Richie Gilbert has been passionate about writing songs for many years. He spends too much time in his home recording studio, and is active in pitching his songs to music publishers. To learn more about the craft and business of songwriting, please visit his website at http://www.inspired-songwriting-tips.com
If you want to learn how to write a song, do what all successful songwriters should do: Study songwriting. If you want to learn how to write great songs, study great songs!
If you want to be a master songwriter, learn from the masters.
If you've been writing songs for a while, you most likely are doing something right. When you write regularly you get a feel for it. You develop an instinct for what is catchy, memorable and engaging.
But you can take it further than that.
Think of a craftsman, say, someone who is good with wood. He may have a natural ability to carve or construct things from wood. If he does it all the time he's going to get really good at it.
Now, if that same person studied woodworking as an apprentice, imagine how much faster he will learn his craft. By studying with the masters, he will learn shortcuts and techniques that might take him years longer on his own.
Same with songwriting.
By studying the techniques of hit songwriters, you learn what works and what doesn't. You learn how to write songs. That doesn't mean you have to give up your natural style, or change who you are.
It simply means you learn better ways to present your unique ideas.
By studying song form you can learn to better express those ideas which are unique to you. You learn to build a better vehicle to take your song ideas where you want them to go.
So how do we study hit songs?
Listen to the radio! Listen to the radio with a critical ear. Listen closely and ask yourself a series of questions:
1. Why does this song appeal to me?
2. What is it about the chorus that I find so irresistible?
3. What emotion/s does the melody evoke?
4. Why do the lyrics speak to me?
Keep on asking yourself these questions. Keep digging deeper for more answers. There can be many reasons why a song is so appealing. Find and analyse the reasons why it appeals to you.
And when writing your songs, don't underestimate the importance of rewriting. Never settle for the first draft. You can do better.
That's what all great songwriters have done and continue to do.
Songwriting is an ongoing process. There is always something new to learn. You never stop learning. So please don't ever think you're done!
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Review Brett Manning’s Singing Success
By: Sam Parks | 08/11/2009So, there has to be another way to get the instruction you need without having to pay someone a fortune to listen to and critique your skills. If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the traditional, in-person type of vocal coaching, then you might want to review Brett Manning’s Singing Success program.
Download Hip-Hop Beat Maker
By: Richard Rowley | 08/11/2009Now you can download a hip hop beat maker and produce professional quality tracks within minutes.
Online Beat Maker - Things to be Aware of
By: Richard Rowley | 08/11/2009If you are looking to purchase some online beat maker software. Be aware of this.
Make Your Own Rap Music Beats Quickly and Easily
By: Richard Rowley | 08/11/2009Discover how you can make your very own Rap music beats. Quick, easy and very professional results with home studio software.
Make Your Very Own Hip-Hop Loops
By: Richard Rowley | 08/11/2009Wih some of the amazing programs out there, you can discover how to make your own, fresh loops. Learn how, here.
Beat Maker Software - Simple and Very Easy to Use
By: Richard Rowley | 08/11/2009Many people are looking into different types of beat maker software and most people think that any program is going to be expensive and difficult to use. Fortunately due to the rapid expansion of Internet technology we can dispel both of those myths.
80's Movie Soundtracks Rock!
By: Jeff Bachmeier | 08/11/2009A lot of radio hits from the 80s made great soundtracks for movies during that time. Here is a list of memorable 80s movie soundtracks.
Can You Learn to Play With Violin Lessons?
By: Richard Rowley | 08/11/2009Can you learn to play and discover the magic of the violin? Learn more here.
Using A Ghost Song To Spark A New Idea
By: Richie Gilbert | 24/06/2009 | MusicDo you need a kick-start to get you going writing a new song? Try using the ghost song method when writing lyrics. Works every time.
Lyric Writing Tips For Natural-Sounding Lyrics
By: Richie Gilbert | 22/06/2009 | MusicIf your lyrics sound like they're trying too hard, these lyric writing tips will help make them more relaxed and natural.
Lyric Ideas Are Everywhere!
By: Richie Gilbert | 03/05/2009 | MusicStuck for lyric ideas? Look at the events of your life, and those around you. Ideas are everywhere!
Write Music That Appeals To Peoples Emotions
By: Richie Gilbert | 21/04/2009 | MusicWhen you write music for your new song, do your best to appeal to people's emotions. The melody may just be the most important element of a song.
Songwriting Techniques To Help You Write A Killer Title
By: Richie Gilbert | 15/04/2009 | MusicThe song title is one of the most important aspects of a song. A clever title entices us to want to actually listen to a song in the first place. Here are some fun and interesting ways to generate that all-important catchy song title.