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This article was co-authored by Tanisha Hall. Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award.
This article has been viewed 97,772 times.
Ever wonder how a beautiful song can just flow out of a good musician? Some people are simply born with that special something, but most popular artists really work and strain themselves to find that one good melody in a thousand others. This article will help you write a good song, even if you have no experience.
Steps
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Think about what you want to write about. Writing about your own experiences is always the best way to go, because you'll know how the song should feel. Think about a breakup, a friendship or even a vacation. If you want your song to tell a story, think about each part of that story and how it feels. Make sure the story isn't too complicated, because it will be hard to understand.[1] Decide the topic of the song, then brainstorm the words and ideas that relate to it.[2] -
Once you know what you want to write about, start thinking about songs you've heard, with the same kind of feeling. If it is a sad song, it should normally be slow. Happy songs don't have to be fast, but they are normally higher and always in the major key. If it is a dark song, it will sound great in the minor key. You can even add some chords that clash if they sound appropriate to the mood of the song and you know what you are doing. If you don't have very much musical experience, experiment and see what sound you think reflects how your song should make listeners feel.Advertisement -
If you have a piano, try making a basic melody. Keep trying until you find one that is best for your song. Then see if you can find chords that go well with your melody. It won't sound as impressive if it doesn't have some chords. If putting the two together is too hard, you could just sing the melody and only play the chords. A lot of songs are like this and they sound lovely. If you don't have a piano, you can do this with another instrument or skip this step. Just plan out a melody or chorus for your song.[3] -
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Start writing your story. Sing each line as you write it down making sure it has the right amount of syllables. You don't always have to rhyme but some here and there sound good, as long as your rhymes make sense and don't sound like you only put them there because you couldn't think of anything better that rhymed. Repeating a stanza a few times can be nice and it helps people recognize your song faster and be able to sing it.[6] -
Put the music and Lyrics together. Touch up anything that sounds unsatisfactory. Now you have yourself a good song that came from the heart.[7]Advertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionI don't have an instrument, what can I use instead?
Community AnswerSing, think of a nice tune in your head and build up on it. It works for everyone! -
QuestionCan I make a song with a ukulele?
Community AnswerOf course. If you know how to play the ukulele, you can use it to compose a song. -
QuestionHow do I think of a melody?
Community AnswerA good way is to go onto any music making app. Or start searching through the scales and Major & Minor keys until you find a few chords that you like.
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Tips
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Remember to put a little bit of yourself into the song.Thanks
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Know art does not have to follow the rules, do whatever you think sounds right.Thanks
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Just keep trying and if you can't find something that works, start that verse again or have a little break.Thanks
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Warnings
- Everyone has different opinions, so if one person doesn't like your song, there are probably a hundred others that do. Don't give up!Thanks
- Not everyone is a musician. Don't immediately expect to be the next Beyoncé Knowles.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://tunedly.com/how-to-start-writing-song-lyrics-like-a-pro-step-by-step/
- ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview
- ↑ http://blog.sonicbids.com/how-to-write-lyrics-for-the-first-time
- ↑ https://tunedly.com/how-to-start-writing-song-lyrics-like-a-pro-step-by-step/
- ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview
- ↑ http://blog.sonicbids.com/how-to-write-lyrics-for-the-first-time
- ↑ https://www.dittomusic.com/blog/how-to-write-a-song-10-tips-on-how-to-boost-your-creative-side-when-writing-songs
About this article
Tanisha Hall
Songwriting Instructor
This article was co-authored by Tanisha Hall. Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award. This article has been viewed 97,772 times.
Co-authors: 50
Updated: November 25, 2025
Views: 97,772
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 97,772 times.
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