How to Write Songs as a Beginner Guitarist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shocking as it may seem, many guitar enthusiasts believe that learning to play the guitar before attempting to write songs is the only way to go. However, I wholeheartedly and respectfully disagree with this notion. As a seasoned guitar player, I have seen countless individuals who never wrote a single song, but also many who, at some point in their journey, came up with their own unique chord progressions and melodies. These creative expressions can start as simple as a riff on your mobile phone or even from reciting lyrics you couldn't fully play yet.

Encourage Yourself to Think Creatively

First and foremost, if you are asking this question, congratulations! Writing your own music is one of the coolest things a guitar player can do. It's a creative outlet that grants you an incredible sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Today, the tools to capture your musical ideas are more accessible than ever. Your smartphone is a powerful instrument in itself—use its video mode to record your performances, no matter how terrible they may be today. Instead of deleting each take, save them in a digital storage folder. They will be a valuable reference point for your future projects, even if they are barely passable now. Think of these recordings as a journey into your own creativity, full of both joy and frustration.

Build Your Inventory of Musical Ideas

Secondly, record riffs and progressions as you create them. Sometimes, we forget the ideas we came up with the day before, and it helps to have a playlist of your own riffs to refer back to. Every time you come up with a particularly cool riff or progression, record it. These riffs act as building blocks and can be mixed and matched to form an entire song. For example, you might combine a catchy riff with a memorable chord progression and a guitar lead, and suddenly, you’re into the creation of a song in progress.

Expand Your Musical Horizons

Another upside of writing songs is the ability to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Even if you can't play a certain guitar run or chord progression, writing music allows you to envision and record the parts you wish you could play. This practice not only motivates you to improve your skills but also broadens your understanding of music. By imagining and recording what you can't play yet, you stimulate your creativity and increase your willingness to try new things.

Create Your Home Studio

Creating a home studio is easier and more affordable than you might think. You will need a laptop or PC and a basic audio interface. Software for recording music is often free or low-cost, making it accessible for beginners on a budget. Once you have these tools, you can start recording your ideas and even experiment with different genres and techniques. Remember, it might be challenging at times, but the benefits outweigh the effort.

Challenge Your Assumptions about Cover Songs

Covering other people's songs can be a great way to gain popularity, but it is only the beginning. Writing your own music, even if it's not immediately of professional quality, opens the door to a unique and original sound that can captivate audiences. Just because a cover song may bring you a hit, it doesn't mean you won't find a place in the industry with your own original tracks. Bands like Maneskin have found success by covering a 1967 song by The Four Seasons, but original songs from Maneskin have also gained massive traction. The guitar player of Maneskin may not be a virtuoso, but his songwriting skills have proven to be valuable in their success.

Embrace Your Pastorals and Seculars

Finally, write, record, and write some more. No one expects you to be a virtuoso guitarist right away, but by being consistent and diligent, you will improve over time. Imagine a genius like Tim Henson, whose work is often challenging and complex. Despite critique, Henson continues to push boundaries, just as the bands with less polished musicians are doing their own unique thing. Bands like The Misfits, for instance, early on in their career had a vocalist named Glenn who could write proficiently. Metallica even covered a Misfits song, which is a significant testament to Glenn's abilities. Even if you end up writing something raw or disturbing, the process of creating and expanding your musical horizons is valuable.

Writing songs as a beginner guitarist is about exploring, experimenting, and evolving. Embrace the journey, and remember that perfection is not the only goal. With consistent effort, you may just discover your own unique style and voice. Happy songwriting!