Keep in mind there is no one set way of learning how to write a song, every songwriter has a different process, but for the sake of the beginner I’m going to explain one way how to write songs. Then as you begin to write more and more you will find your own method that works best for you.

Step 1. What do you want to write about?
Before you start messing around with chords and melodies, Ii is helpful to have an idea of what you want to write about, this will help you stay focused on one subject and keeps your song from veering off into too many directions.

You should be able to sum up what your song is about in one short sentence. For example, “A relationship that’s on the rocks” or “cheating girlfriend, begging for me back”.

Knowing what theme your song is based around is the first step in learning how to write a song, it will help with the future steps of choosing chords and melodies. For instance, if your song is sad you would tend to use more minor chords and melodies constructed using the minor scale.

Step 2. Get A Chord Progression
So now that you know what you want to write about it’s time to get a chord progression together. You have two options.

1. Play the same chords for the entire song i.e. same chords for verse, chorus etc.
or
2. Play different chords for verse, chorus, bridge etc.

Both options work perfectly and many successful songs have been written using both methods.

Step 3. Creating A Melody
Try to write your melody, well at least a rough version of your melody out first. The reason for this is that when you have a melody sometimes the lyrics just write themselves, certain words have a natural rhythm and melodic tone.

Coming up with a melody is easy enough. Just play your chord progression and hum notes over it. You start to hear a melodic phrase come to life. Sometimes it might take a couple of re-writes but keep at it until you find something you’re happy with.

Step 4. Add lyrics To Your Melody
It’s time to bring your melody to life by adding lyrics which is in your own hands and imagination.

Learning how to write a song is a very individual process so just trust your process and let your creativity flow. There is no right or wrong way of how to write a song so just practice different songwriting techniques and with time, trial and error, you will find your own way of writing songs.