Outlines for Writing a Music Composition

By Debbie Lynn

There are a vast number of ways to write a good song. An effective way for novice songwriters to start the writing process is to follow an outline; all that is required is knowing the basics of an instrument like a guitar or piano, although do not underestimate that it is challenging work writing a good song. It takes a while to gain the experience required to write a good song, and the only way to get good at writing songs is to listen to other writers and their music and write, write, write!

First you want to start with an idea, and whether you start with the lyrics or the music, first you want the music and the lyrics to fit together as one piece. Songs tell stories, and they are usually about people and what they would like to say, or have said to other people, and the situation they are in or would like to be in.

A great idea for a song will usually answer three questions: who is singing the song, who are they singing the song to, and what are they saying to the other person? A song is usually sung from one person to another person or from one person to the world.

Write your song ideas down on paper.

A great song will typically have a "hook", that is a memorable part in the song, usually in the beginning of the song. Popular songs are often identifiable within the first few notes. A lyrical hook is a natural sounding phrase that captures what your song is about and is usually a part of the chorus, and a part of the song's title.

You typically want to start with a chorus, which states the central idea, includes a natural sounding lyrical hook, and are words and phrases that are simple.

There are three parts you will be adding to the music: a chorus chord progression, chorus melody, and a chorus arrangement or accompaniment. The chorus chord progression harmonies are the foundation of your music. Simple progressions usually work best.

Once you have the beginning of a chord progression you can begin adding your lyrical melody and following the natural rhythm of your words, this will tie your lyrics to your chord progression. Most chord progressions are basic chord repetitions, often called arpeggios or broken chords, and usually run for only one or two measures that capture the mood of the song.

The typical structure of a song is verse 1, chorus 1, verse 2, chorus 2, bridge, and chorus 3. You usually start with 8 lyric lines and 16 measures of music; the music is usually the same but with new lyrics every time. There are many four-chord progression songs that use the same structure throughout the song; however, it is recommended you use fresh chords for the verses. And as before repeat the progression four times throughout the 16 measures.

A verse arrangement is the same as writing a chorus arrangement but with a few distinctions. Typically, the verse arrangement is low key and simple, the purpose is to grow intensity and energy in your chorus; you want to start low key and build intensity. You typically have a verse arrangement that is different from your chorus arrangement, but not too different, you want the parts to fit together and feel natural.

You want to set the scene of your song and give details in the clearest, most direct way, letting the listener know what the song is about, while avoiding the second verse curse, where you have no idea where the second verse is going and how it ties in with the first verse.

This is where the song's outline comes in and plays a key role in keeping your verses in focus and on the main idea of the song. You want the focus to be from different focal but related points of view.

You want your verse melody to fit your chord rhythm before you begin adding song notes; verse melodies are looser than chorus melodies, you want your chorus melodies to stand out and feel dynamic. You want your verse to increase in intensity as your verses progress to help push the choruses.

You want each verse chorus to start out low key and build intensity towards the end of the verse, increasing in intensity with each pass through.

A good bridge progression will lend the song a new perspective and is usually placed before the third verse giving the song an unexpected and new twist, removing any boredom that may result from the song's repetition. However, many songs do not have bridges.

Once you have your ideas down on paper you will want to record your song, or demo. A simple piano and vocal arrangement or guitar and vocal arrangement will be the most effective way to write a song. Keep the song fresh and take breaks if needed to keep your work fresh and energetic.

Continue writing and recording, listening to your favorite songs and paying attention to the song's structure, lyrics, rhythm, and tempo. Pay attention to the song's parts and how they fit together in the whole composition.

And no matter how hard the process appears, write, write, write, because the more you write the better you will become at songwriting.

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Outlines for Writing a Music Composition

By Debbie Lynn

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Today's Issue		Friday 18th April 2025