WorshipCentral

Practical tips for avoiding writers block:

1.    Listen to a variety of music - not just your favourite band. Observe how different genres arrange and develop musical ideas.
2.    Write away from your instrument. This means that a limited understanding of an instrument won’t restrict melodies. Walk around and sing out whatever comes. It’s often a great place to start a song.
3.    Find new chord shapes - often inspires fresh melodies. Buying a chord book will help.
4.    Try new tunings on a guitar - DADGAD, Drop the bottom E to D.
5.    Try a cut capo.
6.    Play along with a recording - don’t copy it, but often it’s a great starting point to find inspiration.
7.    Write along to a grove - get some loops and sing along to them.
8.    Try writing in new keys - if stuck on a song try changing the key.
9.    Take some time out - song writing comes in seasons. Sometimes we need to take a break and chill. Get inspired - read, pray, walk, watch films etc…
10.    Pray for inspiration

Handy Tools For Song Writing

1.    Rhyming Dictionary - Great way of finding lyrics that rhyme. E.G. Praise - daze, phase, gaze, haze, maize, raze, blaze, craze, stays, amaze, erase, sideways, mayonnaise, Bolognese!! The possibilities are endless.
2.    Dictionary - Important to know what the words mean. Might inspire other ideas.
3.    Thesaurus - A great way to find different and interesting words. Can keep things fresh.
4.    Bible Concordance - Can open up other lyrical ideas. Adds more fuel to the fire.
5.    Different biblical translations - The Message, NIV, KJV, RSV
6.    Recording device - (mini-disc, mobile phone, laptop, Dictaphone etc…) Make sure you have some way of storing song ideas. Can be very annoying when you forget a great melody.
7.    Journal - to note down any lyrical ideas, any pictures, concepts, images. Carry it around with you at all times