Writing a catchy song that delivers a strong message can be pretty tricky. Here, voice teacher Emmanuel N. shares the top songwriting tips used by several famous singers and songs created using these techniques…
What Are the Best Songwriting Tips?
While writing songs is no simple task, some helpful songwriting techniques can help you master the skill. There are really no ‘by-the-book’ rules because it’s truly a talent that takes practice. However, these songwriting tips for beginners will help you get started. The more you practice, the better you’ll get!
- Match the melody of the vocal with the melody of the song.
- Make the song personal.
- Don’t be afraid to show emotion.
- Start each line of the chorus with the same words.
- Let loose.
- Use the title of your song in the lyrics.
- Use a specific theme.
You’ll find examples of great songs by talented songwriters and singers with the songwriting techniques below. Although the artists listed below may not be the top singer-songwriters of all time, they represent a range of genres, including R&B (my specialty).
1. Match the melody of the vocal with the melody of the song.
Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head? A catchy melody will do this, which can make a song memorable. You can do this by matching the melody of the vocal with the melody of the song.
Example: Listen to ‘Looking at Her’ by Paul McCartney. Hear how his vocals match the main melody of the music (“Doesn’t she know…”) at [1:40] in the bridge.
2. Make the song personal.
One of the easiest songwriting tips for beginners is to make the song personal. This creates a stronger meaning and allows the listener to really connect with you.
Example: Listen to ‘Nobody Ever Told You’ by Carrie Underwood (written by Carrie, Lindsey, and Laird). In the first verse, Carrie Underwood sings about how beautiful she is despite what society says.
Extra tip: In this song, she also used similes to make the lyrics more poetic. Carrie does this at [0:51] and [2:20] with her chorus and bridge to give the listener a more vivid picture of just how beautiful they are (“You shine like a diamond, glitter like gold… you’re free as a bird… just like a flower growing wild.”)
3. Don’t be afraid to show emotion.
In the song above, you’ll notice Carrie Underwood’s emotions make it more powerful. This emotion gets the listener’s attention and gets them to belt it out with you (or the singer).
Example: Listen to ‘Looking In’ written by Mariah Carey and Aganasaieff. At [1:23] Mariah continues her second verse describing some girl by using “she,” yet not telling us who it is. She ends the verse by revealing that “she” was Mariah herself all along (“…and hides herself inside of me”), making it very personal.
Then, the bridge at [1:51] is short but straight to the point. Mariah exclaims her frustration on the lack of people understanding her pain and where she is coming from (“Don’t say she takes it all for granted… Please understand”).
You may also be interested in: How to Write a Song for Beginners
4. Start each line of the chorus with the same words.
One of the most common songwriting techniques is to have each line in a chorus starts off the same. This creates attention-grabbing lyrics and makes it easier for listeners to learn the words and sing along.
Example: Listen to ‘You Said’ by Keri Hilson. Keri’s chorus at [0:48] starts off each line with “Thought you said…” to capture that feeling of annoyance we get when we’ve been lied to repeatedly. The bridge of a song is the perfect place to get real and just say it like it is – and if you’re going to repeat it, add some harmonies as she did. At [2:11] Keri gets to the point and tells her boyfriend he lost her trust (“…now I can’t believe a word that comes from you”).
5. Let loose.
When the music gets more powerful, let loose and let those emotions out. Letting it all out there increases the feeling and allows you to really enjoy the experience, whether you’re only writing or also singing.
Example: Listen to ‘Cry’ written by Mariah Carey and James Wright. As the piano chords get stronger during the bridge, Mariah gets dynamic as she lets those emotions out at [3:06]. “…So naked…” is extended vocally to let the feelings sink in, in between emotional lyrics.
6. Use the title of your song in the lyrics.
Using the title in the lyrics is one of the most commonly used songwriting tips for beginners and pros. Adding a clear message in the title, which is also used in the words is an excellent way to capture the listener’s attention. Use it once or twice, or don’t be afraid to use the title of your song throughout the entire song.
Example: Listen to ‘Born This Way’ written by Lady Gaga and Laursen. Lady Gaga mentions “born this way” in the intro, first verse, chorus, bridge, and outro several times to truly stress that we really are born this way (regarding what makes us different, so that we learn to love ourselves and each other).
7. Use a specific theme.
Use a specific theme to give your message more dimension. This is a great way to reel the listener into every word.
Example: Listen to ‘My Everything’ by Ariana Grande. At [1:10] Ariana uses the theme of distance and time to show the strain that distance has on her relationship. With “I know you’re not far… can’t handle all the distance… you’re traveling with my heart… temporary feeling,” you can see the theme play out nicely and poetically.
Have Fun Using These Helpful Songwriting Tips!
I hope these tips for songwriting help have encouraged you to start (or continue) writing creative lyrics. Listening to the examples provides you with some inspiration.
I have written more than 100 songs, and I learned by listening to songs that inspire me or make me feel something. Hopefully, these songs help you in your endeavor of creating masterpieces and will lead you down the path to becoming a successful singer-songwriter!
Interested in more help? Try working with a professional singing teacher.
Editor’s Note: Want even more examples of great songwriting? We love this resource by Robin Frederick, detailing the strategies behind several hit songs, including the lyrics, structure, and melody of each.
Post Author: Emmanuel N.Emmanuel N. teaches online Spanish and singing lessons. He earned his B.A. in psychology from California State University, Fullerton and has been teaching lessons since January 2015. Learn more about Emmanuel here!
Photo by Roger Blackwell
Suzy S.