Write More Songs

Tag: songwriting tips

  • Do All Your Songs Sound The Same?

    Do All Your Songs Sound The Same?

    As a songwriter, I’m a firm believer in writing a little bit every day. But when I’m in a groove, finishing several songs in quick succession, I sometimes notice they start sounding too similar. This is especially true when I focus on writing within a specific genre.

    While it’s important to develop your brand as an artist, writing songs that sound alike can be limiting. It’s not a bad thing if it aligns with a project’s direction, but stepping outside your comfort zone can bring fresh ideas. If you find your songs sounding repetitive, it might be time to push yourself creatively. Here are some tips to shake things up and bring more variety to your songwriting:

    Change Up Your Melodies

    Listen to a few of your recent songs. Are your melodies similar in structure—ascending, descending, or stagnant? Do you tend to rely on straight or syncopated rhythms? Challenge yourself by trying the opposite of your usual style. Experiment with different melodic movements or rhythms to create a fresh feel. I like to call this ‘auditioning new melodies’ take the progressions and lyrics you have and try and find a new melody.

    Try A New Song Structure

    It’s really easy to follow the same or similar song structures when writing without even noticing or putting it down to genre or your style. But I find that experimenting with AABA song structure, or using a one word chorus can really make me work harder in other areas of the song.

    Switch Up Your Time Signature or Tempo

    If you tend to stick with one tempo or time signature, try experimenting with something new. Write a song slower or faster than usual, or explore an unusual time signature. Using a metronome Or Click track in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) can help you maintain the new tempo and keep you on track. You can also alter the rhythm of your accompaniment by adding syncopation or changing the time signature. Experiment until it feels natural.

    Change Your Key or Adjust Your Capo

    Sticking to familiar keys might feel safe, but changing your key can offer a new emotional effect. Try shifting to a higher or lower key to see how it affects the mood of your song. You can also experiment with capo placement to explore different tonalities on your guitar. This is one of my favourite tips as it’s really easy to do, and lets you play open chords with fresh sound.

    Borrow Chord Progressions From An Existing Song

    Even simple pop songs don’t stay within the same set of chords. You can vary your chord progression choices by borrowing from existing songs. Don’t worry, chord progressions can’t be copyrighted – they are like the colours that painters use; fundamental to the process but inherently everyone can use as many or as few as they want to.

    Final Thoughts:

    Conscious songwriting can feel more like work than the free-flowing creativity we often crave. If you find it’s becoming a bit mechanical, separate the process into two phases. Write the structural parts of your song first, then revisit the emotional aspects in a later session. This way, you can experiment with new sounds without losing the emotional heart of your song. Experimenting should be a staple in your songwriting process to avoid these sticking points.

    By pushing yourself outside of your usual patterns, you can bring fresh creativity to your music and continue growing as a songwriter.

  • 5 Essential Songwriting Tips for Beginners

    5 Essential Songwriting Tips for Beginners

    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!