Songwriting Basics Can Take You a Long Way

Knowing songwriting basics and how they work together to form a song is all you need to get started in songwriting.  Once you have a solid foundation from which to build tips, techniques, and tricks upon, you’re way ahead of the average songwriter who doesn’t take the time to educate themselves and simply learn as they go. 

Now, there’s nothing wrong with learning as you go, but if you learn the basics in the first place, before attempting to write a dozen songs, you can learn more advanced songwriting principles as you go, and your songs will be that much stronger!  You can learn all the songwriting basics without spending a dime because the internet provides free information on all of them.  A good practice is to pick 2-3 articles on each subject so you can have more information at your disposal.

These are the basics you need to acquaint yourself with:

1.  What is a song verse?  How do I write one?

2.  What is a prechorus?   How do I write one?

3.  What is a chorus?      How do I write one?

4.  How to write a second verse.

5.  What is a song bridge?

6.  How to create melodies.

7.  How to harmonize a song.

8.  How to pick chords for songs.

9.  How to use rhyme in songs.

10. What is a song form?  How to choose a song form.

Once you have a basic understanding of the above principles, start listening to your favorite songs, and see if you can recognize some of the basics you’ve learned thus far.  For example, ask yourself what song form is used in the song?  Try to figure out if it has a bridge, etc.

In summary, if you firmly ground yourself in songwriting basics before trying to conquer more advanced techniques such as using pedal points in a song, counterpoint, etc., you will progress far more rapidly.   So get in there, and study this easy material-you’ll be so glad you did; so will your audience!