Beginner Songwriting FAQ"S - Part 1

Great songwriters all started somewhere. You'll feel better knowing that most everybody learning how to write a song has sought out this info too.

Maybe you'll recognize one or two of these frequently asked questions.

Behind Beginner Songwriting Door #1.
Should I learn to read music notes?

Short answer: yes & no.

Do you already know how to write a song? If you can, maybe you're OK without reading music.

The process of songwriting is different for everybody. The bottom line is - are you able to organize your musical thoughtsand communicate them?

I tend to think learning to read traditional music notation is good. For more on this check out Learning to Read Music.

Beginner Songwriting Door #2.
How much music theory do I need?

I believe you learn the tools of music theory as you need them. For example, when you're accompanying yourself on the guitar and not sure what the chord is that you're playing... you'll find out.

You'll ask around, dig it out, listen for it, watch videos, read books, etc., etc... to get it.

One way or the other, when you're learning how to write a song, you learn what you need - when you need it.

Music is aural... it is sound. The "rules" of music (music theory) have become established over several hundred years because they sound good... not because they look good.

Music theory is helpful when you use it to get what you need... but theory alone will not show you how to write a song.

Today, there are countless resources for online music theory help. The trick is using it wisely.

Check out our articles on Music Theory. By the way, learning to read music helps with this stuff... it all works together.

Beginner Songwriting Door #3.
How do I write song lyrics?

Today, lyrics can be about anything. It hasn't always been this way.

In the 1950's, songwriters were limited to "acceptable" topics. Sex, politics, racial issues and female perspectives were unheard of.

Because of our "open" society, the modern songwriter can easily feel overwhelmed by feeling "it's all been said before."

I believe the best place to start is where your passion is. What matters most to you? That is your topic.

When you know what you want to say in a song, it will help you learn how to write a song.

Are you passionate about old cars?

Chuck Berry had a huge hit with "Maybellene" (1955), using a Coupe de Ville Cadillac and a V8 Ford as the two main characters.

The song was actually about the drivers, but cars were very popular with the youth culture of that time... and the car talk helps tell the story. This is a great example of using objects in place of people to describe the hurts and joys of relationships.

Added Bonus** It is also a great example of Form known as a Verse/Chorus Blues. Go listen to it, see how the lyrics/music are organized and get another lesson in how the right form helps tell your story.

Check out much more on Song Form and Lyric Writing Help at our Lyrics Library.

Beginner Songwriting Door #4.
How do I write music for a song?

My wife and I have written numerous songs over the years where she hands me lyrics, tells me what she's after, how it fits in to the story (if it's in a play) and I get to work.

I usually read the lyrics several times, maybe many times, and focus on the "hook"- the part of the lyric that captures the essence of the song.

This gives me a place to dig in and start looking for working melodies.

I look for conflict... and conflict resolution. Is there a question being asked? If so - this may inspire the melody.

Is there an answer or resolution? If so - the music needs to reflect that.

The bottom line is the music must perfectly support the lyric......
Lyric is King.

For more on this check out more about How to Write Song Lyrics.

And so it goes for writing music for lyrics... great lyrics will inspire the music. If the words charge you, excite you, inspire you - the music will flow almost effortlessly.

You'll figure out how to write a song when your inner inspiration demands it. You'll develop the songwriting skills necessary because you might explode if you don't.

"How to write a song" will become "Got to write a song" when you are ready. Go for it.

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