy riffs and the style of lyrics to include, it’s no longer your song.

The essence of songwriting is that it’s original; it is the ideas of a particular artist or band that have been translated into music form. I can’t tell you how to write a song, ultimately no one can, because it has to come from you. You have to choose what chord sequences you like, how many verses, choruses and breakdowns you want. You decide whether it lasts three and a half minutes or half an hour.

Getting started with song writing can be tricky – if it wasn’t surely everyone would do it? Start with a few words that can be worked into lyrics, noodle on your guitar or jam on your keyboard until you find a few chords that fit and begin to form a structure.

Take inspiration from the bands and artists you love. Don’t copy them but do take inspiration or ideas and make them your own; apply your own musical style to them. Like most things, with practice it becomes a little easier but, even so most professional musicians have bad day’s and writer’s block. Sometimes a song just won’t come together as you want it to and you have to scrap the idea and start again. In this situation the most important thing is to not lose heart and carry on.

So how do you write a song?

Take an idea and run with it!