Writing songs requires a very personal approach that takes time to develop.
While you can learn much from observing other successful writers, you will ultimately need to come up with your own style of songwriting.
These guidelines will help point you in that direction.
A note here about skill and knowledge of an instrument.
Knowledge of music and how it works is a tremendous asset.
Whether you read music or play by ear, skill on an instrument is a definite asset.
Creativity - Keep working it A great way to work new ideas for songs is to be always writing, whether it's just lyrics, riff ideas or chord progressions.
If you're constantly looking for ideas, then your brain will begin automatically working that way, even when you're not actively focused upon it.
So begin by working it, consciously, then ideas start coming as a matter of habit.
Try different approaches to find yours Try approaching ideas from different ways.
Some people are very systematic and approach almost every song the same way, for instance beginning with lyrics.
Try that.
It might be your way, it might not.
Some start with riffs, they just play around on their instrument until they come up with some little catchy line that feels good and fun to them.
Then they start to build upon that.
Some start with chord progressions.
There are very simple songs, like those of Bob Dylan and John Denver.
Often just having three chords.
Other songs have big fancy chords.
Try that way.
I have used all of the above, but I begin with lyrics most often.
Try them all.
Find out what works for you.
Writer collaboration Some people work best on a team.
First example, is working with another writer.
If, for example you are stronger on melody and lyrics are not your strong point, you could hook up with someone who works well with lyrics and is weak on melody.
If you work well together, it could be very profitable for you.
Teams work well because they can inspire each other.
If you write melodies and your partner likes your melodies a lot, then you will inspire him to write and the reverse can be true.
You can inspire each other on.
Band collaboration If you are in a group, this can work very well.
I have used this method and songs can come to life very quickly with a group effort.
One person can write lyrics, one can write the chord progression and another come up with the melody.
It makes for an interesting development.
Each contributor has no idea where the song will go or what the other will add.
Songs can come together very quickly with this method.
How do you work best Some people are very visual.
I like to see something on paper at an early stage.
It works for me.
I see progress.
It's encouraging.
It helps me make decisions.
Some people just play and play and play, until they have something.
Some people can play it all in their mind, carrying it around for days, even weeks, trying this and that.
Then they go to an instrument and have it pretty well formulated and it comes out as a fairly completed piece..
How you do it is unimportant, except for one important thing - - and that is that is your way and will work best for you.
It took me awhile to realize what an asset it was for me to start writing things out at an early stage.
I then developed a system that really cut down on the time I spent working on a song.
Find what works best for you.
Ideas come again and again - if you expect they will Many "how to" books, recommend having a mini recorder by your bed and a pad and pencil to catch those ideas before they are gone forever.
And if you like that idea, that's fine.
I bought into that for awhile and followed that line of thinking -- and then I just decided that I could just say to myself, "I'll remember this idea.
It'll come back to me again!" And guess what, they do! Make up your own mind for your version of the story.
When a song comes to you complete - take it down I have to admit that I have climbed out of bed in the middle of the night to pen a song for two reasons.
First reason was the song kept coming, like an entire verse or an entire course, not just an idea and the chances of remember "all of that" clearly might be sketchy.
The second reason, and from my point of view, more important was that i just couldn't sleep because the darn song was in my head.
I found that after I wrote down the words and whatever came with the idea, my mind would quiet and I could go back to bed.
You'll have to find your own way.
But don't just accept someone else's word for it, especially when they're talking of limitations.
Writing times Even if you're not really coming up with too much yet, set a time aside to write ideas -- write anything.
It won't take long before you find that you start getting ideas that appeal to you.
Make the process your own.
Some artists work well with definite schedules -- a certain time each day.
For some that doesn't work at all or doesn't feel inspired or artistic.
Just like deadlines work for some and not for others.
You must find what works for you.
Writers' groups Many artist find support and inspiration in writers' groups, whether it's a club or just a group of friends.
Again this is a very individual thing.
I have tried it a few times, but prefer to work on my own.
It's well worth a try.
If it is something that works for you, it can be very helpful.
Just a word about groups, look for positive people that are optimistic about where their writing could go.
Hooking up with talented people that have a sour outlook on the industry can do you more harm than good.
In conclusion, it will take time to find your way.
If you try collaboration, it will take time to find someone comfortable to work with.
But when it comes to songwriting, finding your own style of writing songs is all important.
Happy writing!