Songwriting Ideas
Tips for creating a great song
Chord progressions
Stuck for a chord sequence for part of a song, try reversing another
progression from the song, or take some part of another progression reverse
it and cycle that. Try doubling or halving the time spent on each chord.
Instrument choice
Try a different instrument - you might play something that inspires you.
If you are writing on a guitar, try a capo - this can cause different
chord voicings and harmonics. Alternatively try a different tuning, for
example open G (DGDGBD) or open D (DADF#AD).
Be prepared
You never know when an idea might come, keep a notebook handy, that way you can write down prospective song titles,
lyrics and chord progressions.
Or if you can afford it, a dictaphone can be great for quickly recording
melody ideas and lyrics. Some of the newer mobile phones have voice recorders
on, so if you are lucky enough to have one use it.
Time signatures
Try a different time signature, e.g. 3/4.
Lyrics
Utilise rhyming - rhyming is a technique that gives your listeners a
sense of resolution, but don't over use it. Stuck for a rhyme you can
buy rhyming dictionaries.
Co-write
Consider co-writing - two heads are better than one, it worked for Lennon
and McCartney!
Study
Study some books on songwriting - see
a selection here
Upload!
Once you've created your song - upload
it to this site!
Share
If you've got some tips you'd like to share with the Rate My Band community
then please let us know