by Beki Smith

Created on: February 16, 2007   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

Writing a song is not as tricky as it sounds, but neither is it a walk in the park. You have to have an inspiration to start with... Whether its because your really happy or down and depressed you need to be feeling something to come up with good lyrics and a matching melody.
To start, it's easiest if you play the piano or the guitar as you can first construct a chord sequence that is pleasing on the ear and then change it later.

For example, a simple chord sequence of Cmaj, Gmaj, Amin and Fmaj fits together nicely this can then be altered so that you use inversions and maj7th chords to make the song more interesting.
I find it best if you next hum a melody that is interesting and ornamented so that you get an idea of words that will fit to the rhythms or your melody.
Once you have found inspiration for your lyrics, make a list of words and phrases that fit into the category (also thinking of rhymes if you need them.)
E.g. I pick the topic of a Break-up, words that fit "Lonely", "Broken-hearted", "Wishing you would come back to me."
Then construct these words and phrases into sentences and then verses.
E.g. Since you walked away and we were parted
I've felt so lonely are you broken hearted too?
I miss you!
(I know thats a bit lame, but its just an example!)

You can then play the chords and see how your lyrics fit to them, changing each line to create more or less syllables. This is the hardest process as it takes a lot of time and tweaking.
Once this section is complete you can alter your piano (or guitar) part to make it more interesting with some variation. Then polish it off and you have a song!

Top tips:
1) Get some personal inspiration so that you write how you feel (or what you've done)
2) Find chords that you like and will be pleasing on the ear
3) Think of your melody before your lyrics as this will make the lines flow more naturally
4) Get some quiet time alone with the piano and piece your song together
5) Enjoy what you're doing and don't panic if it takes a while to sound complete!

Good luck in writing your song and just have fun!

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