5 Mistakes Beginner Songwriters Should Avoid

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Avoid 5 Mistakes as a Beginner Songwriter

1. Avoid Mixing Up Pronouns in Lyrics

• When writing lyrics, ensure consistency in the pronouns used for the characters in your song.
• Stick to referring to the same character as 'you' or 'he/she' throughout the song to maintain clarity and emotional connection.
• Example: Instead of switching between 'she' and 'you' in the lyrics, maintain consistency for better listener engagement.

2. Vary Chords in Different Song Sections

• Start different sections of your song on varied chords to create contrast and maintain listener interest.
• Avoid starting every section on the same chord, especially the tonic chord, to add depth and journey to your song.
• Experiment with different chord progressions to enhance the overall structure and impact of your song.

3. Focus on Melodic Phrasing

• Pay attention to the phrasing of your melodies by not starting every melodic phrase on the first beat of the bar.
• Create contrast in your melodies by strategically placing phrases to complement the song's rhythm and chord progression.
• Allow space and variation in your melodic phrasing to add dynamics and emotion to your song.

4. Write More Songs

• Instead of perfecting a few songs, aim to write a larger quantity of songs to improve your songwriting skills.
• Set a goal to write 10-20 songs per year, understanding that not all of them will be exceptional, but each contributes to your growth as a songwriter.
• Embrace imperfection and quantity to progress and develop your unique style and voice in songwriting.

5. Start with a Title or Hook

• Occasionally begin your songwriting process with a title or hook that represents the core emotion or message of the song.
• Build your song around this central idea to create a cohesive and impactful narrative that resonates with listeners.
• Connect every line of the song to the central theme or hook, ensuring a focused and compelling storytelling approach.

By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes in songwriting, you can enhance your skills, create more engaging songs, and evolve as a proficient songwriter. Happy songwriting!