Songwriting Tips and Resources

The songwriting tips and resources on this page will help you gain new insights into learning how to craft a song. Did you know that good songwriting is often the key to establishing a successful music career? But more than that, it can be fun!

Is there a secret formula for writing a good song? Well, determining what is "good" can be somewhat subjective and there are lots of great songs that have broken all the so-called "rules".

Many successful songwriters have used the following format to write a "Hit" song:

INTRO: Approximately 4-8 measures of instrumental music that contains part or all of "the hook" (a part of the melody that is easy to remember).

VERSE: Each verse should be written in such a way as to "set up" the chorus. Try to keep the meter of your song even by matching the syllables of your words. Be consistent with the sentences that rhyme. Verses should create an anticipation of fulfillfment.

CHORUS: This is where you make your statement. Stress the most important part of your song and make it tasty. Think of your chorus or "hook" as being like the icing on a cake. You want your words to be worth remembering.

VERSE: Continue to follow the idea of your song all the way through, don't get side-tracked!

CHORUS: This is where you have the opportunity to repeat your "hook" which should continue to emphasize your songs main theme.

BRIDGE:This is where you can create some interest and tension by changing your melody line, modulating to a different key, or adding an instrumental guitar part, etc. Don't make it too long, approximately 8 measures or so. It should build or crescendo to the final chorus.

FADE CHORUS: This is generally the same as your first chorus, but you will end by repeating it over and over, then gradually fade out to end your song. Use your "hook" generously, but don't over-kill!

A good song will create an emotional reaction in people, and that's exactly what you're trying to achieve! You want to get your listener to feel with you. You want to move them emotionally. You want them to like your song and be willing to listen to it again and again. If you can get your audience to identify with you on some level, you will be on the road to creating a good song.

As you are crafting your song you may discover that finding just the RIGHT word is sometimes a bit frustrating. But with the RIGHT songwriting tips and resources it becomes a lot easier! Here are some more helpful tools you can use:

DICTIONARY - A dictionary is essential when writing. Besides giving you the correct meaning of a word, it will also help you to express yourself more clearly. You will discover new words while expanding your vocabulary too!

THESAURUS - A thesaurus is another important tool to help with creating your songwriting material. You can use a thesaurus to find different words that have similiar meaning.

RHYMING DICTIONARY - As the name implies, a rhyming dictionary organizes words that rhyme in alphabetical order using the vowel sounds A E I O U. For example, if you were looking for a word that rhymes with Abel you would look under A sounds. Words rhyming with Abel would be listed in alphabetical order.

Christian Songwriters Network - This is a great place to meet other songwriters, find fellowship and hone your skills. Join the forum and even get your music on their Soundclick radio station for free.

Enter a Songwriting Contest - Another excellent way to gain exposure, meet industry professional and win some $$ prizes too!

Make A Living As A Musician - Learn how to turn your songwriting skills into a full-time music career.

Library of Congress - Find out everything you need to know regarding copyright law and protection. This is the official government website, why look anywhere else?

Books for Songwriters - Here are some books filled with songwriting tips and resources that I have personally selected to help you develop and hone your skills.

Songwriting Secrets - Learn to create your own unique, powerful songs with the help of an industry expert! These exclusive audio interviews are not available anywhere else and will give you an insiders view on the secrets to creating your own successful original songs so you can start recording your own music, sharing it with others or even making money in the music business right now.

Songwriting Software Plus - Songwriting software was created to inspire and focus your writing skills. You will find helpful information about recording and promoting your songs, plus related resources on how to present them effectively.