WorshipCentral

You know the deal. A blank white screen in front of you and your mind totally devoid of inspiration. Song writing can be the most frustrating thing in the world. There have been so many times when I've thought this is it - I'm never going to write a song a game. I'm ruined!! (We can be prone to being a little over dramatic at times.) Well I've put together my top 10 tips to help and inspire songwriters. Hope you find them helpful.

1.    Listen to a variety of music – not just Britney Speares! Observe what they do; how they arrange their melodies. If you listen to the same style of music all the time you'll end up writing in that way. Some new music can be hugely inspirational. Also listen to different genres. It broadens your horizons.

2.    Write away from your instrument – When I sit down with my guitar I often start playing the same predictable chord sequences. D, G, A, Bm - if I'm feeling adventurous. Needless to say the same tired chord patterns often lead to the same tired melodies. I've found it hugely liberating to allow my mind to soar with melody. No limits. No restrictions. No instrument. Then afterwards you can work out the chords. You might be surprised with what you find.

3.    Find new chord shapes – whatever instrument you play - keep looking to find new chords and ways of playing things. It might inspire a train of thought and it certainly gives you more options as a songwriter.

4.    Try new tunings – For guitarists sometimes new tunings can really help. Gives you a different feel. DADGAD is a great tuning to play around with. For this drop the bottom E to D. Keep the A. Keep the D. Keep the G. Drop the B to A. Drop the top E to D. Strum the strings and you have an open D. Play around with chord shapes to see what happens.

5.    Try a capo - Again this is for guitarist. Try writing songs in different voicings. If you're writing a song in E, but feel stuck. Try putting a capo on fret 4 and play it in C. You're still in the key of E, but different chord shapes might help you finish things off. Also try a cut capo.

6.    Play along with a recording – don’t copy it, but often it’s a great place to find inspiration. You might discover new chords patterns.

7.    Write along to a grove – get some loops and sing along to that. Start the song with the rhythm section. Build it up from there.

8.    Try writing in new keys – if stuck on a song try changing the key. Sometimes I've been writing a song in the key of E but feel like I'm getting no-where. Often I'll try the song again in the key of C. I might need to tweak the verse melody but sometimes something fresh comes for a chorus. Don't be precious about a song. Keep playing around. Try everything!

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 - We are in relationship with Creator God. As we look to him we should always be getting inspired. Spend time with Him. Seek His face. Then see what happens. As a friend of mine once said, "Songs of devotion spring from a life of devotion."