How To Start Writing a Song—Tips for Beginners

The lyrics of a song have the potential to evoke powerful emotions and tell compelling stories. Writing a song might feel daunting, but with the right guidance, it can become an exciting journey of creativity and expression.

So, are you ready to turn your melodies of thought into lyrical tunes?

But, how to start writing a song? This comprehensive guide will help you through practical steps to start writing a song as a beginner. From crafting a captivating title to structuring your lyrics and melodies, each step is designed to help you unleash your inner songwriter. Let’s bring your musical ideas to life!

Steps To Write a Song

Put the Title of Your Song First

The title serves as your focal point, a beacon that keeps your lyrics centered on a specific idea or feeling. It’s not just a name but a powerful tool that can add depth and energy to your composition.

By beginning with a strong title, you establish a clear direction for your songwriting process, ensuring your lyrics remain cohesive and meaningful throughout. Remember, your title is the first impression your song makes, so make it count.

It might seem daunting at first, but remember, there’s no right or wrong title. It’s all about capturing the essence of your song’s message or emotion in ideally one to six words. So, before starting with your song, take a moment to prioritize deciding the title, knowing that whatever you choose will be a unique reflection of your song.

Write Down All the Questions the Title Raises

When writing a song, start by asking yourself what you want to convey and what your listeners might want to hear. Create a list of questions to guide your process. Following are some examples that a title can raise:

• What does the title mean?
• How does it make you feel?
• What inspired this idea or event?
• What do you envision or hope will happen next?

Answering these questions will help you form a clear message and direction for your song, making the content flow naturally and resonate with your audience

Select a Song’s Structure

When selecting a song’s structure, many of today’s hits rely on a format like Verse/ Chorus/ Verse/ Chorus/ Bridge/ Chorus. Historically, one of the most common structures in popular music has been the format— Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse. Both of these structures ensure that each section—verse, pre-chorus, and chorus—has a distinct, recognizable melody.

To elevate your song, consider adding a pre-chorus or “lift” between the verse and chorus. This can build anticipation and make the chorus more impactful. Focus on crafting identifiable melodies for each section and ensure smooth and engaging transitions between them. This will help maintain the listener’s interest and create a compelling song.

Select One Question for Each Stanza and One To Respond to in the Chorus

It’s crucial to give the chorus the spotlight in your song. This is the part that will resonate with your listeners the most. Start by selecting a key question you want to answer in your chorus and write a short phrase that captures this answer. Then, look for vivid images and action words to bring your chorus to life.

Describe what the singer is feeling, thinking, or saying, and convey the emotion clearly, whether it’s warm or cold, dark or light.

For each stanza, select one specific question to answer, ensuring it connects logically to the chorus. This approach is key to keeping your song cohesive and relatable, and it’s what will make the content flow smoothly, giving your song a natural and engaging rhythm.

Discover the Tune Within Your Verse

While learning how to start writing a song, realize the power of emotional delivery in finding the tune within your verse. Choose one or two phrases from your lyrics and say them aloud with lots of emotion. Exaggerate the emotion, and pay attention to the natural rhythm and melody that emerge. This will help you uncover the beginning of your chorus melody.

Experiment with these lines until they feel comfortable and natural. By focusing on the emotional delivery, you can discover the inherent musicality of your words and use it as a foundation for your song, amplifying the impact of your message.

Start Incorporating Chords into Your Chorus Melody

Begin with a simple, repeated chord pattern that complements your chorus melody. Experiment with different chords and melodies until you find a combination that resonates. Once you have a pattern you like, record yourself singing and playing the chords, even if it’s just on your smartphone. This ensures you capture your idea before it slips away. By recording your progress, you can refine and build on your song structure more effectively.

Improve the First Verse’s Lyric

To improve the first verse’s lyrics, start with an intriguing opening line that captures attention, such as a vivid description or a thought-provoking question. Follow this by restating the initial idea with added depth or a new angle to ensure clarity.

In the first verse, provide sufficient context for the listeners to understand the upcoming chorus, using descriptive language and clear imagery. Ensure the verse melody and chords complement the lyrics, creating a cohesive flow. Remember, the goal is to make listeners feel the emotions and understand the story in the song you’re telling before reaching the chorus.

Make a Connection Between Your Chorus and Verse

To create a smooth transition between your verse and chorus, adjust the verse melody to lead naturally into the chorus. You might need to raise or lower the pitch of your verse or modify the last line to make the shift seamless.

Typically, chorus melodies are in a higher note range than verses because they are more emotional, and our voices naturally rise with emotion. By ensuring the verse flows into the chorus, you enhance the overall cohesiveness of your song and maintain the listener’s engagement throughout.

Construct Your Bridge and Second Verse

To construct a bridge for your song, a contrasting melody and lyrics offer a new perspective or emotional peak. Use different chords or melody structure from the verse and chorus to build variety and interest. Keep it concise—two to three lines are often sufficient.

For the second verse, revisit a previous question or theme with fresh lyrics that continue the narrative or add new details. Maintain the melody from the first verse to ensure coherence. This approach adds depth and progression to your song, enhancing its overall impact and engagement.

Take a Recording of Your Song

After learning how to start writing a song and after writing one, captur its emotional essence is crucial for connecting with your audience. Consider recording a simple version using just piano or guitar and vocals—an “unplugged” approach often resonates deeply.

Prioritize mastering both instrumental and vocal parts to feel comfortable performing. Aim to convey the song’s emotion naturally; imagine speaking directly to someone while singing. Record in short sessions to maintain freshness and authenticity. This approach allows listeners to experience the raw emotion intended in your songwriting.