When you’re starting out as a songwriter, it’s common to get overwhelmed by self-doubt, high expectations, and the pressure to create something perfect every time. But the reality is, songwriting is a journey — full of experimentation, creative breakthroughs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.
If I could offer some advice to my beginner songwriter self, here’s what I’d share…
Not All Your Songs Will Make It—And That’s OK
In the beginning, I believed every song I wrote had to be the one—a perfect, ready-to-record masterpiece. But in reality, most songwriters only keep a small percentage of the songs they write. And that’s actually a good thing!
Each song has its value, even if it never gets finished or released. Some are stepping stones to better ideas, others are opportunities to practice a new technique, and some are simply there to clear the clutter and make room for the great ideas to emerge.
The secret? Keep writing. The more you create, the more you hone your craft — and the more likely you are to discover something truly amazing.
It’s OK to Write a Bad Song—In Fact, I Encourage It
Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity for any songwriter. If you wait for the “perfect” idea before you start, you might never write a thing.
Give yourself permission to write bad songs. Embrace the messiness. Write something silly, over-the-top, or completely absurd. The goal is to get your words and melodies flowing. You might be surprised—sometimes, a line from a so-called “bad” song can spark something brilliant in your next piece.
Think of songwriting like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Just like any workout, some days will be harder than others. It’s completely normal, but you have to keep pushing forwards
You Don’t Need to Play an Instrument—But It Helps
Can you write amazing songs without playing an instrument? Absolutely. Many successful lyricists and top-liners create hits without ever picking up a guitar or sitting at a piano.
However, learning just a few basic chords can unlock endless possibilities. Strumming a simple progression or playing a basic melody can help you experiment with song structures, rhythms, and develop your ear for harmony.
If learning an instrument feels intimidating, start small. Try:
🎸 A few basic chords on guitar Or ukulele
🎵 Simple patterns on piano or keyboard
💻 Experimenting with loops in a digital audio workstation (DAW)
Even a bit of musical knowledge can take your songwriting to the next level.
Quick Songwriting Exercises Are Just As Valuable As Writing Full Songs
You don’t need hours of free time to get better at songwriting. Even a quick 10-minute exercise can have a significant impact. This is probably one of the most impactful lessons I have learnt in my songwriting journey. It’s also the one that most people tell me has impacted them the most in theirs, especially with modern life being so busy.
Try these simple exercises:
✍️ Lyric warm-ups – Write a phrase 10 new ways. For example, how else can you say ‘I miss you’?
🎶 Melody challenges – Hum a random melody over a looped chord progression.
🔄 Word swaps – change a well known phrase or idiom to have a new meaning.
📜 Title brainstorming – Set a timer for 5 minutes and write down 10 potential song titles—don’t overthink it!
These exercises can easily fit into everyday moments—waiting in line, during your commute, or even while you’re watching your kid’s football game.
The More You Write, The Easier It Gets
Songwriting might feel difficult at first, but like any creative skill, it gets easier with practice.
The more songs you write, the more natural the process becomes. You start recognising what works, developing your own voice, and feeling more confident in your ideas.
And the best part? There’s no limit to how much you can grow. Every song teaches you something new. So keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly—keep writing.
What Songwriting Tips Do You Wish You Knew When You Started?
These songwriting tips have helped me grow as a songwriter, and I hope they help you too! If you could give your beginner songwriter self one piece of advice, what would it be? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear them!