If you can play the guitar fairly well, composing a song shouldn't be too difficult for you! This guide is intended for anyone who plays the guitar, but it may also be useful for anyone who plays the piano or some other type of instrument.
Steps
Step 1. Start writing your text
If you prefer to compose the music first, then read the second step and come back to this when you're done. Otherwise, pick a topic and start writing. It would be better to choose a theme that is close to your heart, so the words will come more easily. Try not to sing the text yet, but simply recite it. You will compose the music later.
Step 2. Choose the shade
Many passages are in the key of G, D or C, but it doesn't really matter. Learn all the chords of your chosen clef if you don't already know them, so you don't have to limit yourself to just a couple of them.
Step 3. Strum a few chords in sequence
Some you may particularly like, but only use the ones that suit you the most! Keep choosing different chords until you find the ones that harmonize best with each other. Form a complete sequence, consisting of verse / chorus / verse, or verse / verse / chorus / interlude. Actually, you can choose the structure you prefer, so experiment a little!
Step 4. Play the chords in front of someone you trust
Run them all in sequence, following the structure you have chosen, then ask him for his opinion.
Step 5. Get the correct lyrics and start singing
Hum the lyrics as you play the chords of the verse; keep trying different melodies and tempos until you find a sound that fully satisfies you. Then, try to reproduce that melody on the guitar, transcribing it to a tablature if you can. Otherwise, play it in front of someone who can write tablature and ask them to transcribe the melody for you.
Step 6. Sing it
If you have trouble singing and playing at the same time, ask another person to hum along as you play. Now you have composed your first song! Have fun writing more!
Advice
- Record while you play. It is very useful for replaying melodies that you cannot transcribe.
- To make the melody more interesting, try chord substitution. For example, you could play an A minor seventh instead of an A minor, or a C major seventh instead of a normal C. In this way, you would give the song a particular sound that would distinguish it.
- Write down the chords and text to avoid forgetting them.
- If you need inspiration, listen to some of the songs you are playing. It can help to get a better overview and to understand if the chords sound good together, with a satisfying effect.
Warnings
- Composing a song is not child's play, but don't think it is impossible, otherwise you will never be able to find the right words for your song. Let yourself be carried away by instinct and the words will come by themselves.
- It is an activity that could take you a lot of time. It often takes a few weeks to get the desired result, so don't doubt your composing skills if you can't finish the song in a week.
