100 Beginner Songwriting Tips

So you are a beginner songwriting and you need some tips to help you get started writing songs... well you've landed on the right page.

Below you will find 100 great beginner song writing tips covering every aspect of the craft of songwriting.

You will find beginner songwriting tips that will help you from the very start of your song writing journey - coming up with ideas for songs, to the very end - selling your songs and making money from your music.

So do yourself a favour, print out these 100 beginner songwriting tips and keep them by your side as you start to write songs. You will be writing masterpieces in no time.

If you have any beginner songwriting tips of your own that you want to share with the world then submit them here. Just enter "beginner songwriting tips" in the title box.

100 Beginner Songwriting Tips

LYRIC WRITING TIPS...

1. Find ideas for songs by flicking through random images on google image search.
2. Give your song a strong song title by making it unique, memorable & catchy.
3. The strongest place to use a hook is in your chorus.
4. Make your song title your hook.
5. Use your mobile phone to record lyrics, melodies and chord progressions.
6. Searching through book titles on amazon.com is a great way for developing ideas for song titles.
7. Reading more books = better lyrics.
8. You can be poetic with your verse lyrics but keep your chorus simple and easy to sing a long with.
9. Use the song theme formula.
10. Get a note pad. Keep all your ideas organized and together.
11. The best lyrics come from honest, personal experience.
12. Test your lyrics out on friends and family.
13. Know the target audience.
14. Flick through the dictionary to find new and interesting words.
15. Listen in on people's conversations down at your local coffee shop.
16. Keep a list of potential song titles.
17. When writing your lyrics ask yourself the big 5 W's: Who, what, when, where and why.
18. Get some fresh air!
19. Go for a walk with your lyrics in your head if you get stuck.
20. Can't finish a lyric? Stop fighting it, put it away and come back to it with a fresh mind in a day, week, month or even a year.
21. Re-write, re-write, re-write....your first draft doesn't have to be your last. Re-write until your completely happy.
22. Stay focused. You should be able to sum up your song with one sentence.
23. Make sure your song has a clear song structure.
24. Analyze and study famous lyricists.
25. The verse should tell the story.
26. The chorus should convey the main message of your song.
27. Repetition is how you make people remember.
28. Never forget the power of rhyme.
29. Keep your language simple.
30. Be wary of the sounds of words. Words sound different when sung, some are open, some are blunt, some are spiky and some are stodgy.
31. Brainstorming is a great way for developing ideas for lyrics.
32. Have someone critique your lyrics.
33. Sometimes it's easier to write a poem first and then change it into lyrics.
34. Read articles and interviews from other songwriters.
35. Lyrics don't have to rhyme.
36. Remember to write from the heart.

WRITING MUSIC TIPS...

37. Borrow chord progressions from your favorite songs.
38. Some of the most famous songs ever written only use 3 chords.
39. Pick a song key and use the chords that fit that key.
40. The first chord used in a song is generally the key of a song.
41. Try a different time signature than what you usually use.
42. Listen to classic songwriters and study how they craft their songs.
43. Make sure all your songs aren't in the same key.
44. Spice up your chord progressions by using seventh chords, ninth chords and suspended chords.
45. If you always write alone then try collaborating with other songwriters for a fresh approach to your songs.
46. Drummers only have 2 arms and 2 legs, remember this when creating drum parts for a song.
47. Try writing music in a different genre.
48. Let go of all the rules and just noodle on your instrument.
49. Try writing a song using a different instrument than usual.
50. Learn a bit of music theory.
51. Learn to play some of your favorite artists songs.
52. Play around with different tempos.
53. Find a simple melody.
54. Generally speaking. Major keys = happy, upbeat song. Minor Keys = sad, darker song.
55. No-one can copyright a chord progression.
56. Learn as many chords as you can.
57. Use alternative tunings such as open g, open d, open e and so on.
58. Experiment with dynamics. Quieter for verses, louder for choruses.

RECORDING MUSIC TIPS...

59. Always use a good quality microphone.
60. Adjust EQ after recording not before.
61. Eliminate all outside noise: close windows, turn off air con etc.
62. Want a track to sound big? Double tracking is the answer. Record two identical tracks and pan one fully left, the other fully right.
63. Reverb is the secret to giving depth to your tracks.
64. Don't skimp on audio cables. Cheaply made audio cables will give you nothing but trouble when recording.
65. Keep your peak level at -3db to -5db below 0.
66. Kick drum and bass guitar have same frequency. Avoid them being on top of each other by placing one at 50-75hz and the other at 100-250hz.
67. Keep the bass and kick panned dead center.
68. Golden rule of recording. The better the source, the better the recording.
69. Save your work often.
70. Have your songs well rehearsed before starting to record.
71. If going into a recording studio bring examples of styles you want your record to sound like.
72. 2 options when recording. Recording live or multitrack recording. Pick the one that will suit your sound best.
73. Put your best song first when recording a demo.
74. Record your tracks in MONO. Trust me. It's easier for mixing later on.
75. Rest your ears after recording before you start mixing.
76. If you're recording using software, set up a template with the instruments and effects you usually use. That way you just plug in and play.
77. Use EQ to cut, not to boost.
78. The 12th fret is considered the sweet spot for mic placement when recording acoustic guitar.
79. Listen to your demos on as many devices as possible before sending the out into the world; car stereo, home stereo, on the computer, on an ipod with headphones.
80. Make sure the singer has a good headphone mix when recording.
81. Always use a pop shield when recording your vocals.
82. Recording two vocal tracks, with their slight variations, will give depth to you vocals.
83. A compressor reduces the dynamic range of audio material: i.e. it makes the loudest parts quieter so you can make everything louder, keeping the overall level more consistent.
84. Tune up your guitar and play in time.

SELLING YOUR MUSIC TIPS...

85. Network as much as you can. It's not what you know it's who you know.
86. Collaborate and create partnerships.
87. Although your an artist and not a business man, try and be professional.
88. Always copyright your music before showing it to people.
89. Learn about recording contracts.
90. Educate yourself about the music business by reading books.
91. Create an online presence using myspace, youtube, twitter and facebook.
92. Play as many shows as you can.
93. Be persistent.
94. Research record labels and publishing houses. Find the ones that suit your type of music best before sending away hundreds of demos.
95. Always bring copies of your demo to sell at live shows.
96. Try to get some air time on local and college radio.
97. Self promote everyday, in every way.
98. Write music for TV and film.
99. Know your target market.
100. Create a promo kit for your band.

So there you have it. 100 beginner songwriting tips covering writing, recording and selling songs. Everything you need to get started on your songwriting journey. And remember, the number 1 golden rule for every beginner songwriting is meant to be fun! So enjoy the process and have fun!

If you have any beginner songwriting tips of your own that you want to share with the world then submit them here. Just enter "beginner songwriting tips" in the title box.

Download "Beginner Songwriting E-book"

If the list above has wet your appetite and you want to learn more about how to write songs then I recommend checking out the songwriting e-book - "How To Write A Song, Tips For Beginners". It is written by accomplished former Motown recording company songwriter Melvin Moy and is full of great advice for the beginner.