Songwriting 101: Tips For Launching Your Songwriting Journey

Diving into the world of songwriting may seem overwhelming. Where do you start? Are great songwriters born with innate qualities? Do you have to be a great singer to write a great song? These are all understandable questions one might ask when trying to demystify the craft. 

Whether you’re a complete novice or just looking to improve your skills, comprehending the fundamentals is the first step. By understanding the basics of song structure, lyrics, melodies, and rhythms, you can develop a solid foundation for crafting songs. This guide will walk you through those fundamentals and provide simple, practical tips to help begin your own songwriting journey. Plus, we’ll show you how Kits AI can help your songs reach their full potential.

1. Understanding Common Song Structures

Though there are no strict rules one must follow, understanding the basics of common song structures can offer a great jumping-off point and help with flow and listener engagement. Here are two familiar patterns we often hear:

• ABAB (Verse-Chorus Form): A simple and widely used format across many genres, this structure consists of two alternating sections. Verses (A) typically develop the story, while the chorus (B) contains the “hook” or memorable melody. This structure can be heard in everything from acoustic folk music to EDM.

• ABABCB (Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus): Another common song structure in popular music, this format allows for a slight departure (bridge) before landing back into the catchy melody of the final chorus.

2. Telling Your Story

Lyrics are the words of your song and can be one of the most personal aspects of songwriting. Here are a few beginner-friendly tips for crafting great lyrics.

• Choose a Theme: Decide what your song is about. It should be noted that great songs aren’t always autobiographical. Michael Stipe of R.E.M. was recently interviewed, and shared that throughout his career, which included several hit songs, he has never written about his own personal life experiences.

• Rhyming: While not required, using a rhyming scheme can add to your lyrics’ musicality and memorability. 

• Use Simple Language: If reaching a wide audience is a goal, consider using straightforward and relatable words that people can identify and connect with. 

  
  
  
  

3. Memorable Melodies

A melody is a sequence of musical notes perceived as a single, cohesive entity. When creating a melody, songwriters should consider the emotional tone they are trying to convey within the lyrical content. A great melody or hook can be the most important part of a song. Here are some tips for creating a catchy melody.

• Keep It Simple: Don’t overthink things with complex intricate melodic ideas. Simple note patterns can make a lasting impression.

• Repetition: Repeating words and phrases can make a melody more memorable.

• Gibberish: Sometimes improvising a melody with gibberish can help you find the notes and rhythm, which you can then fit lyrics to. One famous example is Beatles’ “Yesterday,” which Paul McCartney originally sang as “Scrambled Eggs” until he finalized the lyrics.

4. Rhythmic Considerations

The rhythm and groove provide the backbone and beat of your song. Here’s how to help find the right rhythm:

• Tempo: The tempo should be dictated by the speed at which it’s comfortable to sing the lyrics. Singing the chorus melody can be a great way to discover the best BPM.

• Groove: The rhythmic groove should complement and support the vocal. Too much complexity can distract from the flow of the vocal melody and its lyrical content. 

5. Embracing Technology

We live in an incredible time with many new tools to help with the songwriting process. Personally, I love writing songs, but I often don’t have the voice to let them be heard at their full potential. Kits.ai offers a solution! In a previous article, I discussed how I incorporated Kits’ voice cloning technology into my co-writing sessions with other singers, enabling me to present my songs  in their own voices. Of course, you should always get permission before creating a model of someone else’s voice, but this technology allows you to present your song with a great singer and the gender of your choice, showing that you don’t need to be the world's greatest singer to write a great song.

Conclusion

“Showing up with a reliably open heart and a will to share whatever spirit you can muster is what resonates and transcends technical perfection.” -Jeff Tweedy (How To Write One Song)

Like many skills, writing songs takes dedication and practice. There is no one formula to follow, which is why it’s an art form capable of emoting complete individuality and uniqueness. Songs may “arrive” as a complete thought in a matter of minutes, while others will develop over months or years. Whatever your process, your greatest strength is embracing what makes you, you. When asked about crafting his lyrics, Bob Dylan replied “All I can do is be me, whoever that is.” Ultimately, staying true to yourself and embracing your own unique authenticity will guide you down the path you’re meant to follow. 

-SK

Sam Kearney  is a composer/producer based in Evergreen, CO.