My First Song

[i_finlayson37]

I started writing a song yesterday and I just wanted to know if anybody here had songwriting tips?

[galaxee]

hm. hm. don't give up! there's good advice.

also, a good way to tell if you really like something or you really think it's crap is to write it and completely forget about it for three or four days. then go back to it.

of course, what you think is crap might also be great to someone else. it's tough.

[nobody]

Originally posted by galaxee
also, a good way to tell if you really like something or you really think it's crap is to write it and completely forget about it for three or four days. then go back to it.

Good advice. Sometimes you can easily over-obsess about the particulars of a song. If it aint sounding right, just leave it alone and revisit it after a few days.

Other than that, just be original and write what you feel.

[State]

I agree, what i tend to do is write lots of bits and pieces and eventually those bits and pieces turn into songs. Remember to always have a little tape recorder or a book to record ideas so that you can go back and work on them.

and also, keep at it, your songs will only get better

[i_finlayson37]

I tried that thing of leaving it for a few days and decided to dump a verse.

I'm kinda working on 2 songs, one that just has verses so far and another which has a verse and a chorus.

[joeinthebox1980]

much like guitar rigs... sometimes in writing, simple is good.

unless you're writing like morissey. ;)

[Greyskull]

Originally posted by i_finlayson37
I started writing a song yesterday and I just wanted to know if anybody here had songwriting tips?

Go where the music takes you.

But the best tip is to record it. And play it until "the wheels fall off", so you can study, and understand, and maybe think of something else to add (new dimension/direction). Quality isn't necessary, as long as you ingrain it in your head.

But break yourself down.

If you are not absolutely stoked about it, ditch it.

And don't worry about how long it takes to complete. Songs can take minutes, and songs can take years. Example, I have had a riff/progrssion for about 4 years, but I could never put it together in a manner I deemed acceptable. Last night, it happened.

Just keep your head up, and your ears tuned in.