I am by no means an expert at songwriting, but I thought I'd share with you some of the processes that work for me when I sit down to work on new songs. Since this is such a huge topic, I'm going to break this up into several posts.

For me, songs come in groups. I can go six months without writing a single thing, then suddenly I'll have 5 or 6 ideas. I'm not sure why this is? I know at times, I feel more creative and inspired than others. But again, I'm not sure why this is. I just know that I HAVE to write songs. I don't have a choice.

I live in Minnesota. My most creative and productive songwriting time comes during the dead of winter. I'm not sure if it's winter depression, or if it's the fact that I'm spending more time playing due to the weather. But winter is definately a great time to create.

There are several things that go into writing a song. There are lyrics, guitar parts, message/story, melody, harmony, rhythm, feel, solos, endings, etc. All these must be considered when sitting down to write a song. I usually start with a blank slate and go from there. I find that these songs end up being more spontaneous and creative.

I always say to myself "Ok, this is going to be a happy feel good song." Then somehow, they never end up being happy. I have a really hard time conveying happiness in my songwriting. I also have a guitar rhythm that I get stuck playing. So when I do the blank slate technique, I try to be conscious of the rhythm and the feel of the song.

I'll usually have a one line lyric idea or a guitar riff that I start with. I'll continue playing the guitar riff with the lyric making sure that the lyrics fit rhthmically with the riff. Even if you don't have the lyrics yet, doing the "la la la" thing can help find the rhythm of the lyrics.

Once the lyric and the guitar part seem to fit rhythmically, then I'll work on the melody. I know vocally what my range is, so I'll try to find the best melody I can to go along with the guitar part. Often times, I'll use a capo to change keys if necessary until I can create a decent melody that works well within my range.

I often use a recorder to record the main guitar riff, then I'll play very basic and simple leads over the riff. Often times you'll come up with a melody that you wouldn't have while singing. This works well for finding nice harmonies also.

Once I have the main lyric and guitar part all worked out, I'll work on the first verse. I think about what I want to say, what kind of emotion am I conveying. I write the words the way I want them to fit with the riff and then I decide how and if anything rhymes.

I'm from the school where great songs do not have to rhyme and great songs do not have to make sense. Not every song has to convey a coherent story. I often times like fractured ideas and word play. To me, a great hook is just as good as a great story.

Once I have the first verse worked out, I think about a bridge or chorus. Each song is completely different, and I try and keep every song unique. I don't want to fall into the verse chorus verse rut. Matter of fact, starting with a chorus or a bridge can be very interesting. Usually, I use the vocals to lead me into the bridge or chorus. I find what chords fit well with the riff and the melody.

Once I have the first verse and the bridge or chorus worked out, I write the words for the chorus. Now I can concentrate on the second and third verse. I'll go thru numerous rewrites until I get the message and words I want. Then it's just a matter of arranging things the way you want. Where the solo goes, where the quiet part is, the ending, etc.

I often times will throw in another part that is not a verse, not a bridge, not a chorus, but a completely unrelated part. Something to add interest to the song.

The things I keep in mind when writing is, when will this song be played? Will it be strictly for recording? Will I be playing this solo? Live with a band? Etc. Each situation is completely different and I try and focus on creating a song that will translate well in all scenarios.

Once I have everything written and arranged the way I want, I type up the lyrics and do some chord charts so I won't forget. I also record a quick live take so I have something to reference in two weeks when I've completely forgot my new song.

Then I just play it over and over, until it's burnt into my brain. Often times, I'll end up changing things, adding parts or re-arranging. Just like the old saying, practice makes perfect.

Technorati Tags: songwriting