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Do you want to write some songs on your guitar but aren’t sure how to approach it? Here are some tips and ideas for getting started.
You don’t have to be a guitar virtuoso to write songs on a guitar. As a matter of fact, there are many hit songs that only contain one chord. Examples are “Hey Bo Diddley” (Bo Diddley), “Bad to the Bone” (George Thorogood), “Chain of Fools” (Aretha Franklin) and “The Beat Goes On” (Sonny and Cher).
And two-chord wonders include “Jambalaya” (Hank Williams) “Horse With No Name” (America), “Paperback Writer” (The Beatles) and “Achy Breaky Heart” (Billy Ray Cyrus).
Writing a song on guitar revolves around three basic components: chord progressions, strumming patterns, and riffs.
Chord progressions
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a particular order that make up a verse, chorus, bridge, vamp, or song. Over the years, several common chord progressions have emerged which are used in many songs. The progressions work because they fit well together and are pleasant to the ears.
Here are a few; for practice purposes, try strumming (or finger picking) each chord for two beats. Or, you can try giving each four beats. Repeat each progression over and over.
C-F-G-F
G-Em-C-D
D-Em-F#–Em
C-Em-F-G
Am-E7-Am-E7
D-A-G-A
If you’re in the mood to write a sad song, you may want to consider doing it in a minor key. An example of a minor key progression is:
Em-Am-Em-B7
Or, of course, you can make up your own progressions. Try playing some chords in sequence and see what happens!
Strumming patterns
A strumming pattern helps to create the groove of the song. Strumming patterns are all about the rhythm created by the up and strokes of a guitarist’s arm. The wrist should be loose and the strokes consistent.
There are numerous types of strumming patterns; an example is the song “Hey Bo Diddley”. The essence of the song revolves around a particular rhythm, in this case a pattern trademarked by Bo Diddley.
Many songs use straight strumming patterns, but unique patterns can help make the song.
Riffs
Guitar riffs are often used within songs as fillers between lines, but they can also define the song and become one of the most memorable elements.
Some examples of classic guitar riffs can be found in “Smoke On the Water” (Deep Purple), “My Girl” (the Temptations) “Layla” (Derek and the Dominos), “Oh Pretty Woman” (Roy Orbison), “Purple Haze” (Jimi Hendrix) and “Satisfaction” (the Rolling Stones).
The bottom line
Experimentation is the key to writing a song on guitar. Put together some chord progressions and hum a melody with them. Add lyrics or, if you already have lyrics, sing them as you strum or pick. There’s no magic formula; songs simply evolve as you play. Give it a try! Writing a good song is a most rewarding experience.
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