How to Write a Song:
Study the Masters

If you've been writing songs for a while, you most likely are doing something right. When you write regularly you get a feel for it. You develop an instinct for what is catchy, memorable and engaging.

But you can take it further than that.

© Sundown|Dreamstime.com

Think of a craftsman, say, someone who is good with wood. He may have a natural ability to carve or construct things from wood. If he does it all the time he's going to get really good at it. Especially if he has the right tools.

Now, if that same person studied woodworking as an apprentice, imagine how much faster he will learn his craft. By studying with the masters, he will learn shortcuts and techniques that might take him years longer on his own.

Same with songwriting.

By studying the techniques of hit songwriters, you learn what works and what doesn't. You learn how to write songs. That doesn't mean you have to give up your natural style, or change who you are.

It simply means you learn better ways to present your unique ideas.

By studying song form you can learn to better express those ideas which are unique to you. You learn to build a better vehicle to take your song ideas where you want them to go. Check out these different types of song structure.

So how do we study hit songs?

Listen to the radio! Listen to the radio with a critical ear. Listen closely and ask yourself a series of questions:

• Why does this song appeal to me?
• What is it about the chorus that I find so irresistible?
• What emotion/s does the melody evoke?
• Why do the lyrics speak to me?

Realise also, the importance of rewriting. If you settle for the first draft, you'll never find out how good your song can really be.

That's what all great songwriters have done and continue to do.

It's an ongoing process. You never stop learning how to write a song. So don't ever think you're done!

If you're just starting out, check out these tips for the beginning songwriter.

Return From How to Write a Song to Home

New! Comments