If I want to write a song, where should I start?

Question

Should I start with computer software or on paper? Where can I get music paper with the staves and such? Should I make the melody before or after the bass? I don't have a lot of formal music theory training, but I do know what sounds good and what sounds bad.

Answer 1

In school students are taught to write the base line first and then work "upwards." I firmly disagree with this approach.

Music in general always begins with the melody and then the harmony and orchestration is built "down" from that. That is our natural tendency. Think about it: Do you think we would have had an "Ode to Joy" or a "Blue Danube" if the masters didn't have a melody already worked out in their head? Working base up is just silly.

Having said that, I would recommend writing down ideas and sketches on paper, and then construct a full rendition on the computer using Sibelius or some sort of MIDI software.

Manuscript paper is usually available at any music store. Normal bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Waterstone sometimes carry music composition journals too.

Answer 2

The best thing to do is get a small portable digital recording devise. This way when things pop into your brain you can record them and transfer it to a saved file on your computer. This way you can store multiple ideas for one or many songs. The best way to start if you have an idea is the tempo of the music. Make sure your mood and tempo are a fit. This i believe is the biggest killers when it comes to songs. When righting the only things that truly works is what method you find that works best for you. One thing i used in the past was to just write. Choose a topic and write ideas on it experience and go in as many different directions as you can with the one topic. You may find how your experiences and other things you meant ion can converge into a well written song. Listen to stories from friends and family ideas are everywhere but use people you know and ones you do not to just talk and ideas can come from there. The have to have a stand out tag line that can be remembered by others that is what makes a hit song. Also I would like i stated above start with brain storming and recording ideas as your day passes. a Chorus is a sum of your story or meaning in the song and the chorus should reflect that. I hope this helps a little in your journey good luck and keep working it takes time.

Answer 3

Start with the beat then work on the melody after that the words. Here's some words I got... I got many more too!

Willys cynical thought for the day;

April showers may bring flowers, but peeing in the garden is good for the tomatos!

COLD DAY IN HELL

By WILLY SENKIWSKY 8/6/04 10:00 p.m. B-Flat Harp, Mid-tempo Boogie

You probably remember walking out on me
We tried to make it but could not agree!
You gave me your number saying, call sometime
I said, it'll be a cold day in hell before I drop a dime!

(Chorus)
I didn't check the weather so I don't know
But my guts tell me they're getting snow!
I ain't superstitious but I spent time at the wishing well
I hope Lucifer don't blame me for the cold day in hell!

I went out that night drinking at a bar
Was so polluted Mike drove me home in his car!
People asking about you I didn't say a thing
Told my friends it'll be a cold day in hell before your phone rings!

(Repeat Chorus)

Now two years later I'm calling you up
Come back baby things won't be so rough!
I hope you can forget the past
Cause there's no way of knowing how long the frost will last!

I didn't check the weather so I don't know
But my guts tell me they're shoveling snow!
I want to get together not just wish you well
The hell with Satan if he blames me for the cold day in hell!!!...

Copyright 2003 Willy Senkiwsky -- All Rights Received -- Unauthorized Duplication Prohibited

"The Blues are the roots, and the other music is the fruits." One of Willie Dixon's favorite sayings, from I Am the Blues by Willie Dixon with Don Snowden (DaCapo, 1989)  

"Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often."  --Samuel Butler (1612-80), English poet, Author

"Simple music is the hardest music to play and blues is simple music." --Albert Collins

Here's the link to my site, now I definitely have music, and me singing "That's Just the Way That I Am," an original, there and pics too. Don't just stop at the front page scroll down and check it all out! Keep checking back it just been updated... I made a new page, "Me and Evilbay (A work in progress)." There are pages "How to Know If you're a New Yorker," by me and "Willys Jokes." A little humor on the serious side! Sign the guestbook too y'all!

http://www.total-knowledge.com/~willyblues/

Answer 4

You should always start something like this on paper. Now as far as the music paper and the other parts of the question...I have no idea.

Answer 5

Start writing with the handiest tool at your discretion, and your avatar name would make a very good title:) I use to create the music on my guitar first, then I applied the words to the music, and you can purchase music paper at most music stores.

Answer 6

I think its good to start with a poem and putting up all your thoughts and emotions from there..Choose a particular theme for each, (it may be love, life in general, moving on regarding something, war, friendship etc.) thats also important..Then after, you work with the tunes and melodies etc.

Answer 7

Start out writing the words. The music lines can be printed easily from the computer, and you can write them by hand until you are satisfied with them. Good luck!

Answer 8

You should start on paper to get your ideas out and then put them together.You can get music paper at any Instrumental store.Brook Mays is a good Instrumental store.

Answer 9

Start on paper man, that way if you come up with anything better to put in the song you can put it in

Answer 10

what sounds bad to some can sound good to others, music before the lyrics