The Easiest Way to Write Your First Song (and Actually Enjoy It!)
Share
If you’re new to songwriting, this guide will help you write your first song and have fun doing it! Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a topic, word, viewpoint, storyline, or personal experience.
This step gives you a foundation to start from—a blank canvas with an outline. If this is your first time writing a song, drawing from personal experience can make the process easier. Ask yourself:
- Are you going through something?
- What’s been on your mind lately?
- Is there a feeling you’re trying to capture?
Answering these questions will help you find your inspiration.
2. Pick a songwriting structure.
Choose a format to organize your song. For beginners, common structures include:
- CVCVBC(Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Bridge, Chorus)
- ABCABCC(Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Chorus)
Having a structure helps you stay organized and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. Over time, you won’t need these guides as your creativity will flow naturally.
3. Create a melody or groove.
If you can play an instrument, start experimenting with chords. If not, hum any melody that comes to mind. Here’s the key: let go of self-judgment. This is the trial-and-error phase.
- Hum or play whatever comes to mind.
- Experiment until you find a melody or groove that feels good or catchy.
Once you’ve found something you like, revisit your topic and jot down any words or phrases that come to you. Don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense yet—just focus on getting your ideas on paper. Keep writing until you have a few lines or paragraphs.
4. Organize your words into lyrics.
Now, take the words you’ve written and shape them into lyrics. Decide which parts will become the chorus or verses.
- The chorus is usually the simplest and most repeatable part.
- The verses tell the story, with Verse 2 continuing where Verse 1 left off.
5. Add vivid imagery and engage the senses.
As you refine your song, aim to "show, not tell." This means your lyrics should paint a picture for the listener using descriptive language and sensory details.
- Make the first and last lines of your verses, chorus, or pre-chorus especially impactful.
- Ensure the song builds in interest from beginning to end.
6. Polish each line.*
Go through your lyrics and improve every line. No line should feel like a "throwaway." One strategy is to rewrite each line three times until you’re happy with it. Remember, you’re not aiming for perfection—just the best version of the song you can create.
Go Start Writing Your Song!*
Not every song will be great, but the more you write, the better you’ll become.
If you’re looking for more help, check out my book, The Creative Songwriting Journal (available as an ebook here on my website creators-arena.com or paperback on amazon here). This book is packed with tools to unlock your creativity and overcome writer’s block.
Happy songwriting!
If you want more tips on songwriting and also want a free pdf guide on how to improve your songwriting with just 15 minutes of your day sign up below.
https://mailchi.mp/creators-
Jay Koostix,
Singer Songwriter
Founder of The Creator's Arena
