So You Think You Can't Write Songs
Anyone can write songs. Anyone can write great songs. Some of the best songs by the best bands/artists are based on simple chord progressions, rhythm and beats. To get into song writing you simply have to abide by some simple rules.
Here is my 5 step guide
Step 1 Create a 1 Simple rhythm (strumming pattern) & Decide on a temo (slow, fast) The rhythm and tempo will relate to the type & style of song you want to write.
Examples; slow ballad or fast pace energetic, reggae rhythm etc
Beats 1& 2& 3& 4& Example simple strumming patterns d d d d d d d d u d d u u d u Question Can a simple strumming pattern make a good song. Answer Strumming pattern on each chord Wild Thing The Troggs d d Ground beneath her feet U2 d d d d The Scientist Coldplay d d d d Heart of Gold Neil Young d d d du Simple rhythms can make great songs |
Step 2 Decide on a key and select chords from within the key Music is about the relationship between notes and chords. Songs are written in a key using associated notes and chords. Major Key | Notes in scale | Some 3 finger open chords within each major key | | C | C D E F G A B | C Dm Em Fmaj7 G Am | | G | G A B C D E F# | G Am C D Em | | D | D E F# G A B C# | D Em G A | | A | A B C# D E F# G# | A D E | | E | E F# G# A B C# D# | E A | | F | F G A Bb C D E | Fmaj7 Am C Dm |
Note: The open chords in each scale can be increased by for example use of related suspended (sus) chords,(add) chords and 7th chords.
Examples; Where A can be used, you can also include Asus2, Asus4
Where D Dsus2, Dsus4
Where C Cadd9 Where E E7 Where Em Em7 |
Example Key of G major Notes in the scale of G major G A B C D E F# Some 3 finger open chords available in the key of G G Am C D Em This means you can use any, some or all of these notes and chords for a song written in the key of G In short the chords will work together as they are from the same scale. |
Step 3 Select the chords you are going to use in your song Apply your strumming pattern (rhythm and beats) to the chords Experiment with available chords from the key you have chosen.
To create a simple 3 chord song; Select 3 chords from within your chosen key - Experiment
Example; In the key of G, you can use any, some or all of the chords G Am C D Em Let's say for this example you have tried them all and decide to use D G and C Apply your chosen strumming pattern (rhythm and beats) to each chord. ie; Key of G 3 finger Chords D G C you are going to use strumming pattern d du udu |
Step 4 Write a simple verse and a simple chorus using the chords you have selected Example Strumming pattern on each chord (d du udu) Verse G G D D G G D D G G D D G G D D G G D D Chorus C D G C C D G G Tip Which ever key you are writing in, start your song and end your song with the root chord of the key. For example in the key of G, start your song and end your song with the G chord. |
Step 5 Play or develop You now have two choices Play your song, you could even apply lyrics or Develop your song and add interest. |
5 step guide - Summary
Step
1 Create a simple rhythm and beat (strumming pattern) 2 Pick a key 
3 Select some chords from the scale and apply your strumming pattern to the chords 4 Create a simple verse and a simple chorus
5 Develop your song by adding interest
Now go and write your first song
Or
Need more guidance ?
My How to Play Guitar Fast Track Courses are designed to develop your playing way beyong basic strumming