How to Write a Song for Beginners

We can all agree on one thing: music makes life better. It has the ability to bring us comfort and joy, motivate us, or help us relax. A good song has the power to take us back in time, whether it’s imagining what life was like before us or transporting us back to a precious memory.

In fact, scientists have found that music can stimulate new connections in our brains, promoting learning and keeping our cognitive abilities sharp. Maybe that’s why so many of us are drawn to writing music — it feels like a way to connect with something deeper, both within ourselves and with others.

Here’s the thing, though: if you’re new to the world of songwriting, it can feel pretty overwhelming. You might have a melody in your head, a word or phrase that keeps repeating, or maybe you just want to express something through sound, but you’re not sure where to start.

If you’re looking to learn how to write a good song, this guide is for you. We’ll cover fundamentals like melody, harmony, and rhythm, as well as how to layer these elements to create something incredible.

Ready to discover how to write songs that you’re proud of? Let’s get started!

Songwriting 101: The Basic Elements of a Song

Before diving into how to write music, it’s important to understand the elements that make up a great song. Each of these plays a role in bringing your musical vision to life, from the words you choose to the way everything is arranged. 

Because we know you’re itching to get to the good stuff, here’s just a quick breakdown of the 10 essential elements of a song:

1. Lyrics: The lyrics are the words that tell your song’s story or convey the emotion. They can be poetic, straightforward, or anything in between, but they are often the most relatable part of a song.

2. Melody: This is the sequence of notes that make up the tune — what people tend to hum or sing along to, or the core of your song’s musical identity.

3. Beat and Rhythm: The backbone of a song, rhythm gives it its groove and feel, while the beat keeps everything moving in time.

4. Chord Progression: This is the sequence of chords that provide the harmonic foundation, shaping the mood of the song.

5. Harmony: The harmony of a song refers to the layers of sound that complement the melody. Harmonies can add depth, richness, and texture to your music, making it feel more dynamic.

6. Instrumentation: This is the choice of instruments used to bring the song to life. From a full band to just a piano or an acoustic guitar, each instrument brings its own unique vibe. 

7. Bridge: A contrasting section that breaks up the repetition of verses and choruses. It often introduces a new perspective or shifts the song’s mood temporarily.

8. Solo: A spotlight moment for one instrument, typically guitar or keyboard. Solos showcase a certain skill and give the listener something different to focus on, creating a varied listening experience.

9. Genre: The musical style that defines the overall vibe of your song. Genre sets the tone and influences everything from the melody to the beat, helping guide the mood and style of the piece.

10. Production or Arrangement: The overall structure and sonic design of the track. This includes how the song is layered, mixed, and finalized to sound polished and cohesive.

How to Write a Song in 8 Steps

Breaking down the journey of how to write a song into smaller steps can make the entire process easier and more enjoyable — especially if you don’t have a ton of experience yet. So, whether you’re just starting out or have been playing with melodies and lyrics for a while, the following steps are designed to help you get into the flow of songwriting and answer every beginner’s most pressing question: how do I write a song that doesn’t suck?

Here’s how:

1. Find Inspiration Everywhere

Inspiration can hit you in the middle of a conversation, during your commute back from school or work, or when you’re just bored and sitting quietly by yourself. It could be something you’ve been feeling, a situation you’re going through, or even just a cool phrase you overheard. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, for example, came from a simple sense of teenage frustration, and The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” was born from observing loneliness in everyday life.

Keep your mind and ears open and have something handy — a notebook, your phone’s notes app, whatever — to capture those little sparks of an idea when they pop up. Pay attention to the small things around you, because often, that’s where the gold is.

2. Choose a Theme or Message

Once you’ve got a few ideas floating around, it’s time to figure out what your song is going to say. Is it about love, heartbreak, longing, hope, or maybe something more abstract? For example, Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” has a theme of freedom and resilience, while the Spice Girls “Wannabe” is a classic friendship anthem.

Take a step back and think: What’s been on my mind lately? Is there a story I want to tell? Let that guide you.

3. Develop the Melody

The melody is what gets stuck in people’s heads, so it’s a pretty big deal. That said, you really don’t want to overthink any part of the songwriting process, including developing the melody. Sometimes, the simplest melodies are the most powerful — like the way “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes uses a repetitive but unforgettable riff.

So how do you write a song that’s catchy enough to get stuck in people’s heads? Start with humming, playing a few notes on a keyboard or guitar, and messing around with rhythms and tempos. Record what you come up with, even if it feels rough at first. Revisit those recordings and see what clicks or what diamonds you spot in that rough. You don’t have to write something complex, just aim for a tune that fits the mood of your theme.

4. Write the Lyrics and Title

Now that you’ve got a melody and a rough idea of what you want the song to be about, it’s time to shape your lyrics around it. If you’re not sure how to write lyrics, just start small. Think about what you want to convey and start brainstorming words, lines, or stories that fit your theme. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem is one of those great examples of lyrics that tell a story while still staying tight and rhythmic.

Don’t be afraid to write more than you need at first — you can always refine and pare it down later. Remember to keep your song’s structure in mind and think about how your lyrics will flow with the melody. And don’t worry, lyrics don’t always have to tell a powerful story or even make a lot of sense. The words “I’m blue da ba dee da ba daa” sure didn’t win any Pulitzer prizes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get stuck in your head every time you hear them!

5. Create the Structure

Think of the structure as the framework that holds your song together. You can go for a classic structure, like the verse-chorus-verse makeup of most pop songs. A great example is  "Let It Be" by The Beatles. In this format, the verses usually build the narrative or emotional tension, while the chorus delivers a catchy, often repetitive, hook. Alternatively, you could try something more unconventional, like Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android,” which has multiple sections instead of a standard structure, creating a more experimental, evolving sound.

To create your song’s structure, start with a simple verse-chorus setup and see if it fits. This is a tried-and-true method for engaging listeners, after all. If you feel like experimenting, go for it!  Try adding bridges, pre-choruses, or unconventional sections — just make sure the transitions feel natural.

6. Add Chords and Harmony

Now it’s time to flesh out your melody with chords. If you're playing an instrument, try experimenting with different chord progressions to see how they shift the song's mood. Switching from major to minor, for example, can instantly change the emotional tone. If you’re not playing an instrument, don't worry — there are plenty of online tools like chord generators or MIDI controllers that can help you build your progression.

Once your chords are set, think about adding harmony. This can be as simple as a backing vocal or a second instrument subtly mirroring the melody. The key to making a song with a seamless harmony is to create layers that add depth without overcrowding the melody.

7. Experiment with Rhythm and Tempo

Rhythm and tempo are two powerhouses in creating a song: they set the mood and energy of your song. For example, a slow tempo with a gentle beat, like in “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica, can create a moody or emotional atmosphere, while an upbeat tempo can make your song feel energizing, like OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”

So, when considering how to write a song, keep in mind that experimentation is key. Don’t be afraid to play around with different beats by clapping, tapping, or even beatboxing and see how they change the vibe. And remember that there’s no rush — take your time until it feels right.

8. Revise, Refine, and Be Patient

We hear a lot about those songs that were written surprisingly quickly, like Guns and Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” which was apparently created in just five minutes. But the truth is that songwriting is rarely a one-and-done deal. So, how long does it take to write a song on average? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. While some songs were written in a heartbeat, some masterpieces, like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” took a whopping six years to write. 

This means that if you’re feeling stuck, give yourself time, just take a step back and give your ears a break. Then, listen critically, like you’re hearing it for the first time. Does the melody flow? Do the lyrics feel natural? Is there anything that feels off? Don’t be afraid to tweak things, even if that means changing a lyric, adjusting the tempo, or switching up the chords.

Tips for Writing a Song You're Proud Of

Writing the perfect song doesn’t come easy, and even if your first few tracks don’t turn out exactly how you hoped, with every piece of music you write, you’re getting better as an artist.

With that in mind, here are some of our favorite tips and resources for how to songwrite and have a great time while doing it:

• Let Go of Perfectionism: Not every song needs to be a masterpiece, and not every lyric needs to be profound. The more you learn to let go and not take yourself too seriously, the more freedom you’ll find to discover what works for you.
• Keep Writing Consistently: Make it a habit to write regularly, even if it’s just a few lines or a short melody. The more you write, the easier it becomes to tap into your creativity.
• Learn from the Pros: Watch interviews or read articles about your favorite songwriters. John Prine’s interview series on the Broken Record podcast or the show Song Exploder can give you an intimate look into different musicians’ creative processes.
• Take Advantage of Resources: There’s lots of great reading material out there for new songwriters. Consider books like How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy or Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison for guidance on honing your craft.
• Embrace Collaboration: Working with other musicians or songwriters can open up new ideas and perspectives. It’s a great way to get feedback and find inspiration from styles or genres you might not usually explore.
• Study Song Structures: If you want to learn how to make a song, you have to spend some time dissecting songs you love and studying their structure. There’s a lot to learn from breaking down a track like Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” to see how it all fits together. Podcasts like Switched on Pop are also excellent for in-depth song breakdowns.
• Have Fun With It: Above all, remember to enjoy the process. Writing music should be an outlet for creativity and emotion. Don’t get too hung up on perfection — some of the best songs come from just having fun and experimenting.

Every songwriter — no matter how experienced — has rough drafts, unfinished ideas, and songs that just didn’t quite land. It’s part of the process. The important thing is to keep going and see each attempt as a step forward.

Learn from the Experts at Cadomu Music Academy

Songwriting is both an art and a skill that takes practice, curiosity, and a willingness to explore. If you're ready to take the next step and start creating, Lyrics Lightning is the perfect way to get started.

With expert guidance and personalized feedback, you’ll learn how to turn your creative ideas into fully developed songs. From mastering rhymecraft and song structure, to learning how to emotionally connect with your listeners, you’ll master the basics of writing lyrics and gain access to an exclusive community of fellow songwriters sharing tips, inspiration, and more.

Here at Cadomu Music Academy, it’s our mission to help musicians tap into their potential. We blend traditional music techniques with innovative tools that leverage the power of AI — without losing the beauty of human creativity.

Curious to learn more? Check out our songwriting classes, check out FAQs, or contact us to learn more!