https://www.careersinmusic.com/songwriting-tips
Tips from the source:
To start off songwriting, just start. Mess about on the DAW, or on your instrument. Find something you like then keep building upon it.
Melody is one of the most important aspects, as it’s the tune of the song and a catchy tune is what makes a song popular and get into peoples head.
You don’t need to understand the chords, just know the names and what they sound like.
To get better at songwriting, just keep doing it, the more you write the better you get at it; keep learning, reading articles, watching videos; keep listening to music and what makes you like the songs that you like and you consider to be impressive, and apply that to your songs; share your work with peers or tutors and get their opinions.
To start writing a song, a good way is to write a song in the same vein as the artists and songs you like. Take inspirations from other popular songs, as they are popular for a reason.
To start writing a song, you need to have a desire and a want to make the song. Otherwise it becomes a very monotonous process and starts to become a chore, and songwriting should be a fun process that you enjoy.
There isn’t just one way of writing songs, it is a process that most people have different ways of doing it. So there isn’t one process for everyone. Find your own way of writing a song and how it works best for you.
Understand the genre that you’re working with. So if you’re doing a rock track, learn what makes a rock track good and why people like it. Don’t attempt to break the rules of the genre and reinvent it unless you’re experienced in songwriting.
Learn song structure, as making a song without a structure is pretty impossible. The most popular songs use structure at its most basic. Once you know structure, you can do whatever you want however it’s always important to know the basics.
Anything you come up with such as a funny lyric, catchy melody, a new bass line etc. Write it down, makes notes of everything you think of as everything can be useful and could change the songs you’re working on, or even inspire completely new songs.
Keep your song authentic, it doesn’t have to be a song about emotional trauma. However whatever you’re writing, make sure you’re wanting to make it and it comes from a place of passion, rather than either greed or any other bad motivations to make a song.
Collaborate with other people, it can get the creative flow going as you aren’t just using your own ideas, you’ve got someone else as well. Many songwriters write alone, but working with another songwriter isn’t for everyone but could be a great change and could be the thing to push your songs to the next level.
After you’ve finished a track, look back on it. Just cause you have a demo doesn’t mean it’s the final version. There are two reasons to look back upon it. The song could be improved in many ways that you’re only seeing now or there’s a part you don’t like. As well you can learn from the song you’ve just made for your next one, look at what you would do different and what you’re proud of in the song.
Ways to get unstuck/out of writers’ block:
Write another song, you don’t have to stick to writing one song at once. However this wouldn’t work with me, as I’m only doing one song. Instead, I could work on a different part of the song, such as a different instrument or section.
Write from another perspective, if you get stuck changing the way you write can help. Such as writing back to front, so you change the way you work it can get rid of the block. Or change the focus of the song.
Step back, and do something relaxing or fun. Such as read, watch your favourite film or listen to your favourite song. This can give you the rest you need to get past the mental block.
Listen to a song you like, pick it apart and see why you like it, this can give you ideas on how to make your song better.
Set a time limit, if you have a time limit it can make your brain work harder as it has to be completed. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it can get the creative flow going.
Reading this document has opened my eyes to a lot of tips and helpful information. A lot of these tips will help me when I get round to writing my song.