12 Ways How To Start A Song: Easy Steps For Success

Staring at the empty page when creating a song can be challenging. You need a starting point that inspires creativity and sets your musical ideas in motion. 

There are many powerful ways to begin crafting a song.

One powerful way to begin crafting a song is by finding a captivating sound or a hook that resonates with the core emotion you wish to convey. 

This initial spark can lead to developing the structure and melody, guiding the creative flow.

Songwriting often involves exploring different ways to get going until something clicks, like starting with a compelling lyric idea or setting a strong thematic foundation. 

Each element, whether a riff, melody, or chord progression, plays a pivotal role in shaping the song’s direction. Focusing on these elements can help overcome creative blocks and craft something truly memorable.

Experimenting with different songwriting approaches can help take your song to new heights. From refining the lyrics to adding harmonies, each step enhances the song’s potential. Developing versatility allows for adjustments and improvements, ensuring the finished piece resonates with its audience.

Just like every songwriter, I also often struggle with getting started. That’s why I decided to write this article and list my favorite ideas that always help me get going. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional songwriter, these steps should help you get started.

How To Start A Song

1. Start with a Melody

Creating a melody is a great way to begin writing your first song. This is often the focal point that listeners will remember, and it’s a fantastic way to kick off your song writing process. 

You can start with just a single note or hum a simple melody to get your creative juices flowing. The best thing about starting with a melody is that you have raw material to build around, making it easier to flesh out the rest of the song. 

I’ve personally found that melodies often come to me in the simplest moments—when I let my mind wander, the tune finds its way.

2. Begin with Chord Progressions

Another great idea for starting a new song is experimenting with chord patterns. This is especially useful for your first time writing music because chords provide a solid foundation. 

Strum a few basic chords on a guitar or play them on a piano and see where it takes you. You’ll quickly notice how different chords can evoke different emotions. 

The next step is to combine these chords with a vocal melody or lyrics. As a good rule of thumb, starting with common chord progressions like I-IV-V can set you on the path to a hit song.

3. Use a Lyric or Phrase

If you’re focused on lyric writing, starting with a single phrase or lyric is a good way to develop your song. 

Pick a line that makes a strong statement or captures a feeling—this will become the main point of your song. Different words can evoke different emotions, so choose carefully. 

A good start might be pulling inspiration from a small moment in your life. I like to keep a notebook of random lines that pop into my head; these small snippets often become the heart of my next song.

4. Find Inspiration in a Beat or Rhythm

Using a drum loop is a great way to start writing if you’re into rhythm-based music. Laying down a simple beat can be a great place to begin, especially for genres like hip-hop or electronic music. 

This method allows the rhythm to guide you toward the next step in your songwriting process. 

I’ve often found that the melodies and lyrics follow naturally once I get a rhythm going. Drum loops can be the raw material you need to create something exciting and fresh.

5. Work from a Title

Sometimes, starting with a title is the easiest way to begin a song. A great title can act as the focal point for your entire composition. 

Good titles are memorable and reflect the main point of your song, so choose something that resonates with you. Many of history’s greatest songs started with a single, powerful title. 

If you’re stuck, look at examples of songs by your favorite artists to see how they craft their titles.

6. Play Around with a Hook

A catchy hook can be the first step in writing music that sticks with listeners. The hook is the most important factor in many popular songs and is the anchor you build for the rest of the track. 

Start with a guitar riff, a vocal melody, or even a simple beat. Once you have the hook, different sections, like verses and choruses, will fall into place more easily. 

I’ve often found that working on the hook first speeds up the rest of my songwriting process.

7. Start with an Emotion or Theme

One of the best ways to start writing is by focusing on the emotion or theme you want to convey. Emotions can guide you through the songwriting method, whether you’re aiming for joy, melancholy, or nostalgia. 

A good idea is to think about what you’re feeling in the moment and use that as your focal point. 

I’ve written some of my best songs by simply reflecting on hard times or great times in my life, letting those feelings dictate the song’s direction.

8. Build from a Bassline

If rhythm drives your songwriting, starting with a bassline can be a great idea. The bassline acts as the foundation for the other elements of your song, allowing you to build a groove-heavy track. 

Once the bass is set, layering different components, such as melodies and harmonies, becomes easier. I find that a strong bassline helps lock in the song’s vibe, whether it’s upbeat or more laid-back.

9. Experiment with a Sound or Instrument

Trying new things is a good way to spark creativity. Whether it’s using a new instrument or playing around with sound effects, exploring different approaches will bring fresh energy to your songwriting. 

The best thing about experimenting is that it opens up different ways to express yourself. 

I’ve often stumbled upon a new song idea by simply picking up an instrument I don’t normally use.

10. Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with other musicians is one of the simplest steps to break out of creative blocks. Each person brings their own songwriting tips, techniques, and ideas, making the process more dynamic. 

This approach is also a great way to learn new techniques songwriters use to create hit songs. The next time you feel stuck, try working with a friend or colleague—you might discover something you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.

11. Use a Reference Song

Using a reference track from one of your favorite artists can provide inspiration and structure. This doesn’t mean copying the song but rather using it as a guide for your own song. The next song you write could be shaped by elements you admire in your reference track, such as the rhyme scheme or chord patterns.

12. Write Without an Instrument

If you find instruments limiting your creativity, you can start writing by stepping away from them entirely. Try writing lyrics, melodies, or song concepts without playing anything. 

This method forces you to focus on the core elements of your song, like the vocal melody or theme, without getting bogged down by technical skills. 

I’ve found that this is often the best way to come up with something fresh and unexpected, especially when you need a change in your songwriting method.

Understanding the Songwriting Process

Songwriting is a creative process that involves a blend of inspiration and structure. It begins with finding a clear idea and developing it through various stages to express emotions effectively.

In my experience, the key is to trust the process. Once you find a flow that works for your songwriting, repeating the same process again works well.

The First Steps in Songwriting

The initial phase in songwriting often involves identifying the theme or emotion to convey. Some songwriters start by experimenting with different chords on an instrument to find a base for the song.

A good practice is to maintain a notebook or digital document to jot down any ideas or phrases that might be enjoyable to expand on later. Sometimes, a melody pops into the mind while doing mundane activities; capturing these moments is crucial.

Once some elements are gathered, trying different combinations can lead to a good song idea. Many songwriters find it helpful to establish a basic structure, like deciding whether the song will have verses, a chorus, or a bridge. This structure can guide the creative process and ensures a clear idea is developed.

Finding Inspiration for Your Song Idea

Inspiration can come in various forms and often when least expected. Some find it in personal experiences, others in books, movies, or even random conversations. Engaging with different forms of art can spark creativity.

Another method is to listen to a variety of musical genres. Observing how different artists approach their songs can offer new perspectives and ideas. Some songwriters make playlists to sustain a specific mood or emotion they want to capture.

Surrounding oneself with other creative individuals can also be a source of inspiration. Collaborating or simply discussing ideas with others can lead to breakthroughs that might not happen in isolation. Keeping an open mind and staying receptive to the environment encourages a steady flow of fresh ideas.

Crafting the Song’s Foundation

Creating a strong start to a song involves careful attention to the building blocks, including the song title, the melodic idea, and the basic song structure. These elements are essential for setting a clear tone and path for your composition.

Choosing a Song Title

The song title is often one of the first things listeners connect with, and it sets expectations for the song. It should encapsulate the core theme or emotion of the piece. A compelling title can be a phrase from the lyrics, a word that captures the mood, or an innovative play on words.

I always imagine the song’s title as if it was the tip of the iceberg; the rest of the song building blocks should support the title and forms the base of the iceberg.

While brainstorming, it’s helpful to list words or phrases that resonate with the song’s message. Testing different titles with friends or fellow musicians can provide valuable feedback. While experimentation is important, simplicity often helps the title stay memorable.

Developing the Melodic Idea

The melodic idea serves as the backbone of the song, guiding the emotional journey. 

Start by experimenting with different melodies on the piano or guitar, or use digital tools for variety. Exploring a range of pitches, rhythms, and dynamics helps in finding what resonates.

Recording initial ideas ensures nothing is lost in the creative process. In fact my advice is to always have a mic or phone app recording while testing new ideas. 

Listening back can reveal which elements truly stand out. Then you can pick the best ideas for your song and use repetition to enhance familiarity, applying subtle variations through the song to maintain interest.

Building the Basic Song Structure

The basic song structure gives shape to the melody and lyrics, defining how the song progresses. Common structures like verse-chorus, AABA, or verse-bridge provide frameworks that are easy for audiences to follow. 

Each section should serve a purpose, whether it’s introducing new ideas or reinforcing existing ones.

Planning the transitions between sections is key to maintaining flow. Moving smoothly from verse to chorus or introducing a bridge can add dynamics and keep listeners engaged. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional structures if they suit the song’s needs, trust your instincts.

Attention to these elements ensures that the song’s foundation is solid, providing a clear direction for each stage of development.

Beginning With Lyrics

When starting a song, focusing on lyrics helps in setting the mood and theme. A strong opening line captures listeners and paves the way for a narrative journey through subsequent verses.

Writing the First Line and First Verse

The first line is crucial in drawing listeners in. 

It should instantly capture attention and set the tone for the rest of the song. Using vivid imagery or a compelling question can pique curiosity.

The first verse then serves to establish the story or theme. Clarity is key here; providing context allows listeners to follow along effortlessly. Introducing characters or settings can make the narrative more engaging and relatable.

Expanding into the Second Verse and Beyond

With the second verse, there’s an opportunity to build on the initial themes or introduce a new perspective. This is where the story can develop further, adding layers of emotion or insight.

Transitional lyrics can help in maintaining flow, bridging different parts of the song seamlessly. It’s vital to maintain consistency in tone and style while evolving the narrative.

Developing these elements thoughtfully ensures the whole song maintains its appeal and keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Harmony and Chord Progressions

Harmony and chord progressions are foundational elements in songwriting. The use of different chords and introducing minor chords can add emotional depth and variety to your music.

Working With Different Chords and Progressions

Exploring various chords and progressions can set the groundwork for a captivating song. Beginners often start by combining basic chords like I, IV, and V, which are popular in many genres.

Creating new chord progressions involves experimenting with different chord voicings and chord inversions, which can add texture to a song. Exploring these variations can result in unexpected twists that capture the listener’s attention. 

I find that choosing carefully the voicings and inversions helps really dial in the song’s emotion and support the lyric and melody in key points of the song. Keeping this simple typically works best too.

Listening to favorite songs and analyzing their chord patterns can provide inspiration and ideas for crafting unique progressions.

Adding Minor Chords for Emotional Depth

Incorporating minor chords is a powerful way to introduce emotion into a song. While major chords often convey a happier tone, minor chords can add a sense of melancholy or tension.

A common chord progression that utilizes minor chords might go from I to vi, creating a contrast between the starting major chord and the following minor one. Using minor chords such as the vi (like A minor in C major) can alter the mood dramatically. 

This method can help enrich the harmonic palette and offers a broader range of emotional expressions within a composition. It all depends on the song’s needs; different songs need different emotional details.

Elevating Your Song With Strong Themes

Creating strong themes in a song involves connecting with listeners on a personal level while ensuring that the main message is clear and impactful. Using personal experiences and action words are key elements to consider.

Incorporating Personal Experiences and Stories

Personal experiences offer a rich source of inspiration for songwriting. They help in forming a genuine connection with the audience. When songwriters draw from their own life stories, the authenticity brings a unique texture to their work.

Relatable stories resonate more with listeners. They might relate to heartbreak, overcoming struggle, or moments of joy. This connection can elevate the song beyond melody and rhythm, making it memorable and compelling.

I find that also using details you heard from others by stepping into their shoes and imagining the emotions they went through is a great way to find stories that connect well. Always keep your ears open for ideas. Listen to conversations you might overhear in a restaurant or a happy hour. I keep written notes and voice memos on ideas on the fly as I hear them, and it’s worked out very well for my craft of songwriting.

Highlighting the Main Message With Action Words

Using action words underscores the song’s main message more vividly. They can inject energy and urgency, helping the narrative stand out. 

This technique encourages listeners to engage actively with the song, as it paints a more vibrant picture.

Action words like run, fight, or embrace evoke strong imagery and emotion. They drive home the song’s key points effectively. Careful selection of these words can significantly enhance the song’s impact.

Refinement and Versatility

Creating a song involves exploring various elements to make it unique and engaging. By experimenting with different song sections and varying melodies and lyrics, you can enhance the song’s appeal and emotional impact.

Experimenting With Different Song Sections

You should explore versatility by experimenting with intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and more. Each section serves a distinct purpose and affects the song’s flow and emotional build-up.

For example, a dynamic intro can capture attention right away, setting the stage for what follows. 

A well-crafted chorus serves as the emotional and thematic climax, often being the part listeners remember most.

Changing up the arrangement can give a song new layers of meaning. Using a bridge to introduce a different perspective or new information challenges the listener while keeping the song engaging. Changing the tempo or the tempo feel can work well too.

Varying Melodies and Lyrics Across the Song

Variety in melody and lyrics adds richness and keeps a song from becoming repetitive. You should think about how to employ different melody patterns to distinguish the verse from the chorus, making each section feel unique.

Altering lyrical themes throughout the song can provide different angles of the same story or emotion. This progression helps maintain listener interest and can add depth to the narrative.

Using rhythmic changes can also alter the mood of a section, making it more impactful. Variations in instrumental arrangements further emphasize this diversity, enhancing the overall experience.

Finishing Touches

Here’s my biggest piece of advice once you reach this point: Keep in mind that nowadays there’s no such thing as a demo in the music industry. 

So anything you want to showcase to music professionals like labels, publishers, sync agents, music supervisors etc., make sure it’s a professionally produced finished product, even if it’s using a demo singer for the purpose of pitching the song to someone else to perform.

Exploring Sound Design in the Production

Sound design might sound like it’s only part of scoring video games, or creating sound effects for a movie soundtrack.

Sound design is actually crucial in crafting a unique and appealing song when it comes to your production choices. 

It involves selecting the right instruments, presets, and effects to create an engaging sonic experience. Whether you’re producing the song yourself or you’re working with a producer, you should experiment with different synth patches, drum samples, and layering techniques.

About Presets

And as I mentioned presets, I should clarify: You should consider a preset just a starting point for crafting the sound you need. 

Every producer in the world has access to the same instruments and plugins in your DAW if they came with the DAW or you bought additional 3rd party plugins. So by all means, use presets, but only as a starting point. Dial in the sound from there until it fits your song’s production perfectly. Make it unique!

Sounds That Complement Each Other

A good song often features carefully curated sounds that complement each other. Tweaking effects like reverb, delay, and EQ is how you can enhance the texture and depth of the track and create a sound that stands out. Don’t for get to include dynamic elements such as automation as they will add movement and life to the overall production, making it more captivating and natural.

The goal is to maintain the listener’s interest without any distractions or jarring elements in the mix. A polished and cohesive final product is what distinguishes good music.

Revising for a Cohesive Final Product

Revising is essential for achieving a cohesive final product. This phase involves listening critically to identify any inconsistencies or areas needing improvement. Changes may range from adjusting levels and panning to refining transitions between sections. The producer should ensure that each part of the song flows seamlessly into the next.

It’s also very important to have peers and mentors provide feedback. Fresh ears can often catch details or issues one might overlook. And remember, your mom will always like everything you do! Run the song by people who are knowledgable in the genre and aren’t afraid to give you honest, constructive feedback.

Conclusion

I have some good news—becoming a better songwriter doesn’t have to be challenging.

By following the simple steps and experimenting with different techniques as we covered in this article, you’ll find it hopefully easier to write your own songs and take them to the next level. 

Whether you start with a chord pattern, a lyric, or a hook, the first thing is to just begin. 

The art of songwriting is about exploring, refining, and trusting your creative instincts.