Do you love to write songs? When was the last time you wrote a really good song that was loved by almost everyone? Would you like to learn some tips that would make you a better songwriter?
When you type “songwriting tips” on Google, you’ll probably get thousands of results in less than 2 seconds. But, you know what? Most of them may not work.
Not to scare you, far from it! Songwriting can be fun, but sometimes, it can be really challenging. There are times you stay up all night wondering when you’re ever going to write something that won’t end up in the trash can.
But you shouldn’t be discouraged; you’re not alone, even world-class songwriters and artists go through what is known as ‘writer’s block’ at some point.
It doesn’t matter the genre of songs you intend to write. It may be R&B, rock, jazz, or maybe you’re looking to write a song that is more particular or localized to your community. This guide will be of great help to you.
Now let us take a look at some great tools you can use to make sure you’re not stuck on your songwriting journey.
1. Melody Miner
With this amazing tool, you can transform a simple melody into a full song in a few seconds. All you need to do is to sing a simple melody into this great tool, and it will bring out a lot of variations of songs with different tempos, chords, and style. You can always tweak the style to your desires, and you can also try out other melodies. Melody miner is very easy to use.
2. 4 Chord Songs (Windows)
This is a really wonderful tool, even though it’s been around for a while, it is still very much relevant for songwriting, and it’s very easy to use. To use this tool, just select a progression of 4 chords, then choose a genre or style of music you desire (there are over 50 styles available), and then hit the play button. 4 Chord Songs will start playing music with full instruments based on the initial chord progressions you chose.
3. Road writer (Android)
If you desire to maintain your creative edge on the go, then you need to get in on this premier songwriting app. Roadwriter is an android app that you can easily install on your mobile phone; you’ll get access to some wonderful features that can make the songwriting process easier for you. It has a tool that can help you fine-tune your lyrics, and it also has a music playback tool for your writing inspiration.
4. Songwriter 101 (Website)
If you are looking for a songwriting website that can help you on your journey, then check out Songwriter101. You’ll learn a ton of things related to songwriting.
5. Rhyme Zone
Rhyme Zone is a music dictionary where you can find words that are similar. You’ll find antonyms and synonyms as well as words and phrases that have similar sounds, similar syllable count, and similar rhyme pattern. It’s perfect for re-writing a lyric or finding that perfect alternative word to complete your lyrics.
This thing will be especially useful if you want your lyrics to sound over the music with a very clear rhythm, for example, created using a drum set. Thus, the words and beating of the drums will sound even clearer and create the perfect unison.
6. Hum
Hum is an Android app that you can use to take notes and melodies that you do not want to forget. You can use Hum to record your lyrics as well as any melody or tune associated with it.
Now you know some amazing tools you can use to ensure that you do not get stuck on your way. Let us take a look at some tips you can use to ensure that your next song is memorable.
1. Start Simple & Develop it
It is easier to build on your songs if they started as a simple idea or melody. Most complex song you hear today started from just a simple tune. When you make things complicated from the beginning, it becomes very difficult to build, and you might get lost in the process. The idea is to have the foundation of your song in its simplest form.
2. Take Breaks
Sometimes your mind gets a bit clouded and shields the inspiration from flowing; that may be a good time for you to take a short break. The break will help ease your mind from the mental pressure, and your inspiration and ideas will begin to flow again. You shouldn’t write your songs in a hurry, it might take two hours, or two months, at the end of the day, the most important thing is the quality of your final product.
3. Don’t Overthink It
Most times, artists and songwriters are their own worst critics. You might think it’s a good thing to be critical of your work, but the truth is, if you’re too hard on yourself and too critical, you might not get things done. Just keep an open mind and allow things to flow naturally, stop worrying, or overthinking the whole process; it’s not rocket science. You can always go back and tweak the song as you desire.
4. Record Any Inspiration On The Spot
Are there times when you had this beautiful melody in your mind only to completely forget it two hours later? Trust me, for a songwriter; there is nothing worse than that. Luckily, we’ve discussed a lot of tools and mobile apps you can use to record any inspiration, melody, or lyric on the fly. You’ll feel much better, and you’ll be glad you had something to remind you of that spur of the moment idea or melody.
5. Write From Experience
We all have experiences in life, be it good or bad. You can use your experience to create great and memorable songs. Some of the best songs today are songs written from personal experiences of people in our society. You can write songs about happenings in your locality, and with the help of online localization platforms, you can get your songs translated into your local language.
6. Collaborate With Other Musicians
Just like I said earlier in this post, even the best artists and songwriters suffer from writer’s block. When this happens, it might be a good time to collaborate with other musicians so you can get a new perspective on your song and break new grounds. Let them see what you’ve done so far, and listen to any idea that they may have.
7. Ask For Feedback
Getting a second eye to critique your work might be a great idea. You might not realize the flaws because you’ve spent so much time creating and tweaking your song. Look for someone who would give you an honest opinion even if that opinion would hurt you. Do not look for a ‘yes man’ who is afraid to hurt your feelings.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Fail
You need a lot of positive energy to write great songs, so don’t be afraid that your songs may not come out so great. Use each setback as a stepping stone and build on your failures.
In Closing
I understand that writing songs can be tough; however, if you are able to apply some of the ideas in this post, you might be able to break free from the slump and kick start your inspiration.
Fortunately, there are great songwriting tools you can use to give yourself a fresh perspective every time and keep your ideas flowing. It’s time you start thinking outside the box and get a hold of these tools, so you do not sink into a writer’s slump.
And if you have already recorded your song(s), then check out this site so you can start earning royalties from your songs.