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Give me your best song writing tips!

I've been trying to get into song writing but don't know how to start.

I've heard of multiple methods regarding what process people follow. Some starting with the vocal melody, others with lyrics. On the other side of the coin, some people start with the backing track first and then write the lyrics accordingly.

What method do you use and why?

My favorite method(conceptually at least) is from a band whos rhythm/lead section writes a melody/instrumental where after the lead singer writes lyrics to match his interpretation of the song.

This is where I get stuck. When I try and write a progression, it generally gets too busy for lyrics to be added.
On top of that, even though I enjoy long format writing, I struggle to express what I need to, when starting out with lyrics, to not have the lyrics reek of cheese.

Is it a issue of practice practice practice or are there some golden tips that may help?

  • V8 replied to this.

    RCVN Two threads from back in the day https://community.guitartalk.co.za/d/25384-the-song-writing-process & https://community.guitartalk.co.za/d/23575-advice-on-how-to-approach-song-writing

    RCVN some golden tips that may help

    Practise 😆 But that aside, I feel there are a range of processes (or tools/methods) that each have their own outcomes. Practising using each tool definitely helps!

    E.g. A rock/metal song will likely start with a guitar riff/groove - usually that develops as you add drums, bass, vocals. But a pop song with likely start with a vocal that is developed by developing a supporting harmony (chords). A dance song starts with a drum groove, etc...

    So if you wanna Dylan, then something like Pat Pattison's song writing approach is the way. But if you wanna Satriani then it's not reallllly that useful.

        V8

        Thank you. I'll study them thoroughly.

        I think this should be worth reading for whoever is entering the challenge.

        • V8 likes this.
          9 days later

          Not songwriting advice per se, but an interesting look at how music gets made.

          No secret I am a big DT fan. He's been releasing these podcasts for the last couple months. I've only listened to the first couple so far and while there aren't any specific songwriting tips, I was surprised by how much effort is spent on production. He was literally sitting on the songs for Ocean Machine for more than 3 years until he could get enough money together to get the production right - and in the end he still sampled Metallica's snare drum from the black album 🙂

          These podcasts are long and I don't think I'd recommend them if you aren't a fan, but I think there are some useful nuggets in there somewhere. Think there are 12 episodes up to now.

          8 days later

          Ah, the snare drum. Take a look at this...

          [(

          Lovely stuff.
          dh|

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