Songwriting Tips That Will
Make Your Songs Shine

Before I discovered these songwriting tips I could barely stand to listen to my own songs! My song titles and lyrics were bland and unexciting, I usually failed to establish a great hook, and it took me forever to write because I would constantly second-guess myself.

Now I wonder how I ever could have lived without them. Not only is songwriting a pleasure for me, but I actually get goosebumps listening to some of my own stuff!

I believe these tips can do the same for you. Try them and see for yourself. Here are a few for starters:

• Make time to write every day. I know, obvious right? If you want to get better at anything, practise, practise, practise!
• Prepare to write. This one is even more obvious than the last, but if you have all of your materials at hand you will be more productive with your time.
• Write about universal themes. Write something everyone can relate to. Love songs, break-up songs, any relationship songs. People will never get tired of hearing about themselves!
• Start with the hook! Writing a catchy song is easier when you write the hook first. Boil down the essence of your song idea to a short memorable phrase.
• Get song ideas from your surroundings. Movies, books or good old gossip! There's a whole world of ideas out there.
• Make your lyrics visual. Painting a picture with your words is much more effective than trying to explain what colours you used.
• Write the melody before the chords. The melody is what you hum in the shower. It's more important!
• Silence the inner critic. There is a time for critiquing your song. When you're writing it is definitely not the time.
• Rewrite your songs. Always be open to rewriting. Just because your song is finished doesn't necessarily mean it's "finished". You can always make it better.
• Keep a notebook and/or hand-held recorder close by. I have lost so many brilliant ideas through the years because I didn't do this. I always thought "I'll remember this". I always forgot!
• Avoid long intros. You must grab your listener's attention as quickly as possible. Most of the time I try to limit my intros to 5 to 10 seconds.

Throughout this site you will find many more useful songwriting tips designed to help you write better songs.

Each month you'll receive tips and ideas on such topics as...

• Writing better lyrics
• Composing beautiful melodies
• Cool recording techniques
• Music publishing strategies

Each issue is packed with practical information designed to help you write better songs, and take them to the next level.

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