by Gerry Baird

Created on: January 09, 2009

Good songwriting, like good writing or sculpting, requires a combination of head and heart, knowledge and instinct, art and craft. If you dream of writing songs but don't play a musical instrument, learning one is a great place to start. The piano and guitar are both popular choices, because they allow melodies and harmonies to be played simultaneously. It is possible to write songs without being able to play an instrument-vocalists, for example, sometimes sing melodies into a tape recorder-but the ability to play your music brings it to life and makes it easier to share with others. If you have some knowledge of how to notate melodies and chords, that will benefit you as well. There's nothing worse than having a great idea and not being able to write it down before it's forgotten.

In music, there isn't a set of absolute rules to follow, like in some mathematic or scientific disciplines. But just as novels are expected to be divided into chapters, paragraphs and sentences, songs follow expected patterns of logic and form. Classical forms include sonatas, concertos, rondos and symphonies. You may have heard of the "twelve bar blues," a more contemporary form that is almost ubiquitous in blues music and has made its way into some rock songs as well. Popular music follows forms that include verses, choruses, and bridges. Each verse is sung to one tune, but the words change with each repetition. Choruses repeat the same music and words, and should be the most memorable part of a song. Bridges give listeners a break from repeating patterns and often introduce new themes, chords or keys. At the end of a bridge, when the verse or chorus returns, there should be a feeling of familiarity, as if the song has come back home.

Songs combine melody, rhythm, harmony and lyrics. Melody is the part of a song that sticks in your head. Writing a catchy melody is one of the most difficult aspects of songwriting to codify. But you've been listening to songs all your life and know a good tune when you hear one, so let your ear be your guide. Sometimes a good melody will come to you in a moment of inspiration, but more often melody is a product of craft, along with trial and error. When you think you've created a good melody, share it with others and get their feedback. You don't have to take their advice or criticism (it's your song, after all), but you may gain some useful insights. Occasionally, you may find yourself subconsciously "borrowing" from a song you haven't heard for a

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