Songwriting Best Practices

1. Start With a Strong Concept

  • Know what your song is about before diving in.
  • Your concept can be a feeling, story, question, or even a single phrase.


2. Write the Chorus First

  • The chorus is the heart of your song—it should be catchy, simple, and emotionally powerful.
  • It should summarize the main theme.

Tip: If someone only remembers one part, make it the chorus.


3. Use Vivid Imagery and Specificity

  • General lines are forgettable. Specific, detailed lines are relatable.
  • Use all five senses like touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing.


4. Follow a Clear Structure

Common structures help listeners stay engaged:

  • Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
  • Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus


5. Keep It Singable

  • Use simple, memorable melodies.
  • Match syllables to rhythm—avoid tongue-twisters.
  • Aim for a chorus people can sing after one listen.


6. Use a Consistent Rhyme Scheme

  • Rhyme helps lyrics flow and feel cohesive.
  • Choose a rhyme pattern and stick to it in each section only changing slightly.

Common schemes: AABB, ABAB, ABCABC


7. Write With Emotion and Honesty

  • Don’t force clichés—speak from real feelings.
  • Vulnerability and authenticity resonate deeply.
  • Be completely raw.


8. Let the Music and Lyrics Support Each Other

  • Match the mood of the music to the emotion of the lyrics.
  • Contrast is key to keeping the listener engaged. 


9. Revise Relentlessly

  • Your first draft is rarely your best but sometimes it is.
  • Cut filler words, fix awkward phrasing, and polish melodies.
  • Try using the least amount of words as possible.


10. Record and Listen Back

  • You’ll notice what works (or doesn’t) when you listen with fresh ears.
  • Even a rough voice memo can reveal pacing issues or lyrical clumsiness.
  • Take a step back and listen again on another day for a new perspective. 


11. Collaborate or Get Feedback

  • Fresh perspectives improve your song.
  • Co-writing with others can spark ideas you’d never reach alone.
  • Always get a second opinion if possible.


12. Write Often

  • Like any skill, songwriting improves with regular practice.
  • Don’t wait for inspiration—develop a habit.
  • Write a song everyday.

 

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